Introduction: Why a Riese & Müller Homage 5
Date: 03/10/2026
Tags: #EbikeTraining, #GearReview, #AgeAndEndurance, #RieseMuller, #PinionMGU
For a 69-year-old preparing to ride 5.500 km, consistency beats heroics. The method matters less than the outcome: completing the tour without joint damage or a bad fall. When I bought my Riese & Müller Homage 5 with Pinion MGU—is in December 2025 I obtained the engineering foundation that makes my ambitious goal physically possible.
While many debate whether e-bikes offer "real" fitness benefits, my focus is narrower: does this specific machine allow me to train harder, recover faster, and ride further than an unassisted bike could? The answer lies in its build.
The Tank: Stability and Full Suspension
I call my Homage 5 my "tank," and the nickname fits. At nearly 37 kg with bags, tools, and water, it is *heavy. But that weight is centralised, giving it predictable handling that inspires confidence on unfamiliar trails.
The full suspension is the critical differentiator. On a rigid bike, every vibration from cobblestones, gravel, or uneven pavement travels directly into the wrists, spine, and hips. Over a 60 or 70 km ride, this cumulative micro-trauma accumulates. With the Homage 5's suspension absorbing the shock, I arrive at the end of a ride feeling fresh, not battered. This mechanical dampening allows me to push intensity on days when my joints might otherwise flare up, turning a potential rest day into a productive training session.
The Pinion MGU: Shifting Without Stress
The heart of the bike's utility is the Pinion MGU gearbox. Unlike traditional derailleurs, the Pinion is an enclosed system that requires minimal maintenance—just an oil change every 10.000 km—and offers a massive 600% gear range.
More importantly, it shifts seamlessly whether the bike is moving or stationary. This eliminates the "sudden knee torque" often experienced when trying to find a gear while stopped at a traffic light or struggling to start on a steep incline. For a rider managing joint health, the ability to select the perfect low gear before applying pedal pressure is a game-changer. It removes the risk of twisting a knee under load, a common injury mechanism in traditional cycling.
Assist as a Dial, Enabled by Control
Because the bike handles so predictably and absorbs so much road shock, I can treat the motor assist as a precise dial rather than a crutch. The mechanical stability of the Homage 5 means I can trust the bike to stay planted even when I adjust the assist level mid-climb.
My training strategy relies on this interplay:
- Good joint days: Eco mode or off, earning most of the watts myself while the suspension smooths the path.
- Compromised joint days: Moderate assist to maintain endurance-zone effort (125–142 bpm) without the joint strain of fighting gravity on a rigid frame.
- Bad days: The option to take the assist higher, or skip the ride entirely, without guilt.
The bike's build ensures that when I choose to push, the platform is solid. When I choose to coast, the suspension keeps me comfortable.
An Incident in Coastal Spain
Rain can come quickly in coastal northern Spain. I was 20 km into a 60 km ride when a downpour appeared from behind the mountain. By the time I got home, my water-soaked clothes and body were twice my normal weight. On the Homage 5, the full suspension and low center of gravity allowed me to navigate the wet, slippery trails with far less risk of slipping or stressing my joints compared to a rigid bike. On any day the tension of new trails vanishes because I knew the bike would handle the conditions, allowing me to focus purely on the ride.
The Fitness Verdict
Will I get the same fitness benefits as an unassisted rider? For my situation, yes—with caveats. The key is maintaining the effort zone regardless of assist level. If I use too much assist and drift below the zone, I gain no cardiovascular benefit. If I use too little and exceed the zone, I risk joint stress.
The Riese & Müller Homage 5 bridges this gap. Its full suspension reduces fatigue, its Pinion gearbox protects my knees during starts and climbs, and its centralised weight gives me the control to train consistently. For a 69-year-old aiming for 5.500 km, this machine is not cheating. It is the tool that makes the dream achievable.
Check out the review of Riese & Müller Homage 5 collection.
Data sources: Personal training logs, Riese & Müller specifications, Pinion MGU technical documentation.
Medical Disclaimer: Consult a physician before starting any new exercise regimen.