Classified patents a derailleur-free cassette transmission

Classified is not satisfied with trying to extend the use of its internal gear hub that eliminates the need for changing gears but continues to devise ways to make bike transmissions more efficient, as shown in the latest patent published by the brand.

The new Classified patent aims to improve transmission efficiency by keeping the chain straight

In traditional transmission systems, there are several factors that cause efficiency losses, preventing some of the force applied to the pedals from reaching the rear wheel. We have seen various solutions to these issues, such as using larger chainrings and cogs to prevent excessive chain angle or oversized pulley cages to reduce friction.

One of the factors that reduce transmission efficiency due to extra friction is the chain crossing when using cogs that are far from the center of the cassette, a friction that increases in single-chainring setups or when crossing the chain to a larger chainring.

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This is where Classified's new patent comes in, presenting a system that eliminates the front derailleur and instead uses a small pulley cage as a chain tensioner, in addition to their internal gear hub with two speeds.

So how does the chain move between different cogs without a front derailleur to shift it up and down? It's simple, by applying the principle of "if the mountain won't come to Muhammad, then Muhammad must go to the mountain." Instead of moving the chain, it remains fixed in the position that aligns with the bike's chain line, and Classified would incorporate a system in their hub that allows the cassette to move outward or inward.

With this patent idea, Classified would achieve two goals at once: they could detach from the need for their hub to be used with a conventional groupset, integrating everything into their hub, including the "gear shifting" with internal gears and the cog shifting with this unique axial movement system of the cassette.

As is often the case with patents, we remind you that this is only a patent to protect the ideas and developments that arise within the brand from being used by rival brands, and it does not necessarily mean that Classified is actively developing this system. However, the idea seems interesting and coherent with the brand's progression.