Invertek’s Optidrive variable frequency drives are currently sold into more than 80 countries worldwide and used in a huge range of diverse applications.

One of our eagle-eyed team spotted this article and short film produced by bicycle lubrication specialist, Muc-Off, detailing a recent collaboration with the Team Sky cycling team to develop a revolutionary chain wax intended to enhance Team Sky’s performance in the Team Time Trial World Championships which took place in September.

Muc-Off’s R&D department used an E2 variable speed drive to control the speed of the motor in the company’s purpose-built Chain Lube Efficiency Dynamometer, a machine that measures the friction coefficient on bicycle drivetrains.

Invertek’s Technical Manager, Kes Beech, says, “The easy to use Optidrive E2 is ideal in a test scenario like this as it offers precise control over a range of factors such as speed and surface gradient, enabling the test team to replicate a range of potential real-life situations.

“The Modbus RTU provides easy integration with control and monitoring systems ensuring the relevant test data is easily accessible.”

According to Muc-Off, ‘road tests coupled with efficiency and performance data gleaned from the Dynamometer showed that the new C4 chain wax can reduce chain friction by up to 80% -saving seven watts per rider over a 60-minute time trial.’

A Muc-Off spokesperson said, “We had heard Invertek’s variable frequency drives were high quality and easy to use and this has proved to be true. We installed and commissioned the drive ourselves and the whole process was very simple. We hadn’t used an Optidrive before, but it is very simple to operate and enabled us to obtain the data we needed to develop our latest product very easily.”