Oversized derailleur pulleys continue to gain traction at all levels and disciplines that use rear derailleurs (sorry SS, track and BMX riders) and more brands are getting in on the action. In January, Kogel introduces their Kolossos oversized derailleur cages for Shimano and knew that SRAM users deserved a set up of their own. If you are a SRAM eTap AXS rider on road, gravel, TT, or something else, now is your chance to upgrade your ride.
While the looks might be polarizing to some, the clear benefit of efficiency is something that many riders are attracted to. The less your chain has to bend as it circulates through the drivetrain, the less friction is created and the more efficient it will be. Ceramic bearings add an additional reduction of friction to the system, although we do not have info on what the gains may be.
Another benefit of the system is that Kogel claims it is the stiffest derailleur cage on the market. A major concern with swapping to an oversized pulley is that shifting will degrade. Their Shimano Kolossos is said to be twice as stiff as the Ultegra R8000 cage, and three times as strong as their unnamed competitor. The SRAM cage is made from aluminum, and keeps the same angular structured look that helps provide stiffness at a lower weight than a full-thickness plate.
The pulleys used are 14t for the upper and 19t for the lower, and also made from aluminum. After additional testing, Kogel found that tall tooth profiles on the pulleys were better than the narrow/wide design used on the Gen 1 design. Essentially, if the chain skips, it can get out of sync with the narrow and wide spacing on the chain. With the tall tooth design, the chain held in place without the chance of mismatch. The lower pulley also features a small lip just below the teeth that acts like a chain catcher that prevents the chain from jamming between the pulley and the cage.
The new SRAM specific system is only available for Red and Force eTap AXS. Sorry older eTap and mechanical users. Nothing yet. The preorder for the AXS version is open now, with units expected to ship in the second week of June. Cages will be available in black, red, and gold. Pricing starts at $349 for the preorder but will jump to $399 afterward.
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
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