Ashima

The Ashima designed test machine is on a par to those used in the automotive industry; whereby the wheel/disk is directly driven about its rotational axis, the brake loads are applied using computer controlled pneumatic cylinders, hence eliminating many of the variables associated with simple EN testing. A series of strain gauges directly measure the resulting normal/braking forces and are continuously monitored throughout the braking cycle. Temperature sensors mounted below the braking surface also feed back valuable information. This enables Ashima to directly obtain friction coefficient measurements throughout the whole braking process and for all operating temperatures. In addition to being able to simulate EN testing Ashima also perform dynamic tests where the rotating inertia (simulated weight of bike+rider) is actually brought to rest (unlike the EN testing were the bicycle driven speed is kept constant) hence greater insight is gained about “true” stopping performance. Of course in addition to in-house testing Ashima also use both field trials and independent test houses to gain the necessary rider/ industrial accreditation.