There are two versions to be available, one for all mountain and one for freeride. Truvativ discovered that the majority of riders in these categories used only two chainrings, so the system offers two selectable gears. It also provides chain retention to eliminate the need for chain guides, and a shifter, which is a near clone of SRAM’s X.0 shifters. That makes one think about the possibility of using it for single speeds/dual speeds.

One of the benefits to the HammerSchmidt is seamless shifting, even while shifting backwards or under load. The compact design also increases the ground clearance substantially, as well as eliminates the potential for bent and broken teeth on chain rings without a bash guard. Furthermore a constant chain line means you can use your full rear gear range with either of your front “chainrings.” No more worrying about cross chaining with the Hammer! For compatibility the HammerSchmidt offers a variety of bottom bracket sizes and crank lengths, but it does require the frame to have ISCG tabs. Adaptors won’t work.

It is a breakthrough in design, and at an expected $700-$800 it seems the adage you get what you pay for holds true. But keep in mind this is the whole package; cranks, bottom bracket, and shifter. Plus you can kiss that wimpy old front derailleur goodbye. One negative to the HammerSchmidt is weight. Compared to similar crank and BB combos the HammerSchmidt runs anywhere from 100-500 grams heavier. Nevertheless an extra pound may be a worthwhile sacrifice for all of the benefits the Hammer offers. In the near future you can bet on seeing this technology become lighter, cheaper, and much more prominent in the MTB world. Watch out cuz’ the Truvativ HammerSchmidt is just the beginning!

• August 15, 2008 -- HammerSchmidt Who? We’ll All Know Real Soon

The Truvativ HammerSchmidt will overcome many of the problems encountered with a two or three ring system. Riding with traditional two or three ring systems require constant attention and planning in response to the approaching terrain. In fact, shifting is an art that requires careful timing to successfully shift your front derailleur, especially in situations with abrupt terrain changes. A surprise incline can leave you in a precarious situation as you desperately try to keep the pedals moving in order to guide the chain to the lower ring. Similarly, many chainring teeth are ravaged as they unsuccessfully clear trail obstructions, or an unsuspecting rider is granted the surprise of zero chain tension as they begin to crank upwards after a bumpy downhill jolted the chain completely off of the rings. The HammerSchmidt should successfully evade all of these problems, all the while packaged into a cool, sleek design. 

As mentioned earlier, the HammerSchmidt is a single chainring, but is a ring drive that disengages and engages yielding two gear ratios, 1:1 and overdrive, or 1:1.6. Basically, 1:1 means that with every pedal stroke, the chain ring makes a single revolution. In contrast, overdrive means that with every pedal stroke, the chain ring completes 1.6 revolutions. Mimicking a dual system, the HammerSchmidt gives you a 22/36 or 24/38 gear range out of a single ring. What are the benefits you may ask? To start out, shifting does not require a certain chain tension. With the HammerSchmidt, you no longer have to worry about planning your gear changes with your predicted pedaling capability. Whether you are pedaling or not, shifting is done easily and successfully at any moment, under any load, in any situation. This relatively compact system will also greatly enhance clearance for most bicycles, and with the chain encased between the collar assembly, the chain will remain secure going over the roughest terrain. With familiar trigger-style shifters, although actuation is reversed in HammerSchmidt shifters, riders should adapt with little effort to the Truvativ HammerSchmidt front transmission system gaining enormous rewards.

SRAM has produced two versions of the HammerSchmidt, a freeride and all-mountain. The freeride version is essentially a beefier version of the all mountain, weighing approximately 160 grams more. When compared to traditional cranksets, both HammerSchmidt versions outweigh most traditional cranskets anywhere from 10-180 grams. Where weight may be one disadvantage, it is difficult to determine where other shortcomings may exist. Although quite expensive, bearing in mind that this system requires new triggers, crank arms, bottom bracket, and the mechanism assembly itself, technology inevitably improves and time may be an ally as price may eventually decline. Nevertheless, progress in mountain bike technology should fully be supported; otherwise we would never have those heated debates over styles of riding that we all so passionately love and rely on for recreation, competition, and the general pleasures that the sport of mountain biking provides.

• October 26, 2008 -- Truvativ HammerSchmidt: Shifting Into the Future
• October 22, 2008 -- Shimano Yumeya: Discover Kabuki Beauty. Be Enlightened. 夢のワークショップ