News broke today as SRAM released the HammerSchmidt front shifting line. For a complete catalog of videos ranging from frame prep, installation and interviews, check out MagicMechanics.com.
Here is what I gathered from the website.
The HammerSchmidt system is a pawl driven ring drive that engages and disengages to give you two gear ratios. There is 1:1 and Overdrive that gives you either a 22:36 or 24:38 gear range out of a single ring.- Your shifts are seemless and can be done under load or when coasting.
- As simple to maintain as a conventional front derailleur system.
- There will be two models available – All Mountain: Inspired by the Stylo available in 170/175mm arms (Tungsten Gray) and Freeride: Holzfeller inspired available in 165/170/175mm arms (Galvanized Metal). Both sets are manufactured out of AL 7050.
The cranks are powered by special X.0 and X.9 shifters that pull to go to 1:1 and release to go into Overdrive.- Fits conventional 68/73/83 bottom bracket widths that have either ISCG 03 or ISCG 05 chainguide tabs. (compatibility checker included with the set)
- Facing is critical so have a facing tool available.
What are my thoughts on the system?
Incredible! If it even shifts half as well as they say it does, I am going to be all over a set of HammerSchmidts. Like the QR spindles for front forks, I will not be sad to see the front derailleur go. I have run 1×9 setups in the past just to get away from having to use a FD at all. This system is not going to be for the gram counter, but they are not marketing it towards that group of riders. Hopefully, I will be able to get my leg over a HammerSchmidt equipped bike to give a complete overview.
I also think that SRAM did an excellent marketing job on this product. They were able to build a lot of suspense around it and hopefully the product delivers on its promises.
Interesting note from the video…it does appear that SRAM is using a Turner RFX for the install that has ISCG tabs on the frame. It looks like the RFX will have this standard on the ’09’s which should make a lot of fans of that frame very happy.