Here on UrbanBike.News in particular, minimalist single-speed e-bikes with their compact hub motors regularly take centre stage. The key features of this drive concept are, above all, its clean design and ease of use: a large chainring at the front, a small sprocket at the rear – that’s often all you need for urban riding. Combined with a low-maintenance belt drive, this creates a particularly clean drivetrain that not only looks great but also scores highly for its quiet operation, low maintenance requirements and light weight. It is precisely this focus on the essentials that makes modern single-speed e-bikes so appealing.
Nevertheless, in everyday life you often find yourself wishing for a bit more flexibility. If you’re cycling faster on longer straights, you have to pedal more frantically as your speed increases. Conversely, on steeper climbs, a lower gear would sometimes be welcome. This is precisely where UTgear’s new H2 gear system comes in. It combines the minimalist character of a single-speed drivetrain with the advantages of a two-speed system, promising a significantly more versatile riding experience.
Two gears, same look
The principle behind the H2 is as simple as it is clever. Rather than making major modifications to the drivetrain, the gearbox simply replaces the existing pinion on the motor’s freewheel body. No modifications to the motor itself are required. The two gear ratios – 1:1 in first gear and 1:1.4 in second gear – noticeably extend the usable speed range: whilst first gear comes into its own on inclines or when setting off, second gear ensures that a more comfortable cadence is maintained even at higher speeds.
The good news is that the distinctive single-speed look is retained in its entirety. The gear system is concealed almost out of sight on the rear wheel and was designed from the outset for use with the Gates belt drive. This comes as little surprise, given that UTgear – short for Universal Transmissions – is the distribution partner of Gates Carbon Drive.
A focus on simple technology
There is, however, one small difference compared to a classic single-speed bike: gear changes are operated via a Bowden cable using a gear lever on the handlebars. This does add an extra cable, which slightly detracts from the otherwise particularly clean look. At the same time, however, this very solution is part of the concept. UTgear deliberately set out to develop a gear system that was as simple, robust and durable as possible, and has therefore opted not to use electronic gear-shifting technology, wireless solutions or automatic gear changes.
Impressive in our first test
The H2 gearbox was unveiled for the first time during the launch of Bosch’s new Hub-Line hub motor. This also provided an opportunity for an initial test ride – and although the gearbox is barely noticeable from the outside, the extra gear makes itself felt after just a few metres. This is because, particularly in urban settings, the second gear significantly enhances riding comfort.
Gear changes are quick and can even be carried out under load, meaning the system always feels confident. Particularly on longer straights or gently sloping sections, second gear ensures a comfortably lower cadence, whilst first gear provides the necessary assistance on climbs. The riding experience remains typically minimalist, yet gains precisely the extra flexibility that one sometimes wishes for with many single-speed e-bikes. The gear lever also makes a high-quality impression; it sits comfortably in the hand and impresses with a precise actuation point, ensuring that gear changes are quick and intuitive.
Designed not just for Bosch
Although Bosch is the first partner to be featured and the H2 was unveiled alongside the new Hub Line, the gear system is by no means limited to this motor. In principle, it should be compatible with all hub motors fitted with a standard Shimano HG freehub body – meaning that systems such as Mahle’s X-Series are also suitable options.
It is also particularly exciting to look to the future. In the long term, UTgear plans to offer the H2 as a retrofit solution as well. Owners of existing single-speed e-bikes would then be able to add a second gear to their bike without having to replace the entire drivetrain.
However, at launch, the two-speed gearbox will initially be available only on complete bikes. Among the first models to feature it are e-bikes from Kalkhoff’s new 1-Level series and the compact folding bike Via+ from Vello.
A clever addition to a tried-and-tested concept
The H2 impressively demonstrates that you don’t always need a sophisticated derailleur or a complex gearbox to make everyday life on an e-bike noticeably more comfortable. Rather than compromising the minimalist character of a single-speed drivetrain, UTgear enhances the tried-and-tested concept with precisely the flexibility that is sometimes lacking in everyday use. For urban e-bikes with a compact hub motor, this extra gear could therefore strike just the right balance between simplicity and practicality for everyday use!
