Rainer’s Smart-Shift Pinion Gravel Bike

I’m truly impressed with Rainer’s bike and the entire concept behind it. While he doesn’t mention it below, one of the key goals for this bike was to ensure that all cables would be fully integrated into the frame. I’m not sure, but I can imagine that nobody has ever built a smart-shift Pinion bike with fully integrated cables—what an achievement! It’s fantastic that everything came together so well. I’m beyond excited that, within the framework of our frame-building course, Rainer was able to create this one-of-a-kind bike. Congratulations, Rainer!

Who are you, and what do you do for a living?
I’m Rainer, and I work as a development engineer at an automotive supplier.

How did you come up with the idea to build your own frame?
I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands, and there are many craft skills I still want to learn. Steel bicycle frames have fascinated me for a long time. The material has something original and industrial about it. Building the frame myself creates a different kind of connection to the finished bike.

Why did you choose this frame, and what are your plans for it?
I already have a road bike (aluminum frame) with Campagnolo components, a trekking/commuter bike with a Rohloff hub and belt drive, but I was missing a bike with a Pinion gearbox. I wanted a sporty, touring-ready gravel bike. After seeing the introduction of the Smartshift system with trigger shifting, I was set: I’m building myself a gravel bike with the Pinion Smartshift gearbox and a belt drive. I plan to use this bike for multi-day tours.

What’s special about your self-built frame?
It’s amazing to know that I worked on and built the frame myself. That feeling is incredible and very satisfying.

How was your time in the frame-building course?
The course was fantastic. I learned a lot, the atmosphere was very relaxed, and Robert and Konrad were always there to offer advice and support. A very good week.

How did this vacation compare to other vacations you’ve had?
I spent the week in Berlin with my wife. My days were filled with fulfilling, hands-on work. In the evenings, my wife and I explored the diverse Berlin nightlife. It was a week that will stay in our memories for a long time!

How does your finished bike ride?
The bike rides really well. It’s agile off-road without being too twitchy. The geometry allows for fatigue-free riding, even over longer distances.