Bicycle shifters: features, types and choices

Cycling is considered a popular form of transport. Thanks to him, you can combine sports, recreation, entertainment and a healthy lifestyle. To make the bike perfect, it can be supplemented with a shifter that allows you to adjust the speed.

Bicycle shifters are a type of drive device that is used when switching the speed mode. They are located on the steering wheel of two-wheeled vehicles. The modern movement unit is equipped with two shifters:

• front, which is located on the left side;
• back, localized behind.

The standard derailleur has a 3 to 8 combination. This uses 2 to 3 rear and front elements for each division. The bicycle shifter works properly when equipped with the following equipment:

• drive handle;
• spring-based retainer;
• movable block;
• cable;
• winding;
• lever arm.

The principle of operation of gear shifting is based on the following mechanism:

• a person presses the handle while driving a bicycle;
• the lever is set in motion, which contributes to the mobility of the block;
• the cable is wound;
• a spring clip secures the cable to the block using a ratchet mechanism.

Consider the types of shifters and their features, they are of several types.

This type of speed shifter is used quite often on a bicycle. It is fixed at the end of the grip installation. Externally, the shifters look like a handle with speeds marked on it. When scrolling the shifter, the speed changes.A cyclist wishing to change the speed must turn the mechanism until a characteristic click appears. The characteristic sound is the result of pulling or loosening the rope.

The advantages of the grip shifter are the impossibility of damage when falling, the smoothness of parts, the ability to switch several speeds with one scroll, the speed of response, the smoothness of the elements, as well as the possibility of individual settings. In this case, the speed is switched by turning the grip element. The change of speed is carried out when rotating in any direction.

Shifters of this type are divided into the following types:

• single lever - based on the fact that with the help of one press, a transition to the initial stage occurs;
• double-arm has 2 levers, the first of which is responsible for tensioning the cable, and the second for loosening it.

Today, the most popular bicycle speed derailleurs are from Shimano, the leader among other manufacturers. They are quite in demand, so there are a lot of models from this brand on sale. And also the consumer is in demand for shifters from the Sram and Microshift companies.

The following is a ranking of popular bicycle shifters.

• Shimano Tourney TX50 - this is a product of a budgetary level. The model is suitable for use on two-wheeled vehicles without heavy load. Most often, a shifter is purchased for children's and teenage bicycles. The speed switches are designed to last a long time if handled with care. In the front part, the part has 3 stars, in the back - 6. Among the advantages of the Shimano Tourney TX50 are budget cost, light weight, the ability to use for beginners, as well as the absence of problems with the purchase. Of the minuses, users single out only outdated design.

• Shimano Altus. This attachment can withstand moderate daily commutes on city roads or light off-road conditions. For aggressive rides, this model should not be used, as a roll over or fall may occur. The shifter uses bushings for 7 and 8 positions.

• Shimano deore... This model is considered equipment for amateur rides on two-wheeled vehicles. The shifter transmission elements can withstand active travel on city roads and forest trails. Reliability and high quality are considered to be a distinctive characteristic of this product. The shifter can be used for professional cycling operation.

• Sram X-7 has semi-professional parts in its design, so the shifter can be used for active driving in harsh conditions. The shifter transmission has 9 to 27 speeds. The product can be combined with equipment of a low category, therefore, the user can significantly save when completing. The main characteristics of the Sram X-7 are its attractive design, the ability to operate for a long period in a given mode, as well as low weight. As disadvantages, users consider the need for calibration skills, high cost.

• Sram X-0... This is a top-end equipment, the component parts of which contain both carbonate and aluminum elements. This shifter model can be used for professional riding, racing, endurance races. With strong shaking, the shifters are precise and stable. The advantages of shifters are considered strength, optimum weight, quick response to the command. The disadvantage is the high cost.

When choosing shifters, you should pay attention not only to the manufacturer, but also to other points.Users often find it difficult to buy them a grip or trigger shifter for road travel. Each of the options has its own advantages and disadvantages. Grip shifts are considered safer, since during a fall they do not deform, unlike the rest. However, they can unpleasantly surprise with a sharp change in speed, respectively, they should be shifted to the middle.

With the presence of a trigger on the bike, it is possible to carry out comfortable control at the time of braking. In this case, the speed change is carried out with 1 finger. Accidental switching with triggers does not occur. Choosing a speed switch for a two-wheeled vehicle is a matter of personal preference and travel habits.

The shifter is often installed on frames and head tubes. Like any other part, the speed switch may need repair or replacement. In the event that the shifting lever needs to be replaced, it is worth dismantling the cable leading to the switch. After the work done, you can loosen the mounting screw and remove the switch. After fixing the problem, the shifter should be mounted in its original place.

When installing the shifter on the tail rotor, remember to tighten it well. The next step is to install the screw that needs to be threaded through the hole on the shifter. Before starting to establish the cable, it is worth inspecting it at the time of deformation and damage. If a problem is found on the cable, it should be replaced. The rope with the smear applied to it should be tucked into the shirts.

The video tells about the advantages and disadvantages of shifters from different manufacturers and different designs.