Since the early days of Kogel Bearings, and long before that, I've always been driven by a passion for bicycle innovation and performance. The Kolossos oversized derailleur cage is a testament to that passion, evolving over time to meet the diverse needs of cyclists across various disciplines. From the original Kolossos to the latest Speed Kolossos, each iteration has pushed the boundaries of what's possible in drivetrain efficiency and shifting performance. Please join me as I share my personal journey with the Kolossos and how we have continued to find new ways for cyclists to go faster with less energy and express their personality through customization.
The Original Kolossos: A Giant Among Cages
The story of the Kolossos began in 2019 with a simple yet ambitious goal: to create an oversized derailleur cage that would outperform anything else on the market. The original Kolossos, now primarily used for mountain bikes and gravel bikes, was designed to be a statement piece—both in terms of aesthetics and performance.
Design and Performance
The original Kolossos features a machined cage with trussed reinforcements, creating an exceptionally stiff and large replacement for stock derailleur cages. This design not only reduces drivetrain friction but also improves shifting accuracy and chain retention. The 19-tooth bottom pulley, paired with a 12- or 14-tooth top pulley, felt equally at home on smooth tarmac as well as cobblestones or gravel. Seeing Vlad Dascalu push the Kolossos for Eagle to a top ten in the Tokyo Olympics and a second place in the Snowshoe World Cup was probably the best proof of concept, showing the versatility and off road worthiness of this product category, typically associated with road and tri bikes.
[insert picture of ard at snowshoe]
Aesthetics and Customization
One of the standout features of the original Kolossos is its bold aesthetic. Originally available in anodized colors like black, gold, and red, it's a component that demands attention. Later this Kolossos model was used as a first step into our journey of customization. Inspired by Oakley Custom and Nike ID, Kogel riders were able to pick every component of the Kolossos in their preferred color.
The Aero Kolossos: Streamlined for Speed
The Aero Kolossos takes the performance of the original and elevates it to new heights with a focus on aerodynamics. Designed for triathlon, TT and road bikes where every watt saved counts, the Aero Kolossos is a testament to our commitment to marginal gains. Whether you are crushing an ironman bike leg or you are a breakaway artist at the local criterium, Aero Kolossos was built for maximum speed and effort.
A fun historic detail of the Aero Kolossos is that the cage was originally designed to be 3D printed. When the first sample came in from our sample factory, it looked - sub optimal (I am trying to use nice words since there might be kids reading along). Our factory realized this and in the same box I found two samples that were 100% CNC machined. I learned something new that day, since I had no clue that CNC machines could create a piece with that many curves and fine details. The Aero Kolossos you might find on your bike today is 100% machined. No stamping, welding or other trickery involved.
Enhanced Shifting Performance
The Aero Kolossos doesn't just look fast; it performs fast. The oversized pulleys and stiff cage work together to provide crisp, accurate shifting while keeping the wheels out of the wind. This particular model was raced by Daniela Ryf when she broke a 12 year old world record on the full Ironman distance at the 2023 Challenge Roth, putting the crown on her long and amazing career.
[insert pic of Daniela Ryf this one shows the Kolossos, I doubt we have an image of her using the aero since tri photographers love taking non drive side images lol]
The Speed Kolossos: Versatility Meets Performance
The brand new Speed Kolossos is our most versatile offering, designed to cater to a wide range of cycling disciplines. Whether you're a road racer or gravel grinder, or ultra distance racer, the Speed Kolossos delivers even more stiffness, aero features and a whole new level of customization.
Universal Compatibility
One of the standout features of the Speed Kolossos is its compatibility with a wide range of derailleurs. Whether you're running Shimano or SRAM, the Speed Kolossos can be integrated seamlessly into your 2x drivetrain. This versatility makes it a popular choice for cyclists who demand the best performance, regardless of their setup4. Currently only available for 2x drivetrains, expect a 1x version in the not so distant future!
Enhanced Durability
The Speed Kolossos is built to last. The 7075 aluminum cage and oversized pulleys are designed to withstand the rigors of off-road riding while maintaining the precision and efficiency that Kogel is known for. This durability, combined with its performance benefits, makes it an ideal choice for road and gravel bikes. Our guideline is that we will not release a product for road bikes unless it is strong enough to win a gravel race.
Customization Options
The Speed Kolossos launch lined up with the opening of Kogel’s in-house Cerakote lab, which you can follow here. While Cerakote anything is a standalone business, Kogel will always be its number one customer. Having the lab under the same roof as our production allows us to do amazing things: color match your Kolossos to your frame or kit with a range of over 150 standard colors and we can get creative for that one-of-one look. As a self confessed bike snob, the creativite process and options make me very happy.
The Kolossos ST: Accessible Performance
The Kolossos ST is our answer to the demand for accessible performance. Designed to bring the benefits of an oversized derailleur cage to a broader audience, the Kolossos ST offers exceptional value without compromising on quality.
Performance on a Budget
The Kolossos ST delivers the same reduced friction, improved shifting accuracy, and better chain retention as its more expensive counterparts. The only change we made from the original Kolossos, was to replace the ceramic bearings with a corrosion resistant steel bearing. In fact, all the components in the bearing are the same as our top of the line CR bearing, only the ceramic balls (the most expensive part) have been replaced by stainless steel balls. Kogel’s punchline in our logo has always been “High Quality Bearings”. We’re not going to change that because we are stepping away from ceramics.
Durability and Reliability
Specifically targeting the rider that wants all the benefits of an oversized derailleur cage that shifts accurately and is not afraid of taking a dirt road detour, but who does not want to pay a premium to save the last fraction of a watt with ceramic bearings, The Kolossos ST is a powerhouse. Despite its accessible price point, the Kolossos ST is built to last. The stiff cage and oversized pulleys are designed to withstand the rigors of everyday riding, ensuring that you get the most out of your investment. This durability, combined with its performance benefits, makes it a popular choice for cyclists looking for a reliable upgrade5.
Conclusion
The Kolossos oversized derailleur cage has evolved significantly since its inception, adapting to the diverse needs of cyclists across various disciplines. From the bold and precise original Kolossos to the aerodynamic Aero Kolossos, the versatile Speed Kolossos, and the accessible Kolossos ST, each iteration has found a niche to serve riders in improving drivetrain performance.
At Kogel Bearings, we're committed to continuing this journey of innovation, driven by our passion for cycling and our dedication to providing the best possible products to our customers. Whether you're a road racer, gravel grinder, or mountain biker, there's a Kolossos designed to elevate your riding experience. Join us as we continue to redefine the standards for derailleur cages and explore the limits of what's possible on two wheels.
