AbsoluteBlack HollowCage makes SRAM AXS derailleur faster

Oct 11, 2023

Debate the cost:performance ratio of oversized ceramic bearing pulley upgrades all you want, but there's no denying that the absoluteBLACK HOLLOWcage is unique, and now it's available for SRAM eTap AXS derailleurs too, with even greater noise reduction this time around. AbsoluteBLACK says their derailleur pulley upgrade solution is lighter, more aero, lower-friction, AND quieter than stock derailleur cages or other aftermarket upgrades.

What's not to like?

There are tons of options to upgrade your derailleur with ceramic bearings or an oversized pulley wheel system to lower the friction in your drivetrain. But only one features an aero-dimpled, one-sided cage designed to flex and a ceramic bearing pulley you can stick your finger through…

AbsoluteBLACK promises faster shifting, silent-running, improved aerodynamics, and the smoothest-rolling low-friction ceramic bearings on the market – all with HOLLOWcage now for your wireless SRAM eTap AXS Red & Force derailleurs.

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Just like the original Shimano-compatible version, the new absoluteBLACK HOLLOWcage SRAM AXS gets the same dimpled carbon-reinforced single plate cage design that curves from the outside of the upper pulley at the derailleur to the inboard-side of the hollow lower pulley.

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AbsoluteBLACK claims the more flexible design (than a conventional 2-plate layout) actually lowers drivetrain friction, while the upper pulley remains perfectly positioned for precise shifts.

" data-src="https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/absoluteBLACK-HOLLOWcage-SRAM-AXS-aero-hollow-ceramic-derailleur-pulley-upgrade_back.jpg" alt="absoluteBLACK HOLLOWcage SRAM AXS aero hollow ceramic derailleur pulley upgrade, back" width="2000" height="1200" data-srcset="https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/absoluteBLACK-HOLLOWcage-SRAM-AXS-aero-hollow-ceramic-derailleur-pulley-upgrade_back.jpg 2000w, https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/absoluteBLACK-HOLLOWcage-SRAM-AXS-aero-hollow-ceramic-derailleur-pulley-upgrade_back-297x178.jpg 297w, https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/absoluteBLACK-HOLLOWcage-SRAM-AXS-aero-hollow-ceramic-derailleur-pulley-upgrade_back-800x480.jpg 800w, https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/absoluteBLACK-HOLLOWcage-SRAM-AXS-aero-hollow-ceramic-derailleur-pulley-upgrade_back-120x72.jpg 120w, https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/absoluteBLACK-HOLLOWcage-SRAM-AXS-aero-hollow-ceramic-derailleur-pulley-upgrade_back-768x461.jpg 768w, https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/absoluteBLACK-HOLLOWcage-SRAM-AXS-aero-hollow-ceramic-derailleur-pulley-upgrade_back-1536x922.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px">

The unique 69g cage spins carbon polymer pulleys – 12T upper & 18T lower – on ceramic bearings.

The closed upper SRAM flat-top-chain compatible pulley gets an updated profile but still includes a "Silent Xring Pulley" rubber damper to quiet drivetrain noise. AbsoluteBLACK says the decrease in noise is even more apparent here, especially over the louder Force AXS drivetrain.

" data-src="https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/absoluteBLACK-HOLLOWcage-SRAM-AXS-aero-hollow-ceramic-derailleur-pulley-upgrade_Silent-Xring-Pulley.jpg" alt="absoluteBLACK HOLLOWcage SRAM AXS aero hollow ceramic derailleur pulley upgrade, Silent Xring rubber damper" width="1200" height="850" data-srcset="https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/absoluteBLACK-HOLLOWcage-SRAM-AXS-aero-hollow-ceramic-derailleur-pulley-upgrade_Silent-Xring-Pulley.jpg 1200w, https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/absoluteBLACK-HOLLOWcage-SRAM-AXS-aero-hollow-ceramic-derailleur-pulley-upgrade_Silent-Xring-Pulley-297x210.jpg 297w, https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/absoluteBLACK-HOLLOWcage-SRAM-AXS-aero-hollow-ceramic-derailleur-pulley-upgrade_Silent-Xring-Pulley-800x567.jpg 800w, https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/absoluteBLACK-HOLLOWcage-SRAM-AXS-aero-hollow-ceramic-derailleur-pulley-upgrade_Silent-Xring-Pulley-120x85.jpg 120w, https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/absoluteBLACK-HOLLOWcage-SRAM-AXS-aero-hollow-ceramic-derailleur-pulley-upgrade_Silent-Xring-Pulley-768x544.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px">

They also claim the taller than conventional upper pulley teeth also enable lower spring tension without compromising shift precision, for lower overall drivetrain friction.

" data-src="https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/absoluteBLACK-HOLLOWcage-SRAM-AXS-aero-hollow-ceramic-derailleur-pulley-upgrade_SRAM-Red-eTap-AXS.jpg" alt="absoluteBLACK HOLLOWcage SRAM AXS aero hollow ceramic derailleur pulley upgrade, SRAM Red eTap AXS" width="2000" height="1500" data-srcset="https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/absoluteBLACK-HOLLOWcage-SRAM-AXS-aero-hollow-ceramic-derailleur-pulley-upgrade_SRAM-Red-eTap-AXS.jpg 2000w, https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/absoluteBLACK-HOLLOWcage-SRAM-AXS-aero-hollow-ceramic-derailleur-pulley-upgrade_SRAM-Red-eTap-AXS-297x223.jpg 297w, https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/absoluteBLACK-HOLLOWcage-SRAM-AXS-aero-hollow-ceramic-derailleur-pulley-upgrade_SRAM-Red-eTap-AXS-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/absoluteBLACK-HOLLOWcage-SRAM-AXS-aero-hollow-ceramic-derailleur-pulley-upgrade_SRAM-Red-eTap-AXS-120x90.jpg 120w, https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/absoluteBLACK-HOLLOWcage-SRAM-AXS-aero-hollow-ceramic-derailleur-pulley-upgrade_SRAM-Red-eTap-AXS-768x576.jpg 768w, https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/absoluteBLACK-HOLLOWcage-SRAM-AXS-aero-hollow-ceramic-derailleur-pulley-upgrade_SRAM-Red-eTap-AXS-1536x1152.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px">

Curiously, the HOLLOWcage version compatible with either SRAM Red eTap AXS or Force eTap AXS is actually 17% cheaper than for Shimano derailleurs. It also works for larger cassettes – up to 10-36T (but not compatible with XPLR derailleurs).

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Pick up an absoluteBLACK HOLLOWcage SRAM AXS for $579 / 499€ / £429 now, available now in limited numbers with black, gold, red, titanium silver & PVD rainbow hollow lower pulleys.

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