Do oversize pulley wheels increase derailleur capacity?

Asked by: Richard Kerby

Derailleur capacity is a measure of the difference between the shortest and longest chain that’s needed by those twenty bikes. Using larger jockey wheels just means that all of those chains need to get a couple of links longer; it doesn’t change the differences between them.

What are the benefits of oversized derailleur pulleys?

Kogel: The main goal for an oversized derailleur cage is to reduce drivetrain friction. Larger wheels require the chain to articulate less. Bending a chain causes friction between the plates. By making the wheels larger the chain needs to bend less every time it runs through the derailleur.

What does an oversized pulley wheel do?

‘Larger pulley wheels decrease the amount of articulation required from the chain links,’ says Ard Kessels, founder of Kogel Bearings. ‘As friction is created through chain plates sliding back and forth when articulating, there is less friction created when the chain moves less.

What does a bigger jockey wheel do?

bigger jockey wheels will rotate with fewer rpm for a given cadence, so less wear and tear. bigger jockey wheels mean more teeth (bigger circumference), so less wear and tear.

Are bigger pulleys better?

Pro road racers who use Berner’s uniquely oversized rear derailleur cages have sworn time and again that they reduce drivetrain friction thanks to their humongous 15-tooth pulleys.

Is oversize pulley worth it?

But oversize pulley wheels actually offer enough of an advantage in wattage savings that it may be worth sacrificing style. The big idea here is to reduce friction in the drivetrain. Fewer watts wasted as you pedal mean more efficiency and speed.

Are bigger jockey wheels more efficient?

Quote from video: And it does actually increase the faster you're going in the more force that's being put through the chain.

Do pro cyclists use OSPW?

Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling are pleased to announce their use of the NOVA RIDE OSPW systems, featuring oversize jockey wheels with ceramic bearings in a lightweight carbon cage, from the French engineering brand.

Does OSPW make a difference?

An OSPW will certainly make more of a difference than the titanium bolt kit and carbon bidon cages you’re eyeing, and the benefits will transfer to your Zwift efforts, too. *According to Jason Smith of Ceramic Speed, formerly Friction Facts.

Do you need longer chain for oversized pulley?

Oversized pulleys do not require a new chain – Since the added length in the chain is only about 2 teeth, typically you can run oversized pulleys without having to replace your chain. One nearly unavoidable downside of oversized derailleur cages remains the need for a longer chain.

Is it worth changing jockey wheels?

While well-serviced jockey wheels can work for years, there will come a point when these workhorses will need to be replaced. If the teeth on your jockey wheels are heavily worn, then this can negatively affect the quality of your shifting as the teeth can fail to engage.

Does a bigger or smaller pulley increase speed?

Pulleys of Different or Same Size



If a smaller pulley turns a larger one, the larger one will turn slower, but with more power available at the shaft. If a bigger pulley turns a smaller one, the smaller one will turn much faster than the bigger one but with less power available at the shaft.

Are CeramicSpeed pulley wheels worth it?

In testing conducted by CeramicSpeed, its own pulley wheels with ceramic bearings proved the most energy-efficient, consuming 0.033 watts. Or, in other words, this was the amount of energy lost in transmission.

How do you increase pull power with a pulley?

Quote from video: If she'd be using only a single pulley at the vehicle what you would need to do here would be to attach the end of the rope around the anchor. Point that would be only doubling the pulling.

Are all derailleur pulleys the same?

The pulleys that will actually fit on your derailleur are determined by the generation of your group set. This is a number stamped on every part and goes by a four digit number. For instance any number between 9100 and 9199 indicates the latest generation Dura Ace.

Do ceramic bottom brackets make a difference?

The Bottom Line: Quality hybrid ceramic bearings are better than steel bearings in a bicycle bottom bracket application because they have rounder balls for lower resistance, better races for lower resistance, and are grease-efficient in low RPM, low heat environments for lower resistance.

Does a bigger or smaller pulley increase speed?

Pulleys of Different or Same Size



If a smaller pulley turns a larger one, the larger one will turn slower, but with more power available at the shaft. If a bigger pulley turns a smaller one, the smaller one will turn much faster than the bigger one but with less power available at the shaft.

Do I need longer chain for oversized pulley?

Oversized pulleys do not require a new chain – Since the added length in the chain is only about 2 teeth, typically you can run oversized pulleys without having to replace your chain. One nearly unavoidable downside of oversized derailleur cages remains the need for a longer chain.

Are all derailleur pulleys the same?

The pulleys that will actually fit on your derailleur are determined by the generation of your group set. This is a number stamped on every part and goes by a four digit number. For instance any number between 9100 and 9199 indicates the latest generation Dura Ace.

Do you need longer chain for OSPW?

Do I need a new chain if I install the OSPW System? Due to the oversized pulley wheels and the need for a longer chain, we recommend starting with a new, uncut chain. We do not recommend adding additional links to an existing chain. Please check the OSPW Chain Guide for more information.

Do ceramic jockey wheels make a difference?

Faster, lighter, and more durable? According to research, a well-made ceramic bearing will roll faster, saving you energy and allowing faster cruising speeds compared to an equivalent steel bearing. This is because the properties of ceramic allow the creation of rounder, smoother bearings.

Does OSPW make a difference?

An OSPW will certainly make more of a difference than the titanium bolt kit and carbon bidon cages you’re eyeing, and the benefits will transfer to your Zwift efforts, too. *According to Jason Smith of Ceramic Speed, formerly Friction Facts.