A dropped chain can be the difference between winning and losing a race – just ask Andy Schleck, who surrendered the race lead after dropping his chain on stage 15 of the 2010 Tour de France, although Alberto Contador’s subsequent doping ban handed Schleck the title.

Schleck moved to eliminate the possibility of a repeat incident by using a K-Edge chain catcher, and the brand will now be readily available in the UK after securing an exclusive UK distribution deal with Madison.

K-Edge was born out of Kristin Armstrong’s fear of dropping her chain at the 2008 Olympic Games. The American developed a prototype chain catcher with mechanic Joe Savola and went on to ride to time trial gold.

A dropped chain should be a rare occurrence with a properly adjusted front derailleur under normal shifting conditions and so they’re still not common place in the peloton, but their stock is rising, particularly at the cobbled Classics.

K-Edge’s range has also developed beyond the CNC-machined chain catcher, with a range of GoPro mounts available.

“We’re excited and honoured to be partnering with Madison,” said K-Edge founder Savola. “The UK has a wonderful cycling heritage and having our products represented by Madison and available to everyone in the UK is a huge step forward for K-EDGE. Madison has an outstanding reputation; we’re thrilled to be part of their team.”

Madison brand director Richard Peploe added: “We are delighted to add K-EDGE to our portfolio and make this brand available to all dealers. The chain catcher is a great insurance policy for any road bike, and the GoPro mounts complement our GoPro business perfectly.”