KOLOSSOS OVERSIZED DERAILLEUR CAGES
Description
Now SRAM XPLR users can go big with Kogel's Kolossos oversized derailleur cage. The XPLR groupset occupies the middle between the small 12-speed road cassettes in the SRAM lineup (designed to be used with a front derailleur) and the massive Eagle cassettes designed for mountain biking. As a result of this, the Kolossos oversized derailleur cage for XPLR looks as if the Kolossos for eTapAXS and Kolossos for Eagle had a baby. The upper pulley is offset to increase gear range, but not as much as the Eagle Kolossos pulley. The cage is our shortest ever as a result.
Like all Kogel cages, the Kolossos for SRAM XPLR is built to take a beating: stiffer than the stock cage and made of aluminum so you can bend it back into shape if an unfortunate rock slams into it.
Since Kolossos is a product meant to reduce drivetrain friction, we set them up ex-factory with our low-friction road seals. They offer some protection against the elements, but not a lot. The bearings can easily be rebuilt with cross seals if tomorrow's ride looks wet and muddy.
All Kogel Kolossos oversized derailleur cages are built with shifting accuracy, gravel worthiness, and chain retention in mind.
In the box:
- Kolossos for SRAM XPLR eTap AXS derailleurs
- Loctite 242 to fix the screws after installation and reassembly
- Custom tool for removal of stock cage and Kolossos installation
Compatibility: SRAM Red XPLR eTap AXS, SRAM Force XPLR eTap AXS,
SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS.
Experience a silky smooth drivetrain
No amount of chain lube or coating can eliminate your rear derailleur's inherent design limitations. The path a chain takes during each revolution requires passing through a chicane of derailleur cage pulleys diminishing your return on each pedal stroke. It's a drag on all geared bikes and why your stock rear derailleur will never perform as efficiently as one with an oversized derailleur cage.
LEARN HOW TO INSTALL YOUR KOLOSSOS
Installation is easy, but does require disassembly of the stock cage.
The process takes roughly 20 minutes, including minor adjustments to the B-screw and limit screws to fine tune placement on the bike.
Frequently asked questions
How hard is it to install a Oversized Derailleur cage?
Installing an oversized derailleur cage is best left to expert level mechanics. Derailleur manufacturers do not support disassembly of the derailleur. For this reason online instructions will be limited.
The installation procedure is also different for each model. Some types are straight forward, with some types you need to disassemble the entire cage and use proprietary tools for the installation. With others you run the risk of having to rebuild the clutch if the parts pop out while you’re happily tooling away. Derailleur failures are typically expensive: the chances of breaking a wheel or a seat stay are probably not worth the risk.
Kogel recommends leaving the installation to a professional.
How hard is it to install a derailleur cage
This depends on the derailleur model. Some require special tools, others can be done with regular allen and torx keys. Please have a look at the installation video for your model for the specifics.
Will my existing chain work?
Probably not. Installing an oversized system demands a longer chain than the one used on a stock derailleur. The longer cage and larger wheels create a need for additional chain links.
Will I notice a difference in performance?
Yes and No. Kolossos has been designed to shift just as accurate as your stock derailleur cage. You will notice reduced drive train friction. Upgrading to an oversized derailleur cage is one step in the eternal search to go faster with less effort.
Are Oversized Derailleur cages noise?
The only sound you will hear is from using aluminum wheels instead of plastic. Aluminum wheels are stiffer and more durable than their plastic counterparts at the expense of a faint rattle when the chain runs across the cogs. We like to call it the sound of speed.
What are the downsides to an oversized derailleur cage?
- Every installation requires a new chain
- A slight reduction of ground clearance due to the longer cage
- Your friends will envy you