Belgian start-up Classified Cycling has presented its ‘virtual derailleur’ to the Belgian and international press for the first time in the presence of ex-world champion cyclist Tom Boonen.
Classified Cycling’s new electronic gear shifting system aims to make conventional front derailleurs a thing of the past.
The virtual derailleur from Classified is incorporated in the rear wheel hub. This system gives the rider 22 gears with just a single front chain ring and eleven rear sprockets. The company notes that ‘shifting takes place in a fraction of a second, even under peak load.’
Bicycle manufacturer Ridley is pioneering the Classified system on its latest gravel bike, the Ridley Kanzo Fast.
Tom Boonen became convinced about the potential of the smart shifting technology and joined the Belgian start-up just before the new product’s launch.
“With Classified I would never have set foot on the Taaienberg, and I’d maybe have won my fourth Tour of Flanders,” said Tom Boonen, who is taking up a role as adviser and ambassador, and as a new shareholder for Classified Cycling.
“Our technology is extremely innovative and we’re expecting a definitive breakthrough in 2021, perhaps even in the professional peloton already. Furthermore, Classified is based in Flanders and I’m happy to help promote this new product which is manufactured in the heart of the world of cycling.”
For Mathias Plouvier, CEO & Co-Founder at Classified Cycling, Tom Boonen’s participation and the collaboration with Ridley are significant steps . He said, “Barely a month after our launch, we can today announce that Belgian bicycle manufacturer Ridley is the first to join forces with Classified. With Tom on board, we’re especially looking forward to making an impact on an international scale.”
Ridley’s latest gravel bike, the Kanzo Fast, was presented at Classified’s press conference. Jochim Aerts, owner of Ridley Bikes and Eddy Merckx Cycles, said “The Kanzo Fast is the first bike to be equipped with this Classified technology, which has helped our R&D department make this gravel bike even more aerodynamic.
“Getting rid of the front derailleur and a perfect seat tube finishing takes this bike to an even higher level, without losing any of the benefits of shifting between an outer and inner chain ring – making the Ridley Kanzo Fast with Classified a phenomenal product.”
Classified Cycling is a Belgian start-up, based at the Open Manufacturing Campus in Turnhout (the former Philips site). Its team includes Belgian and Dutch engineers, and experts in transmission systems. The management team, investment company LRM, and ex-world champion Tom Boonen are all shareholders. Over 90% of the components are manufactured by suppliers from Belgium and the Netherlands.
