Join Nol van Loon of Fatpigeon.cc on an unforgettable journey through Uganda.

6 days of bikepacking - 600km & 10.000M+

Greetings, fellow adventurers! Nol van Loon here, eager to share the exhilarating story of my unforgettable gravel bikepacking expedition through Uganda's captivating southwest. Join me as we explore the untamed beauty of this region, equipped with the game-changing Classified Powershift hub, empowering my Ridley Kanzo Fast bike with the wide gear range needed for the demanding Ugandan terrain.

Unveiling Uganda's Southwest: Nature's Playground for Gravel Bike Enthusiasts

Prepare to be captivated by Uganda's southwest—a hidden gem where gravel bike enthusiasts find solace in thrilling adventures. Apidura bikepacking bags packed, I embarked on the Uganda Cycling Trail with my Classified equipped Ridley, filled with anticipation, ready to discover the breathtaking landscapes and conquer the challenging trails that lay ahead.

The Game-Changing Classified Powershift Hub: Wide Gear Range for the Toughest Trails

Riding the Ridley Kanzo Fast bike meant forgoing a front derailleur. However, with the Classified Powershift hub, I had the perfect solution to unlock the full potential of my bike. This innovative hub provided me with an extensive gear range, allowing me to effortlessly tackle the diverse terrain of Uganda's southwest. Whether navigating steep climbs, or cruising through dusty roads, the Classified Powershift hub proved to be a game-changer, ensuring I had the right gear for every occasion.

Embrace the Adventure: Discovering Nature's Wonders and Tranquil Lakes

As I ventured deep into the heart of Uganda's untamed wilderness, nature unveiled its wonders. The lush rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gifted me with the rare opportunity to observe majestic mountain gorillas—a humbling experience that reinforced the significance of wildlife conservation.

The captivating Lake Buyonyi and serene Lake Mutanda provided moments of tranquillity along the Uganda Cycling Trail. Nestled amidst scenic landscapes, these lakes offered a perfect retreat for reflection and rejuvenation, allowing me to immerse myself in the serenity of the surroundings.

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.

Gravel Bikepacking Spirit: Pushing Limits and Creating Lasting Memories

Gravel bikepacking is not just an adventure—it's a journey that tests our resilience and creates memories that endure. Embracing the spirit of exploration, I relished every pedal stroke, pushing beyond boundaries and connecting with the raw beauty of Uganda's southwest. The challenging trails transformed me, leaving an indelible mark on my soul and igniting a profound appreciation for the wonders of nature.

Experience the Extraordinary with Classified Powershift: Elevate Your Gravel Bikepacking Adventure

Are you ready to embark on your own extraordinary gravel bikepacking adventure? The Classified Powershift hub offers unparalleled versatility, empowering your bike to conquer the toughest terrains. With its wide gear range, you can navigate any trail with confidence, shred downhills at incredible speeds and ensuring an unforgettable journey through the captivating landscapes of Uganda's southwest.

Begin your extraordinary adventure with Classified Powershift and let the trails guide you through the heart of Uganda's southwest.

Happy riding!