Kogel Speed Kolossos Pulsar for SRAM Red and Force AXS: our fastest oversized derailleur cage yet
The Pulsar runs full ceramic bearings, ceramic balls turning in ceramic races rather than steel. With no metal in the bearing there is nothing to corrode, and nothing to lubricate. That matters more than it sounds: in a standard bicycle bearing most of the drag comes from the lubricant and the seals. Take both away and a 30 second free spin on the lower wheel becomes standard.
Free spin is only half the story. Structural stiffness is what keeps the chain aligned under load, so the Pulsar is built on the proven, ultra-stiff Speed Kolossos platform rather than a fragile ultra-light experiment. The oversized wheels cut chain articulation, and the cage stays rigid when you are grinding up a climb or sprinting for the town sign.
Available in anodized black, a gloss white Launch Edition, and custom Cerakote. Look for the Pulsar icon etched into the lower chain guard. We do not recommend Pulsar for off road use.
The Test Rig Said Zero Watts
When we threw the prototype onto the test rig for friction testing, the standard setup gave us a reading of zero watts friction losses. Zero. Zilch. We had not broken thermodynamics and built a perpetual motion machine. Our regular sensors simply were not sensitive enough to detect the friction coming off the bearings, and we had to procure a higher-precision sensor just to get an actual number on the board.
That prototype is now ready for prime time, and it is called the Kolossos Pulsar. It is our fastest Kolossos to date, and it sits at the top of the Good, Better, Best hierarchy above Kolossos ST and the standard Speed and Aero Kolossos.
Frequently asked questions
What makes the Pulsar different from a standard Kolossos?
Bearings. Most ceramic bearings on the market, including our own hybrid ceramic setup, use high-grade silicon nitride ceramic balls running inside hardened steel races. The Pulsar uses ceramic for the balls and for the inner and outer races. Very round balls running on a glass-like surface, with no steel anywhere in the bearing.
Do I need to lubricate the Pulsar bearings?
No. Full ceramic bearings do not need any lubrication, because there are no metal parts that can corrode. That matters more than it sounds. In a standard bicycle bearing most of the drag comes from the lubricant and the seals, and even a light oil will slow your bearings down in a clean environment.
Can I use the Pulsar off road?
We do not recommend the Pulsar for off road use. It is built for Shimano road and SRAM AXS road systems, across both the Speed and Aero cage shapes.
How do I know it is a Pulsar?
Look at the lower chain guard. The Pulsar carries an additional Pulsar icon etched into the metal alongside our standard branding. Subtle enough to look stealthy, distinct enough that fellow gearheads in the group ride will know what they are looking at.
How hard is it to install an 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.
Will my existing chain work?
It depends on the model. Typically Kolossos for road derailleurs require a slightly longer chain than the stock cage. If your derailleur was built for a 1x setup, typically the upper pulley is off set from the pivot point and we can design it in such a way that you can use the same chain length.
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 energy.
Are Oversized Derailleur cages loud?
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?
- Some installations requires a new chain
- A slight reduction of ground clearance on road bikes. Gravel and MTB Kolossos are the same length as the stock cage
- Your friends will envy you
