How To Make Your Drivetrain More Efficient | Maintenance Monday
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- čas přidán 16. 07. 2024
- Ex-professional cyclist Simon Richardson is here with several tips and tricks to help you get the most power from your drivetrain. Using accurate data from Boulder based company Friction Facts, Si busts some myths about what's best for the efficiency of your road bike.
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If you're looking for more power, increased efficiency or just want that horrible grinding noise to stop, these tips are sure to help out:
- Clean your drivetrain
- Lubricate your drivetrain properly
- Monitor your chain condition
- Choice and condition of jockey wheels
- All important selection of gears
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Photos: © Bettiniphoto / www.bettiniphoto.net/ & ©Tim De Waele / www.tdwsport.com
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Leave us a comment below! - Sport
Would you make these changes to gain watts? Let us know 👇
If I am racing, most definitely
In the beginning of the year I changed from a few decades of using oil-based lubricant to all-weather wax (Soudal), and have found it makes a significant difference in terms of efficiency due to much less friction...and therefore more efficient wattage. Who would have thought that such a small change would make such an impact!
Global Cycling Network GCN, do I have to do a full degrease/cleaning of the chain every time I add purple extreme?
No, because in my case a few watts doesn't make any difference to me. If I was a pro and every single second mattered, then yes.
Making changes to a wet lube means I'd have to wear black socks under my white shoes... that seems to break a few unwritten rules. 94 degrees (34.4444 to those of you who use C) out there yesterday at the end of the ride, and GCN wants me to start wearing black garments. :-/
Simon needed an excuse to talk about cleaning your bike again.
At least he makes sense to us junior varsity.
Hear, hear!
😏
Anyone remember when Si used to recommend using WD40 as a degreaser and a lubricant 😂😂
Jim Walmsley wd40 doesn't sponsor them :/
😂😂 savage
I don't recall him calling it a lubricant, just a cleaner.
David Hanny I think he did in the 5 min clean
Then Muc-off money came along...
SIMON! Thanks for all the great advice! I really appreciate how you back it up with figures rather than just say "do this, it's better". I also appreciate your personal touch. I just discovered the Trim feature that permits me to cross-chain on occasion and have used it to great effect (IMO). I really appreciate your endorsement of cross-chaining in the appropriate scenarios, while still recommending that we should probably drop down regardless. You've made me a more confident cyclist. Thank you!
I am new to cycling and always learn something from your videos, you are even hilarious on top of being informative.
Thanks for your videos
Other ways to save a handful of watts for free:
1. Don't drink beer.
2. Don't eat doughnuts.
3. Don't have sex.
4. Don't go to work.
5. Don't do drugs.
6. Don't cut the grass.
7. Don't wash the car.
8. Don't take the kids out.
9. Don't go shopping.
10. Don't walk up stairs.
11. Don't stand in the shower.
12. Don't slow down for road junctions.
One of the best maintenance videos in a while, kudos to Si. But you didn't mention even once who "custom designed" the bike. Till date, the most awesome awesome GCN gift that keeps on giving...more smiles 😂
I feel I should give you some encouragement - This is a really good idea, keep doing them.
"Dirt" in your chain forms a grinding paste. It not only wastes watts, it gnaws on your cassette, chainrings and chain.
Paraffin thinned with paraffin oil, is the way to go. Not just the lowest friction coefficient, it’s not sticky, and doesn’t collect all the gunk. It’s also more resistant to washing out in wet weather.
Si: everyone is always saying "save this man watts" ... over what time/ distance. Saving two watts over 100 km is different than two watts / km.
you guys are great, fun to watch!
Super info! Yes, I'll make some changes.
Thank you for the great video!
We need a video called Cross chaining and gear ratios for dummies
It would be nice to have a video on gear ratios since gears and crank length affect the overall ratio.
That is the most beautiful bike I've seen on this channel.
If I do everything that Si recommends here, I'll gain something like, uhh, 54 watts. Sweet! Now all I have to figure out is whether to use Italian or Spanish olive oil.
gr8 videos sir , it really helps me
Can you do some video reviews of the tour of Poland
Joe Whiteley0711 yeah that would be good
Excellent!
My last bike was a 2x10 friction shift one and although modern indexed ones are far lovelier I'm sure, I was looking for a hint/rule-of-thumb on managing the move between the 2 front chainrings. It was easy with the levers on the downtube, just move one up, one down, and adjust until the clicking stopped :) Thanks for the tip Si, I'll try and use that cog 8 and cog 6 idea as a starting point. (so, 2 notches on right when changing on the left).
I recognize that lubricant at 1:20. It's Muc-off, probably dry lube. I used it on my MTB once (once, as in a full bottle) and my chain was making noises before the 20km mark. I had to carry it with me for mid ride lubrication. I eventually had to buy a new chain, probably unrelated to the lube, but the problem still persisted. I use Motoroil bike lube now, and I'm really happy with it so far.
I have actually used EVOO as a lubricant in many machines, including my bicycle as a chain lube. I didn't know that it was the best at the job, I was just out of "real" chain lube and I wanted something more eco-friendly than any petroleum-based product. I still use the old standby WD-40 for a quick clean-and-lube job, but when I do a proper servicing, I'll reach for the salad dressing.
I must admit Lastys Trek is my favourite bike of the GCN presenters. It's a stunningly beautiful bike.
That's interesting about the cog and chain ring sizes. Although I'd say running compact would outweigh the one or two watt savings due to better cadences on climbs.
I'm surprised you didn't talk about parrafin wax on a chain.
Cool! Never expected olive oil to be a winner on the efficient lube I maybe give that a go during the rainy season when I clean and lube my chain after every ride! Thats very environmentally non toxic too so a big plus in my books. I also did just get a Shimano chain after hearing they not only shift smoother than others but save a proven 1.5 watts
You state that you best use the big ring until cog 8, and then, use the small ring with cog 6 to 11. That might be exact with some crankset and cassette combo's, but with most, you have to back up 4 cogs. On a 50 - 36 crankset and 11 speed 12-25 cassette, gong from 50-19 to 36-15 , the logical next step, that's 5 cogs. With a 50-34 and 11-28 combo, going from 50-21 to 34-14 is also 4 cogs. On both, you start lower than cog 6 for sure. As a rule of thumb, I would avoid the smallest 3 cogs when in the inner ring and the largest 3 cogs when in the big ring. But thx for the great video anyway!! Keep up the good work!
Paraffin wax. Never going back to any other lube. Revelation doesn't cover it. Smoother, quieter, cleaner and easier. You'd be certifiably mad to use any other lube. Some great videos on youtube from ozcyle covering this. (no affiliation)
Yesyes
Most beautiful road bike so far, amazing
That frame looks like my Savadeck Warwinds 4 model. Good solid frame and looks good.
My 14.5 kg alloy road bike is tweeted to the max, custom derailleur with different sized wheels, MG chemicals white Lithium on hubs, loose ceramic ball bearings on the wheel hubs, caged bottom bracket ceramic bearing balls. It's keeping up with $5000 bikes with experienced riders. But this bike was $250, with $100 addons.
My mate was too tight to buy chainlube so he used turkey basting fat from the Sunday roast. Don't know how efficient it was but it smelt good following him.
The color scheme on the TREK is SICKK
Great video. I don't know if i waste watts, all I know Is that my Venge VÍAS feels faster when I put down an hour to clean it, particularly my drive train. It feels smother, quieter and faster.
Step 1 : Sell your car and buy Sram Red E-Tap
That's my plan, as soon as they come out with their wireless mountain group. ahem, hurry up you guys!
G Kuljian waiting for it as well. You heard anything on it?
My car is worth less than SRAM red ETap
If I take all these watt-saving tips from all the GCN videos, I could set a new hour record.. 2W here, another 5W there, it all adds up quickly.
Laurens Van Rossem Thats the point of marginal gains!
Well you say that... but I think the Hour Record guys like Wiggo and Dowsett probably (definitely) did this stuff too.
I used olive oil once in a long rainy cycling weekend holiday. It works fine. Now I try to remember to take the proper stuff with me.
MRGRUMPY53 you just have to keep moving :-) it is definitely a temporary solution.
Great stuff. From now on the 50 - 34 is back on the rack and the 53 - 39 back on.
And olive oil?
thats one bad ass trek
Haha this is awesome!!
Where does WD40 comes on the list of best lubes?
You know what? It wasn't too bad! Finished mid pack I think.
MRGRUMPY, that's pretty neat. It makes sense, but only with the acceptance of faster parts wear.
WD40 (water displacement formula 40) was created for convair aerospace in san diego to coat the tanks of atlas missiles to impede rust and corrosion.
Oooo look at that paint. Who was the designer?
Good video. Can't help but think though - has Sainsbury's chipped in? :-)
Worth mentioning that lube doesn't just have to lubricate the chain, it's corrosion prevention too, so olive oil probably isn't a good idea
Is that the Trek Lasty designed??
I think Lasty designed it...
Who designed it?
Samuel Mumby I believe Lasty CUSTOM designed it
Lasty. Lasty designed this bike! It is the bike that Lasty designed.
Juan0003 serious?
Thanks for clearing that up... I'm sure I knew someone designed it, I just couldn't remember who for a moment...
I'll save you the cost of the results: the best lubricants are wax based, of which the best mainstream brand is squirt. your're welcome.
Prastt Harley?
Lite Roadie don't compare me to a rat looking bipolar egotistical crackhead please
Started waxing my drivetrain just recently, and it's been an epiphany. Much quieter, smoother, more efficient, and cleaner. No black residuals, and dirt pick up. No going back for me!
Andy Satch how often do you need to rewax your chain? I use parafin wax and it only lasts about 160km before it gets noisy again
I've only just started doing it, and have only done 3 shortish rides, about 30 miles each, and it's showing no signs of needing it doing yet. TBH I figure that even if I have to do it every 100 miles, it's still better than the traditional methods, as I keep my paraffin wax in a rice cooker which I bought of fleabay for £7, and so all I have to do is turn it on, clean the chain, and away to go. There is a cracking video on youtube by oz cycle showing the method.
GCN, do I Have to do a full degrease/cleaning of the chain every time I add some purple extreme?
question. what is the optimal crankset and cassette tooth ratio for hauling a trailer more than 40 pounds? thank you!
Can you do a video on building custom wheels
what about chain length? could you win are loose some whats there? Whats your advice?
"Whatever floats your boat"
Cycling could use a little more of this attitude.
Could GCN do a Road test comparing Elliptical versus Circular front chainrings? It seems like two Tour de France winners have used them with success but would Really like to see some results from a GCN test
Friction Facts has recently been bought by Ceramic Speed. Draw your own conclusions on that one.
Ooh interesting
First
Yellow jersey this year was Geraint Thomas
Joe Whiteley0711 lol
Ok...so how come I can only get 3 or 4 gears up my block in the big ring before the chain starts rubbing on the derailleur? If I adjust the derailleur further in then it rubs at the bottom of the block instead. Campag Athena 11sp chainset.
so if I Have a 10gear... it would be okay to be in gear 8 (3rd down from biggest) with the big chainring up front?
I wonder what the efficiency difference is if there is one between short cage and medium cage rear derailleurs, is there any reason to not run a wifli or medium cage and then a bigger cassette so you can stay in the 53 chainring longer.
Hi there,can i use two different jockey wheel sizes in the same derailleur on a bike? thanks
Does the rear wheel naturally spin less on a free spin ? My front wheel spins for like forever but rear would stop in 6-7secs (slow hand spin) . My discs aren't rubbing either
#torquwBack Is it better when climbing to gain spedd on the flatter bits and try to hold it or just ride an even effort?
Does anyone know what saddle is on the bike shown in the video.
It would be interesting how many watts the ceramic speed stuff is saving
What Bottom Bracket is Lasty using on his Trek?
Would this 'bigger ring, more efficient' idea count towards the reason why despite oval/non round chain rings making sense on paper, there is no proven benefit from them as when it's easier on a dead spot and it saves you a few watts, the chain is making a sharper turn round a cog that is in effect smaller and thus you're loosing these watts back here?
Where do Sram say you can cross chain? I couldn't find anything on it. And does that include lower level gear (Apex & Rival)?
#Torqueback What is the best drivetrain if you are limited for junior racing for criteriums and or classics?
Also throw in a Hambini bottom bracket 😉
If the big chainring is more efficient, why not have a 1x system with a bigger cassette?
I suspect I'll see lots of cyclists hanging around the olive oil shelf at my local grocery store.
By far, the single biggest drivetrain efficiency gain that can be made to the bike in the video is to add pedals -- any pedals!!!
No D.Eldon, you completely missed the point of the vid. If you follow all these tips you'll be at 0 watts, don't need to pedal at all, so no pedals needed!
Does the bike come assembled?
#ASKGCN, Do you clean your chain after ever ride? Does that include decreasing the chain?
After watching this video , why do i feel like everything will save 3 watts xD
Are IGr hubs less efficient than derailleur drive trains ?
Graphite powder + light oil :)
GCN is missing a trick. They could get a bucket sponsor, a sponge sponsor and a hosepipe sponsor. Maybe they could even get their local Water Company to sponsor them.
Who designed that paint job?
Fanks mate
Can some one explain why my wheelset is almost near impossible to put a tire on?
The last time I tried to clean my drivetrain, I somehow managed to get dirt into the rear hub which resulted in having to take it down to my LBS for a hub overhaul. I'd rather just take the 3 watt penalty next time.
is really true? that virgin coconut oil will work good as a lube to chain?
How to set wheel wires tension?
MRGRUMPY53 Thank you for your reply but I think a Gcn video will explain it with much details. I am aftaid I won't do it by myself.
question:
new chain always covered with lub out of the box.should i clean it off and reapply before i ride or just leave it there?
Leave it on, it's good lube. Reapply when your drivetrain gets dirty, but clean it very well before lubing.
Who designed that bike?
#TORQUEBACK It is said that wider road bike tires are faster, but where is the limit? I've test ridden trek domane with 32 mm tires and it was surprisingly fast on flat road and comfy on cobbles.
I wonder how many watts I'm saving by running a fixed-gear over a derailleur bike...?
Probably not enough to overcome the ridiculously-non-aero position.
Could you do some post on better maintenance on a Track bike?
keep your front and rear mechs clean form velodrome dirt -_-
also don't cross gear
Make sure you have proper clearance between the brake pads and rims (unless you have disk brakes, then it's pads and rotors). *smirk*
Haha great replies
Ahh, but what about chain line on a track bike, adjusting it, what choice of gears for reduced friction, choice of chain, chain lubrication for velodrome use, tyre choice, narrow 19's at 220 psi, it's as though it's a different animal to road!
That looks like the Trek Madone that Lasty designed. You know, the one that was designed by him.
Since when has the 11th (correct for your appropriate cassette) been on the inside?!
Seat name please?
Massive sprockets are way forward!
Hey GSN, I'm planning to get my first proper road bike but I don't know whether I should wait for 2018 bikes to come or get this years bike with discounted price. I was looking at Giant TCR Advanced 2 for 1200€, Is that a good value for that bike???
my vote is always to buy last years bike on the deepest discount you can get. Even a two year old bike in the back of the shop is good IMO, as long as it fits.
I made my drivetrain even faster when i change the chain to Dura Ace.
Madone😍
I use olive oil and it works well, but I have to say picks up quite a lot of crap, needs to be washed every two weeks if you ride regularly.
How about GCN creating a video "How to throw away bidons like a pro?". Just a thought
Paraffin is crap. Here's a Golden tip LPS molybdenum Disulphide, never have to degrease again. Quiet and clean. Watch for overspray, goes on like paint. remove with alcohol...your'e welcome.
There is no way that the energy effects are linear. Which power related equation is linear?
Nerd Heaven.
I've seen pros cross-chain
Oo