Classified has announced its Powershift internal gear hub can now integrate with Shimano Di2 electronic drivetrains.
This enables riders to control a Powershift hub using Shimano Di2 shifters – eliminating the need for a separate shifter button.
Enabled via a free firmware update in Classified’s smartphone app, the brand says no additional hardware is required.
According to Classified, this integration will be available for all existing 11- and 12-speed Shimano Di2 groupsets (11-speed groupsets require a EW-WU111 D-Fly wireless unit).
Classified X Shimano
Since Classified launched its two-speed planetary hub gear system, we’ve been consistently impressed with its shifting performance but less enamoured with its lack of integration with mainstream drivetrains.
Now, though, that all seems to be changing.
Its recent collaboration with TRP, which resulted in the TRP and Classified Vistar Powershift groupset, was a big step in the right direction.
A partnership with Shimano – the largest producer of bicycle components in the world – is undoubtedly a more significant moment for the Belgian brand, however.
Shimano’s Di2 front shifting is highly regarded, but for riders who want the aerodynamic benefits of a 1x drivetrain but don’t want to lose the gear range of a 2x setup, a Classified Powershift hub is now a potentially more attractive solution.
Classified says this integration comes in response to "strong demand from leading bicycle manufacturers", so we might expect to see more Classified-equipped bikes in shops soon.
How Classified’s Powershift hub integrates with Shimano Di2 groupsets
Classified says it is now part of Shimano’s “Connected Partners” programme, which enables it to communicate with Shimano Di2 groupsets via its D-Fly wireless network. This is the same technology that enables wireless connections with smartphones, bike computers and electric bike motors.
This feature is activated by first updating the Powershift hub’s Smart Thru Axle to the latest available firmware via Classified’s own smartphone app.
A Shimano Di2 electronic groupset can then be paired with the Smart Thru Axle via that same app.
Once paired, riders can then use Shimano’s E-Tube Project app to configure a shifter to the correct D-Fly channels.
Riders can either set a single button to toggle between the two gears in the Powershift hub, or use two buttons – one for ‘up’ and one for ‘down’ shifts.
Classified also says Di2 satellite buttons can be configured to shift the Powershift hub too, if desired.
The brand notes that the Classified Powershift hub is “currently” not compatible with Shimano’s Synchronised Shift settings (which enables a Di2 front derailleur to be controlled automatically, leaving the rider to simply selecting ‘easier’ or ‘harder’ gears).
Riders will therefore only be able to control the Powershift hub manually – much like a conventional 2x setup.
Its use of the word “currently” is notable, though, as the existence of QuantumShift on the TRP and Classified Vistar Powershift groupset – a feature almost identical in function to Shimano’s full Synchronised Shift setting – would suggest there are no hardware limitations here.
Classified cautions that if using a rear derailleur without a clutch – as on 105 Di2 R7100, Ultegra Di2 R8100 or Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 – it is “advisable” to use a chain guide, to reduce the risk of chain drops.
The brand also says that as the Powershift hub has its own internal rechargeable battery, the battery life of a Di2 groupset will not be affected (though you will now have two things to remember charge).
