Component manufacturer Retroshift is changing is name to Genavelle, a name derived from two Dutch words that translates to “give all.” The Portland, Oregon-based company is best known for its shift/brake levers, which combine Tektro road brake levers with Microshift thumb shifters mounted on proprietary lever blades to create a lightweight, low-maintenance set-up that has gained a following with cyclocross racers. Under the name Genavelle, the company will expand its product line to include hydraulic brake/shift levers and cassette adapters.
“Gevenalle products are the result of a love for cyclocross and desire to offer innovative and problem solving solutions for the sport that road components don’t quite meet,” said company founder Adam Clement.
CX1 and 2 Hydraulic brakes
Gevenalle's new hydraulic shift/brake levers use TRP Hylex levers and calipers
Gevenalle’s new Hydraulic shift/brake levers use a mash-up approach similar to the company’s cable-actuated brakes by combining TRP Hylex lever bodies and brake calipers with the company’s own lever blades with mounts for thumb shifters. The shifters are compatible with Shimano 9, 10 and 11-speed road groups.
The “1” and “2” in the names denote the single and double chainring versions. The CX1 and CX2 are available now for US$399 and US$449, respectively, including calipers and rotors. (UK pricing TBA.) Buyers can choose between 160 or 140mm rotors.
The CX2 Hydraulic with levers, hoses and calipers has a claimed weight of 850g. The 1x-specific CX1 Hydraulic with levers, hoses and brake calipers has a claimed weight of 800g.
HOUP cassette spacers and Ti upgrade kits
The HALO increase the margin for error between the rear wheel and derailleur in muddy races, albeit at the expense of a cog
The HOUP, short for halo of ultimate protection, is designed to provide more clearance between the rear spokes and rear derailleur to lower the incidence of catastrophic derailleur failure that can be a common occurrence in muddy cyclocross races.
This spacer mounts to the freehub body and pushes the cassette outboard, requiring the removal of the seldom-used 11-tooth cog. A lockring is included with the US$20 HOUP. (UK pricing TBA.)
How necessary is this product? That will likely depend on what your course conditions are like. The company has even compiled a gallery of images of derailleurs ruined by muck and mire to state their case for spacing the drivetrain from the rear wheel.
How to install the halo spacer
Also new from Gevenalle are Ti cog upgrade kits that take the place of the three largest cogs on the cassette. The kits are available in both 10-speed (21-24-27t) and 11 Speed (23-25-28t) options. The kits are intended to work with Shimano, 5700, 6700 and 6800 series cassettes and allow the user to shave grams for a fraction of the cost of a Dura-Ace cassette. (The claimed weight savings from a Shimano 6700 cassette is 42g.)
The soon-to-be released Ti cogs shave weight from 10- and 11-speed Shimano cassettes
Both 10- and 11- speed Ti options will be offered with the HOUP spacer kit for US$85. (UK pricing TBA.)
The 10-speed HOUP spacers are available now. The company expects its 11-speed HOUP and 10/11-speed titanium upgrade kits to be available mid-June.
For more information visit www.gevenalle.com.
