Thanks for visiting! If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed. This blog posts regular product reviews, industry news, riding tips, videos, ride reports and anything else mountain biking. Go ahead, subscribe to our feed! You can also receive updates from this blog via email.
Truvativ HammerSchmidt is Released by SRAM
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 1x9 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.
If you like this post then please consider commenting below and subscribing to my full feed RSS. You can also subscribe by Email and have new posts sent directly to your inbox. You can also follow me on Twitter.
What are your thoughts on the new Truvativ HammerSchmidt?
Related Posts
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed! You can also subscribe by Email and have new posts sent directly to your inbox. When you feel bored, follow me on Twitter.
August 13th, 2008 at 6:11 am
and it looks perfect for our Terremotos’, huh?
I just got a set of Shimano SLX cranks for the TM….but who knows :p
August 13th, 2008 at 6:12 am
@crisillo: That is exactly what I was thinking. Those SLX’s look pretty good too.
August 13th, 2008 at 8:38 am
Heh — they’re trying to make out as if this is all sooo neeew…
Whereas Florian Schlumpf in Switzerland has been doing the exact same thing(*) for, I dunno, ten years at least I think.
Check:
http://www.schlumpf.ch/antriebe_engl.htm
I hope to Heck they’re paying him a royalty!
(*): Only perhaps he does it better, I think: As far as I can tell from the pictures, his version is noticeably thinner than the SRAM / Truvativ one; and his heel-shifting idea seems like a stroke of genius to me, compared to the flexy, dirt-attracting, problem-prone trigger-shift cable.
August 13th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Gonna need some ISCG tabs welded on to the Sultan!!!
August 13th, 2008 at 9:15 am
@Christian Conrad: That is actually the first time I have seen that system…interesting.
August 13th, 2008 at 9:16 am
@SS: I think we are going to start to see more ISCG tabs on lighter frames. Not just because of the HammerSchmidt, but because chain guides are becoming increasingly popular on lighter bikes. There is also little to no weight penalty for adding the tabs…just another manufacturing process.
I like the ISCG over the x-type sandwich system because there is no interference with the spacers/bb.
August 13th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Very interesting indeed. SRAM sure has been at the forefront in recent years. What has Shimano been up to?
August 13th, 2008 at 10:39 am
@Carl Martens: I think Shimano has really been focusing on revamping their lines recently. They have realized that they really need to step up to the plate if they are going to compete with SRAM’s offerings. The redesign of the XT and Saint lines are great improvements. The SLX line also shows a lot of promise, and the Shadow derailleur was a great idea.
I still find it really hard to beat the 1:1 actuation ratio of the SRAM shifting. It just seems to be bulletproof.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
I dunno, seems like a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. It does not eliminate any clutter from yr bars and it adds weight. So it gets rid of the actual external derailleur; bfd. I never really thought they were that much of a problem. I guess this means you can run front shifting on yr DH bike, woohoo! Oh wait, I see it lightens yr wallet. I think SRAM maybe inserting their foot in their mouth with this. Gives us a reliable rear internal gearing that does not weigh a ton and then we’ll talk. When are they gonna revise the damn Totem? That thing is looking a little long in the tooth. Somebody’s gotta be a prick; might as well be me.
Hellbellys last blog post..Ride to Live
August 13th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
I’m liking it, I’m gonna be a try it before I knock it approach for AM FR more so its got lots of benefits!
Great to see something simple yet effective created for a change I hope it works as well as its reported! Like chain guides an bash rings aren’t for everyone neither will this be but I can’t see why myself I think in future versions it could go quite widespread..
August 13th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Oh my 06 RFX has ISCG too awesome!
Only 07/08s were ISCG less so backwards compatibility sweet!
Just had to throw that in there! Now have to save $$ away
August 27th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Fantastic! Gonna allow us single-ringed DH riders to be able to ride uphill in places without chairlifts. Great training tool. Hopefully they will make it affordable.
September 12th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
This will be nice for velomobiles. The smaller radius should make it better for mountain bike, too. (less risk of damage). Kicking to change gears was always funny to me. Hope they can fit a gripshifter to it.
October 17th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
If you don’t have ISCG tabs on your frame, can you use an ISCG adapter?
October 19th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
@Greg: I don’t think you can…but don’t take that answer as golden. I would ask someone at SRAM.