We’ve ridden a lot of bikes over the years — everything from featherweight XC rigs to full-blown enduro sleds — but the Archibald AC1 Gearbox stopped us in our tracks.
It’s not just that it’s hand-built in Vancouver, BC, or that it’s made of steel (which already earns it cool points). It’s that this thing throws out everything you think you know about drivetrains.
No derailleur. No chain slap. No noise.
Just buttery-smooth shifting, insane traction, and a ride quality that had both of us grinning like kids.
Why Gearbox Bikes Turn Heads (and Raise Eyebrows)
Let’s be honest — most riders don’t think “gearbox” and “fun” in the same sentence.
They think heavy, awkward, maybe even “experimental.”
But the Pinion gearbox setup on the Archibald AC1 changes that conversation completely.
All the gears live inside a sealed, low-mounted case near the bottom bracket, which means no exposed drivetrain parts, no bent hangers, and no derailleur tears mid-ride.
In a world full of carbon frames and wireless shifting, the AC1 feels like a return to simplicity — but with a twist.
First Impressions: The Ride That Surprised Us
From the first few pedal strokes, we knew this wasn’t going to be a “just another test ride.”
The AC1 feels planted and composed, with a center of gravity so low that it almost feels magnetized to the trail.
And yet, it’s still poppy — you can load it, pump it, and send it off anything without that heavy, dead feeling you’d expect from a gearbox bike.
Emily summed it up perfectly:
“Alex has created one of the most fun bikes I’ve ever ridden.”
She wasn’t exaggerating.
The Archibald AC1 blends steel-frame comfort with modern geometry and suspension kinematics that make it both forgiving and fast.
On the Trail: North Shore, North Vancouver
There’s no better testing ground than North Vancouver — steep loamers, greasy roots, slabs, and the kind of woodwork that makes you think twice before dropping in.
From the first climb, we noticed how quiet this bike is.
You don’t realize how much noise a normal drivetrain makes until it’s gone.
No clanking, no chain slap — just the sound of tires gripping dirt and the occasional “whoop!” echoing through the trees.
On descents, the AC1 felt planted and confident, with predictable traction that made even sketchy chutes feel manageable.
And when we hit jumps or fast flow sections, the bike came alive — playful and responsive, like a trail bike that forgot it was carrying a gearbox.
How the Gearbox Feels (and Why It Works)
The Pinion gearbox shifts differently than a derailleur setup, but it takes only a few minutes to adjust.
You can shift multiple gears instantly, even while stopped — something derailleur bikes can’t do.
The weight sits low and centered, which gives the bike an incredibly balanced feel on technical terrain.
And since everything is sealed, there’s no maintenance drama.
Just ride, rinse, repeat.
We also loved the clean aesthetic — no derailleur hanging off the back, no greasy cassette, no chain tensioner noise.
It’s minimalist and industrial in the best possible way.
Build Options: From Trail to DH
One of the coolest parts about the Archibald AC1 is how customizable it is.
You can order it in configurations that range from trail bike to full-on downhill rig, depending on what kind of riding you love most.
The bike we tested was set up for aggressive trail riding, but it felt like it could take on a bike park day without flinching.
Steel may not be the lightest material, but it delivers that forgiving, connected feel that modern carbon sometimes lacks.
The Feel of Steel (and Why It Matters)
There’s something special about steel bikes — the way they flex just enough to smooth out the chatter without dulling the ride.
On the AC1, that character shines through.
It feels solid, confident, and alive under you.
Combine that with the gearbox’s low weight distribution and you get a bike that tracks beautifully through rough sections yet still pops off lips and side hits with ease.
This isn’t some old-school throwback.
It’s what happens when craftsmanship meets modern engineering.
Pros and Cons: The Real Talk
What We Loved:
✅ The silence — you don’t realize how peaceful a ride can be until all the drivetrain noise disappears.
✅ The planted, poppy feel — somehow, this bike is both stable and playful.|
✅ The gearbox — smooth, intuitive, and built for longevity.
✅ The build quality — handmade in Vancouver, and it shows.
What to Consider:
⚙️ Weight — it’s heavier than a comparable enduro bike, but the balance makes up for it.
⚙️ Price — high-end craftsmanship and gearbox tech don’t come cheap.
⚙️ Learning curve — shifting without pedaling takes a few rides to feel natural.
Who the AC1 Is For
The Archibald AC1 is for riders who want something different — not for the sake of being different, but because it genuinely rides better.
If you care more about traction, quietness, and craftsmanship than chasing the lightest build possible, this bike delivers in every category.
You’ll love it if:
- You appreciate handmade frames and thoughtful design.
- You ride technical or steep terrain and want better balance.
- You’re tired of replacing derailleurs and chasing creaks.
Final Thoughts: A Quiet Revolution
We came into this test curious — maybe even skeptical.
But we left genuinely impressed.
The Archibald AC1 Gearbox is more than just a cool experiment.
It’s proof that there’s still room to innovate in mountain biking, and that “different” can also be brilliantly fun.
This is one of the quietest, most composed, and most fun bikes we’ve ever ridden.
If this is where gearbox bikes are headed, we’re all in.
🛠️ Bikes Tested
Joe’s Bike — Downhill Build
- Frame: Archibald AC1 (Steel, DH configuration)
- Drivetrain: Pinion Gearbox
- Suspension: 200mm front / 173mm rear
- Focus: Big-mountain, aggressive descending setup
- Location: North Vancouver, BC
Emily’s Bike — Trail Build
- Frame: Archibald AC1 (Steel, Trail configuration)
- Drivetrain: Effigear Gearbox
- Suspension: 150mm front / 140mm rear
- Focus: All-day trail and technical singletrack performance
- Location: North Vancouver, BC
🔗 Watch the Ride
🎥 Full video: No Derailleur… But Is It BETTER? | Archibald AC1 Gearbox MTB Review
📸 Follow our adventures on Instagram → @TheVantasticLife
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