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Halo 14T track cog

7
£14.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Great looking fixed sprocket for everyday riding
Weight: 
55g
Contact: 
www.ison-distribution.com

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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Halo’s CNC machined track sprockets make perfect companions for production fixed wheelsets thanks to plentiful sizes, bridging the gap between the cheap, poorly machined if functional oval type commonly spotted on converted winter hacks and hand polished exotica costing the lion’s share of £60. However, competition is very tight at this end of the market and some specialist brands including EAI offer marginally better detailing for similar money.

Made from Cro-moly and available 13-20 teeth in one tooth increments, there’s plenty of scope for riders in hillier regions or even those fancying some muddy fun. The lager (17-20tooth) sizes are slotted to shave a few grams without sacrificing strength and look very tasty into the bargain. There’s a choice between classic satin chrome and vibrant colours (red, blue, purple and gold). These finishes could readily pass for anodising but are in fact a hybrid process known as electrophoretic deposition, sharing similarities with powder coating and anodising.

A chromate primer offering exemplary corrosion resistance is applied first, acting as a key for the colour and all the indications suggest these sprockets will retain their looks through the witches’ brew of salt, slush and other winter grime. Nicely cut right hand threads whiz aboard hubs with a lick of grease and there’s even the option of complementary or contrasting lock-rings but common or garden OEM models worked just fine.

Paired with decent quality chains, the bevelled teeth make for silent running, compensating for slight irregularities in chain line, so great for conversions although ours became progressively quieter with mileage suggesting there’s a short bedding-in period. Those prioritising weight over longevity are better served by aluminium but 55g won’t have most of the fixer fraternity breaking out in a cold sweat.

Verdict

Great looking fixed sprocket for everyday riding

road.cc test report

Make and model: Halo 14T track cog

Size tested: 14T

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

These are a range of nicely finished, everyday track sprockets made from CNC machined cro-moly steel. Available in a good range of sizes to suit most conditions and in a choice of colours, there's something for everyone.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

CNC machined 1/8th cro-moly 13-20 teeth in one tooth increments. Larger (17-20 tooth) sizes are slotted so as to shave weight. Choice of either satin chrome plating or four ed finishes (red, blue, purple and gold)

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10

55g (15 tooth as tested)

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

The bevelled teeth and good standards of manufacture deliver quiet and smooth chainline on road fixers/ conversions alike when paired with reasonable quality chains. The attractive finish looks hardy and should shrug off winter's slime and grime pretty well.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Nice detailing, sensible pricing and realistic weight.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing but a 3/32 version would be nice.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 36  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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