TRP and Classified present the Vistar // Powershift groupset, an innovative shifting solution for gravel and road bikes. Alongside the market leaders Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo, a completely new player is entering the market with a complete system comprising shifting and brakes - and also offers a completely new approach to shifting gears on road and gravel bikes. The system combines a twelve-speed cassette with the Classified Powershift hub. The latter has a two-speed gearbox and can contribute a gear reduction - the effect is that of a double chainring with front derailleur. Because the Vistar also has an automatic mode that coordinates the rear derailleur and gear hub, there are effectively 15 or 16 individual gears that can be shifted through sequentially on the gear lever. According to the manufacturer, it should therefore offer the widest range of all current gravel and road bike groupsets. A 1x15 configuration is available for gravel bikes, while road bikes can be shifted with 1x16 gears.
Intelligent shifting with QuantumShift technology
The "brain" of the Vistar // Powershift system is the so-called QuantumShift technology. This software coordinates the shifting of the Powershift hub with the shifting process on the rear derailleur to ensure a logical gear sequence. In contrast to conventional 1x or 2x drivetrains, this should also be possible under full pedalling load. Riders can choose between the automated QuantumShift mode and manual shifting, in which all 24 gear combinations can be controlled individually. The wireless CMD "Command" system from TRP ensures reliable communication between the shift levers, rear derailleur, Powershift hub and accessories.
Ergonomics and brakes
The developers have placed particular emphasis on ergonomics when designing the shift levers. According to TRP, one finger should be sufficient for braking, regardless of hand size. The electronic rear derailleur is characterised by a lightweight but robust design and promises precise, low-noise shifting performance. The rear derailleur battery is removable.
Executions
To ensure broad compatibility, TRP and Classified offer various chainring options. For road bikes, 50- and 52-tooth variants are available, while gravel bikes can be equipped with chainrings from 44 to 48 teeth. Classified also offers an aerodynamically optimised crankset with chainrings from 46 to 52 teeth. The cassettes from TRP are made of steel and designed as a one-piece monobloc version, which should ensure optimum integration with the Classified Powershift hub.
Practical trials, including at Unbound
The reliability of the Vistar // Powershift system has already been tested under demanding conditions. The shifting group has been used in elite gravel races such as the Unbound race. Classified athlete Arno Van den Broeck used the system during his 200-mile race in Kansas, which proved the performance and robustness of the groupset.
The new Vistar // Powershift groupset is available now and costs €2,800.
General information about the Vistar // Powershift
- Gravel gear: 1x15
- Number of gears road bike: 1x16
- Basis: 12-speed cassette with Classified Powershift hub
- Switching protocol: Wireless CMD "Command" system
- Rear derailleur: RD-G8000E with removable battery
Chainring options
- Racing bike: 50, 52 teeth
- Gravel: 44-48 teeth
- Classified Aero crank: 46-52 teeth
Maik Schröder
Editor
