First rides on Classified Powershift MTB

In the last decade mountain bike drivetrains have seen a huge shift in technology in many ways. While we still primarily use a chain running over sprockets with a derailleur to activate the shifts, I think most would agree that the mid to high end equipment available now eclipses what was available in 2013. While 1x was becoming common on high end bikes with SRAM at the time, the range available was around 420% at the most from SRAM's 10-42 11-speed cassette. Double chain rings, and even triples, still made more sense for some for at least a few more years.

Since then 1x gear ranges have grown to 500%, then 510% and now even 520%. We've seen electronic shifting introduced by Shimano, and then SRAM, and now there are even autoshift functions from Shimano and SRAM via their e-bike systems. Even how the chain shifts over the casette has been refined, making shifts more secure and even improving the life of the chain.

Through these changes, some riders bemoan the reduced ground clearance with larger cassettes and the longer derailleurs needed. Range can still be limiting, and some miss the feel of smaller jumps between gears. 

Mountain bikers aren't the only people to want more range with a single chain ring – and a company called Classified created the Powershift for road and gravel bikes, where riders wanted the simplicity of a single chain ring (or that is all their frame allowed) but the gear range and ratios offered by a 2x setup. Powershift offers a two-speed internal hub that is operated by a bluetooth shifter. Now the same system is available for mountain bikes.

A simple toggle gives a near immediate shift to a reduction gear so your range is 46% lower. Using the Powershift 11-40 12-speed casstte, you have a 530% range using your exisitng derailleur, shifter, crank and chain ring. 

A closer look at Classified Powershift MTB

With 10-51t Shimano 12-speed group sets and 10-52 SRAM 12-speed group sets, what's the need for a wider range? That's a user question, and some riders can still feel limited by a 1x system in either overall range, or finding the right steps between gears. Shimano and SRAM have done a brilliant job with gear spacing – more so on SRAM's Transmission group sets than stock Eagle – but those who like the optimum cadence will appreciate the closer steps on the Classified 11-40 cassette. If you don't understand the need for that – that's fine. This probably isn't a system for you.

The smaller cassette also means you can run a shorter cage rear mech for more ground clearance and a bit less chain slap for a given clutch tension. And at 246g – the cassette is light as well!

So what's actually going on with the hub? Basically there's a two position internal element that is pretty simple to remove from the hub shell. This means you can pop the Classified internals out of one wheel set or bike, and into another – providing you have it built on the hubshell.

How does it shift?

The change is actuated by a shifter and Bluetooth – and it is near instant. I've got the toggle switch setup, which sits next to my grip. It actuates to a through-axle, which sends the message to the internals.

It is a very subtle system – infact I saw it in use in Italy in September. But I didn't realise atf irst, as I saw a rider pedal away from me, using what looked to be a 34t chain ring and a small cassette. I was struggling to keep a good cadence up a steep, rough climb, in 34×51. As a friend pointed out – it looked like they were using the Classified Powershift system.

You use your same 12-speed derailleur, shifter and probably chain. I changed to an FSA chain as I'd been told that a Shimano HyperGlide+ chain didn't mesh as well. The cassette profile on the Classified cassette is very neat – but it doesn't have the updated shift ramps that HyperGlide+ does. The hub does not use an HG, Microspline or XD spline – it is unique. So you do need to use the Classified cassette. There are smaller sizes as well if you want a closer range.

I used a regular Shimano XT derailleur, although the B-tension tab is swung around to keep the jockey wheel closer to the cassette. A short cage XT or XTR mech would be ideal – I just don't own one.

So for shifting across the cassette, the system is the same as it was – although not as crisp as HyperGlide+. And when you start to get to the lowest gears, you can use the reduction gear while pedalling, or while stopped, or while coasting into a V-ditch. It won't matter.

Unique setup requirements

There are a couple. The Classified system comes with one through axle, and it has a modular end depending on the thread pitch needed, and for the outer face of your disc side drop out where the axle sits. There are also spacers so the axle sits in the right place. This does take a few attempts to get right – but won't need changing after that. The spacers are plastic and I would prefer they were alloy. I did end up with nearly 3/4 of a turn on the axle on my first ride as the spacers compressed a little.

But once the system is together, you can download the app and pair the shifter and axle. Both have rechargeable batteries and this will let you see the battery life, and if a firmware update is available. As you can move the items between bikes – you can have each item logged to a different bike as well.

Clearly this is no normal hub – an upgrade will need a new hub and therefore wheel build. Classified have a few options, but perhaps the simplest bolt on option is a wheel set, which is what I was sent to test. The Classified wheel set has a 35mm wide carbon rim (30mm internal) and the rear weighs 715g while the front is 684g. Of course the Powershift unit is an additional 499g. The shifter weighs a scvant 28g and the axle is 104g. I have the wheels setup with Pirelli Scorpion XC RC 2.4" tyres and Tubolight SL liners.

I removed a Shimano XT 10-51t cassette and chain for this, using the same 34t chain ring. I fitted the Classified Powershift setup to my hardtail which has a 120mm fork and 125mm dropper – it's one of my favourite bikes for summer as it's just as good for a long sidecountry ride as a short trail blast. It holds two bottles with no issues, and has very modern XC geometry for trail use.

On the trail

On my first ride I realised I didn't quite do it right. On my stock setup the 34×10 is usually a good top gear and 34×51 a fine low gear. I've often used this bike with a 36t ring as it's an even better fit. So with 34×11 as a top I did feel a bit underdone pedalling to trails. And that's mostly notable as the low gear is noticeably a lot lower, and with smaller gaps between gears I feel like I have about 3 different low gears to use depending how steep or loose it is. But I'd rather the gearing was higher overall. Lesson learned. You may even be able to up your chain ring size, if your frame allows it.

So the range delivered is really noticeable – I like the small jumps on the cassette but I miss the faster and smoother shift of HyperGlide+. The electronic shift going up or down is amazing – and it is a big difference. It's perfect for quick corners into pinch climbs, or rapidly jumping up a few gears with zero time lost to shifting. It's like changing three gears at once – instantly. To me, it really has race intentions or suitability for those who want an even wider gear range, while still having 16 unique gears based on ratios.

That said, the benefits of a shorter chain, shorter mech and the shift speed and chain security from both of those could well be of interest for trail riders as well. I have really liked the overall range available for the hilly trails where I live.

I've got some more time to spend on the system before I finalise a review. I like it. At $4899 as tested (with the wheels) it's surely a big investment. But this is quite a niche product that will suit some, but not everyone. This is the first product from Classified for mountain bikes, and given the range of cassette sizes they produce for road and gravel, I'll be interested to see if they develop more options anywhere in the mountain bike range.

From: FESports.com.au
RRP: $4899 as tested