Persevering with of their pursuit of the proper bearings, Kogel has launched a brand new product vary with an enormous declare. The brand new CR or Corrosion Resistant bearings declare to be “the primary ever to mix a hardened, corrosion-resistant metal race with ceramic bearings and condition-specific seals.”
Kogel founder Ard Kessels states that, ”Kogel has at all times provided totally different seals for moist or dry circumstances, and we’ve at all times used stainless steel for our ceramic bearings. With our new proprietary, hardened chrome steel races, we will now supply cyclists the longest enduring and smoothest, best-protected bearings out there.”
In keeping with Kessels, most bearings make the most of a stainless steel which is extraordinarily onerous and sturdy, however prone to rust. Alternatively, some producers depend on chrome steel for races that received’t rust, however it’s softer and wears sooner particularly when used with ceramic balls.
Kogel claims that their new proprietary hardening course of for chrome steel yields a race that’s onerous sufficient to outlive extended use with their ceramic balls however retains its rust-proofing. Mix that with seal choices for each moist and dry circumstances, and it is best to have a corrosion resistant bearing that may final by means of many seasons.
Kogel is assured sufficient of their new bearing tech to have prolonged their guarantee with a brand new “3-year only a few questions requested” coverage. The brand new CR bearings can be found now as an improve in all backside brackets and can come commonplace in aftermarket totally wheels and outsized pulleys within the Colossus derailleur cage. Kogel may also promote CR bearings as aftermarket upgrades for present parts with extra functions coming sooner or later.
Pricing varies by part, however utilizing a BSA DUB backside bracket for instance, the usual ceramic BB is presently on sale for $237.99. When you add the CR bearing improve, the value jumps to $324.99. Positively a premium, but when the bearings final so long as they promise, it might be well worth the improve.