Derailleur Cage - cSixx Components

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A product that responded to the community's needs.

In Cape Town where the trails really take their toll on MTB components, we were constantly fighting pandemic supply-chain issues that prevented us from being able to ride our bikes if something needed replacing.

Turns out we weren't the only ones - more people were looking for individual replacement parts for components like derailleurs rather than replacing the whole component as shipping and stock levels were at an all-time low.

The initial prototype fresh off the CNC and on the test rig - ready for its first test ride

A few iterations later - Changes included clearance tweaks, additional models for other popular groupsets on the market, and finding an aesthetic that suited the whole range before deciding on the product graphic.

The derailleur cage in its prototype testing phase (left), and the finished product on the (right)

Determining hardware specs and graphic annotations were based on the unique selling points of the product. U.S.P's were greatly influenced by the industry demands at the time (during a pandemic). More people were looking for individual replacement parts for components like derailleurs rather than replacing the whole component as shipping and stock levels were at an all-time low.

The graphics were laser-etched onto the part using our in-house fiber laser. The laser etches through the anodised surface and re-exposes the bare aluminium. Higher frequencies yield lighter etching and lower frequencies result in darker etching, making the fiber laser a flexible tool for any metal-orientated manufacturer who plans on branding their products.

With the added "Tension+" feature, one can breathe a new lease of life into an old derailleur with a tired spring. This extra feature tightens up your derailleur spring, making it feel new and responsive again with faster actuation times and greater chain retention through the rough stuff.

Blending the aesthetic of the derailleur cage in with existing derailleurs, and the rest of our product range is an essential part of the product graphic design. Then adding micro-adjustments to differentiate between models; 4 stripes for Sram Eagle 12-Speed, 3 stripes for Shimano 12-Speed etc.

The packaging was inspired by the desire to frame a work of art, but had to be delivered in a practical manner and adhere to our brand guidelines. This led to design decisions such as a raised lower corner to not only house our logo, but act as an additional hardware compartment for the customer. This style of packaging has been pulled through into the rest of the product range in the months following the release of the Cage.