CLASSIFIED: THE ULTIMATE DRIVETRAIN OPTIMIZATION

Maximize your power output and efficiency while minimizing your drivetrain with Classified’s innovative Powershift hub. Classified’s goal is to optimize your drivetrain for performance with increased efficiency, durability and streamlined functionality. The front derailleur can often be the “weak link” in drivetrain reliability and shifting performance. Classified’s Powershift hub solves this by offering the wide gear range and small gear steps previously only possible with use of a front derailleur. You’ll get the range and ratios of the 2x drivetrain you’re used to with worry-free shifting under maximum load.

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What is Powershift?

Powershift Technology is a wireless shifting technology that allows the rider to shift gears almost instantly and under full load. Classified’s first application of this innovation is the Powershift hub, which is intended to replace a front derailleur in conventional 2x or 3x systems. This integrated, wireless shifting system offers unrivaled shift quality, wide gearing range and a streamlined, aerodynamic drivetrain.

Uncompromised Gear Range And Efficiency

Classified hubs’ technology is designed to replace the functionality of a front derailleur while maintaining the wide gear range of a traditional 2x set-up. Combined with various cassette options you can fine-tune your Classified drivetrain for precisely the wide gear range and small gear steps you want: up to 530%!

Classified hubs likewise do away with the chain-drop typically associated with front derailleurs and thus provide more reliable, consistent and faster shifting under pedaling load, regardless of the rider and power demands.

Aerodynamic + Streamlined Drivetrain

Your Classified hub operates with three core components:

1) Handlebar-mounted shift system
2) Smart thru-axle
3) Powershift hub

This simple and effective system gives instant, contactless shifting, flawless shifting under loads up to 1000W and months of battery life between charges.

Ride Better, Whatever the Weather

Classified hubs are designed to be used with gravel and road bikes with 100m front axles and 142mm rear axle spacing, as well as most modern 11 and 12spd derailleurs. This means they’re an easy upgrade for most road and drop-bar gravel bikes. Classified has also launched Powershift technology for both MTB and eMTB uses if you are interested in these please reach out.

Classified also touts the hubs to be entirely waterproof, keeping the enclosed Planetary Gear system stays clean and maintenance-free. If you prioritize the highest-performing components to elevate the aerodynamic and power advantage in your riding, Classified hubs are for you.

Classified Hub Weights

Classified Hub
647g Actual Hub Weight

Classified Hubs / Frequently Asked Questions

This resource page is here for all of your technical needs.  Whether you’re a wheelbuilder, mechanic or just looking for maintenance tips, it can all be found here.  If you’re looking for something and you can’t find it,  then please contact us at ride@noblwheels.com.  Our customer service team is here to help you out!

Performance

How efficient is the hub?

The Classified hub design allows for an extremely efficient drivetrain. While you may overall see a slight increase in system weight, any potential gain will be more than made up for by the efficiency of the technology.

When compared to a conventional 2x setup, Classified claims there is a 30% reduction in chain tension and lessr cross-chaining which means you’ll lose less power in the cranks and hub bearings.

Can I shift under load?

Shift away! Classified hubs are able to shift under full load (up to 1000 watts) giving you an unrivaled feel when compared to a typical 2x drivetrain setup. Classified hubs allow you to also shift while back-pedaling, coasting and at a standstill. As soon as you continue putting power down on the pedals, the Powershift will initiate as normal.

What is the gear ratio?

Two gear ratios come into play when using a Classified hub. The first being a 1:1 ratio, meaning the speed of your rear wheel is equal to the speed of the cassette. The second ratio is a reduction, at 0.686, lowering the wheel speed in relation to the cassette.

As an example: If you have a 46t chainring, the Powershift Hub gives you a 46T * 0.686 = 31.556T virtual chainring while in second gearing ratio.

How much does it weigh?

Classified Powershift setups generally work out to be lighter than a bike with a traditional 2x electronic drivetrain installed with all factors considered. The Classified hub itself weighs in at 496g.

How quick does it shift?

Classified hubs have the ability to shift faster than anything else currently available on the market with a claimed shift time of 150ms.

What is a Planetary Gear system?

The Classified Planetary Gear system works by using a series of gears that rotate around one smaller gear at the center of the hub called the Sun gear. These gears are meshed to allow them to roll without any slippage and are encased within the larger, outer ring gear.

Maintenance And Servicing:

Are there any weather restrictions with Classified hubs?

The design allows for use in all weather conditions and is rated to perform in ambient temperatures from 50 degrees Celsius all the way down to -15.

How long do the batteries last?

The unit in your handlebar uses a coin cell battery that lasts on average one full year of usage before it’ll need replacing.

For the thru-axle, you’ll recharge this via the included USB cable. A full charge is estimated to last between 3-6 months of shifting depending on how frequently you ride!

Classified shows exactly how to check both battery levels HERE and HERE.

Checking battery status?

Both the thru-axle and handlebar unit have a LED that illuminates when shifting. The LED colour will indicate your current level of charge. Green means you have plenty of charge left and a red LED means you have under 20% battery remaining.

You can also monitor battery levels when stationary by hitting the status button on both the thru-axle and handlebar transmitter.

Classified shows exactly how to check both battery levels HERE and HERE.

Cleaning practices?

Follow the same procedure as you would with washing any other part of your bike: high pressure hoses are not recommended and a bike safe cleaner or soap should always be used.

Hub servicing/Spare parts?

Any service requests are best directed straight to the Classified support team.

What maintenance is required?

Zero! The hub is designed to be maintenance free and its design prevents dirt, dust and grime from entering into the gears. Hub bearings are the one part subject to wear and can be replaced.

If you’re encountering any play in your Classified hub, please contact them directly.

Parts Compatibility

What bikes are compatible with the Classified hub?

Your bike frame must have these specifications:

  • Rear hub spacing of 142mm
  • Flat-mount, centerlock disc brakes with a 140 or 160mm rotor
  • 1x front chainring
Is a specific cassette required?

Yes. Classified produce their own cassette that works with the Powershift hub available in a few difference sizes of range. These cassettes are machined from a locally sourced, single piece of steel with both 11spd and 12spd options available.
As a note, the mountain 11-40 cassette is only available in 12 speed but it will fit the 142 spacing hub shell as well so riders can use this as a super wide range road/gravel cassette as long as you have a 12 speed driver. We’ve put together some other information about gear ratios here.

 

Which chains are compatible with the Classified setup?

Classified 11 speed cassettes are designed to operate with Shimano CN-HG601-11, CN-HG701-11 and CN-HG901-11 11-speed chains.KMC X11 and DLC11 chains are also compatible.

Classified 12spd cassettes are designed to operate with all SRAM 12spd compatible chains.

Which rear derailleur should I use?

Classified cassettes are compatible with 11 and 12 speed rear derailleurs from both SRAM and Shimano. One thing to watch for is that the maximum sprocket size of your derailleur fits your selected cassette. Both electronic and cable shifting are compatible.

Due to the Powershift technology, it’s likely the Classified cassette is smaller than your current one so we don’t anticipate this will be a problem for most riders. Please reach out to us if you have any specific questions we can help with!

Can I change my cranks/chainring?

Yes. You are free to choose from any 1x compatible crankset as long as it works with your chosen frame. Classified doesn’t recommend going any smaller than a 40t chainring up front for their road and gravel hubs but we used a 36t during our testing and we found it worked very well.

Do I need to use the Classified thru-axle?

Classified cassettes are compatible with 11 and 12 speed rear derailleurs from both SRAM and Shimano. One thing to watch for is that the maximum sprocket size of your derailleur fits your selected cassette. Both electronic and cable shifting are compatible.

Due to the Powershift technology, it’s likely the Classified cassette is smaller than your current one so we don’t anticipate this will be a problem for most riders. Please reach out to us here if you have any specific questions we can help with!

What size brakes should I run?

For road/gravel applications, you’ll need to run flat mount, centerlock brakes using either a 140mm or 160mm rotor.

What rims are compatible?

Classified says you’ll need to select a rim with an ERD between 548mm and 594mm to allow for a Classified rear wheel build.

We’re not entirely sure why they set these limitations specifically but we can guarantee these hubs will work with any NOBL rims or wheels that you purchase, as long as the holes are drilled correctly.

Are Classified hubs e-bike compatible?

No. An e-bike produces too much torque and the internal gears are at risk of being damaged.

Are Classified hubs UCI approved?

Yes! Race away!

Can the Powershift hub be paired with a Powermeter?

Yes. You are free to use any crank or pedal-based Powermeter that works with your setup.

Setup/Installation:

Do I need to pair my hub and thru-axle every time I take out and reinstall my rear wheel or change to another Classified hub?

No. Pairing will be initiated between the handlebar unit and thru-axle automatically via Bluetooth. If you swap a Classified hub with another Classified hub, the pairing is not affected.

Can I pair my Classified hub with my ANT + cycling computer?

Yes, you can use ANT+ to display the Classified hub gear-status on ANT+ compatible computers. For pairing, follow your device’s instructions.

Can I fit the transmitter module in any handlebar?

While Classified says the transmitter module is only compatible with Shimano Di2-spec handlebars with a hole for the wiring positioned near the end of the handlebar, you can set things up in a variety of ways if you’re willing to get creative.

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