Kogel Bearings
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Bicycle components |
| Founded | January 2014 |
| Founder | Ard Kessels |
| Headquarters | El Paso , United States |
Area served | North America, Europe, Asia |
| Products | Hybrid ceramic ball bearings, ceramic bottom brackets, rear derailleur pulleys, wheel bearings |
Kogel Bearings is a manufacturer within the bicycle industry located in El Paso, Texas. Its products are distributed via an online platform as well as through a dealer network spanning North America, Europe, and Asia.
Specializing in premium ball bearings, Kogel Bearings has broadened its offerings since its inception in January 2014. The company’s portfolio now includes ceramic bottom brackets, rear derailleur pulleys, and wheel bearings. It produces both proprietary branded items and OEM/co-branded components.
History
The company was established by Dutch businessman Ard Kessels, who moved to the United States following the sale of his bicycle shop in Antwerp, Belgium. Kogel Bearings was founded to fill a market gap for superior-quality bearings. Its first product was a ceramic bottom bracket created for performance upgrades or replacements.
Products
Kogel’s main product line consists of hybrid ceramic bearings featuring customized seals suitable for both road cycling and off-road disciplines such as cyclocross and mountain bike riding. Their range encompasses bottom brackets, derailleur pulleys, and complete wheel bearing kits. Product development is heavily influenced by input from professional cyclists who test the products in real-world conditions beyond laboratory settings.
Professional rider sponsorship
From the beginning, the brand has been associated with the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling (men's team). Additional sponsored athletes and teams include cyclocross competitor Helen Wyman, the Maxxis Shimano team, gravel cyclist Amanda Nauman, and triathlete Johannes Moldan.