For years, cyclists have faced a fundamental drivetrain dilemma: the simplicity of a 1x setup versus the wider range of a traditional 2x system. Now, a strategic collaboration between TRP and Classified aims to resolve this problem. Together, they are releasing the Vistar // Powershift groupset, which introduces a novel approach, combining a wireless rear derailleur with a 2-speed internal hub to deliver a seamless electronic shifting experience with up to 16 unique, sequential gears, all without a front derailleur.
This alliance brings together two distinct but complementary forces in the cycling industry. TRP has been in the cycling manufacturing business since 2006, starting with high-end brakes and later becoming a serious contender in performance drivetrains. It is now the first major drivetrain manufacturer to fully integrate the technology of its partner, Classified. The Belgian deep-tech company, founded in 2019 and backed by cycling legends like Tom Boonen and Anna Van der Breggen, has rapidly established its innovative Powershift hub as a groundbreaking piece of technology. Together, they aim to redefine drivetrain standards with Vistar.
Beyond 2x: Virtual front shifting with QuantumShift
At the heart of the groupset is the intelligent integration of TRP’s Vistar derailleur and shifters with Classified’s 2-speed Powershift hub. Concealed within the rear wheel, the hub acts as a virtual front derailleur, offering a 1:1 direct drive and a 0.7 reduction ratio. The system’s brilliance lies in its QuantumShift technology. This electronic system coordinates every shift, automatically deciding whether to move the derailleur across the 12-speed cassette, actuate the internal hub, or do both simultaneously.
For the rider, this means a simple up or down shift command results in a perfectly sequential gear change, eliminating the gear overlap and awkward cadence disruptions of a 2x system. A prime example is the downshift: instead of a small jump to the next larger cog on the cassette, the system can instantly shift the hub into its 0.7 ratio while simultaneously moving the derailleur up several cogs, landing the rider in the next most logical gear with an uninterrupted pedal stroke. Classified claims this hub shift occurs in just 150 milliseconds, even under full pedaling load.
This seamless integration is managed by the TRP Command (CMD) wireless protocol and a companion app. Within the app, riders can switch between the automated QuantumShift and a full manual mode, which allows for independent control of the hub and derailleur for 24 theoretical gear combinations. The app also allows for derailleur trim adjustments and battery monitoring. All wireless communication between the shifters, derailleur, and the proprietary Smart Thru-Axle, which houses the hub’s power and electronics, is handled via Bluetooth, while an ANT+ signal can broadcast gear and battery data to compatible head units.
The Vistar // Powershift ecosystem is a detailed collection of purpose-built components. The Vistar RD-G8000E rear derailleur is crafted from forged alloy and carbon fiber, features an adjustable clutch, and accommodates cassettes up to 40T for gravel. The proprietary CS-CL8000 monoblock steel cassettes are designed specifically for the Powershift hub interface and are available in four 12-speed versions: road-focused 11-30T and 11-32T options, and wider-range 11-36T and 11-40T cassettes for gravel. Complementing these are multiple carbon crankset options, including road-specific models with a 45mm chain line and 146mm Q-factor, and gravel versions with a wider 49.7mm chain line and 151mm Q-factor.
Proven at the highest stages of road and gravel
Credibility for the system has been established at the highest levels of the sport. The Powershift technology has already been adopted by the WorldTeam INEOS Grenadiers, powering Filippo Ganna to a national time trial championship, and has been recently proven in Unbound too. For consumers, existing Classified hubs are forward-compatible, requiring only a Vistar-specific cassette and a firmware update to integrate with the full groupset. However, the system remains a closed ecosystem, with its components not being cross-compatible with other drivetrain brands. Frame compatibility is broad, requiring only flat-mount disc brake standards and being fully compatible with the Universal Derailleur Hanger.
The launch of Vistar // Powershift is a bold move, presenting a distinct third option in a market long dominated by two giants. By internalizing the complexity of a 2x drivetrain, TRP and Classified are betting that riders are ready for a new solution that refuses to compromise. Whether its real-world performance lives up to the promise of revolutionizing the drivetrain will now be determined on the road and gravel trails.
