Miniature check valves provide vital link in chain lubrication

15 February, 2017

At a competitive level, British Cycling, the sport’s governing body reports that in 2005 it had 15,000 members, today that figure is 140,000¹. As a consequence of this surge in popularity cycling has become a very important market. Halfords, who are responsible for 1 in 3 new cycles sold in the UK, reported that sales were up 11% in the year to March 2015 while the total market in the UK for new bike sales is around £770 million².

With the average price of a new bicycle at £250 and the cost of a ‘competitive’ racing bike up to £12,000+ the evidence points to cycling, in all forms as being a lucrative and growing market.

The challenge

At the higher end of the market, the challenge to secure and maintain a competitive edge inevitably increases the focus on how best to take advantage of technical advances and new innovations. How can designers and manufacturers improve the performance of the bicycle, making it even more efficient? A good example of this is the collaboration between Glasgow-based specialist in performance cycling accessories, Flaér, its sister company the automotive engineering business Scottoiler, and miniature component specialist Lee Products.

The key component in the transmission of power to the rear wheel of a bicycle is the chain and maintaining it at its optimum condition is vital to its performance. The same applies to any piece of machinery with a chain drive because if neglected it wears out faster, reducing efficiency and performance and eventually in extreme cases, causing damage, downtime and even injury if it breaks.

The introduction of O-Ring (sealed) chains has encouraged some people to believe that there is no need to lubricate a chain because an O, or X-ring chain has lubricant sealed inside the pin area. However, even with these new types of chain, lubrication is essential. Due to the rolling action of the chain O-rings are very sensitive to any damage and need lubrication.

Unless surfaces are kept moist the rubber O-rings will harden and crack over time, exposing the link pin to dirt and wear causing ‘tight-spots’ which make adjustment impossible. Rubber O-rings have a high coefficient of friction, for example, two kilowatts of power converts to heat which results in friction and wear. Conventional spray lube is one solution but a better solution is continuous lubrication of the chain.