Classified Cycling has entered the MTB segment with the launch of the latest adaptation of its Powershift hub system, offering mountain bikers a gear range of 530% when used in conjunction with the Belgian’s brands new 11-40t 12 speed cassette.
Entry into the MTB market has also allowed Classified to introduce another new piece of technology called the Ringshifter, a light wireless shifter that controls the two speed Powershift hub, which provides smaller steps in between each gear to maintain optimum cadence, while also offering the ability to Powershift between gears as quickly as 150 millisecond in either direction. Moreover, as with the road and gravel hub, the MTB variant can be shifted under full load of up to 1000 watts.
According to Classified, the 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, leading to an increase of momentum through gear changes as compared to traditional rear derailleur-specific drivetrains.
Mathias Plouvier, CEO and co-founder of Classified Cycling, said: “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.”
CTO Roell van Druten added: “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.
“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 Ringshifter can perform 10,000 shifts before needing to be recharged with the provided magnetic USB cable, while a magnetic spring back mechanism ensures durability and a smooth, responsive feel. Also, the function 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 believe that more is needed for the optimum ride experience.
The addition of the two speed hub, multiplying the cassette gears and gearing range, gives the rider 16 unique gears, after removing duplicate ratios, to be able to access the right cadence, reduce gear grinding and remove large 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.
Pricing and availability:
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, which can be fitted to any mountain bike frame with a 148mm dropout spacing.
Additionally, the Powershift hub will be available to buy with Classified’s new M25/30 hookless carbon wheelset, which features an internal rim width of 30mm, combined with a 25mm high rim profile, while the M25/30s are focussed on off-road terrain.
Lastly, 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.
Classified
You must be logged in to post a comment.
