2008 Interbike OutDoor Demo: Truvativ HammerSchmidt

September 23, 2008 by Matt Carter
Filed under Shifting

The Cool Component: Truvativ Hammer Schmidt

The cool:

Crankset integrated shifting
No Front Derailleur
Integrated Chain Guide
No Cross-chaining the rear cassette – all gears accessible all the time
Increased ground clearance

The Details:
Two Versions — All Mountain and Free Ride

All Mountain is a 24/38 or 22/36 double chain ring equivalent weighs 1623 grams (incl BB)
Free Ride is a 22/36 or 22/36 double chain ring equivalent weighs 1785 grams (incl BB)

Both use dedicated shifters in the X0 or X9 product lines.

Price:
Around $750

The Review:
I rode the TruVative All Mountain Hammer Schmidt integrated front shift system. It worked as advertised – even when I plowed through the SRAM obstacle course knocking out some of the obstacles – but I never miss-shifted or dropped a chain. It shifted when pedaling backwards, forwards or when not pedaling at all. Ground clearance was great and even when you do hit something, you’re not going to damage a chain-ring or drop the chain. I’m looking forward to getting a longer test ride, the Hammer Schmidt equipped test bikes were in high demand at the Interbike Dirt Demo this year. This system is well sealed and looks to be up for serious abuse – and is still serviceable when needed.

Notes: It does require International Standard Chainguide tabs on the bike frame.
Info: http://www.magicmechanics.com