The last few years have been turbulent on the shifting market. First the number of sprockets on the cassette increased, then the number of chainrings on the cranks decreased. If you wanted to keep up with the latest technology, you had to buy a new drivetrain every two years - often even a new bike due to new standards. With the introduction of the latest Deore groupset, Shimano has put an end to these turbulent times for the time being. From the top-level XTR groupset to the entry-level Deore, all drivetrains are now equipped with twelve sprockets. It seems that, for the time being, Shimano has joined forces with its only real competitor, Sram, on the 1x12 standard agreed. Even the Shifting newcomer TRP recently showed a shifting ensemble with 1x12 gears. Although Shimano still has 2x12 drivetrains in its programme, these are hardly ever installed on current mountain bikes. However, because some bikers cannot cope with the narrower range of the single drivetrains, several manufacturers are offering upgrade cassettes with a significantly higher gear spread for the coming season.
As conventional derailleur gears approach technical perfection, many believe that the combination of ultimate range and simplicity can only be achieved with gear technology. Classified, a manufacturer from Belgium, has already developed a gear hub (initially only for racing bikes), which has hardly any friction losses and can shift two gears. In future, this technology could be combined with robust six-speed derailleurs to reduce wear and susceptibility to defects with a higher gear spread.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
