absoluteBLACK’s distinctive, single-sided HOLLOWcage oversize derailleur pulley system is arguably essentially the most distinctive such improve available on the market, and now they’ve made it a bit extra “regular” trying by switching to a normal carbon fiber injection molding course of for the mono plate.
It’s a brand new kind of carbon (for them) with a glossier end that makes it look extra like carbon fiber. They are saying it’s the identical materials and course of used on the SRAM RED AXS derailleur’s inventory cages, simply with a unique (and dimpled) form.
One of many advantages of this mono-plate design is that it will possibly bend barely, serving to maintain the decrease jockey wheel pulley aimed extra straight on the chainring, decreasing lateral loading on the bearings.
Admittedly, the unique regarded a bit like plastic, so this could assist visually justify the €399 value.
Additionally they now supply the decrease lock-ring in colours apart from the unique’s flashy Rainbow/Oil Slick. Preserve it a bit extra refined with black, titanium (coloration), gold, or purple.
For those who’ve by no means seen aB’s OSPW earlier than, there are fairly a number of issues that make it distinctive…
Relatively than a normal two-piece cage that sandwiches pulleys between them, the HOLLOWcage makes use of a single mono plate with a massively outsized decrease pulley that spins the toothed jockey wheel round a big diameter ring.
They use a full ceramic design, with bearing races made out of 100% Zirconia Oxide ceramic, and balls are made from Silicon Nitride ceramic. They confirm the fabric composition utilizing X-ray diffraction by Lucideon Ltd, a specialist in ceramics and supplies science.
The higher information pulley makes use of a particular rubber ring round it to melt the chain’s contact with it, which they are saying reduces chain noise by ~5db, or about 40% over a normal Shimano Dura-Ace derailleur.
MSRP is $419 / €399, obtainable for Shimano Dura-Ace 9250 solely at launch. Unique homeowners of the HOLLOWcage V1 can get a reduced improve. I’ve been using the unique for a few years and it’s been nice, and it’s certainly noticeably quieter than inventory cages.
GRAPHENlube wax chainlube updates
For those who’ve needed to attempt their graphene-infused wax chain lube however been turned off by the value, they’ve simply added a smaller 50ml bottle for $43.90 (€39.90). They nonetheless supply a tiny 14ml pattern dimension, however the 50ml bottle permits you to immerse the chain if you would like, or get fairly a number of drip functions out of it…sufficient for hundreds of kilometers of using.
They’ve additionally not too long ago up to date the method to last more in moist circumstances, claiming dramatically longer-lasting efficiency than their competitors:
Right here’s how they examined, of their phrases:
“All chains have been ready with single lube software in response to producer directions. Friction take a look at at 250W resistance, 100rpm cadence, 40km/h pace, 25deg C and 25% humidity. The take a look at continued till the chain reached 8W losses. Chains and testing machine had a 5km warmup/break-in interval. First 50km on the graph have been recorded in DRY circumstances. With out stopping the machine after the 50km mark chains have been repeatedly sprayed with liquid to simulate moist highway circumstances. The liquid comprises water, hint quantities of diesel oil and small quantities of micronized alumina powder to simulate the contaminants which get onto the chain when using within the rain.”
I’ve been utilizing their unique method for a number of years and actually like this one, too. You probably have the means, it’s price a attempt.