The classified hype intensifies with a new partnership and €10 million investment – are the days of the front-wheel derailment numbered?

[ad_1]

British wheel manufacturer Parcours has announced a long-term partnership with Classified.

Parcours’ Alta gravel wheels and the Ronde, Chrono and Strade range will all be available with Classified’s Powershift hubs. These models make up the Parcours Antique Wheel Collection.

Classified’s Powershift is a two-speed gear system located at the rear axle.

It effectively replaces the front derailleur on a 1x drivetrain. The system can be operated wirelessly via a modified Shimano 11-speed Di2 shifter, or with a separate handlebar-mounted remote.

This technology is currently only found on road and gravel bikes, but Classified has said publicly that it is developing a similar system for mountain bikes and urban bikes.

Parcours teased more announcements and partnership developments later in the year.

Growing support

Parcours joins a growing list of manufacturers that are partnering with Classified. Parkours

Parcours becomes the eighth wheel brand to partner with Classified.

In July 2022, DT Swiss, Mavic, Fast Forward, ENVE, Reynolds, Boyd and Spinergy all announced that they would begin making discreetly equipped wheelsets.

Classified also offers its G30 Powershift wheelset, which mats the hub to a 30mm deep, tubeless-ready tapered rim, for £2,299 / $2,999 / €2,599.

This week, it was announced that Nick Evans, Chairman of Rapha, will invest €10 million in Classified.

It remains to be seen whether Classified’s innovative hub-based system can spell the front end of the trail, but the increase in partnerships and investment indicates that interest in the technology is growing.

Classified’s G30 Powershift is the brand’s wheelset option. Tom Marvin/Our Media

1x drivetrains are found almost everywhere on mountain bikes and are specified on many gravel bikes. It’s not very popular on road bikes because some riders prefer a wider range of gears with smaller hops in between.

With the cog on the Classified’s proprietary hub, the front derailleur can be removed. This provides a cleaner aesthetic and is a lower entry site for mud in an off-road environment.

It also opens up the possibility of new frame designs, since front-mounting requires no expense.

[ad_2]