Bicycle ratchets: purpose and subtleties of choice

Today, one of the most popular and frequently used modes of transport is a bicycle. This is not only sports equipment with which you can keep yourself in shape, but also a convenient means of transportation. It is very important not only to buy a bicycle and learn how to ride it, but also to be able to understand its main components and how it works.

In this article we will talk about what ratchets for a bicycle are, define their types and selection criteria.

A ratchet is one of the transmission elements of a bicycle, which consists of several sprockets. The latter, in turn, are combined with the ratchet mechanism and represent one whole.

The main purpose of the mechanism is to transfer torque from the front sprockets to the rear wheel.

Therefore the ratchet is essential for sport and mountain bikes. Previously, it was installed on old and cheap bicycles, and more modern sports models, for example, at 9 speeds, are no longer equipped with such devices, but with cassettes. They look like ratchets, but they differ in the number of stars and, of course, visually.

Ratchets differ among themselves number of sprockets (from 4 to 8 stars) and teeth of different diameters.

The most popular is the ratchet, which consists of 6 stars, which can have 14-28 teeth.... And also often buy and install a 7-star ratchet. The number of balls placed in the bearings of the device may also differ - it depends on the type of mechanism, the type of bike on which it is installed.There are about 35 of them. But their diameter is 1 mm.

Today there are several main classifications of bicycle ratchets. So, ratchets are classified according to several criteria.

• Manufacturing material. It can be different. The most commonly used are chrome or nickel steel, titanium or aluminum alloy. The mechanism, the stars of which are made of aluminum, is the most expensive and durable, but the steel one, unfortunately, will not last long.
• Construction type. It can be collapsible, on a spider or several spiders. Ratchets are installed on bicycles with 1, 6, 7, 8 speeds.

The rear wheel hub is designed in such a way that it consists of many separate parts, which are interconnected in one mechanism, namely:

• from the cone and the left flange;
• hulls;
• axle and inner body of the ratchet with flange;
• asterisks;
• locknuts and outer casing;
• gaskets;
• bushings and springs.

The rear wheel ratchet is based on the ratchet mechanism. All of the above listed elements are a single whole. In order to attach the ratchets to the rear wheel, a special threaded connection is used, with which the ratchet thread is screwed into the bushing.

The mechanism works as follows:

• the pressure on the pedals, which occurs when you press them, is transmitted to the sprockets of the mechanism;
• during the transfer of pressure, the "pawls" of the ratchets begin to abut against the hub, thereby activating the wheel.

In most cases, if one of the elements fails, it must be replaced, and for this the mechanism is completely disassembled.

Frequent breakdowns are due to the fact that the bearings are not on the bushing. It is because of this that the axle bursts when exposed to a strong load.

The choice of this mechanism must be taken very seriously and responsibly, because it depends on how much cycling will meet our requirements, both in terms of speed and safety of movement.

You can choose the right ratchet for your bike, taking into account a number of criteria.

• The type of bike and the terrain you will be riding. For a road bike, a product 11-22 or 11-27 is suitable, where the numbers indicate the range of the number of teeth. For a mountain "iron horse", the ideal option would be a mechanism with a numeric designation 11-36 and 11-28.
• The cost of the mechanism. It depends 90% on the material from which the ratchet is made. Experts recommend not to save money and not to buy the most budgetary option. A cheap product will break down very quickly, most likely, an axle will burst on it. Therefore, it is better to wait, save some money, and buy a more expensive and high-quality product.
• Riding style. This is also a very important factor. If, for example, you are a supporter of a complex, special riding style, then you need to buy a device with the maximum number of stars.
• Manufacturer. Do not forget to check with the seller for information about the manufacturer. If possible, opt for a reputable manufacturer of bicycle inventory and parts. Yes, such a mechanism may cost more, but its price will fully correspond to the quality.

And also consider so that the dimensions of the ratchet fit perfectly on the front cranks... This is due to the fact that these two mechanisms work in tandem and are interconnected, thereby guaranteeing safe movement.

In the video below you can watch a master class on replacing a ratchet on a bicycle.