The revolutionary Belgian drivetrain brand is entering a new discipline and confirming its position as the most efficient drivetrain in the world. 

Classified is thrilled to enter the triathlon and time trial space with the introduction of its game changing product into a new market.

With the release of a triathlon and time trial specific product, Classified is now present in road, gravel, mountain bike and time trial disciplines.

"At Classified, we believe that efficiency is the key to performance and enjoyment, so entry into triathlon and time trial represents a major leap forward for the company" says Mathias Plouvier, CEO and co-founder. "We are excited to provide an unparalleled drivetrain solution to athletes of all abilities, from professionals to age groupers."

The most efficient set up in the world:

Triathlon and time trial are disciplines where every millisecond counts, so the perfect environment for Classified’s Powershift Technology, whichh increases the overall efficiency of the bike by improving the aerodynamics due to the removal of the front derailleur and small chainring. By only running a single larger chainring up front the Classified system is able to reduce chain forces by up to 45%, whilst allowing the athlete to always maintain the optimum cadence due to the wider range of gears afforded by the 2 speed wireless hub. 

Classified’s CTO Roëll van Druten explains the efficiency gains:

“Removing the front derailleur is certainly more aerodynamic, as well as the Powershift Technology’s ability to allow the athlete to use a larger single chainring and rear sprockets which further improves the efficiency. A larger chainring and sprockets mean less bending of the chain and, more importantly, lower chain and bearing forces. Lower chain and bearing forces mean lower friction and therefore higher efficiency. In this way Powershift Technology can provide vital energy savings, especially in a sport like triathlon and time trial.”

Classified’s internal hub gear allows the rider to instantaneously switch between a 1:1 and a ‘reduction’ gear (the virtual inner ring) with the touch of a button. The reduction gear has a ratio of 0.686, so with a single 53t-chainring up front, the rider has access to a virtual 36t-chainring. A 50t-chainring would yield a 34t-chainring equivalent when the hub's reduction gear is used. Due to the removal of the front derailleur, athletes have the option to easily customise their gearing and chainring choice depending on the race and parcours profile.

Powershift Technology removes the need for athletes to compromise on race day; offering the benefits of a more efficient 1x set up combined with the wider gearing range. Coupled with the ability to shift instantly under full load, Classified provides the ultimate shifting experience and a significant advantage throughout the race.

to Power·shift [Powershifting] {Verb}:
(also: the new benchmark in shifting gears)

1. To shift gears under full load within 150 milliseconds
2. Maintain valuable momentum during climbs and transitions, or before an attack

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. As such, ‘Powershifting’ is quickly becoming the go to term for maintaining momentum on the trails.

Tests undertaken with pro riders 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. 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." says Mathias Plouvier, CEO and co-founder of Classified Cycling.

CTO Roell van Druten adds “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 goes further to explain the benefits of the new system: “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 next generation of shifting, this sleek, fully wireless handlebar control provides unrivalled shifting performance with the lightest flick of your thumb. The Ringshifter can perform 10,000 shifts before needing to be easily recharged with the provided magnetic USB cable.

Featuring a unique magnetic spring back mechanism, the Ringshifter delivers unparalleled durability and a smooth, responsive feel. The functionalities of the Ringshifter can be customized to meet the individual needs of every rider.

Athletes racing at top level:

Professional triathletes Kyle Smith and Ruth Astle have already achieved impressive results racing on the system during the 2023 season. At May’s PTO season opener in Ibiza, Astle set the fastest bike leg by over two minutes, whilst Smith was the first male athlete off the bike, ahead of multiple OIympic gold medalists & Ironman World Champions, including Kristian Blummenfelt, Jan Frodeno and Alastair Brownlee.

 “It is the ability to just shift so quickly under load, which is really helpful, particularly on courses with steeper climbs. But the ability to always run a bigger chainring up front dramatically increases the efficiency of the bike even further. It just makes me go faster!” says Astle.

“The speed at which you notice the benefits of the system is remarkable,” added Kyle Smith. “The extra efficiency gains mean that I can ride faster on the bike leg, and I feel fresher when transitioning into the run. Classified is a game changer for the sport.”

Triathlon & TT Partner collaboration:

Entry into triathlon and time trial also allows Classified to work more closely with its growing list of partner and OEM brands. Working with likeminded frame partners like Argon 18, Ceepo, and others, allow Classified to optimise the efficiency gains of Powershift Technology.  

Classified has a growing list of wheel partners like Parcours, HUNT, HED and Vision, who are building Powershift ready, deep section wheels that are optimised for triathlon and time trial. This allows all levels of athletes to create the most efficient bike set up on their own bespoke dream build.

The world’s first Powershift disc wheel?

Classified x Parcours are also proud to release the world’s first Powershift ready full disc wheel. Combining the efficiency benefits of Powershift Technology with Parcours’ width optimised technology allowing for a more efficient and comfortable ride. The Powershift Disc has already been raced by Kyle Smith and Ruth Astle with great results. 

The Powershift ready full disc wheel is available to order now via the Parcours website - parcours.cc.

Compatibility and customisability: 

The Powershift hub is available to buy either in combination with one of Classified’s partner wheelsets or as a stand-alone unit ready to be built into the customer’s wheelset of choice. The system can also be purchased with Classified’s own carbon fibre wheelsets. Find your local Classified dealer to discuss your dream triathlon or time trial build.

Classified’s Powershift hub can also be transferred between wheelsets, so athletes are able to switch between a range of Powershift ready wheels quickly and easily to suit the race day conditions.  

The discreet shift button and handlebar unit allow the athlete to customise their cockpit and position the shift button exactly where they want it. Wheel changes are fast and easy as the thru axle is paired to the handlebar unit rather than the hub itself. 

Powershift Technology is available to purchase now from your local Classified dealer or with one of our partner brands. Click Here for all the ways you can get Classified!