Even before the bike season really got underway, Sram spread the first rumors about the new "Hammerschmidt" gear crank. However, in order to keep the excitement high, the Americans have so far held back on providing any concrete information. Ride has now received the first photos of the production-ready gear crank from the German "Pressedienst Fahrrad" by industry insider Gunnar Fehlau.

Cogwheels instead of derailleurs
Instead of a front derailleur and several chainrings, Hammerschmidt relies on a gear system, as is common with hub gears. The only difference is that the gears are built into the crank. The advantages of the system: thanks to the smaller cogwheel, ground clearance is increased and the risk of chain jamming is reduced. Because a front derailleur is no longer necessary, engineers have new possibilities for rear triangle design on full-suspension bikes. The forces of suspension and drive can be better separated from each other. In addition, the system is less sensitive to dirt and can also be shifted when stationary.

Easy operation, uncomplicated installation
Three weeks before the official presentation at Eurobike, Sram has lifted the veil and announced the technical details on the dedicated homepage magicmechanics.com. According to this, the Hammerschmidt can be fitted to a bike if a normal bottom bracket shell and an ISCG mount for chain guides are available on the frame. The gear crank is mounted on a special Howitzer bottom bracket, which is part of the system. The Howitzer is controlled with a standard trigger shifter, but the shifting logic is reversed compared to a front derailleur. The rider shifts from the heavier to the lighter gear with the large thumb lever and from the lighter to the heavier gear with the small front lever. Hammerschmidt has two gear ratios. In the lighter gear, the gear ratio is 1:1, in the heavier 1:6. With the available Hammerschmidt chainrings with 22 or 24 teeth, this corresponds to a double chainring crank with 22/36 or 24/38 teeth.

According to Sram, the Hammerschmidt will be available next year in two versions for all-mountain and freeride. Sram has not yet provided any information on the prices and weights of the Hammerschmidt. However, the system will be fitted as standard by several manufacturers in the coming year.