Classified, the brand behind the wireless two-speed hub that eliminates the need for a front derailleur, has filed a patent application for a ‘self-powered system for a bicycle’ that could signal the end of dead batteries for electronic drivetrains.
Classified seems to have set out plans to develop an electronic drivetrain with its two-speed hub at the centre, but powered by the kinetic energy of the rotation of the hub, combined with solar energy.
The patent suggests a bike’s crankset could be brought into the equation, too, in terms of charging the system. Classified recently introduced an aero crankset to move a step closer to offering a near-complete groupset.
The patent application, in the vague language we’ve come to expect from such legal documents, describes a system for recharging a geared drivetrain. Specifically, that’s the batteries powering both sensors and shifting actuators. It also cryptically includes braking in the description. State of play
Classified’s Powershift hub houses a 2x gearing system. Our Media As good as Shimano, Campagnolo and SRAM’s electronic groupsets are, they all require regular recharging, whether that’s the simplicity of SRAM’s universal batteries (individually powering the derailleurs), Camagnolo’s compact and convenient EPS batteries or Shimano’s internal long-life option.
All are easy to maintain but rely on the rider regularly checking charge levels. Indeed, many of us will have forgotten to recharge their system and been left with a dead battery midway through a ride, rendering us unable to change gear. Classified recently stepped closer to offering a complete […]
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