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Test & Data

The Importance of Testing and Data: Quantifying Saved Watts and Reduced Friction

In the world of high-performance cycling, every watt matters. Cyclists and triathletes continuously strive to enhance their efficiency to achieve new levels of performance. This is where testing and data come into play. They are crucial for quantifying saved watts and reduced friction, providing athletes with an undeniable competitive edge.

Why Testing?

Testing plays a crucial role in the development of advanced cycling products. It enables manufacturers to assess the effectiveness of their innovations and ensure they offer tangible benefits to cyclists. Specifically, here’s why testing is so important:

  1. Scientific Validation: Testing provides scientific validation of product performance. It relies on tangible, objective data to evaluate the efficiency of components such as bottom brackets, bearings, and chains.

  2. Continuous Optimization: Data from tests allows manufacturers to continuously optimize their products. This means cyclists can expect ongoing improvements in performance.

  3. Informed Decision-Making: Testing helps athletes make informed decisions about the equipment they use. They can compare the performance of different products and choose those that offer the most significant watt savings.

  4. Time and Energy Savings: By identifying the most efficient components, testing enables cyclists to achieve substantial savings in terms of time and energy during races and training.

Important note 3w = 1kg

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.

Our CyclingCeramic bottom brackets are designed to deliver unparalleled performance. How do we achieve this? Through our advanced ceramic bearings, which significantly reduce friction. These bearings have undergone rigorous testing, including the FACTS (Friction Facts) friction test, to ensure their exceptional quality.



The FACTS friction test is one of the most comprehensive and demanding tests in the cycling industry. It measures the friction of bottom bracket bearings under real riding conditions, simulating the power you apply when pedaling. The results speak for themselves: our ceramic bearings rank among the best in the world in terms of friction reduction. When every pedal stroke counts, our cutting-edge technology gives you the advantage you need. You can rely on CyclingCeramic to provide you with the highest quality products, backed by thorough performance testing.

The test showed a consumption of 0.56 watts, which is 0.13 watts more than CeramicSpeed and 60% less than Shimano Dura Ace.

Red efficiency of Shimano 12 speed chain / Blue the same chain with CyclingCeramic processing with Teflon, Wax, Graphene and 3 others composite.

3 watts are simply saved by improving the lube.

We conducted the experiments on our rollers following a rigorous protocol. Firstly, we selected an identical gear ratio and cadence to maintain a power output of approximately 250 watts. After a warm-up phase and a gradual increase in cadence, we measured efficiency over a one-minute period.

It’s important to note that the goal was to demonstrate that, for the same roller speed, the measured watt consumption should be as low as possible with the best derailleur cage. We also factored in the resistance of the roller, which was set to level 1, and a certain degree of tire warm-up.

The results clearly show that the short cage never managed to surpass the overall efficiency of the oversized cage that preceded it, as shown in the graph below. This conclusion highlights the importance of choosing the cage that offers the best performance in terms of watt savings, and it can make a significant difference in situations where every watt matters.

Test show 11/11T Sram RED + CyclingCeramic pulley wheels VS Oversized cage CyclingCeramic 16/16

The difference is 1.4 w only with the new Pulley wheels. With the test of pulley wheels we can deduce the gain is 1.4w + 1.4w = 2.8w

The new version 14/19 improve the firction around 0,5w by reducing chain tension.

  1. Friction and Resistance: Our first measurement focused on the friction and resistance of the bearings in the hubs. We used a specially designed test bench to simulate real riding conditions. The results showed a significant reduction in friction with CyclingCeramic bearings compared to the original bearings. This reduced friction results in smoother hub rotation, which can translate into substantial energy savings for the cyclist.

  2. Power Loss: Our second measurement examined the power loss due to friction in the hubs. We used a sophisticated test setup to quantify the power required to rotate the hubs at different speeds. The results demonstrated that CyclingCeramic bearings significantly reduce power loss compared to the original bearings. This means that more of the power you generate while pedaling is effectively transferred to the road, allowing you to ride faster and more efficiently.

  3. Durability and Wear: Finally, we assessed the durability and wear of the bearings by conducting extended rotation tests. CyclingCeramic bearings showed superior resistance to wear compared to the original bearings, ensuring greater longevity and consistent performance over many rides.

In conclusion, these measurements clearly show that CyclingCeramic bearings offer a significant improvement in performance compared to the original bearings. Less friction, less power loss, and greater durability make CyclingCeramic bearings an ideal choice for performance-conscious cyclists. Whether you are a competitive racer or a passionate cyclist, these bearings can help you push your limits on the road.

All tests combined showed ultra performance on a full kit :

  • The FACTS Friction Test

One of the most renowned tests in the cycling industry is the FACTS (Friction Facts) friction test. This test is highly demanding and comprehensive, aiming to measure the friction of essential components such as bottom brackets and bearings under real riding conditions. It simulates the power exerted by a cyclist while pedaling, providing valuable data on product performance.

  • The Importance of Data

Data from tests, such as those from the FACTS test, allows quantifying friction savings and watt gains. They are crucial for assessing the real benefits of products and helping cyclists make informed decisions about their equipment choices. Objective data provides concrete figures, making it easy to compare products and determine their impact on overall performance.

  • Investing in Performance

For serious cyclists and triathletes, investing in products based on solid tests and data can make all the difference. Every saved watt, every fraction of a second gained matters, whether during a race or intense training. Data and testing offer a valuable competitive advantage, enabling athletes to push their limits and reach new heights in performance.

Ultimately, testing and data are more than just numbers; they are the keys that unlock the door to exceptional performance. For cyclists determined to push their limits, they represent an invaluable resource for achieving their goals.

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