Powershift Hub from Classified: Innovative 2x gearing without front derailleur!
The Classified Powershift hub is a gear hub that replaces the functionality of the front derailleur. The system is wirelessly controlled via a satellite button (or if you have Di2 then via integrated button at your existing shifters) and shifts between two ratios.
Shifting speed is quick with a claimed 150 milliseconds response time, and shifting can be performed under full load, up to 1000 watts.
Gear ratio factor is 0,686, that means for example that a with a front chinning of 52, you get a virtual 36-tooth chainring.
The battery sits in a “smart” through axle which is powered by a rechargeable battery. This through axle is compatible with all disc brake frames.
The system will work with almost any 1×11 speed set-up, since it uses its own 11-speed cassette.
Why not just stick with the old and trusted front derailleur, if you would like to have a 2x set-up?
There is several benefits associated with the Powershift system: It is internal, so absolute weatherproof. You get 2x gearing with a sleeker look as compared to a front derailleur and double chainring, and improved aerodynamics. Classified also claims that their system is more efficient than a traditional 2x set-up, mainly due to the fact that the small chainring of a 2x set-up is less efficient than the bigger chainring (with the Classified system, you always stay on one big chainring).
Obviously there will also be no more dropped chains.
A question with any new internal gearing system is weight, as often there is a weight penalty. Classified claim that while there hub weighs more than a traditional hub, this is compensated by not needing a front derailleur and big chainring. While they don’t provide the exact weight of the hub, I quote from their website: “To be more concrete, a bike equipped with Classified and 1x GRX Di2 weighs the same (+-10g) as a bike with a traditional 2×11 GRX Di2 groupset and a DT Swiss 350 hub” Given that front derailleur and chainring typically weigh around 200g, the Powershift hub must be fairly light.
One important thing to know is that you can’t buy the hub by itself, instead you can choose between 3 different wheel sets (gravel, road and aero). This wheelset then gets shipped to a certified dealer that will install it for you (presumably install the shift buttons). Currently those dealers are only located in The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, but they are actively looking for new dealers worldwide, so there is hope that the network will expand. Should you be interested in the wheels, it might also be a good idea to get into contact with your local bike shop or dealer and ask them to contact Classified.
Check out their Q&A section for compatibility and more details.
| Product | Powershift Hub |
| Price | EUR 2499, whole wheelset, EUR 50 deposit |
| Brand | Classified |
| International Shipping available | Limited, see above |
| Company Location | Belgium |
| Manufacturing Country | Belgium |
| Sustainability Info | N/A |
| Product / Company link | https://classified-cycling.cc |
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