The wireless Classified Power Shift hub, which is a front single but can shift in the same way as double chaining, is likely to develop significantly.
Classified has announced that seven major wheel brands have promised to bring Powershift-enabled wheels to market.
There is no need for a front derailleur and there is no need to worry regarding the chain falling off. Shifting is instantaneous, and the benefits are huge.
Classified Power Shift Hub
Image credit: classified
The Classified Power Shift hub employs a two-stage planetary gear system that operates wirelessly and is driven by non-contact energy transfer from the through axle.
This is effectively a transfer of the front derailleur function to the rear hub.
The rear derailleur and multi-stage cassette can be used as they are, eliminating the need for two front chainrings.
The Classified Power Shift was announced in July 2020 and was also installed on commercial road and gravel bikes.
The wheel brand that signed the contract this time
- DT Swiss
- Mavic
- Fast Forward
- Enve
- Reynolds
- Boyd Cycling
- Spinerg
This will provide cyclists on road and gravel bikes with a wide range of wheel options.
For example, Fast Forward will be equipped with Classified hubs on both Drift and Ryot 44 wheels from the end of July, and the price will be 2,999 euros (regarding 410,000 yen).
With market acceptance by these major wheel brands, a hub-only version of Powershift will be launched.
Cyclists can now incorporate Powershift technology into their favorite wheels.
The Powershift hub kit will be available in a package that includes a shifting system, smart through axle, handlebar module and cassette.
Classified offers 11-speed and 12-speed one-piece steel cassettes from 11-27 to 11-40. The Powershift hub is compatible with most disc brake frames.
It is already used by the Uno-X Pro Cycling Team in professional races, and it is possible to handle it in races as well.
The added weight is claimed to be equivalent to the weight lost by removing the front derailleur and switching to a single chainring.
The risk of the chain falling is reduced and at the same time the aerodynamic performance of the bike is improved.
Button on the end bar Image credit: JAMES SPENDER
The shift can be done via a button attached to the Bluetooth transmitter on the rider’s handlebars, or the transmitter can be wired to an existing electronic shifter on the bike, such as the Shimano Di2, SRAM eTap, or Campagnolo EPS.
The hub is designed to be easily removed from the shell, so basically the rider can use two Classified compatible wheelsets without having to buy two gearbox hubs.
By adopting it by many wheel brands, it seems that it will spread all at once.