Rooster for a bicycle: what is it and how to choose it?

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

Today, few people know where the bicycle rooster is located. Usually people learn about a cockerel after the rear derailleur falls off as a result of a strong fall during riding. Interestingly, this is not an accident - it was originally conceived.

It was noted that usually a fall breaks the bracket for the rear switch. Initially, the bicycle frame was made of steel, then the cockerel was integral with the frame, because steel is quite easily repaired and not prone to deformation. But when the bicycle frame began to be made of aluminum, it was noted that this material is brittle, and the repair process takes a lot of time.

So, A bicycle cock is a removable and small plastic that is used to fix the position of the rear derailleur. This holder will prevent damage to the frame itself. Since during the fall it is the rear derailleur that most often catches on different vegetation, as a result it simply breaks out. Its replacement can be done quite easily and quickly, and the frame will remain unharmed.

It should be understood that The one-piece frame and rooster design is impractical because it will break quite often. Aluminum, which is often used now for the manufacture of frames, can not be welded. To make its restoration, you will need to connect special technologies. But even if it turns out to be repaired, there are still weak points that form at the junction. As a result, the use of such a frame after repair becomes quite limited.

Usually, after a bicycle frame is damaged, it is advised to make a complete replacement, and get rid of the damaged one. It is customary to restore only certain frames that are rare and valuable. Thanks to the presence of a rooster, there is no need to replace the entire frame, it is enough to purchase a brand new rooster, and just throw the old one away.

The device of a bicycle cock looks quite simple. It is presented in the form of a conventional bracket of a connecting type, which is fixed to the frame of the bicycle through the use of one or two bolts. The shape of this detail resembles a crest of a cockerel. There are such types of cocks for bicycles as integrated and removable.

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

It is worth paying attention 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. They are mainly made in China. They are not suitable for high-speed movement. As a result of constant loads, microcracks form on the brackets, which subsequently leads to breakage of the part. Silumin is ideal for a quiet bike ride.

• Duralumin - This is an alloy of high strength, which incorporates additives of various non-ferrous metals. For their manufacture, the milling method is used. Such cockerels are more expensive, but 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 a cock for a bicycle. The answer is pretty simple - It must be compatible with the bicycle frame. It happens that the search for a new part stretches even for years, so experts strongly recommend that you do not throw out a broken cock.

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

Replacing a bicycle cockerel is quite simple. Brackets install quickly. This process is as follows:

• unscrew and remove the rear wheel;
• using a special hex key, 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 cock:

• usually the cock breaks when the bike falls to the right side, while not on the go, so you should definitely check the reliability of the vehicle fixation during parking;
• if you need to make an emergency stop and leave the bike, but there is no way to give it a vertical position, you should put it, but only on the left side;
• it is worth being very careful when driving along dangerous and uneven sections of the road, because roughness from the right side can lead to breakage of the cockerel - 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 sliding off;
• you should be very careful on the road, avoid collisions with other cyclists, especially if they ride from behind - when you hit, the cockerel can break.

About what a bicycle rooster, see below.