Updated with pics: Composite Bearings are innovative maintenance-free components, says firm

Saint-Gobain shows Norglide off at Taipei Cycle Show

For the first time in one bicycle, Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics is showcasing all possible applications of its Norglide composite bearings and Norglide cable liners at the Taipei Cycle Show.

Using a Norco Bicycles’ Phaser 1, Saint-Gobain has engineered the MTB with Norglide composite bearings and cable liners so that engineers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) can explore the benefits of the ‘maintenance-free’ components provide on bicycle performance, including reduced friction and weight.

The engineered bicycle is on display in Booth L1218 (floor 4F).

Saint-Gobain’s performance Norglide composite bearings feature a self-lubricating layer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), resulting in a component that is lightweight, low friction, corrosion-resistant and maintenance-free, according to the firm.

These benefits mean the Norglide composite bearings can be used for a number of applications in bikes, including front and back suspension systems and the derailleur and brake pivots.

A spokesperson for the company said: "Used within suspension systems, Saint-Gobain’s Norglide composite bearings eliminate deflection and can help achieve the lightest weight and lowest friction for bicycles. Within derailleurs, the bicycle’s gear system, Norglide composite bearings minimise deterioration while handling high loads, which in turn increases the lifetime of the gear system and the bike overall.

"The composition and design of Saint-Gobain’s PTFE Norglide composite bearings in pedals and brake pivots help to ensure the longevity of the parts and enable the pedals to rotate in an efficient and smooth manner, reducing ‘stick slip’ when slowing down.

"The Norco Phaser 1 in Saint-Gobain’s booth will also feature the Norglide cable liner, which is engineered using PTFE to reduce stick-slip, enhance performance and reduce maintenance in bicycle control cables. Saint-Gobain’s expert engineers will be on hand at the show to demonstrate these innovative solutions and to explain how high-performance PTFE components can benefit cyclists."

www.taipeicycle.com.tw

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