Kogel has been producing a range of high-end derailleur cage and oversized pulley upgrades for years. The brand recently added the Kolossos Pulsar, which it is calling the fastest to date. Built into Kogel’s already proven, ultra-stiff Speed Kolossos and Aero Kolossos platforms, the Pulsar pulleys’ full-ceramic, lubrication-free bearings reportedly deliver “absolute peak efficiency” and the “lowest friction numbers humanly possible.”
Kolossos Pulsar Details
According to Kogel, when testing Pulsar prototypes, their standard friction test rig “gave us a reading of zero watts friction losses.” Rather than claiming they had broken the laws of physics, they realized that the friction losses were so low that the standard sensors couldn’t detect them. Kogel acquired a “hyper-sensitive sensor” so they could get a numerical value for comparison.
Full Ceramic Bearings
While Kogel did not share that number, they state that the Pulsar is its fastest yet. This low-friction performance is due to the use of full ceramic bearings, meaning that both the bearings and the inner and outer races are made from ceramic. This is a step up from most ceramic bearings, which use steel races, including Kogel’s own hybrid ceramic setup.
Kogel states that there is very little friction to be lost in the first place with the glass-like ceramic races and super-round ceramic balls. On top of that, the primary benefit is that full ceramic bearings don’t require any lubrication. Without metal parts, there’s nothing to corrode anyway. But more than that, they say that most of the drag in standard bicycle bearings comes from the lubricant and the seals.
Kogel says that its Pulsar pulleys have so little friction that “a 30-second free spin on the lower pulley is standard.” While that might look cool and give the impression of high performance, they say you’ll still be throwing away watt savings and shifting performance if you don’t have adequate stiffness in the cage.
Proven Cage Platforms
To ensure that riders benefit from the lowest friction possible, Kogel is incorporating Pulsar into its proven Speed Kolossos and Aero Kolossos cage platforms. These were designed with precision and rigidity in mind, because “the stiffest cage on the market guarantees crisp, snappy shifting every time you switch gears under load.” At the same time, the oversized pulleys —14T upper and 20T lower — work to reduce friction by reducing chain articulation.
It comes in the standard ultra-stiff “Speed” cage configuration, while the “Aero” version borrows that same stiff construction, but then wraps it in a “streamlined, wind-cheating profile for time trialists, triathletes, and anyone who thinks aerodynamic drag is a personal insult.”
Performance Hierarchy
With the addition of Pulsar, Kogel states that its derailleur cage lineup now falls into a “Good, Better, Best hierarchy.” This hierarchy is also reflected in the pricing, with claimed performance benefits increasing along with the price. In this hierarchy, the more affordable Kolossos ST is “Good,” providing “90% of the performance with zero-fuss.” The Speed and Aero Kolossos step up to “Better” with a larger drag reduction and everyday durability. Kogel says that Kolossos Pulsar climbs to the top of the performance pyramid and earns the “Best” distinction.
Colors
The new Kolossos Pulsar cages look nearly identical to the standard Speed and Aero counterparts, with one minor difference. They’ve added a subtle Pulsar icon on the lower chain guard that’s subtle, but distinct enough to stand out to those in the know. Both the Speed and Aero Kolossos Pulsar cages are available in standard anodized black, as well as a gloss white launch edition with a large Cerakoted logo. Additionally, buyers can personalize their cage with a custom Cerakote finish for an additional fee.
Compatibility
Kogel is launching the Kolossos Pulsar in both the Speed and Aero cage shapes in fits for SRAM AXS and Shimano road derailleurs. For Shimano, that includes Dura-Ace R9200 and Ultegra R8100. For SRAM, the cages are made to fit Red and Force AXS derailleurs. Kogel does not recommend Pulsar for off-road use.
Pricing and Availability
The new Kolossos Pulsar Speed retails for $599.99, while the Kolossos Pulsar Aero is listed at $799.99. They are available now direct from the brand. Learn more or buy yourself the “fastest” derailleur cage on the Kogel website.
