The invention relates to a drive unit for a muscle-powered vehicle having a crankshaft mounted in a crankcase or in a frame. At least one crank for transferring the muscle power of a driver to a drive wheel of the vehicle is fastened to the crankshaft. A gear unit is provided, which is arranged in the power train from the crankshaft to a driven gear of the gear unit coupled to the drive wheel of the vehicle. According to the invention, a substantially stationary part of the gear unit for determining a total torque of the crankshaft is supported on the crankcase or on the frame.