Pulley Wheels
Pulley Wheels
Derailleur pulleys are the starting point for optimizing your derailleur. They are one of the 3 transmission optimization points along with the wheel bearings and the bottom bracket. Having one of the highest rotations with 800 rpm, it is one of the major keys to reducing friction while maintaining the original gear change. The use of aluminum pulleys gives a luxurious touch to your bike compared to plastic derailleur pulleys.
Manufacturing and Quality
Our aluminum rollers are machined in France then assembled with our bearings in our workshop like each of our CyclingCeramic products. We use Grade 3 ball bearings in each of our bearings to ensure the best possible quality and performance. We use 7075 aluminum which is renowned for its excellent fatigue resistance. This alloy has better corrosion resistance than steel. The pebbles are finally anodized and engraved with a CyclingCeramic logo. Particular attention is paid to detail and since 2018 we have integrated bevelled teeth on the bottom roller, which allows for optimal gear changes while allowing the guide roller to fulfill its primary function. In order to guarantee perfect compatibility between all models, we have developed a set of spacers to match each of the derailleur models on the market. Each derailleurs roller is the result of a long test phase first internally and then via our sponsored athletes to validate our specifications consisting of 3 fundamental points: quality, performance and durability.
Performance & tests
In 2016, CyclingCeramic submitted its derailleur pulleys to the famous Frictions Fact laboratory (since acquired by CeramicSpeed). The test showed that CyclingCeramic reduces friction by an average of 72% on all rollers on the market (SHIMANO / SRAM / CAMPAGNOLO). The test was conducted on a pair of 11-tooth rollers lubricated with our oil and showed an average of 0.039w of friction, which makes them among the fastest rollers measured by the laboratory. The test was funded by CyclingCeramic to compare our derailleur pulleys with 19 models already referenced by Friction Facts. The laboratory sent us its results which we publish on our site, according to the same protocol as our competitors.
Friction Facts has developed its working method for us as follows:
- The rollers have been tested with a load of 2 kg which corresponds to the load exerted on the transmission during pedalling.
- The rollers have been set at around 460 rpm for the derailleur rollers. Which corresponds to approximately 95 revolutions per minute on a development of 53 x 11.
Derailleur pulleys are tested as out of the box or as the manufacturer recommends commercially.
The accuracy of the test is within +/- 0.001 watts making it one of the most reliable tests ever performed on a bicycle drivetrain.
25 measurements are taken each second of the test - The test lasts about 10 minutes on each derailleur pulley and the friction average is done at the end.
- This is achieved in an environment free from external contamination and may not reflect performance in wet, dirty transmission conditions.
