Speed ​​switch on a bike: types and choices

Modern bicycles are equipped with speed switches, which are especially convenient for riding in terrain with a diverse 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.

The greatest comfort when riding a bicycle and excellent energy savings are provided by a speed switch or derailer. With it, you can choose the optimal mode of movement, which is fully suitable for a particular route. A switch is especially useful if the track changes from asphalt to an off-road path.

It is also necessary to use the device during acceleration, smooth 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 in the form of a strong wind or slippery slopes are also easier to carry with a dealership. It's no secret that the bike is an excellent cardio simulator, which is greatly facilitated by the speed switch.

The derailer that we know today was invented by an Italian cyclist in the 1950s. The classic design is a block of stars. The unit that is installed in the front is called the system, and which at the back is called the cassette. The speeds are switched by shifting the bicycle chain to the side, which ultimately allows the chain to lie on the selected star.

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 switch at the back.

Switches are controlled by cables. You can adjust the tension of the cables using the shift knobs. On the steering wheel there are shifters that pull the cable. When you click on the shifter, the frame is shifted, and the chain is thrown to an adjacent star.

There is also an option when the switch looks like a drum that just spins to the desired speed mark. Bicycle speed switch can be made in the form of a trigger or combination handle. Recently gaining popularity electronic gearshift control, allowing you to switch through all the stars at once.

It is worth considering in more detail how the traditional speed switch is arranged. The system speeds are located on the left side of the steering wheel 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. It is also impossible to pedal back in the process of switching between speeds so that the chain does not jam and the transmission does not break. It is worth noting that on models with foot brakes there is no rear derailleur.

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

• External switch - This is the most familiar form, which consists of front and rear switches. This option works by transferring the chain between the stars through the frame. The advantages of this switch include lightness, an understandable design, a large number of speeds. Also, energy is not lost due to the friction of the mechanisms inside.

• Internal or planetary switch It is a mechanism that is located in the inner part of the sleeve 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 cycle models with planetary bushings are also equipped with an integrated brake system, which is very convenient.

Of the benefits should be highlighted high resistance to adverse weather and bad roads, high reliability, durability, ease of maintenance. Another important point is gear shifting 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 bike models. For this species, the pros and cons of both switching mechanisms are characteristic.

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 produces speed switches in different price segments. The main difference is the lack of thematic lines. Among the simplest and cheapest models are “X-3” and “X-4”, and among the highest quality “X-7” and “X-9”.

The main competitor of Shimano 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 switches. This plus can be very advantageously used for repairs.

For lovers of the highest quality It is worth paying attention to the German manufacturer Rohloff. Its planetary bushings consist of carefully selected elements and are assembled only by hand. The advantages of the products of this company are many, but they will have to pay quite expensive.

The choice of a gear shift on a bicycle primarily depends on the price issue. However, it is important to consider some specifications. One of the most important is the type of mount. Currently, there are the following mounting options:

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

When choosing a switch, it is also important to choose the type of cable wiring from the steering wheel. Most often, the cable is pulled to the speed switch either along the lower pipe under the carriage or along the upper pipe of the frame. In this way, There are universal switches, as well as with upper or lower thrust.

Another important point is the parameters of the star system. Most often, two- or three-speed systems are found. It is also important to know the number of stars in the rear derailleur, since the chain thickness depends on this. It is better to take into account the sizes of the largest star, the capacity of the system, the minimum difference between the teeth on the large and medium stars, the length of the axis of the carriage and the angle of the lower feathers.

Installing a speed switch is not an easy task, and it will be very difficult for a beginner to cope with it. Better leave it to a specialist. But the rear and front switches are worth learning to configure yourself. To do this, you will need a hex wrench at number 5 and a Phillips screwdriver. It is most convenient to carry out the adjustment when the bike is in the upright position.

The adjustment of the rear derailleur is as follows.

• The chain is thrown onto the smallest asterisk by pressing the shifter on the right side of the steering wheel.
• Next, the switch is unlocked, for which the screw that holds the cable is released. This is done by unscrewing the screw marked “H” with a screwdriver.
• This screw adjusts the stars holding the chain so that they are located along the same line.
• Now you need to pull the cable, and then secure it using the screw.
• Next, a check is made of the correct operation of the switch. If necessary, you can improve the transition to large stars by turning the lamb counterclockwise.
• By clicking on the shifter, the chain is transferred to the smallest star.
• Using the screw marked “L”, you must adjust the position of the switch so that the largest sprocket and the switch foot are in line.

The front derailleur is configured slightly differently.

• At the same time, with the help of the pedal, the chain moves to the smallest star in front and the largest one in the back.
• Next, release the screw holding the cable. This is done by the hexagon.
• Using a screwdriver marked “L”, use a screwdriver to 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 that holds it is tightened.
• To debug another star, the chain should be thrown back to the minimum star and left at the smallest in front. If the chain touches the frame, then you need to adjust the cable with the lamb, which is located on the left side of the steering wheel. It is worth remembering that the lamb must be mixed counterclockwise.
• The third star is adjusted with a screw marked “H” and a screwdriver.

The gear shifter on cycling works accurately and for a long time if properly operated. To do this, you should familiarize yourself with some recommendations. For example, switching between speeds is necessary exclusively while cycling. It is also recommended that when changing gears, reduce foot pressure on the pedals, this will especially facilitate the state of the front derailleur.

Before going uphill, it’s better to change gear in advance. This advice should be observed for beginners who still do not know how to "feel" their transport. Also, do not switch several gears at once. The transition between gears should be carried out gradually, so that the chain has time to jump to the previous sprocket.

In the video you will learn how to choose a bicycle switch.