Local importer Omnico have just been appointed as the Southern African distributor for Classified and are massively excited about the prospects this technology brings to our market. Today Classifed announce the launch of a mountain bike-specific Powershift hub system. Find out more about the Belgian drivetrain technology company and development of their groundbreaking Powershift hub below.
Classified announces today the launch of a mountain bike-specific Powershift hub system. The new mountain bike product, the Powershift boost hub, together with Classified’s new 11-40t 12 speed cassette, has a gear range of 530%, the largest of any drivetrain system on the market. Entry into the mountain bike space allows Classified to introduce yet another revolutionary piece of technology: the Ringshifter. A feather light wireless shifter that controls the 2 speed Powershift hub, offering sensational feedback and fitting seamlessly into the existing cockpit.
Known in the road and gravel world as the ‘front derailleur killer,’ Classified now reveals the secret ingredient to take existing 1×11 or 1×12 MTB drivetrain systems to the next level. Thanks to the 2 speed Powershift hub, Classified can offer a significantly higher gearing range with smaller steps in between each gear to maintain optimum cadence, whilst also offering the ability to Powershift; a 150 millisecond gear jump in either direction. As with the award-winning road and gravel hub, this instantaneous ‘Powershift’ can be done under full load of up to 1000 watts.
Updating the MTB Lexicon with a new verb
to Power·shift [Powershifting] {Verb}:
(also: the new benchmark in shifting gears)
- To shift gears under full load within 150 milliseconds
- Maintain valuable momentum during climbs and transitions, or before an attack
Classified’s unique 2 speed gear hub allows riders to jump through 46% percent of the gear range, or the equivalent of 2 or 3 rear derailleur shifts, within 150 milliseconds. As such, ‘Powershifting’ is quickly becoming the go to term for maintaining momentum on the trails.
Tests undertaken with pro riders showed a far greater use of the Powershift hub gear as opposed to the rear derailleur, leading to an overwhelming increase of momentum through transitions.
“The feedback of professional riders is very promising and brought us even better insights into the enormous potential the product offers. Extending our range further into off-road space with the mountain bike hub confirms Classified’s vision to be a technology that is compatible across all cycling disciplines. We are extremely excited about the possibilities the new product brings and its ability to enhance the existing MTB drivetrain market.” says Mathias Plouvier, CEO and co-founder of Classified Cycling.
CTO Roell van Druten adds “we are very proud to bring Powershift technology to mountain biking. With an ultimate gear range of 530%, the Powershift Boost hub combines a high-grade, one-piece compact steel cassette (11-40t) with a larger chainring, improving the overall durability of the drivetrain.”
Van Druten goes further to explain the benefits of the new system: “Using the Classified hub with an 11-40t cassette and a 34t chainring results in the lowest drivetrain ratio of 0.58. To achieve this ratio with a traditional system the user would have to use a 30t chainring. Using a smaller chainring in a traditional system lowers the efficiency and durability of that system due to the higher chain forces. The more compact Classified cassette also allows the use of a shorter derailleur cage, increasing the robustness of the drivetrain alongside the efficiency.”
The Ringshifter
The next generation of shifting, this sleek, fully wireless handlebar control provides unrivalled shifting performance with the lightest flick of your thumb. The Ringshifter can perform 10,000 shifts before needing to be easily recharged with the provided magnetic USB cable.
Featuring a unique magnetic spring back mechanism, the Ringshifter delivers unparalleled durability and a smooth, responsive feel. The functionalities of the Ringshifter can be customized to meet the individual needs of every rider.
Doubling the number of gears?
The MTB world has become used to a 1×11 or 12 gear drivetrain system but Classified passionately believe that more is needed for the optimum ride experience. The addition of the 2-speed hub, multiplying the cassette gears and gearing range, gives the rider 16 unique gears, after removing duplicate ratios, to always be able to access the right cadence, reduce gear grinding and remove huge gear steps. On top of that the additional gears are all accessible in the middle of the cassette which helps keep cross chaining to a minimum.
Classified’s 11 – 40t, 12 speed cassette is also compatible with the existing 142mm variant of the Powershift hub, ideal for extreme gravel riding or bikepacking, where an extensive gear range and compact steps in between each gear are required to ensure a comfortable cadence.
Pricing and availability
The Classified Powershift boost hub has a build-in width of 148mm and is mounted using the supplied 12mm thru-axle that wirelessly connects with the Ringshifter. The Powershift boost hub will be available to purchase in three ways through Classified’s worldwide network of dealers and distributors from May 23, 2023. The Powershift boost hub can be fitted to any mountainbike frame with a 148mm dropout spacing.
• Powershift hub set + Classified hookless carbon wheelset €2,699
• Powershift hub set with hub shell €1,549
• Powershift hub set without hub shell, €1,449
*(MSRP in Europe)
Local pricing and availability dates TBC- pricing expected to be in line with international.
The Powershift hub will be available to buy with Classified’s new M25/30 hookless carbon wheelset. With an internal rim width of 30mm, combined with a 25mm high rim profile, the M25/30s have been developed to deal with every kind of off-road terrain.
The dedicated hub shell design can be purchased in 28 hole straight pull and 32 hole J-bend spoke options, allowing customers to combine the proprietary hub with any of the Classified wheel partners, or to build their own wheels as they see fit.
About Classified Cycling
Classified is a deep tech company with the mission to create drivetrain products that transform the riding experience and performance of all cyclists. Classified was founded in 2019 and employs 49 people, located in their Antwerp (Belgium) and Eindhoven (the Netherlands) offices. Classified’s award-winning products (Powershift drivetrain systems and Classified wheels) are equipped on more than 40 bicycle brands, and available from a global network of certified distributors and dealers. The company’s investors include well-respected Olympic and World Champion riders Tom Boonen, Anna Van der Breggen, Andre Greipel, Marcel Kittel, and Philippe Gilbert. Classified secured a multi-million euro investment round led by Active Partners at the end of 2022. Classified’s Poweshift technology has been raced at World Tour level through a 2023 partnership with Victor Campenaerts and Lotto DSTNY.
Yoh.... Mechanical doping at SS world champs is going to be a thing!
This is pretty rad though.
I know SRAM used to have a 2 speed hub that shifted automatically based on the rotational speed of the hub shell and CSS also imported an internal 3 speed hub that had an 8 speed cassette on the freehub body, so it's been 'a thing' before.
The electronic shifting and more refined system and looks is impressive though. This is an interesting segment in the market and I'm not surprised someone is trying to refine and corner it