Bicycle speed selector: types and choices

Modern bicycles are equipped with gearshift paddles, which are especially useful when riding on varied terrain. Of course, in order to understand which switch option to choose and how to properly care for it, it is better to familiarize yourself with it and its features in more detail.

The greatest cycling comfort and excellent energy savings are provided by a gearshift or derailer. With it, you can choose the optimal mode of travel, which is fully suitable for a specific route. The switch is especially useful if the track changes from a paved to an off-road trail.

You also have to use the device when accelerating, smoothly braking, and climbing uphill. It is worth noting that thanks to the switch on the bike, you can maintain a constant speed, which is very convenient when overcoming long distances. Difficult weather conditions such as strong winds or slippery tracks are also easier to handle with a derailer. It's no secret that the bike is a great cardio machine, which is aided by the speed switch.

Derailer, which we know today, was invented in the 50s of the XX century by an Italian cyclist. The classic design is made up of blocks of stars. The unit that is installed in the front is called a system, and that in the back is called a cassette. The gears are shifted by shifting the bike chain to the side, which ultimately allows the chain to lie on the selected sprocket.

All stars differ in diameter, and the chain has a fixed length.Thus, it sags, but this moment is removed by a special tension spring, which is located on the rear of the switch.

The switches are controlled by cables. You can adjust the tension of the cables using the shift knobs... There are shifters on the steering wheel that pull the cable. When you press the shifter, the frame is displaced, and the chain is thrown onto an adjacent star.

There is also an option where the switch looks like a drum that just spins to the desired mark, indicating the speed. The bicycle derailleur can also be made in the form of a trigger or a combination handle. Recently gaining popularity electronic control of gear shifting, which allows shifting through all stars at once.

It is worth taking a closer look at how a traditional gearshift works. The system speeds are located on the left side of the rudder handle, and the cassettes are located on the right side. When the chain is shifted from one star to another, it is important that the pedals rotate... Also, it is impossible to pedal back during switching between speeds so that the chain does not jam and the transmission does not break. It is worth noting that there is no rear derailleur on models with foot brakes.

Modern manufacturers present various types of switches, which are created for different types of cycling.

• External switch - This is the most common type, which consists of front and rear derailleurs. This option works by throwing the chain between the stars through the frame. The advantages of this switch include lightness, clear design, and a large number of speeds. Also, energy is not lost due to the friction of the mechanisms inside.

• Internal or planetary switch is a mechanism that is located in the inner part of the hub at the back. It has only one star in the back and front, and a chain. The number of speeds in such models starts from 3. Most cycling models with planetary hubs are also equipped with a built-in brake system, which is very convenient.

The advantages should be highlighted high resistance to adverse weather and bad roads, high reliability, durability, ease of maintenance... Also important is shifting gears without pedaling. In this case, you need to know that the internal switches have an impressive weight. In such models, excessive friction of the nodes occurs, which leads to difficulties in movement. Among the minuses, it is worth noting the complexity of the repair.

• Combined - a hybrid of planetary and external switches. Most often they are equipped with urban models of bicycles. This type is characterized by the pros and cons of both switching mechanisms.

The most popular brand currently is Shimano. This company is known for producing a wide variety of switches, ranging from the cheapest to professional models. Many models from the manufacturer Shimano allow you to choose the best option for any bike: road, city or mountain. For beginners, a great option would be model "Sora" or "Tiagra".

Among the popular manufacturers, it is worth noting Sram. This company manufactures speed switches in different price segments. The main difference is the lack of thematic lines. Among the simplest and cheapest are the models "X-3" and "X-4", and among the highest quality "X-7" and "X-9".

Shimano's main competitor in the near future is Taiwanese manufacturer Microshift. The main feature of the company is good quality at low prices. Many European countries have already appreciated the speed switches of this company. It is worth noting that among the advantages of this brand there is another very important one - full compatibility with Shimano derailleurs. This plus can be very beneficially used during repairs.

For lovers of the highest quality you should pay attention to the German manufacturer Rohloff. Its planetary hubs are carefully selected and assembled by hand only. The advantages of the products of this company are huge, but it will also be quite expensive to pay for them.

The choice of gear shifter on a bicycle primarily depends on the price issue. However, it is important to consider some technical characteristics. One of the most important is the type of attachment. The following mounting options are currently available:

• clamp to the frame tube;
• on a special site;
• on the carriage of the bicycle.

When choosing a derailleur, it is also important to choose the type of steering cable wiring. Most often, the cable is pulled to the gear selector or down the bottom tube under the carriage or the top tube of the frame. Thus, there are universal switches, as well as upper or lower pull.

Another important point is the parameters of the star system. Two or three speed systems are most commonly encountered. It is also important to know the number of stars in the rear derailleur as the chain thickness depends on this. It is better to take into account the dimensions of the largest sprocket, the capacity of the system, the minimum difference in teeth on the large and medium sprockets, the length of the carriage axis and the angle of the chain stays.

Setting the gear selector is not an easy task, and especially for a beginner, it will be very difficult to cope with it. Better to leave it to a specialist. But the rear and front derailleurs are worth learning how to set up yourself. This requires a number 5 hex wrench and a Phillips screwdriver. It is most convenient to set up when the bike is in a position with the wheels up.

The rear derailleur adjustment is as follows.

• The chain is thrown onto the smallest sprocket by pressing the shifter on the right side of the handlebar.
• Next, the switch is unlocked by releasing the screw that holds the cable. This is done by loosening the screw marked "H" with a screwdriver.
• This screw adjusts the sprockets holding the chain so that they are aligned.
• Now you need to pull out the cable, and then fix it using the screw.
• Next, the switch is checked for proper operation. If necessary, you can improve the transition to large stars by turning the thumb counterclockwise.
• Pressing the shifter moves the chain to the smallest sprocket.
• Using the screw marked "L", you need to adjust the position of the switch so that the largest sprocket and the derailleur foot are in line.

The front derailleur is configured slightly differently.

• The shifter moves the chain to the smallest sprocket at the front and the largest sprocket at the rear, simultaneously with the depressing of the pedals.
• Then the screw holding the cable is released. This is done with a hexagon.
• With the screw marked "L" using a screwdriver, move the frame so that the distance between its inner part and the chain is about 4 mm.
• Then the cable is pulled and the screw is tightened that holds it.
• To debug another star, you need to throw the chain back to the minimum star, and leave it on the smallest in front. If the chain touches the frame, then you need to adjust the cable with a thumb, which is located on the left side of the steering wheel. It is worth remembering that the lamb must be mixed counterclockwise.
• The third sprocket is adjusted with a screw marked "H" and a screwdriver.

The gear shifter on a bicycle works accurately and for a long time if it is used correctly. To do this, you should familiarize yourself with some recommendations. For example, switching between speeds must be done exclusively while cycling. It is also recommended to reduce the pressure of the feet on the pedals when changing gears, especially this will alleviate the condition of the front derailleur.

Before going uphill, it is better to change the gear in advance.... This advice should be followed by beginners who do not yet know how to "feel" their transport. Also, do not shift multiple gears at once. The transition between gears should be carried out gradually so that the chain has time to jump to the previous sprocket.

The video will show you how to choose a bike derailleur.