Shifters for bicycles: features, types and selection

Biking 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 will allow you to adjust the speed.

Shifters for bicycles - a type of drive devices that are used when switching high-speed mode. They are located on the steering wheel of a two-wheeled vehicle. The modern unit for movement is equipped with two shifters:

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

The standard speed switch has a combination of 3 by 8. At the same time, from 2 to 3 rear and front elements are used for each division. The bicycle shifter works properly when it has the following device:

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

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

• a man presses a handle while driving a bicycle;
• the lever is driven, which contributes to the mobility of the block;
• cable winding occurs;
• a spring clip fixes the cable to the block using a ratchet mechanism.

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

This option of the speed switch on a bicycle is used quite often. It is fixed at the end of the installation of grips. Externally, the shifters have the appearance of a handle with speeds marked on it. When scrolling the shifter, the speed switches.A cyclist who wants to change speed needs to scroll the mechanism until a click occurs. A characteristic sound is a consequence of pulling or loosening the cable.

The advantages of the grip switch are the impossibility of damage when falling, the smoothness of the parts, the ability to switch several speeds with one scroll, the reaction speed, the smoothness of the elements, as well as the possibility of individual settings. In this case, the speed switches when the flu element rotates. The change of speed is carried out during rotation in any direction.

Shifters of this type are divided into the following types:

• single lever - based on the fact that with a single click there is a transition to the initial stage;
• double-lever It has 2 levers, the first of which is responsible for the tension of the cable, and the second for its weakening.

To date, the most popular speed switches for bicycles from the company Shimano, which is a leader among other manufacturers. They are quite in demand, so there are a lot of models for sale from this brand. And also consumer shifters from the Sram and Microshift companies are in demand.

The following is a ranking of popular bike tricks.

• Shimano Tourney TX50 - This is a budget item. The model is suitable for use on two-wheeled vehicles without heavy load. Most often, a cuff is purchased for children's and teenage bicycles. With a careful attitude, speed switches can last a long time. In the front, the part has 3 stars, in the back - 6. Of the advantages of Shimano Tourney TX50 you can distinguish the budget cost, low weight, the ability to use for beginners, as well as the absence of problems with the purchase. Of the minuses, users distinguish only an outdated design.

• Shimano Altus. This device can withstand everyday trips at a moderate pace along a city road or light off-road. For aggressive trips, this model should not be used, since a roll or fall can occur. The sleeve uses bushings for 7 and 8 positions.

• Shimano deore. This model is considered equipment for amateur walks on two-wheeled vehicles. Transmission gear elements can withstand active type of travel on a city road and forest path. A distinctive characteristic of this product is reliability and high quality. The shifter can be used for professional use of cycling.

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

• Sram X-0. This is a top-end equipment, the components of which contain both carbonate and aluminum elements. This shifter model can be used for professional skating, racing, hardy rides. With strong shaking, the shifters are accurate and stable. The advantages of shifters are considered strength, weight optimality, speed of response to a team. 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 a flu-shift or trigger stick for road travel. Each of the options has its own advantages and disadvantages. Infrared shifts are considered safer, since during the fall they do not deform, unlike the others. 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 bicycle, it is possible to perform convenient control during braking. In this case, the speed is switched using 1 finger. Random switching with triggers does not occur. The choice of a speed switch for two-wheeled transport is a matter of personal preference and features of movement.

Often the cuff is mounted on frames and steering tubes. Like any other part, the speed switch may need to be repaired or replaced. In the case when the shifter needs to be replaced, it is worth dismantling the cable leading to the switch. After the work done, you can loosen the fixing screw, and remove the switch. After fixing the problem, the shifter should be mounted in the same place.

When installing the shifter on the tail rotor, do not forget about its good tightening. The next step is to install a screw that must be threaded into the hole on the shifter. Before you begin to establish the cable, it is worth inspecting it at the time of deformation and damage. If a malfunction is detected on the cable, it should be replaced. The cable with the smear applied on it should be tucked into the shirts.

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