absoluteBLACK’s distinctive, single-sided HOLLOWcage oversize derailleur pulley system is arguably probably the most distinctive such improve in the marketplace, and now they’ve made it a bit extra “regular” trying by switching to an ordinary 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 may bend barely, serving to hold the decrease jockey wheel pulley aimed extra instantly on the chainring, lowering lateral loading on the bearings.
Admittedly, the unique appeared a bit of like plastic, so this could assist visually justify the €399 worth.
Additionally they now supply the decrease lock-ring in colours apart from the unique’s flashy Rainbow/Oil Slick. Hold it a bit extra delicate with black, titanium (shade), gold, or crimson.
For those who’ve by no means seen aB’s OSPW earlier than, there are fairly just a few issues that make it distinctive…
Relatively than an ordinary 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 product of 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 an ordinary Shimano Dura-Ace derailleur.
MSRP is $419 / €399, accessible for Shimano Dura-Ace 9250 solely at launch. Authentic house owners 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 wished to strive 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 helps you to immerse the chain if you need, or get fairly just a few drip functions out of it…sufficient for hundreds of kilometers of using.
They’ve additionally lately 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 had been ready with single lube utility in keeping with producer directions. Friction check at 250W resistance, 100rpm cadence, 40km/h velocity, 25deg C and 25% humidity. The check continued till the chain reached 8W losses. Chains and testing machine had a 5km warmup/break-in interval. First 50km on the graph had been recorded in DRY circumstances. With out stopping the machine after the 50km mark chains had been repeatedly sprayed with liquid to simulate moist street circumstances. The liquid incorporates 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 authentic method for a number of years and actually like this one, too. In case you have the means, it’s price a strive.
