Contributing to easy and smooth riding of sports wheelchairs by utilizing bearing technology for bicycles

NTN Corporation (hereafter, NTN) provides Mr. Tomoya Ito (belonging to Bayer Yakuhin, Ltd) and Mr. Hirokazu Ueyonabaru (belonging to SMBC Nikko Securities Inc.) with bearings specially developed for sports wheelchairs by utilizing bearing technology and know-how for bicycles cultivated so far.

NTN has been developing and providing bearings for drive units, wheel, bottom brackets of electric assist bicycles as well as automobiles and industrial machinery. Through encouraging the development of bicycle market which is an eco-friendly, safe, and comfortable transportation, we also have contributed to reduction in environmental impact. The bearings we provide this time are specially developed for Mr. Ito and Mr. Ueyonabaru by utilizing our bearing technology and know-how realizing safety and smooth riding of bicycles.

We provided wheel bearings for sports wheelchairs with them in 2021. At that time, we selected rolling elements and lubrications based on their riding posture, feeling, and race strategy. After many adjustments, we finally developed the best specifications for them and contributed to their smooth and stable riding.*1

The bearings provided to them this time is the same deep groove ball bearings as previously provided ones that realized rotational performance and low torque with high level by adopting ceramic rolling elements and changing lubrications from grease to oil.

The bearings were installed in their wheels by our young engineer who is also a long-distance runner of NTN Track & Field Club. The engineer did the tuning work while sharing the attitude for racing and enthusiasm sticking to hundredths of a second as an athlete just like Mr. Ito and Mr. Ueyonabaru.

NTN will support the performance of both athletes, who have achieved brilliant results in numerous international competitions over the years and are aiming for even higher levels of performance, by providing bearings, and contribute to the creation of a society where everyone can enjoy sports lively.