Cyclist
Classified and TRP join forces to launch a wireless groupset
Classified has combined its two-ratio hub gear with a new 12-speed electronic gear system from TRP, to provide a single chainring groupset with 2×12-speed wireless electronic shifting. Although you can operate it like a conventional 2×12-speed system, the new Vistar // Classified gearing can be configured to offer 16 sequential gears for road or 15 for gravel use. Fitted with an 11-42 tooth cassette, this offers a wider 530% range than the alternatives from SRAM and Shimano.
The Vistar // Classified system will be available from Q3 2024, with prices yet to be announced.
Shift under load
Belgian brand Classified’s Powershift hub gear offers the benefits of a 2x system with a single chainring, with two sets of ratios available via gearing in the rear wheel’s hub. It’s a pared-down version of a multispeed hub gear, which rivals a two chainring system in weight and allows shifting under load as the planetary gears are continuously engaged. Shifting usually requires a satellite shifter-style button on the bars.
We loved the fast shifting under load without the risk of chain drop when we reviewed the Classified Powershift system in 2022.
Now Classified has joined forces with TRP to create a complete wireless electronic groupset called Vistar // Powershift. This combines derailleur shifting over a 12-speed TRP cassette with the Powershift hub to provide 15 or 16 sequential gears with the potential for a huge range of over 530%.
The system logic takes care of deciding whether your next gear up or down requires a derailleur shift or a change in the Powershift hub gear ratios.
If you prefer, you can also choose to work the two systems separately, as with a conventional 2x system, to provide 24 gears, although as with a 2x groupset, you’ll then have gear ratio overlaps, which the sequential setup avoids.
Road and gravel configuration options
The Vistar // Powershift system is available in two configurations, with either 16 discrete ratios for road use or 15 for gravel use.
When the Classified hub is paired with an 11-40t cassette, Vistar // Powershift provides a gear range of over 530%. For comparison, a SRAM mullet build has a 520% maximum range and Shimano GRX 12-speed Unstoppable offers 510% range.
Among the benefits claimed for the new system – besides eliminating the risk of chain drop and crunch-free shifting under load – are increased drivetrain efficiency and lower frictional loss than a conventional 2x system. There should be less wear on components, as the system logic helps to maintain a straighter chainline and the single chainring is larger than the small ring in a 2x system. You can also shift when stationary, thanks to the Classified hub’s continuous engagement.
Without two rings and a front mech, the system is claimed to be more aero too. There’s a Classified aero chainset available, as well as a standard open sided design. The derailleur battery is removeable for charging, which also means that you can carry a spare in case it runs flat on longer rides.
Of course, the groupset also includes TRP’s hydraulic disc brakes, which the brands say offer one-finger braking, with the brake levers designed for ergonomics for a wide range of hand sizes.
Although TRP is best known for its brakes, it also sells two 1x MTB groupsets with mechanical shifting over cassettes up to 10-52t. It claims that the Wave tech in the Vistar // Classified cassette, as with other brands’ systems, such as Shimano’s Hyperglide+, offers rapid shifting between sprockets.
Vistar // Classified has already seen action at the 2024 Unbound Gravel race with the Classified Ridley Factory Team‘s Arno van der Broeck using it in the premier nine-hour 200-mile race.
There’s no word yet on pricing, but we do know that Vistar // Classified is expected to be launched towards the end of Q3 2024, when further details of the system and its gearing options will be made available.
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