Bicycle rooster: what is it and how to choose it?

A rooster for a bicycle is not familiar to everyone, but it plays a rather important role. For some, this term even causes laughter. It is worth considering in more detail what a bicycle rooster is, what it is for, its structure and materials, where it is located, as well as how to choose this spare part.

Today, few people know where the bike rooster is located. Usually people find out about the cock after the rear derailleur falls off as a result of a violent fall while driving.... Interestingly, this is not an accident - it was originally intended.

It was noted that Usually the bracket for the rear-type derailleur breaks when dropped. Initially, the bicycle frame was made of steel, then the cockerel was one with the frame, because steel is quite easy to repair and is not prone to deformation. But when the bicycle frame began to be made from aluminum, it was noted that this material is fragile, and the repair process takes quite a long time.

So, The bicycle cock is a small, detachable type of plastic that is used to fix the position of the rear derailleur. This holder will prevent damage to the frame itself. Since during a fall it is the rear derailleur that most often catches on various vegetation, as a result, it simply breaks out. It can be replaced quite easily and quickly, and the frame will remain intact.

It should be understood that a one-piece frame and cock structure is impractical as it will break quite often. Aluminum, which is often used today for the manufacture of frames, cannot be welded. To restore it, you will need to connect special technologies. But even if it turns out to be repaired, there are still weak points that are formed at the junction. As a result, the use of such a frame becomes rather limited after the repair.

Usually, after damage to the bike frame, it is advised to completely replace it, and get rid of the damaged one. It is customary to restore only some of the frames, which are rare and valuable. Due to the presence of a rooster, there is no need to replace the entire frame, it is enough to buy a new rooster, and just throw out the old one.

The bike cock device looks pretty simple. It comes in the form of a conventional coupling type bracket that is fixed to the bike frame using one or two bolts. The shape of this detail resembles a cock's comb. There are such types of bike roosters as integrated and removable.

Usually they are made of titanium or steel, but carbon and aluminum are less common, since the former are practically invulnerable to external damage. But even if they were deformed during the impact after the fall, then they can be easily corrected. If we talk about cockerels made of carbon or aluminum, then they cannot be repaired. Although they are tough and durable materials, they can burst on impact. If the aluminum can still somehow be adjusted, although it is quite expensive, then carbon cannot be repaired at all.

It should be noted that today this part is made of two types of materials.

• Silumin Is a combination of aluminum and silicon. They are cast, they are inexpensive, but they are not durable either. They are mainly made in China. They are not suitable for high-speed travel. As a result of constant loads, microcracks are formed on the brackets, which further leads to breakage of the part. Silumin is ideal for a relaxing bike ride.

• Duralumin Is an alloy of high strength, which contains additives of various non-ferrous metals. For their manufacture, a milling method is used. These males are more expensive, but they are characterized by strength and reliability. Such options are offered by the META brand from Russia and the PILO company from Israel.

Many people wonder how to choose the right bike cock. The answer is pretty simple - it must be compatible with the bike frame. It happens that the search for a new part lasts even for years, so experts strongly recommend not to throw away the broken cock.

You will need a sample to find the correct one. In some cases, specialists select similar options if an identical model is not available. In such cases, a versatile cock is often used. If no option is suitable, then there is only one way out - to order the manufacture of a rooster according to a broken sample.

Replacing the bike hinge is pretty straightforward. Brackets are quick to install. This process looks like this:

• unscrew and remove the rear wheel;
• using a special hex wrench, it is necessary to remove the speed switch from the cock;
• unscrew the fixing screws from the cock and remove it;
• install a new part;
• put the speed switch in place;
• reinstall the rear wheel.

Experts advise you to pay attention to the following recommendations regarding a bicycle rooster:

• usually, the cock breaks when the bike falls to the right side, while not on the move, so you should definitely check the reliability of the transport fixation while parking;
• if you need to make an urgent stop and leave the bike, but there is no way to give it an upright position, you should put it down, but only on the left side;
• it is worth being very careful while driving on dangerous and uneven sections of the road, because unevenness on the right side can lead to a breakdown of the cock - in this case, it is recommended to pedal to a minimum;
• it is recommended to pay attention to the chain, since it should be located on the largest sprocket, while not slipping;
• on the road, you should be very careful, you should avoid collisions with other cyclists, especially if they are riding from behind - when hitting, the cock may break.

For what a bicycle rooster is, see below.