Classified has today confirmed 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%. This is claimed to be the largest range of any drivetrain system on the market.
Entry into the mountain bike space sees Classified introduce another piece of technology: the Ringshifter. According to the company, this is… ‘A feather light wireless shifter that controls the 2 speed Powershift hub, offering sensational feedback and fitting seamlessly into the existing cockpit.’
Classified claims that its new offering takes existing 1×11 or 1×12 MTB drivetrain systems to the next level. Thanks to the 2 speed Powershift hub, Classified can offer a 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 brands’s road and gravel hub, this instantaneous ‘Powershift’ can be done under full load of up to 1000 watts.
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.
Tests undertaken with pro riders also 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,” said Mathias Plouvier, CEO and co-founder of Classified Cycling.
“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.”
Classified’s CTO Roell van Druten added “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 continued, “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.”
Ringshifter
Billed as the next generation of shifting, the Ringshifter is a shift sleek, fully wireless handlebar control that provides shifting performance with a light flick of the thumb. The Ringshifter can perform 10,000 shifts before needing to be recharged via provided magnetic USB cable.
Featuring a unique magnetic spring back mechanism, the Ringshifter claims to delivers durability and a smooth, responsive feel. The functionalities of the Ringshifter can be customized to meet the individual needs of every rider.
