TRP Vistar 1×16 Shows up on a Sage Storm King at MADE

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TRP technically launched the TRP Vistar groupset at Eurobike this year but it’s not available for purchase just yet. Despite that, it’s looking ready to go and the brand brought it to MADE mounted to a Sage Storm King gravel race bike. There are other ways to run the system though and we explored those as well.

For those that haven’t heard about the TRP Vistar groupset it’s a new entry into the ecosystem of drop bar groupsets. It’s designed to compete at the price and weight level of Shimano Ultegra Di2. The front controls even look a bit reminiscent of a Shimano system but unlike Shimano, TRP Vistar is wireless and the rear derailleur has its own battery. What about the front derailleur though?

That’s the part of the TRP Vistar system that really stands out. Technically speaking, it’s a 1x groupset but there’s a trick to it. Instead of being truly 1x, TRP is partnering with Classified to bring a second gear ratio into the mix without needing a front derailleur.

As with Classified 1x setup, that means you get all the benefits of both a 1x and a 2x. There’s no such thing as cross chaining but you still have a 2×22 gearing range. Now if you read that and wondered why I said 2×22 here and 1×16 in the headline, that’s a marketing trick but there’s also a good reason for it.

Although this is technically a 2×22 system, it’s possible to shift it like a 1×16. Like Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo electronic systems you can set the system so that when you reach the end of the cassette range the front derailleur will shift automatically. That gives 16-unique gear ratios hence the 1×16. What’s different here is that when you use a traditional 2x system in that mode it can be quite a disruption when the front chainring shifts. It will happen at the same time as the rear and typically you’d be pushing torque through the bike at the same time. It feels unsettling but the Classified hub isn’t like that.

There are a number of unique features that add to the experience of using a Classified hub. While it might be functionally 2×22, when the Classified hub shifts it’s virtually undetectable. It happens instantly, silently, and without a jolt to the drivetrain. You can also shift without moving, like at stoplight or on a steep hill, and TRP is quick to point out that you can still shift both “front” and rear gearing no matter the mode you have the system in.

By bringing the Classified hub into a groupset, TRP Vistar solves the final issues the Classified hub presents. Previously it was a rather expensive way to replace a front derailleur even if it was better. Now it’s going to be part of a system that brings the price inline with a standard full groupset. We should also see partnerships with bike computers to show the gearing and there’s no more need for an add-on button on your handlebars.

It should be noted though, you can use other groupsets. The Classified hub will always be electronic but the batteries last significantly longer than a groupset. Also, unlike an electronic groupset, if the battery does die in your Classified you retain shifting in the rest of the system. Among the options to pair with Classified, Rotor is an interesting one.

The Rotor Uno groupset came to market at a time when electronic shifting was gaining in popularity and never really took off because of that. In this context, it might actually make sense. It solves the need for regular maintenance with a cable system but it doesn’t require batteries. Now you can further hybridize it with an electronic front “derailleur.” Take a look at the video if you want to hear a bit more about Rotor as well as details about the TRP Vistar system

Then there’s the bike you see here. The Sage titanium Storm King is an off-the-shelf bike but it still somehow feels at home at MADE. With the Portland love of big tires and rough and tumble bikes this is a bike that when equipped with the TRP Vistar system, or a 1x groupset, will fit up to a 650×2.4″ or, if you stick to a traditional 2x, you can still swap in a 700 x 50 mm tire. That clearance is then matched with “geometry to keep the rider more comfortable on technical terrain.” If you then want to keep the technical capability piling on, you can add a dropper post too.

For more information on the Sage Storm King check out the Sage website.

For more information on the TRP Vistar groupset head over to the TRP website.

And finally, Rotor Uno and Rotor cranks can be found at the Rotor USA website and the Rotor website.