Imagine a world where the front derailleur becomes obsolete, a relic of the past. That's the bold vision Classified Cycling is pursuing, and it's shaking up the cycling industry in the process. But here's where it gets controversial: can a small, independent brand really challenge the giants of the cycling world? And this is the part most people miss: Classified isn't just about replacing the front derailleur; it's about revolutionizing the entire drivetrain system.
Classified Cycling, co-founded by Mathias Plouvier and Dr. Roëll van Druten in 2019, emerged from a simple yet powerful question: 'Why settle for 12 speeds when we can offer 15 or 16?' This curiosity led to the development of their groundbreaking two-speed hub gear system. With roots tracing back to 2005 and a team of ex-automotive powertrain specialists, Classified quickly gained traction. Their journey accelerated with investments from cycling legends like Tom Boonen and Philippe Gilbert, who not only endorsed the product but also became vocal advocates. Boonen even claimed he could have won more races with Classified's system during his career.
The brand's 'front derailleur killer' system, the Powershift CF, eliminates the need for a front derailleur while addressing cross-chaining inefficiencies—a long-standing pain point for cyclists. This innovation perfectly aligns with today's focus on optimization and marginal gains. In 2022, Cyclingnews' review team tested the system and was immediately impressed, sparking widespread interest. The system gained further notoriety in 2023 when Victor Campenaerts used a Ridley/Classified-equipped bike with a 68-tooth chainring, causing a stir in the cycling community. By 2024, teams like Ineos Grenadiers were utilizing Classified hubs in the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia, though a certain Slovenian rider dashed their hopes for a maiden WorldTour win.
One of Classified's most significant milestones is its recent integration with Shimano Di2 groupsets. This allows riders to operate the Powershift hub using a Shimano Di2 shifter, eliminating the need for an additional shift button and streamlining the setup. But here's the controversial part: instead of competing directly with Shimano, Classified partnered with them, sending a powerful message to the industry. This move not only enhances user experience but also positions Classified as a collaborative innovator rather than a disruptor.
However, Classified's journey hasn't been without challenges. While WorldTour teams like Ineos Grenadiers have adopted their system, sponsorship agreements often prevent these partnerships from being openly promoted. This limitation, coupled with the exclusivity demands of road team sponsorships, has slowed Classified's progress in the pro scene. Is this a fair barrier, or does it stifle innovation? It's a question worth debating.
Despite these hurdles, Classified is playing the long game. Their focus is on becoming a key OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) supplier, embedding their components into bikes from the factory. With 600 retail points, 45 partner brands, and 25 distributors, they're making strides. Big players like Ridley and DT Swiss are already speccing Classified systems, and the brand is working on multi-speed hubs, integrated gearboxes, and motors for the e-bike market.
But here's the real question: Can Classified sustain its momentum and become a household name in cycling? Plouvier emphasizes that building a lasting company requires patience and trust, likening it to a marathon rather than a sprint. Their strategy involves early collaboration with OEMs to ensure new products are seamlessly integrated into bike designs. This approach aligns with their automotive industry background, where long-term relationships are key.
As for the front derailleur's future, Plouvier believes its days are numbered. 'It feels very old-fashioned,' he says, though he stops short of predicting its exact expiry date. With bikes evolving rapidly, Classified aims to lead the next era of cycling technology.
So, what do you think? Is Classified onto something revolutionary, or is the front derailleur here to stay? Let us know in the comments—we'd love to hear your thoughts!
