Leading ceramic bearings manufacturer, CeramicSpeed, has launched what it is claiming is ‘one of the most revolutionary bike parts to enter the cycling world.’ The ‘ground-breaking concept‘ is a uniquely oversized system of 17-tooth derailleur pulley wheels fitted with a lightweight cage and developed by the Danish manufacturer in collaboration with world-class athletes and teams.
Available now from Strada in the CeramicSpeed section – see more after the photo.
CeramicSpeed OSPW
Unveiled in Germany at the world’s largest cycling tradeshow – Eurobike, the new Oversized Pulley Wheel System promises to boost biking performance and reduce friction.
After extensive road and lab tests, the Danish manufacturer CeramicSpeed discovered that size matters. Crafted from the need to carry increasing gains to every rider’s biking performance, the new CeramicSpeed Oversized Pulley Wheel System (OSPW System) has ‘proven to increase the energy savings and reduce drivetrain frictional losses starting at 2.4 watts.’
Energy savings:
The innovative system consists of 17-tooth alloy pulleys fitted with low friction CeramicSpeed bearings, an aerodynamic cage made from carbon fibre and a polyamide compound, finished with titanium bolts. The true advance of the new CeramicSpeed OSPW System lies in the ‘60% less friction achieved, tested and compared to the most commonly used high-end 11s stock pulleys.’
Developed and produced in Denmark, the new OSPW System carries the CeramicSpeed bearing quality, matching low friction and 3-5 times longer lifetime. Weighing only 55.4g and produced with both standard and coated bearings, the OSPW System saves a minimum of 2.4 watts. Compatible with Shimano 10s and 11s Di2 and mechanical drivetrains, the OSPW System is billed as a true technological progress for cycling performance.
Developed for progress, tested for performance:
CeramicSpeed managed to challenge the norm by introducing a plus-size pulley wheel system. After investigating the friction levels in the bike drivetrain and after looking for ways to increase energy savings while improving speed, the R&D team at CeramicSpeed together with the collaboration of external partners, concluded that bigger is better.
Engineered over the course of the last two years, the OSPW System was tested and perfected during a rigorous prototype-testing program on road. Pro teams such as MTN Qhubeka and professional triathletes such as Tim Don, Tyler Butterfield and Rachel Joyce, have been testing the system contributing to the development of the final product.
The size of the pulleys was achieved after intensive testing of different sizes, from 15-tooth to 17-tooth, eventually concluding that the latter was ‘the perfect setup to achieve optimal gains.’ The development of both pulleys and cage underwent material and design testing, looking to deliver a lightweight and efficient product.
The R&D team at CeramicSpeed left no stone unturned until a perfectly functional product was reached. American test lab Friction Facts has reportedly confirmed through intensive testing that there is a genuine advantage in the new CeramicSpeed OSPW System. The measurements show that the ‘undisputable benefits of the large pulleys result from the distinctive combination between the optimal size of the pulleys, the cage design, chain tension and the low friction of the CeramicSpeed bearings.’
Put to the test at IRONMAN 70.3 Ecuador
After winning IRONMAN 70.3 Ecuador, riding full speed with the CeramicSpeed OSPW System, multiple world champion triathlete Tim Don said, “The shifting performance of the OSPW is sweet. Being involved in the project from the beginning and testing the OSPW System has been great. Racing with it on a 90km triathlon was flawless. It has been an incredible experience to see the development of the system from prototype A to the amazing results of the final product.”
CeramicSpeed notes that it is committed to making every rider bike faster by increasing their competitive advantage through proven design, leading efficiency, low friction and increased durability. It is the company’s belief that ‘if we can develop a product under the high demands of the professional riders, then we can surely provide all riders with the same benefits of a revolutionary product.’
According to the company, the Oversized Pulley Wheel System is a statement of CeramicSpeed’s commitment to always continue to improve the biking experience of all riders. “Our watt saving program just gained 2.4 watts, leading the complete upgrade of CeramicSpeed products to provide every rider with energy savings of up to 16 watts,” said Martin Banke, Managing Director at CeramicSpeed.
Here’s a video discussing the system.
