bolt on cogs

saw an interesting article over at the metro track blog about the bolt on track cogs they are producing. they also did some product reviews of wheels their cogs are compatible with and i was blown away by the fact that they recommend bolting their cogs onto FRONT wheels that are compatible with disc brakes!

surly!
bontrager!
chub!

an endless number of companies are now making front disc wheels that you can convert into a fixed rear wheel for only $40! they stock 1/8'' and 3/32'' in 16-20 tooth cogs. they are american made. they are amazing.

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i first became aware of the bolt on design through scott hansen's level hubs design. he uses 3 bolts and eyelets to create a hub/cog interface that is more durable and effective than the traditional threaded cog and lockring in offroad fixed gear, or any fixed gear environment. the issue here, one which metro track brings up, is the proprietary nature of most of the current bolt on hub/cog designs. level hubs and cogs only work with level hubs and cogs, a set of which can cost $400 plus a $70 cog. hansen recommends the tomicog, which is practically the same thing as the metro cog, but it's $10 cheaper and is currently in production, whereas the metro cog seems to still be in proto status.

one thing i find interesting is the difference in theory and application that these manufacturers have. tomicog and level are creating these designs for off road mountain bike application, where as metro track is taking mountain bike technology (disc brakes) and converting compatible wheels into trick/track wheels, theoretically for freestyling and for alleycat situations.

in my opinion, the fact that there are people out here willing to help you replace the standard threaded hub option for $30 plus however much money it takes to buy a front disc wheel at frankenbike (i.e. not very much) is a definite sign of the progression of our sport, our bikes, and our technology.

ah, progress.