Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - What do you think about these pricey cogs?

So I'm still fairly new to fixed gears.
Looking at these cogs.(wanting to splurge a little).
This Phil wood cog which just came out and isn't even on their website yet.....
Phil wood SLR track hub:

http://www.thebikebiz.com/product_p/trk-cog-phil04.

Or this cog from EAI
EAI Gold Medal Track Cog:

http://wheelgirl.typepad.com/web_log/2007/12/your-grandparen.html

I know both are prob overpriced bling. But do any of y'all have any experience with any of those?

They are about 15 bucks diff in price. What do you think?

I have a Gold Star. It's lasted me a couple years so far, with virtually no visible tooth wear (probably about 15K miles on it at least). The gold finish is worn. When I have to buy another cog, I'll probably just go back to the regular EAI one. Also, that Phil cog looks sweet.

Dont need a cog that expensive, ESPECIALLY if you're new.
Dura-ace, Surly, and EAI cogs can all be had for under $35

Dura-ace only goes up to 16t, so for something higher look at Surly cogs or EAI deluxe cogs.

You wont need anything more than that unless you're competitively track racing.

(I've got a DA 16t and a EAI 17t)

I have a Gold Star. It's lasted me a couple years so far, with virtually no visible tooth wear (probably about 15K miles on it at least). The gold finish is worn. When I have to buy another cog, I'll probably just go back to the regular EAI one. Also, that Phil cog looks sweet.

Thanks Lorok. First person that ive even heard of that has one. 15k miles? In two years?
Thats insane.....I was wondering if the gold would wear off. I guess with those type of miles it will. That Phil does look pretty sweet.
What kind of Chain are you running with that cog?

f50fan, it's not about what he needs; it's a "want some bling" thing.

Shortsocks, get whatever rocks your boat, either cog will work just fine. You'll need a shiny chain to go with it, and some good cranks. Better not have some crummy rattle can paint job or the effect will be lost and people will point and laugh at the poseur.

Unless you're going for that whole ironic thing.
http://www.freshnessmag.com/v4/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/mishka-dart-02.jpg

f50fan, it's not about what he needs; it's a "want some bling" thing.[/IMG]

Wanting a "bling" cog is ********. The chain makes it dirty in 5 seconds and the polish is worn off after a few rides. A cog is the least recognized part on a bike and has basically no effect on what your bike looks like. The performance advantages of such an expensive cog are also highly questionable. If you want a smooth fast silent drive train, keep your chainline straight, replace your chain regularly, and keep it clean and lubed. Expensive cogs aren't made of magic metal either...they wear no slower than any other decent cog.

K. That's all I needed to know. I just needed a little input. I got a wicked good deal on CL on my fixed. So I had a little cash sitting around...I don't "need" to date a super model. But I'd like to know if there is anyone here that has......
In the end most good/ expensive cogs are just like over inflated big breasted women. You'll just need to replace them with a newer model over time....

Wanting a "bling" cog is ********. The chain makes it dirty in 5 seconds and the polish is worn off after a few rides. A cog is the least recognized part on a bike and has basically no effect on what your bike looks like.

^What he said. Once you put a chain on it, you can barely see it anyway. And unless your running a cog with 20+ teeth, the frame and hub virtually obscure any view of it when it's on the bike.

I have a Phil Wood cog and it's sexy. Been buttery from day one and it's kept its good looks.

I must disagree with mihlbach (who I respect) on this one. The Phil cog has worn noticeably slower than other cogs I've had, specifically a Surly cog which was fine in its own right. Higher quality parts, properly maintained, will wear more slowly than lesser parts. Cogs included.

I have a Phil Wood cog and it's sexy. Been buttery from day one and it's kept its good looks.

I must disagree with mihlbach (who I respect) on this one. The Phil cog has worn noticeably slower than other cogs I've had, specifically a Surly cog which was fine in its own right. Higher quality parts, properly maintained, will wear more slowly than lesser parts. Cogs included.

Well it makes sense. All my Phil wood parts seem to last longer than other parts that I have. Or maybe it's just that I end up taking more care of them because I know I paid so much for them. I guess if I take care of them that they will take care of me. I realize that most of these high end parts are most likely above my level of riding but it's a fuzzy feeling I get after I put them on and ride that brings me a little bit of satisfaction.

When I ride road, I feel as if the price difference is less noticeable,in parts, than in fixed gear. It may be, I think, that the simplicity of fixed gear parts and equipment have a bigger impact on performance and overall feel when concerned to parts. Less parts, more impact. Still cheaper than road to me.

Please inform me if I'm wrong.

it's a fuzzy feeling I get after I put them on and ride that brings me a little bit of satisfaction.


This is the most important part of cycling/any hobby.
If it makes you happy then it's worth it.

That being said, I'd go with the standard $30-35 EAI cog. I used one for a while as a messenger and it is still in great condition. Good price/product balance.

I have a Phil Wood cog and it's sexy. Been buttery from day one and it's kept its good looks.

I must disagree with mihlbach (who I respect) on this one. The Phil cog has worn noticeably slower than other cogs I've had, specifically a Surly cog which was fine in its own right. Higher quality parts, properly maintained, will wear more slowly than lesser parts. Cogs included.

Please clarify what you mean by higher quality. If the cogs are made of the same material with similar tolerances, I can't think of a reason why a shinier cog would wear more slowly given the same operating conditions. Is there a significant material difference between the Phil cog and Surly cog?
I have experienced variable wear rates among cogs. In particular I can think of a surly cog that I wore out very fast. Perhaps Surly cogs just suck. I've gotten many many more miles out of DuraAce, EAI, MIche, and other cogs. But in my experience, the wear rate of cogs generally seems less related to quality and more related to the different bikes they are on, which get ridden in different conditions (dry, wet, offroad, winter, etc.), and don't all get cleaned with the same regularity.

Thanks Lorok. First person that ive even heard of that has one. 15k miles? In two years?
Thats insane.....I was wondering if the gold would wear off. I guess with those type of miles it will. That Phil does look pretty sweet.
What kind of Chain are you running with that cog?

I use an Izumi Super Toughness chain, and a Sugino 75 chainring. The thing about the drivetrain is that they wear together. If I had a crappy chainring, it would wear my chain in it's unique crappy wear pattern. This chain wear would in turn wear the cog too. If you're looking at getting some bling, do it all, not just one part. Replace everything together, in other words.

but there is a difference between cheap cogs and expensive cogs. maybe not the material but definitely the finish. most cheap cogs aren't finished well, delivering a noisier ride. cogs on the pricier side have a better finish, which equals a not so noisy ride.

I use an Izumi Super Toughness chain, and a Sugino 75 chainring. The thing about the drivetrain is that they wear together. If I had a crappy chainring, it would wear my chain in it's unique crappy wear pattern. This chain wear would in turn wear the cog too. If you're looking at getting some bling, do it all, not just one part. Replace everything together, in other words.

Cool man. Perfect. I'll have the eai gold meadal cog on a Phil wood hub pulled by the izumi super toughness chain, attached by the Sugino zen chainring.... I think that's what I'm looking at. I just ordered the cog and chain.
You're a great help partner!!!!
I was wanting to build a perfect drive....

Thanks!!

Just want to add that EAI cogs (including the cheap non star ones) seem to last forever from my and many other people's experiences with them....

I have a Phil Wood 17T on my B43 and a $12 generic 17T on my Miche wheelset.

I don't notice a difference.

Just spend around $20-30 and get a decent cog. Dura Ace, Surly (which are super beefy), etc. No need to splurge, and no need to skimp. It's a few dollars of difference between a generic crap cog you can find in a bin, and a well-regarded branded cog, but a HUGE difference between those and the "nice" cogs.

I have a Phil Wood 17T on my B43 and a $12 generic 17T on my Miche wheelset.

I don't notice a difference.

Just spend around $20-30 and get a decent cog. Dura Ace, Surly (which are super beefy), etc. No need to splurge, and no need to skimp. It's a few dollars of difference between a generic crap cog you can find in a bin, and a well-regarded branded cog, but a HUGE difference between those and the "nice" cogs.

I already have a eai cog on mine. Just seems like it's almost done...bought the bike second hand. I'm getting the eai gold and the Izumi super v for a really good price.
So the deal was pretty good. Right time at the right place I guess......

We'll see how it rides, hopefully it's not raining in Dallas for a straight week after I get parts on it........wait it is going to be raining for a week. DAMN!!!

Why does this always happen after I get new parts?

I hear good things about the normal EAI cog.

I have an EAI cog (because I needed a certain T-number, and only EAI had them). They certainly are finely machined - but so are Dura Ace. And Dura Ace are actually cheaper than EAI.

Anyhow, anyone tried the Origin 8 Pro Pulsions?

Expensive cogs aren't made of magic metal either...they wear no slower than any other decent cog.

Please clarify what you mean by higher quality. If the cogs are made of the same material with similar tolerances, I can't think of a reason why a shinier cog would wear more slowly given the same operating conditions.


Quote taken from the second link in the first post.... a lot of automotive internal engine parts have special
coatings/platings that indeed do increase durability and wear-out times.... makes sense to me..!



The EAI Gold Medal cog goes one step further than the EAI Super Star cog. This is why national track teams from all over the world are buying the Gold Medal cog from EAI, and you may even see the best track racers in the world riding this cog in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China . The cog is polished; the teeth are refined (by machine), and some hand finishing is done to ensure all is perfect. Then, the Gold Medal cog is coated with titanium nitride (TiN). This TiN coating, which gives the cog its lovely gold color, is used in Formula 1 race car transmissions. The TiN coating is so tough, it doubles the life of the cog and markedly reduces chain friction. (Yes, doubles the life of the cog.) The well-engineered tooth-shape of the cog is designed to be run with a high-quality 1/8th-inch track chain.

the basic eai cog is more than enough.

As it states clearly on Phil Wood's site, the EAI, Surly cogs are not healthy for Phil Wood hubs.

I would double check that statement and be sure before putting your money into a cog that could potentially strip the threads of those Phil's. Personally, I would invest in a Phil cog. You ever touch or use one, you'll know why. I cringe when I see Phil hubs with EAI cogs. That EAI **** is junk.

k.

As it states clearly on Phil Wood's site, the EAI, Surly cogs are not healthy for Phil Wood hubs.

I would double check that statement and be sure before putting your money into a cog that could potentially strip the threads of those Phil's. Personally, I would invest in a Phil cog. You ever touch or use one, you'll know why. I cringe when I see Phil hubs with EAI cogs. That EAI **** is junk.

I've got a EAI black 18t on a Phil Wood hub right now. Haven't had any probs with it yet. I'll let you know the outcome. Also know of many a people who haven't had an issue as well...but with my luck I will prob have a issue this time around...

Sorry to make you cringe.

Dont need a cog that expensive, ESPECIALLY if you're new.
Dura-ace, Surly, and EAI cogs can all be had for under $35
Truth. You'd be better off spending that money on several less expensive cogs so you can play around with different gear ratios.

As it states clearly on Phil Wood's site, the EAI, Surly cogs are not healthy for Phil Wood hubs.

I would double check that statement and be sure before putting your money into a cog that could potentially strip the threads of those Phil's. Personally, I would invest in a Phil cog. You ever touch or use one, you'll know why. I cringe when I see Phil hubs with EAI cogs. That EAI **** is junk.

someone drinking the phil wood hub koolaid will probably find phil wood cog koolaid mighty fine.

As it states clearly on Phil Wood's site, the EAI, Surly cogs are not healthy for Phil Wood hubs.

I would double check that statement and be sure before putting your money into a cog that could potentially strip the threads of those Phil's. Personally, I would invest in a Phil cog. You ever touch or use one, you'll know why. I cringe when I see Phil hubs with EAI cogs. That EAI **** is junk.


someone drinking the phil wood hub koolaid will probably find phil wood cog koolaid mighty fine.

"drink!"
http://businessclassnyc.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/jim_jones1.jpg

"drink!"
http://businessclassnyc.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/jim_jones1.jpg


As it states clearly on Phil Wood's site, the EAI, Surly cogs are not healthy for Phil Wood hubs.

the phil wood website is highly objective. buy phil wood!

I have Phil hubs with my EAI gold star. Threads are a-ok.

the phil wood website is highly objective. buy phil wood!

http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/tt241/mihlbachler/prayer1.jpg

http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/tt241/mihlbachler/prayer1.jpg


Ahahahahahahahahah!!!! Ahahahahahahahahah!!!
Ahahahahahahahaah!!!!!

That officially makes my night.

someone drinking the phil wood hub koolaid will probably find phil wood cog koolaid mighty fine.

mmmm...kool-aid.

i just replaced my virtually unworn EAI black (w/~7k on it) with a phil. why? bling, duh? and it matches my silver volos.

i wipe my chain with an egyptian cotton diaper soaked in artisan extra virgin olive oil at least three times every ride, so i'm not worried about drivetrain grime.

mmmm...kool-aid.

i just replaced my virtually unworn EAI black (w/~7k on it) with a phil. why? bling, duh? and it matches my silver volos.

i wipe my chain with an egyptian cotton diaper soaked in artisan extra virgin olive oil at least three times every ride, so i'm not worried about drivetrain grime.

is cooking oil actually a good way to clean your chain? would make sense.

is cooking oil actually a good way to clean your chain? would make sense.

No, that makes no sense. Why would you want to clean your chain with oil? Did you mean to suggest it might make a good chain lube?

No, that makes no sense. Why would you want to clean your chain with oil? Did you mean to suggest it might make a good chain lube?

Whoops. Yeah sorry that's what I meant. I recall a friend who used olive oil to lubricate a computer mouse wheel that kept squeaking, and apparently its worked to this day.

is cooking oil actually a good way to clean your chain? would make sense.

chump.

you don't 'cook' with artisan extra virgin.

Shiny parts give me a *****.

Once you put a chain on it, you can barely see it anyway. And unless your running a cog with 20+ teeth, the frame and hub virtually obscure any view of it when it's on the bike.

+1 - great reason to not buy a cog because of how awesome it looks, or if you can see the logo or brand - blah!

I like Phil cogs because, besides being high quality, they're made in the USA, which I like to support when I can afford it. Milwaukee Bicycle's cogs are made in the USA, so are (at least some of) EAI's cogs. I wish White Industries made cogs that fit on standard hubs (be it ISO or JIS), and not their own proprietary hubs. Same goes with Paul - wish they made cogs.

That said, a high-quality cog is a high-quality cog, no matter where it's made. Buy what you can afford, and enjoy your ride. :)

http://i41.tinypic.com/1zl5clh.jpg

Just got them...put them All on. Very very silent. I don't think I'm used to the 48x17 yet...not as easy as 48x18 but I seem to accelerate much more quickly.
The EAI cog is made in the US too...but overall. All very quality parts. Very happy with my purchase.
Thanks for the help guys and gals.....

+1 - great reason to not buy a cog because of how awesome it looks, or if you can see the logo or brand - blah!

I like Phil cogs because, besides being high quality, they're made in the USA, which I like to support when I can afford it. Milwaukee Bicycle's cogs are made in the USA, so are (at least some of) EAI's cogs. I wish White Industries made cogs that fit on standard hubs (be it ISO or JIS), and not their own proprietary hubs. Same goes with Paul - wish they made cogs.

That said, a high-quality cog is a high-quality cog, no matter where it's made. Buy what you can afford, and enjoy your ride. :)


The standard, cheapest black EAI Deluxe cogs are stamped Made in USA.

http://i41.tinypic.com/1zl5clh.jpg

Just got them...put them All on. Very very silent. I don't think I'm used to the 48x17 yet...not as easy as 48x18 but I seem to accelerate much more quickly.
The EAI cog is made in the US too...but overall. All very quality parts. Very happy with my purchase.
Thanks for the help guys and gals.....

Two things: Lubing your chain will make your cog dirty—don't do it. Also, riding will make your tires dirty—don't do it. Enjoy!

+1 - great reason to not buy a cog because of how awesome it looks, or if you can see the logo or brand - blah!

I like Phil cogs because, besides being high quality, they're made in the USA, which I like to support when I can afford it. Milwaukee Bicycle's cogs are made in the USA, so are (at least some of) EAI's cogs. I wish White Industries made cogs that fit on standard hubs (be it ISO or JIS), and not their own proprietary hubs. Same goes with Paul - wish they made cogs.

That said, a high-quality cog is a high-quality cog, no matter where it's made. Buy what you can afford, and enjoy your ride. :)

**** American patriotism crap! Welcome to the global economy.

Two things: Lubing your chain will make your cog dirty—don't do it. Also, riding will make your tires dirty—don't do it. Enjoy!

Not quite true, get Pedro's Ice Wax, it keeps the chain clean!

http://www.amazon.com/Pedros-Ice-Wax-2-0/dp/B0013K38YQ

Two things: Lubing your chain will make your cog dirty—don't do it. Also, riding will make your tires dirty—don't do it. Enjoy!

Ha!! It sucks man...the oil really covers up that gold. Maybe I'll try that ice.
One thing for sure. Don't ride anywhere where there are blueberry type tree producing tree things.... rode through a crap load of them today.stained my tires purple and blue. Really sucked. Stained the nuts out ofnmy new tires...

BFSSFG is no place for racism, buddy. Not even against Asians.

white tires stained and gold cog blackened with oil.
THIS IS WHY WE CANT HAVE NICE THINGS.

**** American patriotism crap! Welcome to the global economy.

Yikes... you went ahead and made the jump from me saying that I like things that are made in the USA to me not understanding (or at the very least welcome me to) Global Economics and that I'm a patriotic American. What is that saying about "assuming"? It makes an As out of Ewe and Meat? Wait, that's not it.

You gotta take your angry pants off. Funny pants are way better (depending on where they're made).

-Apparently Patriotic American

Yikes... you went ahead and made the jump from me saying that I like things that are made in the USA to me not understanding (or at the very least welcome me to) Global Economics and that I'm a patriotic American. What is that saying about "assuming"? It makes an As out of Ewe and Meat? Wait, that's not it.

You gotta take your angry pants off. Funny pants are way better (depending on where they're made).

-Apparently Patriotic American

America. Greatest country in the worlds!!