Cycling Test Lab
The test lab consists of three advanced test rigs measuring rolling resistance, frame stiffness, and drivetrain efficiency. Providing data-driven insights to optimise every component for real-world performance.
Identify hidden power losses from tyres and wheel interaction with the road
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Rolling Resistance Rig
Rolling resistance is the force resisting the motion of a tyre rolling over a surface, rider power is required to overcome this force. The rolling resistance rig utilises a motor driven roller contained within an enclosure to rotate a wheel; vertical mass can be applied to simulate the tyre contact patch load.
Using measurements from a torque meter, the rolling resistance is then quantified by comparing the power required to drive the roller at a constant rotational speed, with and without tyre in contact, thus the power required to rotate the wheel is then calculated. The rig can measure marginal differences in power and can be used for the comparison of test samples or to investigate variables such as wheel speed, contact patch load and tyre pressures.
Ensure components efficiently transmit rider power, protecting real-world performance
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Stiffness Rig
A component tested in the isolation of a wind tunnel could prove to be aerodynamically advantageous, however, if the components stiffness or mechanical efficiency to transmit rider power to the road is not considered, then any aerodynamic gain could be wasted.
This bedplate-mounted rig allows a bike frame (without wheels) to be mounted on the front and rear axles and a static load applied through either the crank arms, bottom bracket bearing, handlebars or seat post; force and displacement is measured, and stiffness is then calculated. Additional rig configurations also allow crank arms, handlebars, stems and wheels to be stiffness tested in isolation.
Remove Energy losses in the drivetrain caused by friction
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Chain Efficiency Rig
Friction within a chain contributes to energy loss and therefore reduces drivetrain efficiency. Based on simple pendulum theory, the chain efficiency rig comprises of a swinging pendulum that rotates a chain around two chainrings of a 1:1 ratio. The energy lost to friction is removed from the pendulum’s velocity, causing its motion to decay. The pendulum’s decay can then be compared to a chain-less run to determine the frictional losses of the chain and thus its efficiency.
Utilising a swinging pendulum combined with knife edge bearings instead of a motor driven configuration with rotational bearings and couplings, keeps frictional losses and damping of the rig to a minimum and omits the effect of rotational inertia, all of which are critical factors when measuring the most marginal of differences between samples. This rig will allow for testing of different chains, lubricants and chainrings, to help optimise bicycle drivetrains.
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Articles on Cycling Test Lab
Chain Lubricants
Have you ever wondered the effect that your choice of lubricant has on your chain’s efficiency?
Handlebar Stiffness Testing
Have you ever considered the effect handlebar width has on stiffness?
Rolling Resistance Testing
Have you ever wondered what the fastest tyre choice is for a road ride?
Cycling Test Lab
Opening Hours
Weekdays
09:00 – 17:00
Evenings & Weekends
Evenings: 18:00 – 22:00
Weekends: 09:00 – 17:00