When the bike tour was over, Smith then revealed the Aussie track team’s customised sprocket collection. Each sprocket is sent to Japan for a special treatment where three microns (a micron is equivalent to one millionth of a metre) are shaved away from the interior and replaced by two microns of Ni-Cad followed by one micron of Teflon. The process costs AUD$10,000 for each set of sprockets, but Smith claims it produces a “phenomenal reduction in friction and heat dissipation.”
I have some of these cogs, given the polish / Ni-coating treatment in Japan. These are simply stock-standard Shimano CrMo cogs with the teeth polished/ground a little, then Ni coated - not sure about the Teflon (this sounds like c&b!). Teflon wouldn’t last the first lap! Can’t see any Teflon on them. They are about $100 each. (that’s 100 times cheaper!)
For those interested. I’m getting some made in Australia along these lines. Hopefully they will retail under $45 each. 15% off for pre-orders!
