The Next Generation of
Drivetrain Technology
The Next Generation of
Drivetrain Technology
Classified Cycling makes a wireless drivetrain system that replaces traditional derailleurs. They needed a companion app to pair devices, push firmware updates, and let riders customize their shifting. We've been their mobile development partner since the app's inception.
The app connects to Classified hardware over BLE, handles over-the-air firmware updates, and manages bike profiles with multiple paired devices. As the product line grew, the app evolved alongside it, with each new hardware release requiring new integrations on the mobile side.
Building a Flutter app that reliably connects to cycling hardware over Bluetooth in outdoor conditions, handles firmware updates without bricking devices, and supports a growing ecosystem of drivetrain components.
We guided the project end-to-end using our six-step framework, with our design partner Fabrikate delivering the UI. Our focus was the hard technical challenges: implementing Classified's BLE protocol on the mobile side, firmware distribution, multi-device management, and cross-platform reliability.
1. IDENTIFY & VALIDATE
We ran discovery workshops with Classified's engineering team to understand their BLE protocol, firmware distribution model, and device ecosystem. This gave us the spec we needed to build the mobile-side integration and plan the app architecture.
1. IDENTIFY & VALIDATE
We ran discovery workshops with Classified's engineering team to understand their BLE protocol, firmware distribution model, and device ecosystem. This gave us the spec we needed to build the mobile-side integration and plan the app architecture.
2. IMPACT MAPPING
We mapped how each feature drives rider satisfaction and reduces support overhead. Seamless BLE pairing eliminates setup frustration. Over-the-air firmware updates keep devices current without shop visits. Shifter customization empowers riders to fine-tune their experience.
3. TECHNICAL AUDIT
We assessed how Flutter's cross-platform BLE capabilities would handle Classified's proprietary protocol, including challenge-response authentication, bonding differences between device types, and the demands of outdoor Bluetooth environments. The audit confirmed Flutter could deliver reliable connections on both iOS and Android.
4. INTERACTIVE PROTOTYPING
We built functional prototypes validating BLE pairing flows and firmware update sequences with real Classified hardware. Testing with actual devices in outdoor conditions confirmed connection reliability and identified edge cases for on-the-go usage.
5. DEVELOPMENT & LAUNCH
Built with Flutter for cross-platform support, the app implements robust BLE communication for device pairing, real-time status monitoring, and over-the-air firmware updates. We engineered the connectivity layer to handle the complexities of outdoor BLE environments, including intermittent connections, background processing, and multi-device coordination.
6. ITERATE & OPTIMIZE
The app has gone through multiple major iterations since launch. We introduced Transportation Mode for deep-sleep battery saving, added support for new shifter types as the product line expanded, and engineered a Bluetooth reset detection flow that guides riders through firmware updates without manual intervention. Each hardware release from Classified means new mobile-side work.
From initial BLE pairing flows to a companion app that grows with every hardware release. We've been Classified's mobile development partner through multiple major iterations, each expanding what riders can do from their phone.
All Your Devices in Your Pocket
Every feature was engineered to make managing Classified's wireless drivetrain technology as effortless as riding.
Customize your ridestyle
Seamless BLE pairing connects your Classified devices to the app in seconds. The BLE connection layer handles discovery, authentication, and persistent pairing across sessions, engineered for reliability in outdoor environments.
Enhancing Performance and Security
Over-the-air firmware updates keep your drivetrain components running the latest software - enhancing performance and security without a shop visit.
View your battery level, paired status, and device health at a glance
Customize your shifting experience by configuring button assignments and ride modes. Tailor the drivetrain behavior to match your riding style and preferences.
Add your bikes and manage the devices attached to them.
Create and manage multiple bike profiles, each with its own set of paired devices and configurations. Switch between setups instantly when swapping bikes.
Built with Flutter for a consistent, native experience on both iOS and Android.
We leveraged Flutter's cross-platform capabilities and built a robust BLE communication layer to deliver reliable device connectivity across iOS and Android. The state-of-the-art interface and future-proof design system allow quick adjustments as Classified's product line evolves. The app is available on both the App Store and Google Play Store, and firmware updates via the app are required before first use of Classified components.
All your Classified devices in your pocket.
Bridging the gap between advanced hardware and intuitive software through reliable wireless communication.
The app's BLE communication layer provides stable, low-latency connections to Classified's wireless drivetrain components. Real-time device status, battery monitoring, and firmware management all flow through a carefully engineered connectivity stack designed for the demands of outdoor cycling environments.
How We Integrated Shimano DI2
"D-Fly pairing is different. The app doesn't connect to the DI2 shifter directly. Instead, it tells the hub to enter pairing mode, and the hub and the DI2 shifter find each other over D-Fly channels."
— Unlock'd Insights
The Next Generation of Drivetrain Technology
"We had the opportunity to design a brand-new app for Classified Cycling. Our goal was to create a seamless pairing process coupled with a state-of-the-art user interface."
— Fabrikate
Vistar // Powershift: TRP CMD Integration
"Two hardware ecosystems, one app. The architecture we built for DI2 paid off when TRP's CMD integration came along."
— Unlock'd Insights
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