Race Chains
Race Chains
After several manual operations in our workshops in France, we transform a high-end chain into an exceptional racing chain. Each of the optimization steps makes it possible to reduce friction as much as possible, so as to save an average of 5 watts compared to a standard chain, over an average of 700 km.
Optimizing a CyclingCeramic racing chain consists of first making it neutral in terms of lubrication and impurities, before using all of our ingredients to make it faster. The very last step makes it usable immediately.
We work so that all our products are more efficient than the others. This is why the use of a top-of-the-range biological degreaser and the best Teflon© guarantee you optimal and long-lasting use of the racing chain.
For the CyclingCeramic racing chain to maintain its performance over time, it must be used in dry weather.
Washing the bike with the treated chain is therefore to be avoided, as well as riding in the rain. But thanks to its quick link, you can quickly disassemble it in less than 5 minutes to clean the bike.
After 700 km, the chain should be lubricated normally. But you can continue to optimize its performance with the included WAX Lube.
Manufacturing and Quality
The design of a racing chain begins simply with the degreasing of the original lubricant. We use a high-performance ultrasonic tank coupled with a degreasing product developed for CyclingCeramic. This product has the particularity of being a primer that facilitates the holding of the treatment that we carry out later. The chain is then heated to 60°C in the degreasing bath for 30 minutes. A second tank awaits the racing chain, to rid it of the residues of the original lubricant. The next step is to bring the chain up to temperature so that the treatment penetrates sufficiently inside the links. Then we immerse the chain in the treatment for about 30 minutes. The treatment is a set of products reducing friction. The base is a wax (wax) then several ingredients are added during the process.
The drying of the warp takes about a day. We assemble them in fives to pass them on our breaking chains. This is a machine that simulates the tension and force exerted by a cyclist to remove the maximum amount of excess wax, and facilitate the installation of the racing chain a few days before your race.
A last technical step is then carried out, we apply the powder which reduces the additional friction by about 15%. For this, we use a compressor to inject the powder. The chain is finally boxed for shipment.
The installation of the racing chain must be carried out in a protected place on the ground in order to prevent the Teflon© powder from spreading everywhere. Use the quick coupler provided and protective gloves for assembly.
We recommend its use for competition. A front break-in is desirable to ensure that gear changes remain precise. In the racing park, special care can be taken by protecting the chain with plastic.
After your race, you can dismantle your CyclingCeramic racing chain and keep it for your next event. Cleaning the bike with the racing chain is prohibited.
And after ? After about 700km your chain will lose its efficiency and the treatment will have almost disappeared. You can use it like a standard chain and use the lubricant sold with your CyclingCeramic racing chain.
Performance & tests
The specifications for the design of a CyclingCeramic racing chain leave nothing to chance. We tested our process using a power sensor on a test bench.
Our entire test consisted of comparing our competitors’ chains out of the box and ready to use, and our optimized chains, also out of the box.
The graph below illustrates the optimization performed (in red) in comparison with an original unprepared chain:
• Each of the chains has been run in for 50 km. This corresponds to the break-in that we perform on each of our chains, which corresponds to the point of breakage and elongation of the links of the chain. This has a double interest: natural reduction in chain friction and product penetration through the links.
• The chains are then put on the test bench for a total duration of 18 hours. This corresponds to approximately 4 Ironman, or 720 km at 40 km/h. Beyond that, we saw an increased increase in friction. Our test covers an average of 10 chains tested successively to ensure the continuity of our process.
Obtaining 5 watts of gain reveals the total efficiency of our CyclingCeramic racing chain.
Grap 1 : Red efficiency of Shimano 12 speed chain / Blue the same chain with CyclingCeramic processing
