Retroshift rebrands as Gevenalle

Cyclocross component maker Retroshift is changing its name to Gevenalle and introducing an updated and expanded product line.

The new name is derived from two Dutch words and translates as “Give All”.

The brand is launching new levers and cassette adaptors that are designed specifically to handle the mud and dirt of cyclocross.

The CX1 and CX2 levers come complete with brake callipers and rotors (you can choose from 140mm or 160mm rotors). The CX1 (US$399) provides just rear shifting while the CX2 (US$449) provides both front and rear shifting.

Gevenalle offers a crash replacement policy, charging US$75 a lever to replace or repair, including worldwide shipping.

The levers are compatible with Shimano 9, 10 and 11-speed. Gevenalle says that the CX1, with the brake hoses and callipers, weighs 800g while the CX2 is 50g heavier.

What are the advantages of using Gevenalle products as opposed to Shimano? Well, whereas you can shift up the cassette three gears at a time with Shimano, and down the cassette one gear at a time, Gevenalle says that its system allows you to shift right across the cassette in one movement. Gevenalle also says that braking and shifting at the same time is easier, and that its systems are simple, reliable, durable, serviceable and lightweight.

We reviewed some Retroshift Levers here on road.cc a couple of years ago and we thought that they were well made, although we didn't feel that their real world performance matched their on-paper promise.

Gevenalle CX and Shimano STI comparison. from Gevenalle on Vimeo.

Gevenalle is also launching the HOUP (which stands for Halo of Ultimate Protection, believe it or not) cassette adaptor.

The HOUP (US$20) is a laser-engraved spacer that provides more clearance between the rear mech and the spokes of your rear wheel, the idea being to reduce the possibilities them getting tangled up in muddy conditions.

You remove your cassette, put the spacer in place on the cassette body, then replace your cassette but without the smallest sprocket. Obviously, this means that you’re turning a 10-speed system into a 9-speed system. You get an aluminium lockring to accommodate the 12-tooth or 13-tooth sprocket.

As well as the adaptor itself, Gevenalle are offering a titanium 21-24-27-tooth spider (US$85, including HOUP) – to replace your largest sprockets.

The idea is that combining the HOUP and the titanium spider with your existing cassette turns a mid-level cassette into a lighter product. Gevenalle says that the set up is as light as the highest end cassettes from other companies but at a fraction of the cost (bear in mind that you have one sprocket fewer).

For more info go to www.gevenalle.com.