Bicycle

Saint-Gobain helps you design light weight bike components that are strong and compact by using advanced composite NORGLIDE® Bearings. With a unique product structure and low coefficient of friction, the plain bearing makes a smoother ride for the cyclist, with none of the irritating noises.

Saint-Gobain works with bike manufacturers to develop reliable solutions, that perform over many years like on the first use. We work closely to adapt designs and develop and test prototypes to enable a perfect fit and efficient assembly.

Reducing Weight

Weight is important for any consumer looking to invest in their bike. Heavy bikes require more effort from riders, whilst within the sports market lightweight gains in every area is an essential mark of quality.

Saint-Gobain use strong yet light materials which can eliminate traditional parts like heavy steel ball bearings. By using advanced materials for integral components, overall weight can be brought down significantly, whilst not compromising on robustness or performance.

Saving Space

To deliver on today's rider needs, we help manufacturers think small. Small parts working smoothly are essential for the perfect ride. We share our technical expertise with our customer’s engineers to approach the design of their systems in a new way. By using NORGLIDE® Bearings manufacturers can save space or deliver greater comfort to end users by replacing multiple parts with one, or by introducing ultra-thin components. From front suspension to rear shocks, and headsets, small space savings across a bicycle can soon add up to a big difference, delivering consumers the ride they are looking for.

Optimised Assembly

Simple and efficient assembly of components saves time and money during manufacturing. We’re focused on developing components that streamline the manufacturing process, often with the elimination of other components. Our components are developed for easy removal to aid user and professional maintenance of different systems on each bicycle. Each component is rigorously prototyped through the development process, ensuring that they provide a perfect fit, every time, during assembly.

Minimising Noise & Vibration

Noise can be unpleasant and irritating for the end user, giving an unwelcome distraction as they ride through busy traffic or take on trails. Traditional bearings which become loose can lead to annoying noise and excessive free-play, both of which can impair a ride and reduce confidence in a bike and a brand. Over-tightening can lead to unfavorable loads on the system, however. NORGLIDE® Bearings can deliver noise-free performance through the use of advanced materials, eliminating unnecessary noise and delivering an excellent ride over life.

Vibration can be a major issue for components within cycle systems, and the rider too. Vibration can reduce consumer confidence in a bike and brand, and distract cyclists during their ride. Furthermore, vibration can increase wear on components, leading to damage in an application over time.

By using an optimised NORGLIDE® Bearing, vibrations are reduced and the end-user can enjoy their bike for a longer time. The product also provides a higher quality impression. This is one reason why NORGLIDE® has a strong brand reputation inside the bicycle market.

Controlled Friction

The challenge for bicycle manufacturers is to develop a new generation of lightweight bikes. Low friction within bearings is essential for a comfortable, confident ride but traditional bearings, for instance, rolling-element bearings, deliver this low friction at a high weight cost.

Plastic bearings are much lighter but require grease and tend to uncontrolled friction like stick-slip. With NORGLIDE® Bearings we provide our customers the perfect match combining lightweight and constant low friction.

Bicycle Video Demonstration

Saint-Gobain NORGLIDE® Bearings are used in bicycle components -- headsets, brake levers, forks, pedals, front and rear derailleurs, brake cantilever and rear suspensions.