Graphene-based wheels ready for Giro d'Italia
Image credit: Directa Plus
Vittoria Qurano (Graphene Plus inside): this is the name of the first graphene-based product commercialized in the world.
We are talking about a wheel produced by Vittoria, an Italian leader in the cycling industry, and available now in three different editions (46, 60 and 84 mm).
With this innovative material made of pristine Graphene nanoplatelets, as provided by Directa Plus, Vittoria has rapidly transformed from a traditional manufacturer to a high-tech innovation company.
Graphene increases material strength, flexibility and lateral stiffness.
ADVANTAGES
The advantages, for a wheel, are heat dissipation (15-30°C lower) – a crucial factor in the slopes –, an increase in lateral stiffness (more than 50%) and puncture reduction, especially around the valve area. A couple of wheels weigh 1,250 grams together and the price ranges from 1,450 € to 1,850 €.
In the world-famous cycling competition, Giro d’Italia, professional cyclists Bettini, Moser and Fondriest are testing the new wheels. Due to regular tyre punctures and difficult wheel changes, during the Strade Bianche, Italian cyclist Fabian Cancellara will be using them.
In September 2015, Vittoria will commercialize graphene-based tubular tyres, in other words without inner tubes, just like MTB tyres. These tyres last longer and will suffer fewer punctures. Furthermore, as you can imagine, the biggest advantage of these innovative new tyres is the massive increase in speed riders will experience and, subsequently, a reduction in race times.
At 40 km/h, normal tyres will require 23-29 N.m of effort, while the new graphene-based tyres require only 16.8 N.m. The expected advantage is 3’’ for a km.
About Directa Plus
Directa Plus is a technological company, founded in 2005 in the USA, which develops processes for the production of a new generation of graphene-based nanomaterials targeting existing global markets.
Business Model:
- Create highly engineered graphene-based materials for everyday life applications
- Use R&D and collaborate with prestigious universities and commercial partners to refine the technology and create ready-to-use products
- Protect technology with an aggressive IP strategy (35 patents granted and 8 patents pending).
- Enhance the applications in environmental, elastomer, smart textile, carbon fiber, lithium ion batteries markets
Read more about the company here.