Way back in 1880 when the few cyclists on the roads were more than likely riding high on a Penny Farthing, young engineer Hans Renold achieved a significant technical breakthrough when he invented the bush roller chain.

This innovative chain technology solved many problems encountered at the time and brought a new level of performance, efficiency and flexibility to the transmission of mechanical power. The basis of this technology is still used across the globe today.

In 2011, the Great Britain Cycling Team had identified problems with the chain they had been using and contacted Renold to see if they could come up with a solution for track cycling. The rich history of Renold and a mutual relationship with the University of Bristol was the catalyst for the partnership forming.

The chain developed is based on the same technology platform as Renold’s Synergy brand industrial transmission chain. This chain is widely regarded as the performance leader in industrial applications, having unrivalled wear and fatigue performance.  Synergy is the perfect foundation for a track cycling chain.

Detlef Ragnitz, Engineering Director at Renold added: “British Cycling came to us with some very interesting and specific challenges. Elite athletes make extreme demands on the chain. We looked at our technology portfolio to see what might be a good fit. Our synergy technology platform is very strong and durable, it has inherently low friction and gives us long life in industrial applications. In Industrial applications, greater efficiency means reduced carbon footprint. In cycling, it means more speed!”

The Chain was used to great effect by the Great Britain Cycling Team on the track in the Rio Olympic Games.

Tony Purnell, Head of Technology for the Great Britain Cycling Team on the need to improve drive train efficiency said: “Any loss of drive train efficiency means that some of the power from the riders’ legs gets wasted into heat, so it absolutely makes the bike quicker”.  Regarding the 2016 Olympics, Tony added “We knew when we were on the starting gates for Rio – We had the best chain in the world”

This chain features a specially surface treated pin & bush for greater efficiency and wear performance.  The side plates are precision formed & holed before being pre-stressed resulting in optimal mechanical interference fits between plates, pins & bushes. This yields higher strength & fatigue.  Further enhanced interference fit and corrosion protection is a result of the plates being nickel coated prior to assembly.

To celebrate the anniversary of the invention of the bush roller chain, Renold are introducing a limited edition of 138 Velo CT track cycling chains available to cyclists that want to experience the quality and durability of this championship winning chain.

These chains are available exclusively online via our dedicated website.