FAQ
Everything you need to know about Effigear gearboxes.
Didn’t find the answer you were looking for?
Get in touch with us below!
Understanding how gearboxes work
The EFFIGEAR gearbox works on the same principle as a car gearbox on a much smaller scale. It comes in the form of a small box that attaches to the base of the frame with different sized sprockets inside depending on the gear selected. Unlike a derailleur and its cassette, which are exposed to the weather, mud and dust, the entire mechanism of the gearbox is protected by a housing and permanently lubricated. Contrary to the derailleur, it keeps the same efficiency over time, whatever the riding conditions (rain, mud, snow...) and requires no maintenance (only an annual oil change is recommended).
The gearbox also allows you to change gears at any time: under full load as well as when stopped, something impossible with a derailleur. Moreover, it is located at the bottom and in the center of the frame and no longer on the wheels. This allows a better distribution of the unsprung masses and gives the bike a more efficient and balanced behavior.
Finally, when integrated with Valeo's electric motor, it offers the rider the possibility of having a 100% automatic mode that is impossible with a derailleur system.
Compared to a new and perfectly clean derailleur, the efficiency of the gearbox is slightly lower. But a derailleur does not stay 100% clean and efficient for very long.
A gearbox assures cyclists of constant efficiency and performance regardless of the conditions of use (mud, rain, dust...) and throughout the life of their bike.
To talk about numbers, on the Effigear Mimic, the overall ratio is 469%. .
.png)
The Mimic offers 9 gears which, unlike the derailleur system, are all usable and in all circumstances (loaded, stopped...). Their staggering is such that it covers all the needs of the cyclists for mountain bike, cargo, urban or gravel uses.
It is also possible to configure them. For more details, you can consult the gear ratio table and our gear ratio calculator on the landing page of the MIMIC.
Yes, you can choose the chainring and sprocket configuration that will best suit the purpose of the bike you want to design. Our technical team is here to help you make the best choices.
You can access the configuration chart by clicking here.
Compatibility & Installation
The gearbox system is interesting for all mountain bike, gravel, urban bike or cargo bike uses, whether they are electric or not. The integration of a gearbox must be planned from the frame design.
It is not possible to integrate a gearbox on a bike that has not been designed for it.However, the Effigear Mimic gearbox is designed to the same standard as other bicycle gearbox manufacturers, so if your frames already have a competing gearbox, you can change it to an Effigear MIMC.
Effigear gearboxes are compatible with the two most common control systems:
- the trigger shifter for mountain bike, touring and urban applications (electric bike, cargo bike, citybike...)
- the shifter integrated to the brake lever for more sportive applications, gravel or bikepacking.
Effigear gearboxes work equally well with a chain or a belt. The choice depends on the final use of the bike and should be made in harmony with the overall design. Our technical team is available to support and guide you in this process.
Use & Maintenance
Contrary to a system with derailleur, the gearboxes do not need any maintenance!
The only thing that needs to be done is an oil change every 6,000 km or about a year of use.
Effigear recommends the use of the oil on sale on our site here.
The only thing that needs to be done is an oil change every 6,000 km or about a year of use.
Manufacturing & Availability
All our products are designed and manufactured in France. Our workshops are located in Maclas, in the Loire region (France).
The Original was replaced in 2021 by the Mimic which is more efficient in terms of weight, ratios, size etc.
Nevertheless, L'Originale is still available on request for customers with specific applications and the after-sales service is of course still in force on this box.
Yes, the Mimic Evo has the same dimensions and mounting points as the Mimic. You can therefore install it on an already equipped frame without any modification. To make a request and schedule the intervention, please visit our Workshops page.
<No, by proposing a completely new gearbox, we have chosen to use the standard mounting system that has become established in the bicycle gearbox market. The two are therefore not compatible.
Warranty & After-Sales Service
An EFFIGEAR box lasts as long as your bike!
EFFIGEAR offers products that are "designed to ride and built to last."
We carry a five year warranty on all our products.
Effigear guarantees its products five years parts and labor for any malfunction under normal use of the box (excluding external components) after registration on our site.
In case of malfunction, please contact the after-sales service via +33 9 50 68 19 88 or sav@effigear.com.
The warranty covers all damages and complications related to proper use of the gearbox and after registration of the gearbox on our site.
The warranty does not cover damage to external components (cable, shifter) or damage caused by violent shocks.
The warranty does not apply if the gearbox has been opened: it must not have been opened and still have its sealing label.
The serial number is located on the box, on the frame side. It is also indicated on your warranty card, delivered with the box.
Effigear delivers its gearboxes all over the world.