Revolutionizing Gear Shifting: The Patent Breakdown

Classified's design hinges on the concept of keeping the chain in a perfectly straight line between the chainring and the cassette. By enabling axial movement of the cassette along the hub axle, the chain shifts effortlessly between neighboring cogs, ensuring that its alignment remains unchanged. This groundbreaking approach not only simplifies the mechanics of shifting but also heralds the potential for enhanced cycling efficiency.

While the patent illustrations in the documents depict a cassette with a maximum of seven cogs, the text reveals that inventor Roëll Marie Van Druten has envisioned flexibility for up to nine cogs. This adaptability could cater to various cycling conditions and preferences.

Doubling the Gears with Internal Gearing

The magic doesn't stop there. The Classified Powershift Hub, an electronic internal gearing system, allows riders to toggle between two pre-set gear ratios for each cog in the cassette. This means that you could effectively experience twice the gearing options without the bulk and complexities of a front derailleur. The design's significant advantage lies in maintaining a straight chainline across an impressive span of gears, potentially reducing friction that traditional systems suffer due to angled chains.

Imagine the ramifications of such efficiency! With less friction, cyclists could expect a longer lifespan for their chains, cassettes, and chainrings—a game-changer for those who invest in high-performance cycling components.

What About the Tensioner?

You may be pondering: does this new system require any form of derailleur? Not quite! Classified’s design includes a simple chain tensioner, which merely ensures the chain's tautness for the selected gear while lacking the traditional derailleur’s movement capability. This component is vital for switching between gear lengths, and it might even feature a friction element that functions like a clutch—similar to those found in high-end mountain and gravel bike systems.

The Future of Cycling Gear Technology?

While it's thrilling to see Classified make strides in drivetrain technology, it's essential to note that filing a patent doesn’t guarantee an immediate market release. This innovative design may still be in the conceptual phase, and whether or not it transitions into a commercial product remains to be seen.

What’s clear, however, is that this design could significantly appeal to road cyclists, where every watt saved is crucial. With potential applications across various biking disciplines—road, gravel, and mountain—the increased efficiency and longevity this system offers could revolutionize how we think about gear systems.

Stay tuned! We’ve reached out to Classified Cycling for more insights and will keep the cycling community updated on this groundbreaking development. Expect more revolutionizing innovations from Classified as they aim to dominate the future of cycling technology!