Everything passes through the chain, a component that has changed a lot with the evolution of transmissions, but which in reality has remained one of the critical points when talking about efficiency. In recent years, practices have also developed wax treatment for the drastic reduction of friction.
We asked Mathilde Costes of CyclingCeramic, an authoritative company in the sector which recently launched WAX, the latest discovery in this dedicated product segment even to transmission maintenance. In addition, we asked for some feedback from two athletes, testimonials and testers of CyclingCeramic, Clément Fouquet-Lapar e Thibault Dely.
European research and quality
CyclingCeramic focuses on 3 steps: the quality of a entirely handmade in France and with suppliers all based in Europe. durability This is the second point, as it is not common to offer a 4-year warranty on a product (especially when it comes to bottom brackets, rear derailleurs and bearings). Finally the final processing, which could be done by machine, but it was decided to use craftsmanship, that is, handmade.
Focusing on WAX, this is a real specific wax for the treatment of the chain and the exponential reduction of friction that is inevitably generated on this component.
Can you save watts and effort through the chain?
Watts, energy, are also gained in terms of power transfer. We have conducted numerous tests, all conducted in neutral laboratories. Our chain, thanks to the low friction treatment, allows a gain of 5/6 Watts. As for a full use of CyclingCeramic, treated chain, bottom bracket and rocker arm, the tests were conducted with the Australian Cycling Federation and showed a gain of up to 15 watts.
Were you able to do a watt/kilogram overlap?
Absolutely yes, Studies tell us that 3 watts correspond to one kilogram, remaining on the subject of friction. 6 watts equals 2 kilograms, which is no small amount. Consider how much you invest to shave a few grams off the overall weight of the bike.
Wax, a radical turning point
«For a user who uses a good quality liquid lubricant, Switching to wax means increasing the performance of the chain, especially with regards to the efficiency and usability of the component. The step-up is radicalThe perception is that of a chain and smoother transmission – Fouquet tells us – noise-free and clean for a longer period, a cleanliness that is evident even in wet and muddy conditions.
«Despite what one might think – continues Fouquet – theThe treatment with WAX wax is also long-lasting, although there are many variables to consider. We are in the order of 500/600 kilometers in mixed conditions, dry and humid, 200/250 kilometers in case of heavy rain and mud».
First of all it increases the silence
«One of the advantages that immediately emerges is the silence - second Thibault Dely – in addition to a product that is much cleaner and the same cleaning that lasts longer, compared to a traditional lubricant. If I had to quantify the duration of a WAX treatment, I could say – continues Dely – 3 or 4 times greater than a traditional lubricant, around 1000 kilometers in dry conditions. And then the application procedure, which once the right measurements are taken, takes less than 20/25 minutes, not bad considering it's a wax that needs to be worked on."
