absoluteBLACK’s distinctive, single-sided HOLLOWcage oversize derailleur pulley system is arguably essentially the most distinctive such improve in the marketplace, and now they’ve made it a bit extra “regular” wanting by switching to a typical carbon fiber injection molding course of for the mono plate.
It’s a brand new sort 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 distinct (and dimpled) form.
One of many advantages of this mono-plate design is that it will probably bend barely, serving to preserve the decrease jockey wheel pulley aimed extra instantly on the chainring, decreasing lateral loading on the bearings.
Admittedly, the unique regarded just a little like plastic, so this could assist visually justify the €399 value.
In addition they now provide the decrease lock-ring in colours apart from the unique’s flashy Rainbow/Oil Slick. Maintain it a bit extra refined with black, titanium (coloration), gold, or crimson.
Should you’ve by no means seen aB’s OSPW earlier than, there are fairly a number of issues that make it distinctive…
Somewhat than a typical 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 a typical Shimano Dura-Ace derailleur.
MSRP is $419 / €399, obtainable for Shimano Dura-Ace 9250 solely at launch. Unique house owners of the HOLLOWcage V1 can get a reduced improve. I’ve been driving the unique for a few years and it’s been nice, and it’s certainly noticeably quieter than inventory cages.
GRAPHENlube wax chainlube updates
Should you’ve wished to strive their graphene-infused wax chain lube however been turned off by the worth, they’ve simply added a smaller 50ml bottle for $43.90 (€39.90). They nonetheless provide a tiny 14ml pattern measurement, however the 50ml bottle permits you to immerse the chain if you would like, or get fairly a number of drip purposes out of it…sufficient for hundreds of kilometers of driving.
They’ve additionally lately up to date the method to last more in moist situations, 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 software in line with producer directions. Friction take a look at at 250W resistance, 100rpm cadence, 40km/h velocity, 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 had been recorded in DRY situations. With out stopping the machine after the 50km mark chains had been repeatedly sprayed with liquid to simulate moist highway situations. 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 driving 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 value a strive.
