Classified's hub-based two-speed shifting system is being used in the Tour de Hongri, the Cycling News technical team has discovered. This move suggests that the technology could be of interest to pro teams.

Just a few weeks ago, we published the results of our hands-on review of the Classified Powershift CF G30 gravel wheelset. Our verdict was that while the wheelset itself was fairly modest compared to the best gravel wheelsets, the two-speed internal geared hub in the center was "totally revolutionary. He concluded that it has the potential to change cycling as a whole.

One caveat of our review was that we would have liked to see better wheel options designed, and it appears that the Uno-X Pro Cycling team has done just that. The team's mechanics paired Classified Powershift hubs with Arc 1400 Dicat rims from team sponsor DT Switzerland. Uno X clearly shares our opinion of this product, as pre-race GC leader Anson Charmig benefited from this new technology.

The Classified Powershift is a wireless two-speed rear hub that uses Bluetooth to connect to an electronic shifter or handlebar-mounted shift button. Inside the hub are two gears: the first is a 1:1 ratio, which essentially transmits the same gears as if they did not exist; the second is a 1:0.686 ratio, which effectively reduces the size of the front chainring by 31.4%, so that a 52T front chainring actually has a 36T "virtual" chainring would be included.

This chainring would be combined with a cassette and rear derailleur as on other bikes, allowing a standard 2X 11-speed (or 12-speed) setup, but without the need for a front derailleur and double chainset.

One of the reasons Uno-X may use this product in racing is to improve aerodynamics. By removing the front derailleur and double chainset and replacing them with a single chainring, the number of products going outward from the centerline of the bike is reduced, theoretically out of the wind flow. This is a technique widely employed by time triallists for the same reason.

Furthermore, given the frequency of chain dropouts experienced by teams in this year's spring classics, it makes sense for teams to want to reduce the likelihood of this happening. While narrower chainrings and clutched derailleurs could be used, switching to 1X chainrings would greatly reduce the likelihood of chain dropouts on rough surfaces.

Furthermore, as our experience with Classified hubs and as we have emphasized in our review, shifting performance is impressive under load. In contrast, the existing 2X system requires the pedaling load to be adjusted for smooth shifting. Classified hubs also boast the ability to shift gears without pedaling at all, which could be helpful if the rider makes an unplanned stop.

According to Classified, all of these advantages come without any increase in weight.

"Bikes equipped with Classified are equal to or lighter than bikes equipped with a conventional 2X electronic groupset and conventional reference hubs," a statement on the brand's website reads. "The bike setup used by our first partner: the combination of Classified and Rotor Aldhu 1x cranks is up to 70 grams lighter than the same bike with a conventional 2x11 GRX Di2 groupset and DT Swiss 350 hubs. In short, the weight of the replaced components (front derailleur, small chainrings, conventional hubs, through-axle, and cassette) is about the same as the weight of the components offered by Classified."

The idea of putting gears inside the rear hub of a bicycle is nothing new. Shimano has developed hubs with more than two gears, such as Nexus and Alfine, and brands such as Rohloff and Pinion have similar systems.

However, these systems are usually found on the best commuter bikes, whereas Classified focuses on keeping weight to a minimum and cassette and derailleur fitment for use on road and gravel bikes. It also benefits from wireless technology.

This wireless technology has allowed our astute technical team to find this bike in the peloton. The reception of the Bluetooth signal is handled by a smart through-axle with electronics built into the inside of the quick-release handle.

Assuming this claim is true, Team Uno-X's adoption of Classified Powershift may trigger widespread adoption of this technology among the pro peloton. The opportunity to reduce aerodynamic drag, improve shifting performance, and reduce the likelihood of chain dropout without adding weight seems a no-brainer for teams in pursuit of improved performance and limits.

However, there is one clear hurdle between the current situation and widespread team adoption of this technology: punctures.

Despite improvements with each new release of the best tubeless road tires, punctures remain a common problem for the pro peloton, requiring a wheel change after each puncture. This is to avoid the wheels buckling, as happened to Jumbo Visma in Paris-Roubaix.

A rider who gets a puncture on a Classified-equipped wheel and replaces it with a standard rear wheel is virtually stuck in the big ring for the rest of the race. To overcome this, Classified would have to enter into a contract with Shimano to supply wheels to Neutral Service.

It is truly a chicken and egg situation, but Uno X is taking steps to resolve it.