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BFS2017: Kappstein Pro Line for your narrow chain, lightweight fixed gear bike

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Do you have a nice lightweight track bike or fixie conversion, but you are hauling around like 3 extra pounds of 1/8″ chain and the requisite meaty steel track cog to go with it? Well the engineers at Kappstein have got a solution for you in their new Pro Line. Designed with the German Institute for the Research and Development of Sports Equipment (FES) that develops products that the national track team races in international competition, the new track setup takes advantage of the narrow spacing and reduce chain pin length of 11 speed chains.The concept behind the new narrow setup is reduced aerodynamic drag, reduced weight, and reduced friction in the chain’s rotation. Don’t fret, FES tested the breaking strength of 11 speed chains against 1/8″ track chains, and while the narrower chain was a bit easier to break than the wider ones, it could still withstand far more force than even the best track racers in the world could generate…

The Kappstein Pro Line chainrings and cogs were raced by the Germans in Rio where Kristina Vogel won gold in Women’s Sprint, and picket up a Bronze in the Team Sprint together with Miriam Welte. Obviously the ring and cog then have been designed to handle the most extreme forces on the track, so paired with a top-notch 11 speed chain, they should be up to the task of cruising around town under your non-Olympic medal winning legs.

The system is made up of two parts by Kappstein: the new Sprocket and the new Rufus chainring, both manufactured in their Gotha, Germany facility. The third part is any 11 speed – 1/2″ x 11/128″ chain.

The specially hard anodized CNC machined 7075 T6 aluminum Rufus Pro Line chainring is available for 150€ in 49 & 51 tooth sizes for 5-bolt 144mm BCB. And the 57€ CNC machined stainless steel Sprocket Pro Line is available now in 12-17 teeth, with and 18 & 19 in the works.

Kappstein.de

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Cowtowncyclist
Cowtowncyclist
7 years ago

Because all the folks rocking colour coordinated Deep-V’s for the 3 kms per week they ride are so concerned about aerodynamics and weight.

veganpotter@mail.com
veganpotter@mail.com
7 years ago
Reply to  Cowtowncyclist

Ha, they weight 110lbs. They don’t need eighth inch chains either

Frank
Frank
7 years ago

“FES tested the breaking strength of 11 speed chains against 1/8″ track chains, and while their failure level was a bit lower than the wider chains, it was still far lower than what even the best track racers in the world could generate”

This is not reassuring. Sounds like you’re saying that 11-speed chains failed less than 1/8″ chains, but don’t worry because the best rack racers can snap either.

Carl
Carl
7 years ago
Reply to  Frank

The language is certainly a bit confusing there. I think the idea is that an 11-speed chain is easier to break than a 1/8″ track chain, but still requires a good bit more force than any track racer could generate.

BikeRumor should probably change that to “…it was still far [HIGHER] than what even the best…”

Joe Bond
Joe Bond
7 years ago

I think I’d stick with Wippermann track chains that withstands all the punishment that a roided out East German monster can inflict.

Pete
Pete
7 years ago
Reply to  Joe Bond

Yep, every year there are instances of snapped 1/8″ chains by real trackies.
No matter, hipsters only generate a fraction of those watts!

Like all products shown on BR, someone somewhere will buy.
But better get several given the extra chain wear a fixie can generate.

On the up-side, um, er, …

Anonymous
Anonymous
7 years ago

How is this significantly different from using 3/32″ single speed parts? Except for supposedly a 1/128″ difference.

Anonymous
Anonymous
7 years ago
Reply to  Anonymous

Also I will buy this system if it drops 3 pounds compared to 1/8″ parts (it doesn’t)

fred
fred
7 years ago

I run 3/32 chain and cog-set on my track (race) bike, and let me tell you – it makes me absolutely no faster! but the bike feels nice and light when you pick it up :-/

joe
joe
5 years ago

It’s not about weight. these people are running 11 speed width chain cog/chain set ups because it is way more efficient and quiet. no nasty chain buzz.

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