How do we design a successful product that is even easier to use, lighter, more versatile, more stable and cheaper?
In tough off-road use, the chain of a mountain bike is exposed to extremely severe shocks. In order to prevent jumping off the sprocket or chainring, the chain is tensioned and held in position by a so-called chain guide, especially in enduro and downhill use.
The c.guide eco was created in collaboration with the bicycle development company B-Labs from Biel in Switzerland as a further development of the successful c.guide V02. To compensate for the different positions of the chain during shifting, the old chain guide offers two axes of movement. It consists of two aluminum die-cast parts, four different plastic injection-molded parts and a screw.
Objectives of our new development
- Improved mounting on the bicycle frame
- Reduction of production costs
- weight loss
- Reduction of chain friction
Our work began with the analysis and breakdown of the requirements into their individual components.
What is the best way to solve each problem?
As a result of the realignment of the design and the departure from the use of previously used aluminum components, a completely new chain guide was created at the end of design development.
In addition to the required changes, we were able to increase the durability of the product by reducing the number of components to a single two-component injection-molded part. At the same time, production costs were reduced many times over. The stiff upper part secures the c.guide eco securely to the bicycle frame. The flexible central shaft made of thermoplastic elastomer keeps the chain guide sleeve in position and enables stabilization and at the same time almost noiseless damping of the chain in three axes of movement.
The result of the design development is the lightest yet most flexible chain guide in the world.
Features of the novel c.guide eco chain guide:
- quick, tool-free and safe assembly thanks to one-piece construction
- Reduction of production costs by several times
- 22% weight loss (14 gr.)
- greater flexibility due to 3 axes of movement — therefore lower chain friction
- less chain noises
- better chain shiftability
- less wear on the chain
- excellent damping properties
- better durability under continuous load
- No restriction of function due to exposure to dirt
- Suitable for 1-/2-/3-speed crank sets due to the great freedom of movement
Our Conclusion
Proven technology can also be improved.
It is always worthwhile to think outside the box and rethink supposedly proven materials and designs.
Product design is not about improving a product across the board, but about solving the many individual problems faced by the user and the manufacturer.
By reducing 7 components to a single one, we have once again significantly improved an already good product.
The c.guide eco received the DESIGN & INNOVATION AWARD at EUROBIKE in 2015. And it wasn't just the jurors who were able to convince! There are test reports here and over here
