At Roc d’Azur this week, Intradrive is launching its new GD8, a sealed 8-speed gearbox powertrain for eMTBs. The GD8 combines an 8-speed gearbox drivetrain with wireless shifting and a pedal-assist drive system into a single unit. Intradrive says it has been working on the GD8 for a decade. We first saw it as a prototype in 2022, again in a more refined package in 2023, and most recently at Sea Otter this year. Now, it’s finally in production and already being incorporated into new eMTB models.
Combined with the GD8 launch, two partner brands are also debuting new bikes with Intradrive’s new powertrain. The German brand Alutech is introducing a GD8-equipped version of its ePelmo e-enduro bike. The upstart French brand Obscur is also launching with its very first eMTB built around the GD8 system. The first units are slated to ship in December, and Intradrive says there are more brands to follow in 2027, and it is taking enquiries for 2028 and beyond.
Intradrive GD8 Details
Intradrive is based in Edinburgh, Scotland, where it was co-founded by engineers and mountain bikers Mark Ravilious and Peter Slotwinski. They tell us the GD8 has been in development for ten years, and now it’s not just production-ready, but already in production and making its way onto new bikes in the next couple of months.
According to Intradrive, “Cars keep their gears in a sealed gearbox. The GD8 does the same for e-bikes, replacing both the motor and the derailleur drivetrain with one sealed unit built for durability, low maintenance, and full repairability.”
Instead of a fragile derailleur hanging off the back of your bike, the 8-speed gearbox is sealed from dust and mud and protected from damage from rock strikes and crashes. The sealed gearbox is also claimed to be very low maintenance, requiring an oil change every 10,000 km. It’s also compatible with belt drives and chains, so brands can choose what works best for their needs.
Additionally, it moves nearly all of the weight of the drivetrain components to a position low and centered on the frame, reducing unsprung mass. The claimed weight of the Intradrive GD8 is 4.5 kg, not including the battery.
Intradrive tells us that the 8-speed gearbox offers a 480% gear range. Shifting is electronic with a wireless Bluetooth remote, and shifts are actuated in approximately 0.1 seconds under load, while coasting, or standing still. There are options for top-tube integrated or bar-mount displays, and the system works with the Intradrive app for OTA updates. The GD8 motor has a nominal power rating of 250W and peak power of 700W.
Unlike some eMTB drive systems, the Intradrive GD8 does not include proprietary batteries. This gives bike brands the ability to choose the battery size and shape, offering greater flexibility in frame design. On that note, the GD8 uses the Shimano EP8 mounting interface, which means that it can be incorporated into both new frame designs and existing EP8-compatible platforms.
GD8 Key Specs
- Speeds: 8, electronically shifted
- Gear range: 480%
- Shifter: Wireless Bluetooth
- Shift time: approx. 0.1 second
- Display: Top tube or bar mount option
- App: Intradrive app, with over-the-air (OTA) software updates
- Rated / peak power: 250 W / 700 W
- Weight: 4.5 kg
- Mounting: Shimano EP8 interface
- Final drive: Chain or belt
- Battery: Bike-specific, chosen by bike brand
- Servicing: Oil change every 10,000 km
- Origin: Designed and built in the UK
In Production
Intradrive says the GD8 is designed and built in the UK using a European supply chain. The first production run is currently underway, with 70 units on order and deliveries starting in December of 2026. The aforementioned Alutech ePelmo and the new Obscur Enyx are the first production eMTBs to feature Intradrive’s new GD8 powertrain. The brand tells us that an additional 12 brands are evaluating the system, and more models will be announced in 2027.
“Riders have put up with bent hangers, worn chains and endless adjustment for too long. We designed the GD8 so brands can put the gears where they belong, sealed inside the bike, without starting a frame from scratch. Production is the starting point, and we’re already working with brands on what comes next.”
-Peter Slotwinski, co-founder, Intradrive
With production ramping up, Intradrive is also looking to the future and is open to enquiries from brands developing eMTBs for the 2028 model year. They believe the EP8 mounting interface will allow brands to easily test the system before committing to new tooling, and test systems and integration support are available now.
Brands or riders interested in learning more about the Intradrive GD8 Powertrain can do so on the brand’s website: intradrive.co.uk
Intradrive GD8-equipped Bikes
Intradrive is focused on business-to-business, and calls the GD8 a “B2B solution that simplifies e-bike design and makes traditional gearing systems obsolete.” At Roc d’Azur, the Intradrive GD8 is debuting on two eMTB models.
Alutech
The German brand Alutech has incorporated it into its highly flexible ePelmo platform, which is available with several different drive systems. It has a hydroformed aluminum frame with 150mm of travel front and rear. It pairs the GD8 with a Gates belt drive and is priced at €11,499 (including 19% VAT). Head to the Alutech website to learn more: alutech-cycles.com
Obscur
Obscur is the other GD8 launch partner. This is a brand-new French eMTB brand started by composites specialists at Workshape with 20 years of experience building carbon fiber parts for aeronautics and aerospace. Obscur’s first bike is the Enyx, an all-mountain model designed and produced in the brand’s workshops in France. The Enyx pairs the GD8 with a high-modulus carbon frame, 150mm of rear travel, a 160mm fork, and MX wheels.
“After twenty years making carbon parts for aerospace, we wanted our first bike to be as durable and repairable as its frame. The GD8 puts the gears inside the bike and lets us lower and centre the heaviest components, and you feel that the moment the trail gets technical.”
-Simon Rubet, Obscur
As mentioned above, brands choose the battery to go along with the GD8 powertrain, and Obscur appears to have designed its own. Rather than a tube shape occupying the downtube, it features a unique, compact shape that keeps the weight of the 842 Wh battery as low as possible in the frame. Along with the gearbox powertrain, this unique battery shape and placement result in a very low center of gravity, which should theoretically enhance traction and improve handling.
The Obscur Enyx is being offered in two complete builds. The standard Enyx build includes Formula suspension and brakes. The Enyx Ultra steps up to an Öhlins suspension package and Hope GR4 brakes. Alternatively, riders can build up their own Enyx with the frame kit. You can learn more about Obscur and its first eMTB, the Enyx, on the brand’s website: obscur.bike