News / E-MTB: Alutech is launching the ePelmo X1P, an e-enduro bike that is expected to be the first, or at least one of the first, bikes ever delivered with the new Gobao X1P drive system. The motor and continuously variable transmission are integrated into a single unit, and a belt drives the power to the rear wheel – eliminating the need for a cassette and derailleur. It also features 170 mm of travel, a 750 Wh battery with fast charging capability, and a limited launch edition of 50 units. Delivery is scheduled for spring 2027.
Early entry into a new generation of drive systems
Gearboxes and belts are nothing new for Alutech. The North German manufacturer has been offering bikes with Pinion gearboxes for years, has been selling e-MTBs with Pinion MGU and Smart.Shift for about three years, and, according to the company, has also recently been working as a development partner for motor manufacturers. The next step is now the Gobao X1P.
Gobao unveiled its new X-series with the X1 and X1P drive systems at Eurobike in June 2026 , with series production planned for February 2027, according to the manufacturer. Alutech is thus among the first manufacturers to integrate the more powerful X1P into its own frame design – based on current information, the ePelmo is likely to be one of the first, if not the very first, mountain bikes to reach customers with this drive system. This is remarkable for a relatively small company, as it is usually the major brands that are allowed to install new drive systems first.
Importantly, the ePelmo X1P is not simply an existing Pelmo with a new motor bolted into it. While it's based on the familiar Pelmo platform, the frame has been largely redesigned to accommodate the Gobao drive and belt drive. The signature Alutech look, of course, has been retained.
Gobao X1P: Motor and gearbox in one housing
The bike's core component deserves a closer look, as the Gobao X1P is likely still unfamiliar to many readers. Gobao itself is no newcomer to the e-bike sector: the Far Eastern manufacturer has already impressed with the P100 and P120, including in our test bench trials . Their European branch is located in Dietzenbach near Frankfurt.
The key specifications of the X1P
The X1P is the more powerful of two variants in the new X-Series. Its specifications:
- Maximum torque: 150 Nm
- Top performance: 1.500 Watt
- System weight: 3,85 kg
- Magnesium housing
- Translation range: 500 percent (underscaling 1:0,8, translation 1:4)
- Cadence: over 120 rpm possible
For comparison: The less powerful X1 delivers 120 Nm of torque, 1.200 watts, and a 400 percent bandwidth. Both drive systems share dimensions, mounting points, and weight, allowing manufacturers to switch between the variants without modifying the frame. Gobao also offers the systems for S-Pedelecs with a top speed of 45 km/h, but the ePelmo is designed as a classic pedelec with assistance up to 25 km/h.
Continuously variable instead of gear by gear
The real innovation lies less in the (impressive) performance figures than in the transmission. Gobao refers to it as ECVT, an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. The software constantly monitors cadence, torque, speed, and gradient, adjusting the gear ratio in real time. The goal is for the motor to always operate in its most efficient RPM range, while the rider maintains a consistent cadence.
Those who prefer to maintain control can also select the gear ratio manually. Switching between automatic and manual modes is done at the touch of a button. The wide range of 500 percent should provide ample leeway for both steep, technical climbs and fast sections.
Belt instead of chain
Because all shifting is done within the drivetrain, the ePelmo X1P needs neither a cassette nor a derailleur. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a Gates belt drive. This significantly reduces the number of wear-prone and maintenance-related components and allows the drivetrain to operate quietly – without a chain, there's no chain slap on rough descents. A broken derailleur after hitting a rock is also no longer a concern.
How the combination of 150 Nm of torque, continuously variable transmission, and belt drive will perform in everyday enduro use over many kilometers remains to be seen. Naturally, there is no long-term durability data available, and initial riding impressions are also pending.
Alutech ePelmo X1P: Frame and rear triangle
Integrating such a powerful drive system places special demands on the frame, rear triangle, and power transmission. Alutech states that they invested a particularly large amount of development effort in a component that appears inconspicuous at first glance: the belt tensioner.
Integrated belt tensioner
A belt requires significantly more precise and consistent tension than a chain. Instead of relying on a torque solution, Alutech developed its own tensioner, which is fully integrated into the frame design. It is intended to ensure that the X1P's power is reliably and controllably transferred to the rear wheel, even under high load and with active rear suspension. Furthermore, its high position keeps it out of the danger zone should the bottom bracket area strike the ground.
HorstLink with adjustable progression
Alutech remains true to the Horst Link kinematics of the Pelmo platform for the suspension. The rear end offers 170 mm of travel, with adjustable progression between 20 and 24 percent. This allows the bike to be adapted to rider weight, riding style, or shock type. A shock with a 230 x 65 mm eye-to-eye length is used, and a fork with 170 mm of travel handles the front suspension.
Another detail is the adjustable dropouts. They change the chainstay length from 437 mm (size S: 438 mm) to 450 mm, thus altering the bike's character: shorter for more agile, maneuverable handling, longer for greater stability and tracking at high speeds. Wheel-wise, you have the choice between a mullet setup or a pure 29-inch configuration.
Alutech ePelmo X1P geometry: Designed for fast descents
The geometry data clearly shows where the ePelmo X1P feels most at home. The head tube angle is a slack 62 degrees across all sizes, while the effective seat tube angle is a steep 78 degrees (measured at seat height). This translates to excellent stability downhill and a central, climbing-friendly riding position uphill.
The bike is available in four sizes. The reach increases from 430 mm (S) to 450 mm (M), 480 mm (L), and 510 mm (XL), while the stack is 638 mm (S, M) and 648 mm (L, XL). Depending on the dropout setting, the wheelbase ranges from 1.218 mm (S, short) to 1.310 mm (XL, long). The bottom bracket is 348 mm above the ground (measured with 2,4-inch tires), resulting in a 31 mm drop. The seat tubes are kept short at 380 mm (S) and 400 mm (M to XL), allowing for the use of dropper seatposts with ample travel.
| S | M | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reach (mm) | 430 | 450 | 480 | 510 |
| Stacks (mm) | 638 | 638 | 648 | 648 |
| seat tube (mm) | 380 | 400 | 400 | 400 |
| Steering angle (in °) | 62 | 62 | 62 | 62 |
| Seat angle (in °) | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 |
| Chainstays | 438/450 | 438/450 | 438/450 | 438/450 |
| Bottom bracket drop (mm) | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 |
| Bottom bracket height (mm) | 348 | 348 | 348 | 348 |
The bike is approved for Category 5 use, meaning it's suitable for extreme jumps and descents on rough terrain at speeds exceeding 40 km/h. Alutech specifies a maximum rider weight of 120 kg. Alutech relies on proven components: a 12 x 148 mm rear axle, post-mount brake mounts for 200 mm rotors, a tapered head tube (ZS44/ZS56), and a 31,6 mm diameter seatpost – nice!
750 Wh and fast charging
The Gobao BT750FS battery serves as the energy storage unit. It offers a capacity of 750 Wh and weighs 3,6 kg, corresponding to an energy density of 208 Wh/kg. The nominal voltage is 50,4 volts, the battery measures 425 x 71,6 x 71,6 mm, and it delivers up to 34 amps of pulse discharge current and 25 amps of continuous discharge current.
Charging break as a range reserve
More interesting than the pure capacity is the charging behavior. With the optional 30-amp fast charger, which provides a charging power of up to 1,5 kW, the battery should reach 50 percent capacity in about 16 minutes and 80 percent in about 28 minutes. The charger itself weighs 1,2 kg. In practice, a lunch break at a mountain hut could be enough to significantly increase the range for the afternoon – provided a suitable power outlet is available. How closely the real-world charging times match the manufacturer's specifications remains to be seen; Gobao itself points out that the values were determined under laboratory conditions and that real-world charging times may vary. For charging from 10 to 80 percent, the manufacturer states a charging time of around 20 minutes and claims it is up to four times shorter than current systems. Whether this advantage also affects the battery's lifespan is currently unknown – Gobao refers to an intelligent battery management system designed to ensure gentle charging.
Networking: Central unit in the top tube
The Gobao system also includes the CCU (Central Control Unit), which is located in the top tube of the ePelmo. It features a touchscreen, a wireless remote control, and Bluetooth, GNSS, and 4G connectivity. This enables functions such as theft protection, geofencing, a digital battery lock, remote bike tracking, and smartphone unlocking. Additionally, there is an app that allows users to adjust motor settings, use navigation, and access diagnostics and error messages.
Gobao's service approach relies on a multi-stage concept with diagnostic tools for dealers, a service center in Germany, and a direct exchange strategy: Defective components should be able to be replaced immediately from a service inventory to minimize downtime. This is a crucial point for a new drive system for which there is not yet an established dealer network.
Features and pricing of the Launch Edition
Alutech is initially offering the ePelmo X1P exclusively as a Launch Edition, limited to 50 units. The frameset costs €6.999 The complete wheel costs €10.799. The Launch Edition is available until October 15, 2026. via the Alutech website Available to order. A fully configurable model will follow. The frameset is aimed at those who prefer to build their own bike with their preferred components.
The equipment of the complete wheel
The complete bicycle is equipped with high-quality components:
- Fork: RockShox ZEB Ultimate RC2 Charger 3.2, 170mm
- Shock absorber: RockShox Vivid Coil Ultimate, 230 x 65 mm
- Brakes: SRAM Maven Ultimate with 220/200 mm discs
- Drive: Gobao X1P with Gates belt and Alutech belt tensioner
- Cranks: SRAM XO, 165 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss FR541 (29″/27,5″)
- Tires: Maxxis Assegai and Minion DHR II
- Seatpost: Bike Yoke Revive 3.0
- Cockpit: Twinworks (stem, handlebars, grips)
- Battery: Gobao 750 Wh
- Display: Gobao CCU in the top tube
The fork and shock are available in black or red. Alutech states the weight as starting at 23,0 kg. Considering the category 5 aluminum frame, steel spring shock, enduro tires, and 750 Wh battery, this is a good figure, but as expected, the ePelmo X1P is not a lightweight.
Patience required: Delivery from spring onwards
Anyone ordering now will have to wait a while. Alutech expects the next motor samples in late autumn, and the first production-ready Gobao drives are scheduled for delivery at the end of March/beginning of April. Only then will the first batch of 50 bikes be assembled at the Alutech factory. Just how early the project still is is also illustrated by a minor detail: the product images released so far are AI-generated; there are no actual photos of the finished bike yet.
Buyers of the Launch Edition are ordering a bike for which there are neither riding impressions nor independent tests – neither of the bike itself nor of the drive system. That's unacceptable at a price of just under 11.000 The price of the complete wheel in euros is a factor that should be considered when making a purchase decision.
Alutech ePelmo X1P: Web
Further information about the Launch Edition, including the option to pre-order, can be found directly at Alutech: