Classified have already caused a stir in the road and gravel segments with their revolutionary Powershift system. Now, the Belgian manufacturer aims to revolutionize traditional MTB shifting by transforming a 1×12 setup into a 1×22 with an electronic two-speed hub. We put the innovative system through the wringer to determine whether it makes sense on a mountain bike.
Classified have gained recognition among drop-bar enthusiasts over the past few years. A few years back, the Belgian manufacturer introduced the Powershift system in the road and gravel segment, replacing a conventional front derailleur with an electronic two-speed hub. Our sister magazine GRAN FONDO tested the system extensively and the Ridley Kanzo Adventure with Classified Powershift even won our adventure gravel bike group test. Now, Classified are finally targeting the MTB segment, aiming to revolutionize conventional MTB drivetrains. However, the focus is primarily on XC and light trail bikes. However, this doesn’t mean it doesn’t work (or make sense) on other MTBs. We tested the Classified Powershift system on a MERIDA ONE-SIXTY, which provided us with a familiar test setup.
The Classified Powershift-System in detail
At first glance, there isn’t much difference between a bike with a Classified Powershift system and a conventional bike. But what exactly is Classified Powershift, and why do its developers believe that conventional chain drives are ready for retirement?
The Classified Powershift system consists of a proprietary electronic hub, a Classified cassette, the Classified Smart Thru Axle, and the Classified Ringshifter on the handlebars. It can be paired with 12-speed drivetrains from Shimano, SRAM and TRP to create a complete drivetrain. In our test bike, we combined it with a TRP EVO 12-speed groupset.
The Classified Powershift Hub
At first glance, you might not notice much. The Powershift hub resembles a conventional hub and is available with either straight-pull spokes or, as in our case, with classic J-bend spokes, which are bent at 90° at the spoke-head end. Most of the technology is housed within the hub, protected from the elements. The hub consists of two parts: the hub shell and the hub itself. The latter integrates the electronically controlled gearbox. The planetary gearbox, named after its gear arrangement that resembles planets orbiting a sun, shifts between a 1:1 and a 0.7:1 ratio. In the 0.7:1 reduction, the forces are transferred through the planetary gears, resulting in the wheel rotating only 0.682 times per cassette revolution, effectively putting you in a “lower” gear. The power for shifting the planetary gearbox comes from the Classified Smart Thru Axle.
Practical: The Powershift hub can be easily removed from the hub shell without much effort and simply transferred to a second wheelset provided you own another wheelset with a Classified hub shell. A wheelset with just the hub shell is available from your dealer.
The Classified Cassette
Due to its design, the hub isn’t compatible with a conventional cassette, because the planetary gearbox requires more space than a standard freehub body. Classified offer their own 11-, 12-, and 13-speed steel cassettes, which are available with different gear ratios. The 11- and 13-speed versions are designed specifically for road and gravel bikes, while the 12-speed cassettes are used on mountain bikes. Our MERIDA ONE-SIXTY test bike was equipped with a 12-speed, 11–40T cassette, which offers a 530% gear range in combination with the Powershift hub. Compared to conventional cassettes from SRAM and Shimano, which have 520% and 510% gear range, respectively, the Classified cassette has a slight edge and also offers tighter gear spacing through the 24 gears. The smaller steps between gears increase the likelihood of finding the perfect gear.
The Classified Ringshifter
The Classified Ringshifter, which is discretely placed on the left side of the handlebars, allows you to switch between the two gear ratios in the rear hub by moving the shifter up or down. It offers excellent haptic feedback. The integrated battery lasts about a year and can be recharged via a magnetic cable.
The Classified Smart Thru Axle
The Classified Smart Thru Axle connects the remote on the handlebars to the Powershift hub at the rear. It can be installed like a regular thru axle simply by bolting it in and out. The external receiver also doubles as the axle release lever. The axle’s wireless receiver picks up the shifting signal from the remote, and the shift is executed electronically via contactless power transfer using an induction coil. The axle can be charged via a Micro-USB port and, according to the manufacturer, should last for about 10,000 shifts or 4 months before requiring charging. Both the remote and the axle have LEDs that light up during shifting, with the color indicating the battery charge level. An ANT+ interface also allows you to connect GPS computers to display the gear ratio or battery status.
Can I Use the Classified Powershift System on my mountain bike?
When it comes to compatibility, there are a few things to consider. You can’t just order and install the system yourself. Classified took a few steps to prevent over-zealous DIY mechanics from trying it themselves, as the Powershift system is only available through authorized dealers. You can find suitable partner dealers on Classified’s website.
Drivetrains
The Powershift System is compatible with both electronic and cable-operated drivetrains. Powershift hub and cassettes can be paired with 12-speed derailleurs from Shimano, SRAM, and TRP.
Cranks and Chainrings
You can choose any crankset you like. Classified’s website provides a table with an overview of all compatible cassette/chainring combinations. However, Classified recommend using a chainring with at least 30 teeth.
Frames
The Classified Powershift system is currently only compatible with bikes featuring a 12×148 mm rear end, which applies to most modern bikes. An exception would be Pivot’s Superboost rear end measuring 157 mm.
In terms of price, the Classified Powershift System is not quite cheap and starts at €1,449. There are different options available for purchasing the Classified Powershift system:
- Powershift set with Classified wheelset
- Powershift set with a selected wheelset partner, such as Hunt
- Powershift set for your own custom wheel builds
Of course, there’s also the option to buy a bike that already comes equipped with the Classified system, like the Deviate Highlander 2 trail bike.
The Classified Powershift System on the Trail
At first glance, our MERIDA ONE-SIXTY test bike with Classified Powershift system is hardly distinguishable from an enduro bike with a conventional 1×12 drivetrain. The cockpit is nice and clean despite the additional remote, and the hub strongly resembles a regular hub. Only the receiver on the thru axle gives away that it’s not an ordinary mountain bike with a conventional 1×12 drivetrain. Operation is intuitive and mostly similar to a conventional chain drive: the 12 gears of the derailleur are shifted normally using the right-hand shifter. The Classified Powershift system adds a new element with the Ringshifter on the left side of the handlebars, which adjusts the hub in its two stages. The remote is easy to reach while riding, and the operation is straightforward: up for harder, down for easier. And it shifts in seconds, right after you press the remote. The hub’s shifting performance was flawless throughout our testing period and even works smoothly under load.
When pedalling uphill, you’ll notice the finer gear spacing straight away. This increases the chances of finding the optimal gear, which comes in particularly handy when you want to maintain your ideal cadence for maximum efficiency in riding situations with frequent gradient changes. However, such fine-tuning isn’t necessarily needed if you ride on forest roads with a consistent incline and aren’t chasing your uphill PRs.
As far as gear range goes, at 530%, the Classified system outperforms traditional MTB drivetrains from Shimano and SRAM, albeit only slightly. In the lowest gear, it requires about the same effort as a conventional chain drive. With both systems, you can tackle steep climbs without issues, depending on the chainring you chose. However, the Powershift system does require a bit more thought: instead of just one option for shifting gears, you now have two – either via the traditional shifter or through the Classified hub. It might sound trivial, but it’s just one more thing to consider, especially when your brain is already busy navigating a root field or an upcoming climb.
The Classified Powershift system shines above all on flowing trails with slight climbs. Here, it’s often enough to simply adjust the rear hub’s gear ratio using the left shifter to switch to a lower gear. This allows you to conquer the climb without changing gears via the derailleur. The gear shifts instantly, without the need to pedal, so you won’t risk catching your pedals on roots or rocks while pedalling.
Does the Classified System Make Sense on a mountain bike?
Although the Classified system has shaken up the road and gravel segment and banished the front derailleur, its advantages on mountain bikes are rather limited. The finer gear spacing, the slightly wider gear range, and the ability to shift gears without pedaling, are all features that don’t really offer practical advantages. Instead, the system adds even more complexity to the bike: more complex technology, proprietary thru-axle and wheels are required– and there are more batteries to charge too! The chain drive, with all its known drawbacks, remains. However, touring and marathon riders who cover long distances and value the perfectly matched gear might find happiness with the Classified system.
Our conclusion about the Classified Powershift
In terms of functionality and quality, the Classified Powershift system leaves nothing to be desired; it works flawlessly. The slightly wider gear range, the ability to shift without pedaling, and the finer gear spacing are cool features but don’t justify the relatively high price. As a result, the Classified Powershift is only a real benefit for a limited target audience focused on maximum efficiency and perfect cadence.
Tops
- Shifting while stationary
- Clean, integrated look
- Finer gear spacing
- High quality
Flops
- High price
For more information, visit classified-cycling.cc
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Words: Mike Hunger Photos: Mike Hunger
