Box Four drive-train

The Box Four drive-train proves that less can be more, and surely 11-42T is plenty of range for an 8-speed cassette. This derailleur still has the Limited Slip clutch but with 42T arrives with a more compact cage that is more up off the rocks. The custom 8-speed chain is built for abuse, although it's sophisticated enough to hold onto a wide/narrow chainring. Push through fewer gears with a no-nonsense shifter. This combo will transport you to 1 by territory for less than $160.

• 8 speeds are more robust
• Easy to use Twin Lever Shifter actuation
• Low maintenance derailleur
• High durability cassette and chain
• 42T low gear and compact cage for better ground clearance

With the trend to 10, 11, 12, and now even 13-speed cassettes, the gears and chains are getting thinner and more fragile. With a mid-drive motor, you need fewer gears but more strength in drive train components. This is something Box noticed and did something about. Depending on the mid-drive motor, you can be putting between two and over ten times the typical human power through the drive train. By taking a step back to 8 speeds, Box was able to beef up the drive-train to withstand these magnified ebike power levels.  For e-bike use, it is recommended to shift only one gear at a time. This shifter is capable of shifting one gear at a time. The Box Four 8 speed is beefier and more robust than 10, 11, 12-speed drive trains that cost a lot more.