Internally geared hub manufacturer Classified has partnered with performance brake specialist TRP to create a 16-speed one-by groupset. The Vistar//Powershift is available in a 1×16 configuration for the road or 1×15 for gravel, though the “1×16” notation is a little misleading; there’s no 16-speed cassette, just 16 unique gear ratios.
The new Vistar // Powershift groupset uses a 12-speed cassette combined with a Powershift hub to provide sequential shifting, with the hub gear automatically changing as required to provide 16 sequential gears. For riders looking for even more gears, it is possible to take full control of the shifting, theoretically allowing riders to have 24 overlapping gear ratios from a one-by drivetrain.
Shifting is done electronically, with the shifter, derailleur and internal hub gears working wirelessly.
For a single chainring groupset, the brands claim this new collaboration offers the widest gear ratio range of 530% when using a 10-40 tooth cassette.
TRP is not new to the groupset world. The brand already produces the EVO 12 and EVO 7 DH mountain bike groupsets. However, this partnership with Classified marks TRP’s first foray into the road and gravel markets.
Mathias Plouvier, CEO of Classified, said: “We have worked with TRP for two years on this groundbreaking product and are delighted to present the VISTAR // Powershift groupset for the first time.”
The Vistar // Powershift groupset combines a 12-speed one-by drivetrain with Classified’s Powershift two-speed internal hub gear (Image credit: Classified)
“Both Classified and TRP share the same strategic vision of pushing the boundaries of drivetrain technologies and we have achieved our goal of creating a groundbreaking product that is not only fast, efficient and durable, but also offers the widest gear range on the market.”
The latest racing content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides delivered straight to your inbox!
While TRP may not be a mainstream name in the groupset market, it is certainly a brand associated with hydraulic disc brakes, with over 35 years of experience creating performance brakes. That pedigree carries over to the Vistar levers, with TRP stating that “Vistar’s innovative, ergonomically designed hoods and levers enable powerful, one-finger braking for all hand sizes.”
TRP claims that “Vistar’s innovative, ergonomically designed hoods and levers enable powerful, one-finger braking regardless of hand size.” (Image credit: Classified / TRP)
Aerodynamic and efficient
One of the main perceived benefits of the groupset is the aerodynamic advantage of removing the front derailleur. Due to their location on the side of the seat tube, front derailleurs are in direct airflow and are not inherently aerodynamic in shape. Switching to an internal hub gear system reduces the overall drag that a groupset creates.
Another added benefit of using a single-ring setup with a two-speed internal hub gear is the ability to maintain an optimized chainline longer. With a traditional single-ring setup, the optimal chainline is in the middle of the cassette. With a traditional double-ring setup, the optimal chainline varies depending on which chainring you are riding on.
What the Vistar // Powershift enables is that riders have more gear options around the middle of the cassette, which keeps the chain in a more efficient position for a wider effective spread of ratios. This has the benefit of increasing drivetrain efficiency compared to a traditional one-by setup.
Leo Chen, CEO of TRP, said: “We are proud to have joined forces with Classified for our first electronic drop bar groupset for road and gravel bikes.”
“Both companies are driven to disrupt the market with innovative new technologies, and with VISTAR // Powershift we have delivered a unique groupset that delivers top performance from two wheels, but with all the benefits of a single system.”
There are still few details known about the price and availability of the groupset, but we can expect the groupset to be available towards the end of Q3 of this year.
