Renold : Enables Peak Performance

Renold Enables Peak Performance

Renold Synergy chain has long been known for industrial applications, where its ability to outperform its closest competitors has seen it leading the market. What is less well known is that the same cutting-edge chain technology platform on which Synergy was built, has recently helped the Great Britain Cycling team to Olympic Gold!

How it all Started

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 inherent in existing solutions and brought a new level of performance, efficiency and flexibility to the transmission of mechanical power. Renold's fledgling business grew steadily, providing power transmission chains to the industrial applications of the day. What this new technology really needed however was a killer application.

Enter John Kemp Starley who in 1885 brought to market his safety bicycle. The 'Rover' bicycle included many ground-breaking features including the use of chain to drive the rear wheel. This synergy of technology and application proved a perfect match and resulted in the rapid growth of both Bicycle and Roller Chain industries

Pedal forward one hundred and thirty years and the Bicycle has been transformed - stronger, lighter and capable of incredible performance. In the chain world, Renold built a global business serving a huge array of industries and applications. Following the example of its founder, Renold has dedicated itself to the relentless pursuit of better chain technologies - stronger, highly durable and extremely efficient.

Return of the killer app

In 2011, British Cycling were looking for a drive chain that could meet the incredible demands of elite level competition both in the Velodrome and on the BMX track. After some discussion between British Cycling's R&D Team and Renold Engineers it was felt that the requirements could be met using Renold's Synergy chain technology platform. Following a great deal of collaborative work between British Cycling and Renold Chains, along with the University of Bristol, Renold engineers were able to optimise their pre-existing chain design which culminated in the chain that was used to great effect by the Great Britain Track Cycling team in both the London and Rio Olympic Games.

Speaking about stunning medal haul in Rio, Matt Taylor - Managing Director of Renold's chain division said 'Renold are immensely proud to have played a part in the outstanding success of British Cycling and the Great Britain Cycling team.

Likewise Tony Purnell from British Cycling's R&D Team said that 'as part of British Cycling's no stone unturned philosophy it was obvious that chain design was an area of interest and we have been impressed by the undoubted expertise and obvious willingness of Renold to work with us on this project.'