Bike accessories specialist CeramicSpeed has created ‘the world’s most comprehensive cycling industry Lubrication Development Lab’, following its acquisition of US-based drivetrain efficiency test lab, Friction Facts.
The facility will combine the latest development and testing equipment with expertise provided by Jason Smith, one of the world’s leading experts in lubricants testing and development. As a part of its R&D centre, CeramicSpeed is opening the doors on this unique laboratory, which specializes in pursuing a new area of expertise.
Founded with a mission statement to perfect drivetrain performance, the Danish manufacturer has joined forces with efficiency expert Jason Smith to challenge the claims of the fastest chain lubes on the market. Jason Smith, founder and former owner of the Friction Facts test-lab, which is now part of CeramicSpeed’s R&D arm, will be contributing to CeramicSpeed’s long-term development plans.
Appointed Chief Technology Officer, Smith brings world-leading expert knowledge in drivetrain efficiency testing and the development of lubricant formulas. As a manager of the new lab, Smith will apply his fine understanding of fluid dynamics and engineering to the development of premium products. Using innovative approaches, Smith aims to map myths and claims made regarding chain lubricant efficiency and lifetime.
Extending Smith’s research on the fastest chain lubes, originally for a report commissioned by VeloNews in 2013, the Lubrication Development Lab will focus on what is a new field of interest for CeramicSpeed. Crucial to bicycle performance, the lab will investigate how lubricants can improve the efficiency and durability of different drivetrain components. To obtain the most accurate data, all results of the lab will be ‘backed up by thorough road testing under a variety of different riding conditions and protocols’.
CeramicSpeed’s R&D lab in Denmark will develop practical applications for the data gathered in the Lubrication Development Lab by applying it to product testing for friction and longevity. In the Danish lab, Dr Lina Soebjerg, with a PhD in chemistry, will also gather additional data that will then be communicated to Jason in the US for corroboration.
This exchange of research findings and mutual specialisms aims to support CeramicSpeed’s mission to continuously develop products that deliver the lowest friction and longest lifetime – billed as a new and innovative approach to drivetrain optimisation.
“As a company that has always been an innovator at the forefront of drivetrain efficiency, establishing such a unique research facility is only natural,” said Martin Banke, Managing Director at CeramicSpeed Sport.
“The acquisition of Friction Facts and the addition of Jason Smith, the only person in the world with such vast experience and knowledge of chain lubes and drivetrain efficiency, makes this the ideal opportunity to do so. Our aim is to provide the highest quality products and for this, knowledge and data are crucial factors.”
Jason Smith added, “The Lubrication Development Lab is a research portal designed to further explore the opportunities of maximum drivetrain efficiency. Finding a way to minimize drag and boost performance thanks to a super-fast lubricant formula starts here. And no matter what the results, we will learn more and more. A true forward-thinking organization like CeramicSpeed delivers and guarantees highest quality only thanks to intensive research and data analysis.”
CeramicSpeed was established in 2004 and is now one of the world’s leading manufacturers of ceramic bearing products and optimised racing chains for the cycling industry. The company has more than 15 years of experience in the development of its bearings, which ‘show extremely low friction and unmatched longevity’.
CeramicSpeed products are distributed in more than 35 countries, and it is the only bearing manufacturer to sponsor four World Tour Teams: Tinkoff, Astana Pro Team, Etixx – Quick-Step and Dimension Data for Qhubeka. CeramicSpeed is also supplier to some of the world’s most prestigious bicycle manufacturers.
The company also manufactures and sells bearings for industrial applications. All products are handmade in Denmark.
www.ceramicspeed.com
www.friction-facts.com
