REVIEW
Review: Origin-8 Torq Lite Cog (for fixed gear)
Author: Dustin Posted: 2010-08-20
This summer I got my much-anticipated newest addition to my bike… a Torq-Lite Track Cog for fixed gear bikes from Origin-8 . The first thing you notice when shopping for this cog (and other products from Origin-8) is the wide variety available! This cog, for instance, is available from 13 tooth to 19 tooth, and in either 1/8" or 3/32", so you'll have no problem getting what you need to set your bike up exactly how you want it. About the Torq-Lite Track Cog This particular cog is made of hardened chromoly and features Origin-8's ZERO-FLEX taper base design.. and I can tell you this thing goes on like a dream.. even when if your local bike shop's technician's practices are a nightmare . What is even nicer is the weight. SUre, to an uninterested bystander, saving a few grams here and there doesn't seem important, BUT as all of us know, weight savings here and there add up! And when you are buying something for a fixie (where being simple and stripped-down is always the goal) and a track-oriented bike (as this cog has the "Track" designation), weight is always an issue! So when you find that this cog weighs in at a measely ~57grams, you're a happy camper! This is achieved by the holes drilled around the collar - see photos (a common tactic in motorsports parts construction/weight reduction as well). You want an even lighter cog? Well, you're in luck. Check out Origin-8's Defender cog which drops the weight to ~45grams and looks awesome to boot, with it's 7075-T6 Alloy construction and camo-ish appearance. So back to this cog.. due to my local shop's lack of proper tools, the removal of my old cog was a bit of a fiasco, but the install of this cog was perfect! Next, the ride: Even with the tooth difference (my old one: 16 tooth, the Origin-8 cog: 14 tooth) meaning that I'd have to work a bit harder off the start, I was actually suprised at how smooth and low-effort the ride was. When the ride was supposed to get tougher (caused by the tooth # difference), it felt smoother. Nice! The appearance and finish of the cog was also very impressive. It is clear that both form and function were attended to in the production... and when you consider that a cog can very easily be thought of as a 'who cares' product (essentially, it needs to fit and not come loose), it is these differences (materials used, construction, weight, appearance, etc) that separate the men from the boys. In addition to what is already discussed, there are two things that I noticed right away and am going to be very grateful for in the long run too. First, is the efficiency of this cog. As I said, a cog is a cog to the untrained eye... but the eye for quality and function here is what differentiates what us bikeheads know as a very nice cog versus all the rest. This means one thing: efficiency. And when you choose to go to the low end of the tooth scale like I did, efficiency is especially important! The second quality that I will be very happy to have in the long run is the coating which makes it look great AND keep those good looks throughout time (and rain, mud, dirt... i.e. all the junk we'd rather not encounter, but do, during our daily commutes/rides). About Origin-8 Origin-8 explains that they are "designed to be a lightweight, innovative, and high quality line of bicycles, frames, and components produced with value in mind. That design theory was applied when our first prototypes were introduced in 2004, and continues to be the vision for our current and future projects. Thank you for supporting our products." Yes, their first prototype was introduced in 2004... If you look at the scope and depth of their product line, you'd never know it! They have everything from complete bikes (very tidy foldies, multi-speed, and even a single-speed fixie/freewheel called the Uno ), to grip tape, and nearly everything in between. I'm personally blown away by the product list when considering this company is only in its 6th year on the scene! What you may also find suprising is the size of their dealer network! Origin-8 is Miami-based, but they have dealers all over the place. Click here to find a (or many) dealer(s) near you. Bottom line: I am very satisfied with my Torq-Lite Track Cog , even though my decision to go for a 14tooth is providing some nice leg-burn! :) I am also satisfied with my transaction with the company, which was seamless and easy. I will be looking to them for more products in the future! Contact Info: ORIGIN-8 11925 SW 128th St. Miami, FL 33186 (305) 238-1866 www.origin-8.com Dealer Locator Contact Link
Origin-8 Fixed Gear Cog
Zero-Flex Taper Base Design
Backside. Drilled for weight reduction!
Installed and ready to rock
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Wallpaper Limited Edition Folding Bike
Author: One Eye Goat Posted: 2010-08-20
For those of us living in Cities or those of us who multi-modal commute, there's a new sweet limited edition folding bike to drool over sold by Wallpaper. The bike was designed and built by Kinfolk and Coat, with bag by Nivaldo de Lima. The two bikes were designed to be broken down using S&S couplers, and packed in a bespoke bag and loaded on a plane, with no excess baggage charge. The bikes were handcrafted in Osaka by master frame builder Shuichi Kusaka, so quality is not an issue. However, quality and convenience does not come cheap!
Wallpaper Limited Edition Folding Bike
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Cyglo Bike Tires
Author: One Eye Goat Posted: 2010-08-03
Cyclists are always keen on finding new ways to make themselves visible while riding in low light or night time conditions. Cyglo has come up with a pretty ingenious way to increase visibility by creating tires with LED's built in. We haven't had a chance to check them out first-hand, so check their site for more information.
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Life Cycles Bike Shop Eugene Oregon
Author: One Eye Goat Posted: 2010-07-26
The Life Cycles bike shop located in Eugene Oregon is a shop that hands down has the friendliest staff. The shop itself isn't super big, but they have a nice selection of every type of bike you'd want or need. They also have a good selection of accessories, including bags and clothing. They are located in the southern part of town near South Eugene High School.
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Blue Heron Bike Shop, Eugene Oregon
Author: One Eye Goat Posted: 2010-07-02
If you're looking for a bike shop close to campus with a good selection of road, mountain, cruisers, and fixies try the Blue Heron bike shop on 13th avenue near the University of Oregon campus. They have a really good selection of used bikes as well. It's a great to also pick up gear.
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