Classified and Ridley launch an assault on the gravel race scene with a new team and wheels

Classified wheels
(Image credit: Classified)

Classified Cycling has launched three new wheelsets for gravel and road use as well as a new Gravel Factory racing team with Ridley which will be named the Classified X Ridley Factory Team. 

Classified developed its Powershift rear hub after frustrations with front derailleur performance and inefficiencies and the system has risen in popularity over the past few years. The brand and technology have also gained support from the likes of ambassadors Tom Boonen and Philipe Gilbert. We reviewed the Classified x Hunt 40 wheelset back in the autumn too.

The brand has been increasing its range of offerings and has announced three new carbon fibre wheelsets and a new race team which you can read more about below. If you aren't already familiar with the Classified Powershift system in a nutshell the technology provides a 2-speed shifting system that is integrated into the rear hub, providing the ability to ditch the front derailleur and eliminating the added friction that comes from cross-chaining and using the small chainring with a 2x drivetrain.   

Tom Wieckowski
Tech writer

Tom joined the Cyclingnews team in late 2022 as a tech writer. Despite having a degree in English Literature he has spent his entire working life in the cycling industry in one form or another. He has over 10 years of experience as a qualified mechanic, with the last five years before joining Cyclingnews being spent running an independent workshop. This means he is just as happy tinkering away in the garage as he is out on the road bike, and he isn’t afraid to pull a bike apart or get hands-on with it when testing to really see what it’s made of. 

He has ridden and raced bikes from an early age up to a national level on the road and track, and has ridden and competed in most disciplines. He has a keen eye for pro-team tech and enjoys spotting new or interesting components in the wild. During his time at Cyclingnews, Tom has already interviewed some of the sport's biggest names including Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogačar and Alberto Contador. He's also covered various launches from brands such as Pinarello, Ridley, Specialized and more, tackled the Roubaix Challenge sportive aboard his own rim-brake Cannondale SuperSix Evo, tested over 20 aero helmets in the wind tunnel, and has created helpful in-depth buying advice relating to countless categories from torque wrenches to winter clothing.