Most riders don’t really think too much about bearings until something goes wrong, and even then, many see them as consumable parts. It’s a shame though, because just a little maintenance from time to time will help keep them running smooth and lasting longer. When you are looking to replace your bearings, or if you are looking for a performance/durability upgrade, Kogel has added a new corrosion resistant bearing to their line up, and give you the choice of seal for less drag or more protection.
Kogel‘s new CR (Corrosion Resistant) bearings aren’t the first on the market to combine ceramic bearings with a corrosion resistant steel race, but they are one of the first that I know of that gives you the option to select the seal you prefer.
”Kogel has always offered different seals for wet or dry conditions, and we’ve always used chrome steel for our ceramic bearings,” says founder Ard Kessels. “With our new proprietary, hardened stainless steel races, we can now offer cyclists the longest lasting and smoothest, best-protected bearings available.”
Kogel gives you an option on the seals you want when purchasing their bearings. Their Road seals are focused more on reducing drag and efficiency with a lighter seal. The Cross seals are more robust, focusing on protection by keeping dirt, water, and mud out, perfect for more intense conditions you find in gravel, cyclocross, or mountain biking.
Many brands use a basic stainless steel race, which won’t rust, but is softer and wears quicker, especially when using ceramic balls in the bearings. Kogel takes their stainless steel races a step further with a proprietary hardening process, which makes them rust proof and durable enough for long life with their premium ceramic balls.
The new bearings will be available as a $45 upgrade to all Kogel bottom brackets, and will ship standard in their aftermarket pulley wheels and in the oversized pulley wheels in the Kolossos oversized derailleur cage. If you already have Kogel components, you’ll also be able to upgrade your current parts. All CR bearings come with a longer 3-year “very few questions asked” warranty.
Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Scott joined Bike World News as the Cyclocross Editor in 2012 before taking over as Tech Editor in 2016. He has also worked as a photographer for various pro teams and shoot races along the east coast of the US, including the 2012 US MTB National Championships, 2013 UCI Cyclocross World Championships, and 2016 UCI Road World Championships. Scott has a passion for performance and technology, with 35 years of riding and mechanic experience. He also enjoys soccer, running, teaching group fitness classes, and is the founder of Lancaster Beard Company.
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