KOLOSSOS OVERSIZED DERAILLEUR CAGES
Description
Oversized ceramic pulley systems are an excellent way of reducing the additional friction caused by clutch derailleurs.
Kolossos is the Greek word for a statue, much larger than the original subject. Seems fitting for an oversized derailleur cage.
Imagine the performance of replacing your stock pulleys with a ceramic 12-tooth top pulley and a 19-tooth bottom pulley built on the stiffest cage on the market.
Besides reduced friction, this cage is built with shifting accuracy and chain retention in mind. Kogel Bearings has always had a strong connection to off-road disciplines. We wouldn't build it if it weren't gravel proof.
This model is built for the GRX 2X (RD-RX810) and Ultegra RX800 series derailleurs. This includes mechanical and Di2.
This cage fits on the GRX 1x derailleur (RD-RX812) and will allow to shift through the entire range on an 11-42 cassette, but it will leave a large spacing between the top pulley and the smaller cogs. Expect shifting to be less snappy in these three gears in a 1x setup.
Please note** Installing this oversized derailleur cage typically requires replacing your chain to accommodate the larger pulleys.
I’ve been using the Kolosos, and BB for an year now, they still perform as it they were brand new!!! Shifting improved and going downhill with other people is where you will really see the ceramic bearings do their thing!!!
The Kolossos is definitely my favorite upgrade on my Orbea Occam. It shifts a lot smoother and it looks RAD! I went with a black cage, gold pulleys, & oil slick bolts. It's really cool how you can customize it to your bike. Highly recommend!
The setup has worked so well for me, it’s almost shocking. The hike is a hardtail, and despite this, I’m able to run the derailleur with the clutch off for all my off-road riding, without chain drops. So I get extra drag reduction! I also have to powershift a lot on my local terrain, and it always works. The claimed stiffness is real. Love it!
Much stiffer than my stock cage and looks way better!
Experience a silky smooth drivetrain
No amount of chain lube or coating can eliminate your rear derailleur's inherent design limitations. The path a chain takes during each revolution requires passing through a chicane of derailleur cage pulleys diminishing your return on each pedal stroke. It's a drag on all geared bikes and why your stock rear derailleur will never perform as efficiently as one with an oversized derailleur cage.
LEARN HOW TO INSTALL YOUR KOLOSSOS
Installation is easy, but does require disassembly of the stock cage.
The process takes roughly 20 minutes, including minor adjustments to the B-screw and limit screws to fine tune placement on the bike.
Frequently asked questions
How hard is it to install a Oversized Derailleur cage?
Installing an oversized derailleur cage is best left to expert level mechanics. Derailleur manufacturers do not support disassembly of the derailleur. For this reason online instructions will be limited.
The installation procedure is also different for each model. Some types are straight forward, with some types you need to disassemble the entire cage and use proprietary tools for the installation. With others you run the risk of having to rebuild the clutch if the parts pop out while you’re happily tooling away. Derailleur failures are typically expensive: the chances of breaking a wheel or a seat stay are probably not worth the risk.
Kogel recommends leaving the installation to a professional.
How hard is it to install a derailleur cage
This depends on the derailleur model. Some require special tools, others can be done with regular allen and torx keys. Please have a look at the installation video for your model for the specifics.
Will my existing chain work?
Probably not. Installing an oversized system demands a longer chain than the one used on a stock derailleur. The longer cage and larger wheels create a need for additional chain links.
Will I notice a difference in performance?
Yes and No. Kolossos has been designed to shift just as accurate as your stock derailleur cage. You will notice reduced drive train friction. Upgrading to an oversized derailleur cage is one step in the eternal search to go faster with less effort.
Are Oversized Derailleur cages noise?
The only sound you will hear is from using aluminum wheels instead of plastic. Aluminum wheels are stiffer and more durable than their plastic counterparts at the expense of a faint rattle when the chain runs across the cogs. We like to call it the sound of speed.
What are the downsides to an oversized derailleur cage?
- Every installation requires a new chain
- A slight reduction of ground clearance due to the longer cage
- Your friends will envy you
