The world’s first Powershift carbon disc TT wheel with a 2x hub inside comes via a new Classified x Parcours collaboration to bring the revolutionary internally geared hub drivetrain concept to triathlon and time trial racing. A number of tri & TT racers had already made the switch to 1x drivetrains for the aerodynamic gains, but now thanks to the Classified x Parcours collaboration, racers don’t need to compromise on gearing range or smooth cadence steps for racecourse with bigger elevation variation.
Classified x Parcours Powershift 2x carbon disc TT/Tri wheel
Every second counts in races against the clock, and now triathlon & time trials racers can get the best of both worlds with a Classified x Parcours Powershift-equipped carbon disc rear wheel – improved 1x aerodynamics AND the smooth cadence 2x gearing steps with bigger gear range for hillier TTs amateur racers.
At Classified, we believe that efficiency is the key to performance and enjoyment, so entry into triathlon and time trial represents a major leap forward for the company. We are excited to provide an unparalleled drivetrain solution to athletes of all abilities, from professionals to age groupers.
– Mathias Plouvier, Classified CEO and co-founder
Plus, the Classified hub means riding bigger chainrings (gear reduction to a virtual small chainring happens inside the rear hub) and the means improved drivetrain efficiency due to less chain articulation. Classified claims their solution reduces chain forces by up to 45% by eliminating front shifts, yet still allows for classic smooth cadence 2x gear steps.
Removing the front derailleur is certainly more aerodynamic, but it is Powershift Technology’s ability to allow the athlete to use a larger single chainring and rear sprockets where we can further improve efficiency. A larger chainring and sprockets mean less bending of the chain and, more importantly, lower chain forces. Lower chain forces mean lower friction and therefore higher efficiency. In this way Powershift Technology can provide vital energy savings, especially in a sport like triathlon and time trial.
– Roëll van Druten, Classified CTO
With the new Parcours Disc2 wheel, Classified has now filled out pretty much every geared cycling discipline out there – road, gravel, mountain bike, and time trial. And come cyclocross season, we’ll probably see plenty of gravel wheels making that jump too.
Disc2 Tech Details
The Powershift-ready Disc2 wheel is hooked tubeless-ready with a 22.5mm internal width, aerodynamically optimized around 28mm tires with a max rim external width of 30.5mm.
The full-carbon disc wheel weighs 1225g, which includes the empty centerlock disc Classified alloy hubshell, but not the Powershift internals.
Not only disc wheels, but deep aero wheelsets, too
While the Powershift-equipped Disc2 is the biggest news, the Classified x Parcours partnership also means matching up with a deep aero front wheel too. Parcours currently offers their wide tubeless-ready Chrono & Chrono Max front wheels as combos with the Powershift-ready disc rear wheel, so you can get various depths of matching Parcours front wheels to round out your TT or triathlon bike setup.
Both front wheels on offer are hooked tubeless with 22.5mm internal widths and max 32mm external widths. The Chrono front wheel is 68.6mm deep with a claimed weight of 745g. The Chrono Max front wheel is 83mm deep with an 805g claimed weight.
Interestingly, they haven’t offered them up yet, but Parcours athlete Ruth Astle has been racing on a Chrono rear wheel with a Powershift hub inside, too. So presumably, conventional deep aero-rimmed rear wheels with Classified’s Powershift internals are in the works, as well.
Add that to the list of deep aerodynamic wheels from Hunt, HED & Vision that already offer Classified Powershift integration in their aero wheels.
Classified x Parcours wheels – Pricing, availability & options
The new tubeless-ready 22.5mm internal Powershift-ready Parcours Disc2 wheel sells for 1429€ just for the rear wheel, requiring you to separately buy the Powershift internals and necessary gadgets from Classified directly for another 1449€. Yes, that’s 2878€ in total for the rear wheel including the internally geared hub, cassette, and controllers.
If you want a complete TT wheelset from Parcours, they’ll bundle the 68.6mm deep Chrono front wheel for an extra 710€, or the 83mm deep Chrono Max for an extra 780€. Order now for deliveries at the end of June 2023.
