Classified has launched updated carbon road wheels, the R36 and R50, to work exclusively with its own Powershift hub drivetrain system.
The wheels have modernised, wider rim profiles, with the outgoing R35 rims deepened by 1mm to make the R36. The R50 rims remain 50mm deep.
The new wheelsets are priced at €1,500 each. The necessary 142mm Powershift hub system must be bought separately, for €1,299.
Updated rim profiles
Classified has sought to modernise the rim profiles for its latest generation of wheelsets.
The R36 has seen a depth jump of 1mm versus the previous R35, but the main changes are seen inside.
The internal rim width now measures 22.5mm (up from 19mm), while the outer width has broadened to 28.5mm (up from 27mm).
Classified says the changes have been made in response to the increasing popularity of running wider tyres. Now, instead of recommending an upper limit of 700x32c tyres, the new wheels can support up to 700x42c rubber.
This gives the wheels greater all-road versatility, while Classified has hinted the wheels could also be used with gravel tyres in faster gravel races.
The rims continue to feature a hooked design, catering for both tubeless and clincher tyres. Each comes with tubeless tape fitted.
No standard freehub choice
Unsurprisingly, Classified’s R36 and R50 wheelsets are compatible only with its 142mm Powershift hub system – evidenced by the specific housing featured at the empty rear-wheel hub shell.
The new wheels see 22 Pillar Wing straight-pull spokes lace the rim to the hubs (a switch from DT Swiss Aerolite spokes).
The front wheel features a standard hub design with stainless steel bearings, given that the Powershift hub system is contained in the rear wheel.
Despite the slightly deeper, wider rim design, the R36 is claimed to weigh in the region of 1,315g, and the R50 1,415g – the same as the previous generation.
Both of these figures are quoted without a Powershift hub installed – riders can expect this to add around 475g to the rear wheel, plus the wireless shifting apparatus on the bike (the dedicated smart thru-axle, shifter button, torque arm and Classified cassette).
Of course, the system enables the removal of the front derailleur and the use of a 1x chainring (while the cassette is a swap-out), so the weight penalty is partially mitigated.
Pricing and availability
The new wheelsets are available from today and are on display at the Velofollies consumer bike show in Kortrijk, Belgium.
Both the R36 and R50 wheelsets cost €1,500, without the Powershift hub system. This costs €1,299, totalling €2,799 for a wholesale bike conversion.
The brand says it will be continuing to work with third-party wheelset brands – such as FFWD and Hunt – to integrate its hub technology into collaborative designs.
