Classified from Belgium is making waves today with the announcement of their innovative Powershift hub technology’s entry into the mountain bike world. The new MTB-specific Classified Powershift boost hub and 11-40T 12-speed cassette combine to create an impressive 530% range, making it unrivaled among derailleur-based drivetrain systems. And Classified’s Ringshifter is an ultra-sleek wireless shifter that controls the two-speed Powershift hub, shifting under load in just 150 milliseconds. Find more details on the new system below.

The unique two-speed hub at the heart of Classified’s Powershift system enables riders to shift through 46% of their gear range, the equivalent of up to three rear derailleur shifts, almost instantaneously. This means there’s no loss of momentum or need to ease off the pedals, as it can shift under load without issue. Paired together, the two-speed hub and cassette provide 16 unique gears to maintain the right pedaling cadence without big jumps in between.

Classified’s Chief Technical Officer, Roell van Druten, introduced the new system, saying, “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… 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 system works by using the minimalist Classified Ringshifter on the handlebars to send out a wireless shifter to the smart thru-axle, which receives the signal and triggers the hub to shift using contactless energy transfer. The hub then shifts between two ratios in just 150 milliseconds, either a 1/1 ratio that couples the cassette directly to the wheel or a 0.7 reduction ratio that makes the cassette rotate faster than the wheel, increasing its overall range.

Among the benefits of the Powershift system claimed by Classified are the increased range of an 11-40 cassette to 530%, more pedal efficiency through a reduction in extreme chainlines, a one-piece steel cassette with added durability, the ability to instantly shift under load, weatherproofing that protects the hub and technology from the elements to ensure that water and dirt stay out, and compatibility with electronic or mechanical shifting.

There are three ways to get the new Powershift hub set, depending on your needs, all of which are set to be available through Classified’s global network of dealers and distributors as of May 23rd, 2023. Note that all hubs have 148mm Boost spacing and use a 12mm thru-axle, and the dedicated hub shell can be purchased in a 28-hole straight-pull or 32-hole J-bend spoke configuration. The Powershift hub will be available to buy with Classified’s new M25/30 hookless carbon wheelset, which has an internal rim width of 30mm and a 25mm high rim profile. The Powershift boost hub weighs 485 grams, the hub shells weigh 125 or 165g, the cassette comes in at 248 grams, and the front and rear wheels weigh 680 and 685 grams.

European pricing is below, with prices for the US and other markets yet to be published:

Powershift hub set + Classified hookless carbon wheelset: €2,699
Powershift hub set with hub shell: €1,549
Powershift hub set without hub shell: €1,449

You can learn more about Classified’s new MTB drivetrain technology at Classified-Cycling.cc.

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