Truvativ HammerSchmidt - First Look

Words by Stuart Kernaghan. Photos by Stuart Kernaghan.
Date: 2008-08-12

Today is the day that Truvativ unveiled its highly anticipated HammerSchmidt front transmission system. The new planetary drive system does away with the need for a front derailleur and multiple front chainrings, cleaning up the front end of the drivetrain and opening a whole new world of possibilities for frame designers.

Operating the HammerSchmidt is very simple: push on the large thumb paddle to go into a lower (easier) gear and the small lever to go into a higher (harder) gear. In other words, it's backwards from current shifting technology. There are a number of benefits to the new system, including more clearance, no need to run a chainguide, no exposed chainrings and the ability to shift under load, but the best I've come across so far is the ability to shift while you're standing still - without spinning the cranks.

I'm in between rides at the moment, but I thought it would be cool to share some pix and a brief overview of HammerSchmidt. Here's a snapshot of the details:

  • there are two versions - all-mountain, which is based on the Stylo crankset platform, and the freeride, which is similar to the Holzfeller crank
  • there is one chainring inside the system, and what is being called an overdrive system that effectively changes gears
  • gear combinations are equivalent to a 22/36 or 24/38 chainring combo
  • the entire system is mounted on ISCG tabs, but it's not designed to be used on a bottom bracket mounted chainguide adaptor
  • HammerSchmidt uses a proprietary bottom bracket, with a beefier version for freeride and a lighter version for AM
  • the AM version gets a carbon bashguard, while the FR version gets the space-age plastic variety
  • the shifter is available in X.0 and X-9 levels, and only works with HammerSchmidt
  • there are reportedly 35 bike makers interested in HammerSchmidt, but the system will also be available for the aftermarket
  • the system is sealed, and while it's still relatively new, Canadian SRAM rep Tyler Morland reports that he hasn't had any issues with contamination
  • SRAM / Truvativ is pitching HammerSchmidt as a premium product, so it ain't gonna be cheap. Retail pricing will be in the neighbourhood of $750 to $800 for the crankset, bottom bracket and shifter.

Without further ado, let's get to the pictures.


Truvativ HammerSchmidt all-mountain version, with carbon bashguard.


Close-up of the bashguard. 


The view from the top. The cable comes in from the shifter (right), controlling the shifting mechanism that sits in the middle and right layers of the system.


The HammerSchmidt shifter, complete with spiffy anvil etched onto the lever.


The non-drive crank looks like a standard Truvativ crank. Notice the back of the drive-side crank - recessed to save weight. 

There you have it - the first look at HammerSchmidt. Stay tuned for full specs and more pictures, including the internals, coming up in the next few days.

- Stuart Kernaghan


Think HammerSchmidt is the best thing since the advent of disc brakes? Love your front derailler and refuse to give it up? Spout off with all your thoughts and opinions on the board...