SRAM patenting internal gear hubs. As a leading component manufacturer in the bicycle industry, SRAM sets the direction for big changes in how bicycles work. They’ve long been a proponent of eliminating front derailleurs, by championing single-ring / 1x systems. Or more radical approaches. But two front chainrings creates double (or nearly so) the gear combinations of a single ring system – a limitation that can’t be overcome. Unless two gear ranges are contained in the rear hub …
Internally-geared rear hubs date back a century, with tens of millions of Sturmey-Archer three-speed hubs produced, along with similar hubs from Shimano and others. These cable-actuated systems were largely used on utility-type bicycles, where the added weight and reduced mechanical efficiency were upstaged by relative simplicity, and very low risk of chains falling off unwantedly.
More recently, Belgium-based Classified began selling a racer / performance- oriented two speed rear hub, controlled by wireless electronics. The system includes a Smart Handlebar Unit, a Powershift hub, a Powershift cassette, and a Smart Thru Axle, all working together to deliver wireless, electronic shifting. The company touts fast, smooth gear changes, ability to shift under load, and improved chain efficiency. Plus improved aerodynamics, and no change of front chain drops.
While it’s gaining traction in the cycling world, some note that limited wheel and bike compatibility and higher costs could be drawbacks. Moreover, Classified being a relatively small start-up company limits its ability to reach a broad market, and negotiate orders from OEM suppliers. It remains a promising aftermarket oddity.
Chicago-based SRAM is a powerhouse in both of those markets. By SRAM patenting internal gear hubs, things could change quickly with product acceptance and sales. The patent application filed by SRAM describes their own take on a planetary gear system built into a hub. With SRAM already a big manufacturer of most other related components like rear derailleurs, hub, chains, cranks, etc., this two-speed hub could easily be integrated into a complete parts group, for road, mountain, gravel, urban, and other types of bicycles.
With SRAM patenting internal gear hubs, will there be a big shift in bicycle technology towards such systems? Stay tuned.
