Classified Cycling
Classified Cycling is a Belgian drivetrain manufacturer that designs and sells the Powershift wireless electronic shifting system — a 2-speed planetary hub replacing the front derailleur — sold via OEM partnerships, a 600+ retailer network, and direct e-commerce to performance road, gravel, and MTB cyclists globally.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2019
- HeadquartersAntwerpen, Belgium
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Classified Cycling does
Classified Cycling is a Belgian private company, founded in 2019 by former automotive engineers Mathias Plouvier and Dr. Roëll van Druten, that designs and manufactures the Powershift wireless electronic shifting system for high-performance bicycles. The core technology is a 2-speed internal planetary gear hub (1:1 and 0.7 ratios) that replaces the front derailleur, paired with a Bluetooth LE wireless smart thru-axle and handlebar shifter. The system achieves 99.8% efficiency in direct drive (matching the DT Swiss 240 industry benchmark) and 99.2% in reduction mode, with sub-150 ms shifting under loads up to 1,500 W, up to 583% gear range, and 3–6 W aero savings from front-derailleur removal.
The product portfolio spans complete Powershift Sets (€1,000), single-piece cassettes in 11/12/13-speed configurations, carbon aero cranksets and CNC aluminum chainrings, and proprietary carbon wheelsets across road (R50, R36), gravel (G42, G19), and MTB (M25/30) categories. Revenue is generated exclusively through hardware sales across four channels: (i) OEM/embedded supply to 45+ bike brands including Ridley, MERIDA, and DT Swiss; (ii) a global dealer network of 600+ retail points supported by a certified dealer program with in-store demo capability; (iii) 25 distributors across Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Oceania; and (iv) direct e-commerce plus a B2B wholesale portal.
The company's strategic priorities are evidenced by three funding rounds totaling approximately €31M between 2020 and 2022 (the latest a €22M round led by Active Partners), formal integration into the Shimano Connected Partners program for Di2 interoperability, co-development of the TRP Vistar // Powershift groupset (the first 1x15/1x16 wireless groupset), and an announced expansion roadmap into multi-speed hubs and integrated gearboxes. Technology validation is reinforced by WorldTour team adoption (Ineos Grenadiers) and an athlete ambassador/investor roster including Tom Boonen, Anna van der Breggen, Marcel Kittel, André Greipel, and Philippe Gilbert.
Classified Cycling firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Classified Cycling
- Legal name
- Classified Cycling
- Website
- https://classified-cycling.cc
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2019
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Classified Cycling is a Belgian drivetrain manufacturer that designs and sells the Powershift wireless electronic shifting system — a 2-speed planetary hub replacing the front derailleur — sold via OEM partnerships, a 600+ retailer network, and direct e-commerce to performance road, gravel, and MTB cyclists globally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Classified Cycling industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Bicycle Drivetrain Components
- NAICS
- Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Parts Manufacturing (336991)
- SIC
- Motorcycles, Bicycles & Parts (3751)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Bike Parts & Components Retail (CRAMAHAB)
Keywords
Where Classified Cycling is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Antwerpen
- HQ country
- Belgium
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Classified Cycling business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Powershift Hub Systems: Sale of complete Powershift systems including the planetary hub, smart thru-axle, handlebar unit, shift button, and cassette. The hub is the core product enabling the company's wireless shifting technology.
- Drivetrain Components: Sale of individual components including cassettes (11, 12, 13-speed options), aero cranksets, chainrings, thru-axles, and handlebar units. Components available in various configurations for different cycling disciplines.
- Carbon Wheelsets: Sale of proprietary carbon wheelsets including R50 (50mm aero road), R36 (36mm climbing), G42 (42mm gravel), G19 (versatile), and M25/30 XC (mountain bike). Pre-built wheels designed for Powershift hub compatibility.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Powershift Set at €1,000 includes hub, thru-axle, handlebar unit, shifter, and cassette |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Cassettes range from 157g (11-speed 11-30) to 288g (12-speed 10-40 T-type) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Aero Crankset and Chainring combo at €652g weight, carbon construction |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Aero Crankset standalone at 470g carbon construction |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Aero Chainring standalone from 182g (50T) in CNC Machined 7075 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | R50 Carbon Wheelset at 1,415g, 50mm depth, designed for Powershift hub |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | R36 Carbon Wheelset at 1,315g, 36mm depth for climbing |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | G42 Carbon Wheelset at 1,350g, 42mm gravel-specific depth |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | G19 Carbon Wheelset at 1,160g, 19mm depth for versatile riding |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | M25/30 XC Carbon Wheelset at 1,365g for cross-country MTB |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels9 records
Classified Cycling product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Classified Cycling manufactures and sells the Powershift system, a wireless electronic shifting drivetrain built around a 2-speed planetary gear hub that replaces the traditional front derailleur. The company sells complete Powershift sets, individual components (cassettes, cranksets, chainrings, thru-axles, handlebar units), and carbon wheelsets direct to cyclists, through dealers and distributors, and as OEM-embedded technology to bike manufacturers including Ridley, MERIDA, and DT Swiss.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Powershift Set Complete Powershift drivetrain system that replaces the front derailleur with an internal 2-speed planetary gear hub, enabling wireless under-load shifting with up to 583% gear range. Targeted at performance road, gravel, and triathlon cyclists willing to invest in premium drivetrain technology.
- Classified Cassettes Single-piece CNC machined cassettes engineered specifically for Powershift hub compatibility. Available in 11-speed, 12-speed, and 13-speed options with weight ranging from 157g (11-speed 11-30) to 288g (12-speed 10-40 T-type).
- Aero Crankset with Chainring Lightweight carbon crankarms with sleek closed-face aerodynamic design, available in sizes 46T-54T for road and 44T-48T for gravel. CNC Machined 7075 aluminum chainring with 30mm axle diameter, Q-factor 146mm (road) / 151mm (gravel), 652g weight.
- Aero Crankset (Standalone) Carbon crankarms with aluminum spindle, weighing 470g in black colorway, designed for use with the Powershift hub and Classified chainrings.
- Aero Chainring (Standalone) CNC Machined 7075 aluminum chainring available in 46T, 48T, 50T, 52T, 54T sizes. Sold as a standalone replacement part for Powershift-equipped bikes.
- R50 Carbon Wheelset Aero road carbon wheelset at 1,415g (±5%) with 50mm rim depth, 22.5mm inner/28.5mm outer width, disc brake only, tubeless ready, designed specifically for Powershift hub compatibility.
- R36 Carbon Wheelset Lightweight climbing carbon wheelset at 1,315g (±5%) with 36mm rim depth, carbon clincher tubeless ready, built for Powershift hub.
- G42 Carbon Wheelset Gravel wheelset weighing 1,350g with 42mm rim depth, 25mm inner/30mm outer width, asymmetric design, compatible with 30-55c tires, designed for Powershift-equipped gravel bikes.
- G19 Carbon Wheelset Lightweight versatile wheelset at 1,160g (±5%) with 19mm rim depth, hookless design, supporting 35-61c tire compatibility at lower pressures for gravel and mixed-surface riding.
- M25/30 XC Carbon Wheelset Cross-country mountain bike wheelset at 1,365g with 25mm depth, 30mm inner/35mm outer width, 148 boost spacing, hookless tubeless ready, built for Powershift-equipped MTBs.
- TRP Vistar // Powershift Groupset Co-developed wireless groupset integrating TRP's wireless rear derailleur, brake/shift levers, chainset, and disc brakes with Classified's Powershift hub. The world's first 1x15 (gravel) and 1x16 (road) groupset offering up to 530% gear range with intelligent sequential gear selection.
- Shimano Di2 Integration Update Native integration that allows existing Shimano Di2 electronic shifting systems to control the Powershift hub through their original shift levers with no additional handlebar hardware required (D-Fly unit EW-WU111B needed only for 11-speed setups). Configured via the Classified app and E-TUBE app.
Quantifiable outcome
- 99.8% drivetrain efficiency in 1:1 direct drive mode (same as DT Swiss 240 industry standard)
- +7 more outcomes
Companies that use Classified Cycling
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Classified Cycling technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature6 records
Classified Cycling partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
30 partnerships are on record, tiered major and minor.
- ShimanomajorOfficial integration partnership through Shimano Connected Partners program. Powershift Hub now works with all Shimano Di2 11-speed and 12-speed groupsets via D-Fly channel configuration. Free software update enables control through existing Di2 shift levers without additional hardware.
- TRP (Taiwan Rayong Enterprises)majorJoint development of Vistar // Powershift groupset - world's first 1x15 (gravel) and 1x16 (road) groupset. Combines TRP's wireless rear derailleur and braking platform with Classified Powershift hub. Full wireless communication, QuantumShift intelligent sequential shifting, up to 530% range.
- DT SwissmajorPremium Swiss wheel component manufacturer with OEM partnership for Classified technology. DT Swiss hub shells compatible with Powershift technology.
- RidleymajorBelgian bicycle manufacturer with six models (Falcn RS, Fenix Disc, Kanzo Adventure, Kanzo Fast, Noah Disc, Grifn) featuring Classified Powershift integration as OEM supplier.
- MERIDAmajorTaiwanese bicycle manufacturer partnered to build REACTO ONE aero road bike specifically designed around Classified Powershift hub. MERIDA's most uncompromising aero configuration, built entirely around Classified technology.
- Ineos GrenadiersmajorWorldTour professional cycling team using Classified Powershift technology in competition, particularly in time trial applications. Serves as technology validation platform.
- ENVEminorPremium carbon wheelset manufacturer offering Classified-compatible wheel builds including the Fray model.
- HuntminorUK-based wheelset manufacturer with multiple Classified Powershift-ready models including 48 Limitless Aero Disc and 40 Carbon Gravel Race.
- ParcoursminorWheel manufacturer with Powershift-ready models including STRADE, RONDE, DISC, CHRONO, and ALTA wheelsets.
- FFWDminorDutch carbon wheelset brand with Drift Classified model designed for Powershift integration.
- SpinergyminorWheel manufacturer offering FCC47 Powershift-ready wheelset.
- 2mosominorEuropean distributor covering Netherlands market.
- 4GuimpminorEuropean distributor covering Italy market.
- AlternativsportsminorEuropean distributor covering France market.
- BicimaxminorEuropean distributor covering Spain and Portugal markets.
- Bike & Sports HandelsminorEuropean distributor covering Austria market.
- Bike and run expertminorEuropean distributor covering Greece market.
- BikersbestminorEuropean distributor covering Nordic markets.
- CodagexminorEuropean distributor covering Belgium market.
- MERIDA & CENTURION Germany GmbHminorEuropean distributor covering Germany market through MCG Parts.
- Velok AGminorEuropean distributor covering Switzerland market.
- On The EdgeminorNorth American distributor covering Canada market.
- XichuminorSouth American distributor covering Mexico market.
- FE sportsminorOceania distributor covering Australia and New Zealand markets.
- Chung Yung Cycle CominorAsian distributor covering China and Hong Kong markets.
- NichinaominorAsian distributor covering Japan market.
- Pro CycleminorAsian distributor covering Thailand market.
- PT BerkatminorAsian distributor covering Indonesia market.
- Stand CollectionminorAsian distributor covering Taiwan market.
- WolfisminorAsian distributor covering UAE market.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Classified Cycling competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Shimano: Global market leader in bicycle drivetrains and components with electronic Di2 shifting and broad OEM relationships. Classified integrates with Di2 but competes for the front-derailleur slot that Shimano traditionally owns.
- SRAM: Major US-based bicycle component manufacturer competing across drivetrains, brakes, and wheels. Competes with Classified through its 1x Eagle and eTap AXS electronic shifting systems serving the same OEMs and dealers.
- Campagnolo: Italian premium bicycle component manufacturer with electronic Super Record EPS drivetrains. Targets the same high-end road and gravel market as Classified via OEM relationships with Italian and European bike brands.
- FSA (Full Speed Ahead): Major Taiwanese bicycle component manufacturer offering cranksets, brakes, and groupsets. Competes with Classified across OEM drivetrain supply and serves the same bike manufacturer customers.
Direct peers
- Rohloff: German manufacturer of the Speedhub, a 14-speed internal geared hub for cycling. Most directly comparable to Classified on internal geared hub technology, though Rohloff uses mechanical cable shifting rather than wireless electronic.
- Pinion: German manufacturer of gearbox-based drivetrains (Pinion P1.18, P1.12) for bicycles and e-bikes. Directly competes in the internal-gearbox category, particularly in e-bike applications where Classified is also expanding.
- Enviolo (formerly NuVinci): Manufacturer of stepless continuously variable planetary gear hubs for bicycles and e-bikes. Competes in the same internal hub category with a different value proposition (stepless vs. discrete 2-speed).
Emerging players
- CeramicSpeed: Danish manufacturer of high-end cycling bearings, chainrings, and drivetrain components including the Oversize Pulley Wheel system. Targets performance-oriented cyclists with premium drivetrain upgrades, overlapping with Classified's efficiency-focused positioning.
- Rotor Bike Components: Spanish manufacturer of performance cranksets and chainrings (Q-Rings oval). Competes at the high-end of the cycling component market with proprietary chainring and crank technology addressing efficiency similar to Classified's hub.
- Box Components: US-based cycling component brand offering drivetrains, brakes, and wheels targeting mountain biking and gravel. Emerging competitor in 1x drivetrain systems where Classified also competes, though with different architectural approach.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Classified Cycling social profiles
Digital presenceClassified Cycling financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Classified Cycling leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Classified Cycling funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors3 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Classified Cycling M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Classified Cycling
What does Classified Cycling do?
Classified Cycling manufactures and sells the Powershift system, a wireless electronic shifting drivetrain built around a 2-speed planetary gear hub that replaces the traditional front derailleur. The company sells complete Powershift sets, individual components (cassettes, cranksets, chainrings, thru-axles, handlebar units), and carbon wheelsets direct to cyclists, through dealers and distributors, and as OEM-embedded technology to bike manufacturers including Ridley, MERIDA, and DT Swiss.
Is Classified Cycling a public or private company?
Classified Cycling is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Classified Cycling founded?
Classified Cycling was founded in 2019. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Classified Cycling based?
Classified Cycling is headquartered in Antwerpen, Belgium, in the Europe region.
How does Classified Cycling make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Powershift Hub Systems are the primary driver. The others are drivetrain Components and carbon Wheelsets.
Who are Classified Cycling's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo and FSA (Full Speed Ahead). Direct peers are Rohloff, Pinion and Enviolo (formerly NuVinci). Emerging players are CeramicSpeed, Rotor Bike Components and Box Components.
Does Classified Cycling have an API?
No public API is recorded for Classified Cycling.
What industry is Classified Cycling in?
Classified Cycling's product category is Bicycle Drivetrain Components. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAMAHAB, Bike Parts & Components Retail. Its NAICS code is 336991 and its SIC code is 3751.