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CeramicSpeed has confirmed the release of pulley wheels specifically designed to work with the SRAM Eagle 12-speed groupset called the Eagle 14.
The number 14 refers to a 14/14-tooth design in the pulleys. Part of the developing process included having Specialized Racing test two different versions of the Eagle Pulley Wheels – a standard 12/14-tooth and an experimental 14/14-tooth. After thorough testing, the feedback from every rider and mechanic was that the 14/14-tooth offered increased performance.
“As already proven by the OSPW system on the road, larger diameter pulley wheels reduce friction by limiting the amount of rotation experienced by each chain link as it passes. Combined with the precision machining and incredibly high quality bearings inside, the new 14/14-tooth Eagle pulleys are the final piece of drivetrain perfection to get the absolute most out of our mountain bike drivetrains. In addition, the machined alloy pulleys are stiffer and therefore enhance shifting feel and give a more precise and instant engagement than we have experienced with stock pulleys before”, explained mechanic at Specialized Racing Brad Copeland.
As part of the thorough testing procedure, Danish MTB prodigy Simon Andreassen rode the wheels at the 2017 UCI MTB World Cup in Andorra, where he took his first ever win in the U23 category of this series: “I really love the new 14-tooth pulleys, the smooth rotation and fast gear change is a game changer. I’ve tried them for the first time in the World Cup in Andorra, and that worked out pretty good.”
CeramicSpeed’s R&D department came up with the same conclusions as Specialized Racing’s mechanics and riders after conducting several in-house tests. R&D manager Carsten Ebbesen said: “Our measurements show, that the watt saving when using 14/14-tooth compared to 12/14-tooth is 20% higher. Furthermore, the improved shifting performance is a combination of a narrow-wide upper pulley wheel and a stiff aluminium design combined with the unique ceramic bearing with very little play.”
The CeramicSpeed Eagle 14 Pulley Wheels will be available in both titanium and aluminium. The aluminium pulleys will come in two colors; black and gold. The black version is available from today, while the gold colored version will be available from October.
