Load Up Your Bike With the Latest Chris King Components: Some Are Limited-Time Only

Folks, Chris King, is one of those names in the cycling industry that you know means business. Considering this crew has officially been around since 1976 and is still alive today, supplying world-class athletes with components that don't just help bring home the gold but do so with pizzazz, we'll be seeing the Chris King name for years to come.

Well, a new "initiative" has been launched by the name brand called Factory Finds. It's a program that brings together a selection of curated components that will no longer be a part of current lineups. So far, this is the very first time that Chris King has brought this idea into play, and if all goes according to plan, we could be seeing other rounds of "limited-edition items" up for sale. For now, let's see what this whole ordeal is about.

Now, there's a story as to how this collection of headsets, bottom brackets, and hubs came into play. It is said that THE King was taking a break over the Memorial Day weekend, and Greg Hudson, King's Sales Manager, was looking for an iPhone case. Suddenly, he stumbled upon a few boxes of components, and upon opening up said boxes, the results were some of what you see in the image gallery and what the manufacturer's website has to offer. Just kidding, it's a way for the brand to help make room on some shelves, but they are components we may never see again, and some are even already sold out.

Aside from the fact that Chris King designs and builds some exceptionally powerful cycling components, this collection of goodies is all about the "Sunset" finishes this brand has displayed.

Let me start off by taking a closer look at the already sold-out gear. This includes the 1 in Nothreadset, the Threadfit T47 30l and 30, and the good ol' 1 in Gripnut. Still, components like the 1-1/8 in Nothreadset, Dropsets, and 32-hole R45D center lock hub set with Matte Punch as a color option is still in the game, along with 6-bolt hub sets and other Insets. Aside from the durability of such gear, once you take into consideration the color palette these goodies can come in, you'll understand why some of these are already gone.

Color options like Turquoise, the Matte Punch I mentioned, Pewter, and Matte Bourbon or Mango are sure to grab the eyes of any cyclist that loves to hear the sounds of a swarm of bees behind them. Don't worry; it's just that iconic Chris King sound, which is sure to be present in this collection too. Be sure to check out the "Sotto Voce" color options for some of the components. Just be warned, you may drop quite a bit of cash on this gear; a complete hub set is set at around $826, with some special options priced at a bit more.

Now, Factory Finds, and all aside, I've been noticing that The King has been dabbling in quite a few color options for this year. Heck, earlier this year, the iconic 3D Violet was spotted again for the 2023 season. That's this color option's first appearance after 35 years. Sure, this crew has always been known for "vibrant" color options, but seeking to bring back some classic flair, "it was the perfect time to bring back a classic." After the launch, 3D Violet extended into other components as well and is currently a choice for 2023, be it hubs, headsets, caps, or bottom brackets.

But there is a base set of colors chosen for 2023 too. This includes the 3D Violet I mentioned, Matte Black, Two Tone Black Gold, Red, and Midnight, just to name a few. My personal favorite is the Two Tone and, of course, 3D Violet. Feel free to leave a comment or two with your favorite.

What does all this mean for you? Well, it all depends on the sort of bicycle you ride and the colors that appeal to your visual cortex. Personally, I'd rock a bit from every collection. For example, a Boost 6-Bolt Hub Set in Matte Mango would look exceptional with a Mango Sotto Voce headset. Highlight all that with 3D Violet BB, and you'll be sure to grab the eyes of quite a few in town. Even if they don't see you, as long as you're rocking a Chris King hub, the "Angry Bee Sound" will be sure to turn heads.

Try and remember one thing about Chris King and the components they pump into the market, they often ditch current colors for fresher ones, so if you've seen something you like, you better act fast. Heck, some of the Factory Finds are already sold out, and a new year is just around the corner, too, soon to replace the current lineup.