Since we released the second generation of our ceramic derailleur pulleys, we gotten lots of riders asking how to choose between our Gen1 and Gen2 pulleys.
Oversized is better
With the trends leaning towards bigger pulleys for lower friction, we studied every derailleur on the market and determined the largest pulley size that would fit in the stock cage.
Oversized derailleur pulleys make you go faster with less effort. Besides, running oversized pulleys in the stock cage is a good reason for people to strike up a conversation at the rest stop. What’s not to like?
High-tooth pulley profile for better chain retention
The first-generation pulleys used a narrow-wide tooth profile. A narrow-wide tooth profile is designed to align the wider tooth with the wider chain links. If the pulley skips a single tooth during gear changes, it messes up the harmony between the pulley and chain.
The second generation uses a higher-than-normal tooth profile for better chain retention, ensuring the chain runs on the pulleys and stays there. Even if it would jump a tooth, the new profile keeps Gen2 pulleys always in sync.
Chain catcher to prevent jams
Whether it’s on single trails, gravel roads or cracks in the asphalt, your chain bounces around. A lot.
I’m sure we have all seen slow motion videos of chains dancing. Here is a prime example from Vital MTB.
In case your chain would ever derail from your pulleys, we have added a ledge below the teeth to make sure your chain won’t get jammed between the wheel and the cage.
Aluminum wheels designed for durability and stiffness
Flexible plastic pulleys can lead to sloppy gear changes. More rigid pulleys help your chain change cogs in a snap.
While aluminum wheels are not new to Kogel’s derailleur pulleys, our Gen2 wheels are even more durable than the plastic ones on your stock derailleur.
To achieve greater durability, we designed our pulleys a bit thicker than most aftermarket pulleys. We also incorporated A-shaped spokes on the wheels for maximum stiffness.
What has not changed
Things that we already thought were good on our first-generation pulleys were carried over into the second generation:
- modular covers, so you can swap your pulleys from Shimano to Campagnolo or Sram with a simple change of the dust covers.
- Three bearing options: 1) road seals for low friction, 2) cross seals for best protection and 3) full ceramic bearings to squeeze that last little bit of friction out of your drivetrain.
- Color options to match your ride.
Whether you’re riding your stock pulleys or even a set of our Gen1 pulleys, rest assured, the Gen2 pulleys will have you enjoying your favorite drivetrain for many rides to come.
Ride safe,
Ard.
