“The world’s first chain performance system will ensure your transmission operates at maximum efficiency from start to finish, no matter the conditions. The Revo Via applies a precise quantity of our specially developed fluid to the chain as you ride, giving maximum power transfer to the wheel, smoother gear shifts and a visibly cleaner transmission. The result – you get the most out of the effort you put in.” – says Flaer.
These claims were enough to pique the interest of UCI World Tour team, Orica Scott who have the Revo Via system fitted to the bikes of team riders Luke Durbridge and Daryl Impey. Click on through for more…
I photographed the system manual and drew the following conclusions about the Revo Via system – apologies in advance for any errors. The Revo Via consists of a control box (part #1) that mounts to the frame beneath the bottle cage, as pictured above. Inside the box are the electronics that control the system, powered by 2 x N (LR1) batteries. This box also acts as the system’s reservoir and stores 27ml worth of Via fluid – this is the only fluid that is recommended for use with the system. There is also a spacer that sits between the Revo Via box and the frame, along with various washers and zip ties.
For first time use, the system is primed for four seconds to get the Via fluid flowing through the system and hose (photos below). Then, a calibration step is performed. There are some other steps related to setup, but in a nutshell, the system can deliver 0.03ml of Via fluid at three different intervals – 30 seconds (recommended for rain), 90 seconds and 150 seconds (recommended for clear and sunny skies). The up / down buttons pictured above determine these intervals.
The part pictured above (referred to as #6 in the manual) bolts to the outside of the rear derailleur cage and substitutes the stock pulley bolt for a longer one supplied with the kit.
There is also the tiny hose (#12) for delivery of the Via fluid, which is run from the Revo Via box to the rear derailleur, connecting to part #6. In the case of the Orica Scott mechanics, they did a nice job of running the fluid hose internally, following the path of the Shimano Di2 wiring.
These photos were taken as soon as Daryl Impey rolled in from his Saturday morning training ride, the same day as the team presentation for the 2017 Tour Down Under.
The photo above illustrates an oil like residue coating the derailleur, which is likely excess Via fluid; it certainly felt slick. The team’s training ride on this day was approximately two and a half hours in length.
Excess Via fluid? can be seen on the rear wheel brake track of Daryl Impey’s bike. The team is evaluating the system for events such as Paris Roubaix and I assume they are still making adjustments to the frequency of lubrication, etc.
Flaer claim power gains of up to 12 watts using the system, and a significantly cleaner drivetrain. Once the system has been setup and calibrated, it will provide automatic activation – the system features wake, sleep and deep sleep modes. A 125ml container of Via fluid is supplied with the system. The 27ml reservoir inside the control box (#1) will provide 7.5 hours of riding on the 30 seconds setting, and 37.5 hours on the 150 seconds setting.
The Flaer Revo Via system is priced at £250.00 / $US 305.00 and is available direct from the company. Refills of the Revo Via system are priced at £6 / $US 7.30 for 125ml and £10 / $US 12.00 for 250ml.
Article and photos by Gravel Cyclist. Jayson O’Mahoney is the Gravel Cyclist: A website about the Gravel Cycling Experience.
