Launched in 2022, the Classified Powershift is a two-speed internal geared hub that aims to take the place of the front derailleur. As covered in a previous review, its separate and proprietary sprint-style dropbar shifter had been an obvious compromise in what’s largely a compelling system.
Today Classified has announced a much-anticipated change, one that allows the Powershift hub to be shifted wirelessly and directly from a Shimano Di2 shifter.
A free update
Fundamentally, this update isn’t the result of any new components, but rather Classified updating its wireless receiver to meet Shimano’s Bluetooth connectivity.
Classified is achieving this connectivity through a firmware update within its own wireless receiver (built into its thru-axle handle). Existing owners of the Classified system can connect to the Classified app to perform the update.
Meanwhile, you’ll then need to use Shimano’s E-Tube Project app to reconfigure the functionality of your desired shift buttons. Classified recommends selecting “D-Fly channel 3” for upshifting, and “D-Fly channel 4” for downshifting. This would mimic Shimano’s regular front shifting configuration.
The integration will work on any Di2 system that’s capable of wirelessly connecting to Shimano’s E-Tube app. That includes any 12-speed generation shifter or older 11-speed components that are fitted with the wireless-connection D-fly unit (EW-WU111B). And while Classified hasn’t claimed as much, I’d think there’s potential to configure the function button of the newly released XTR M9200 Di2 shifters to perform the task, too.
Unlike Classified’s original system, this update removes the need for the company’s separate shifter and wireless handlebar transmitter. It promises a vastly cleaner setup.
The update means users of Shimano Di2 don't need the additional Classified shifter and handlebar transmitter.
Shimano and TRP
Of course, this announcement comes weeks after the official availability of the TRP Vistar x Classified drivetrain.
A key feature of that TRP drivetrain is that it can be set to provide sequential shifting, where the derailleur and Classified hub work simultaneously to provide the next easier or harder gear (not unlike how Shimano Di2’s SynchroShift works).
Meanwhile, pairing Shimano Di2 shifters with the Classified offers no such sequential shifting functionality. In this setup, the derailleur and the Classified systems are on entirely separate wireless connections and are blind to each other. It’s up to the rider to shift the two-speed hub gear, and the derailleur gears, as needed.
Still, the ability to use the Di2 shifter instead of Classified’s separate button is a much-welcomed update. It’s also surprisingly a cleaner setup than what the new TRP VIsta system has with its wired shifters connecting to a bar-end mounted wireless transmitter.
Making moves
Having previously spent plenty of time on the Classified system, this update removes one of my biggest barriers to recommending the system. Add in the new TRP Vistar option, along with recent SRAM-friendly cassettes, and it’s clear that Classified is progressing its product by attempting to increase its compatibility.
In the meantime, I suspect there’s more than a few potential customers now awaiting news of SRAM AXS connectivity, and to add pure speculation, I’d say the Bonus Button found on the new E1 generation of Red and Force shifters could be the answer to that.
Classified had previously teased that it intended to offer a complete solution in the drivetrain market. However, these new updates hint at a more collaborative future for the company.
“At Classified, our core mission has always been to innovate and improve the drivetrain experience for riders. The recent integrations with Shimano Di2 and TRP systems reflect our strong belief in open, collaborative solutions that enhance performance and simplicity,” wrote Mathias Plouvier, Classified’s co-founder and CEO in response to a question Escape Collective asked regarding whether the company had changed its strategy.
Whether these new collaborations and connections are a sign of a changing strategy for the Belgian company remains to be seen. Either way, Classified is clearly chipping away at its barriers to adoption.
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