There is an innovative European bicycle components company in Belgium, which may be about to bring a revolution into the bicycle gear systems segment. It is called Classified Cycling.
Their core technology is the POWERSHIFT hub: a shifting technology based on an internal-external gear hub that has two gears, replacing the functionality of the front derailleur.
When paired with an 11-speed drivetrain, you can get rid of that annoying front derailleur while keeping a wide gear range with small gear steps. According to Classified, the weight penalty of their system is pretty much zero. The hub is actuated with a small electronic shift button, that is supplied with the hub and which can be mounted on your handlebar.
Components of the POWERSHIFT 1x22 gear system
The handlebar unit is attached to the shifter or to a satellite button and sends out a wireless signal.
The 2-speed POWERSHIFT hub contains the Classified's core technology: an electro-actuated clockwork-like mechanism.
Smart thru-axle. It receives the wireless signal and actuates the hub using contactless energy transfer. It is powered by a Micro-USB rechargeable battery, and it allows more than 10.000 shifts on a single charge.
The hub shell can be easily separated from the POWERSHIFT hub, allowing to use of multiple wheelsets in combination with a single powershift hub.
The cassette is a dedicated Classified one-piece 11v cassette with a high-durability coating to ensure low wear during the time.
How does it work?
- The shifter (or the satellite button) attached to the Smart Handlebar Unit triggers a shift.
- The smart thru-axle receives the wireless shift signal.
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The POWERSHIFT hub, when receiving the signal, shifts between 2 ratios.
Is the 1x22 POWERSHIFT about to revolutionize the market?
The Classified POWERSHIFT 1x22 gears hub is a wireless 2-speed shifting system, integrated into the rear hub, allowing you to change gears in a split second, under full load, and on any terrain. The system is completely water and mud resistant, Classified Cycling says.
This may be a game-changer in the industry, mostly for road and gravel bikes.
The main advantages of the Classified POWERSHIFT system are:
- Instant shifting (150 milliseconds, that’s all it takes)
- Shifting under full load (up to 1000 watts!)
- Ultimate gear coverage (22 gears, small steps, 451% gear range)
- Highly efficient (more than 99% theoretical efficiency according to Classified)
Classified have now launched a series of gravel and road wheels that use their hubs and carbon rims. The hub is engineered and made in Belgium.
It may be possible that we will see also an MTB-specific Classified hub... stay tuned here on EurekaBike for more news about this topic.
Source: the.european.bike.project (Instagram), Classified-Cycling official website