Setting the speed switch on bicycles. Speeds on a bicycle

It's amazing that many buyers who buy themselves a bike for the first time do not even suspect why it needs transmissions and how they are adjusted. There is a stereotype that the more this speed vehicle has, the more representative and better it is. Paradoxically, against the background of such misconceptions, a cyclist looks, who storms the hill on the least suitable for this transmission, when it is very difficult to turn the pedals, and every centimeter is given with great difficulty. Although sometimes you can observe a different situation: the rider flies from the mountain and can hardly keep up with the movements of the connecting rods and the system operating at low speed.

Assignment of programs

In order to deal with such strange situations, you need to understand why bike speeds are necessary and when their use is appropriate. However for this purpose it is necessary to familiarize with the term "cadence" - optimum frequency of rotation of pedals. Cadence is divided into several types:

• tall;
• low;
• optimal.

With a high rider, you have to turn the pedals too often, which leads to increased buildup in the saddle and an inefficient use of effort. This disadvantage is especially acute if the cyclist does not use contact pedals or tuklips to fix the position of the leg in the correct position.

When the cadence is low, the pedals rotate very slowly. It is necessary to make considerable efforts for the transfer. There is a logical question: "Why then the front derailleur on a bicycle, if it is not used?" Moreover, when moving in this mode, the muscles become very tired, the load on the joints increases, which can lead to diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Recommended conditions

The optimal cadence assumes reasonable use of the cyclist's forces depending on his individual characteristics, weight and prevailing terrain on the terrain. For plains, its average value is in the range from 80 to 110 revolutions per minute. Timely cycling speed switches on the bike (Shimano, Sram or their analogs), the cyclist feels comfortable, but at the same time continues to monitor the values of the recommended cadence on the computer. It is in this mode that a person feels comfortable and spends his own efforts evenly.

Gear shift

Very important is the moment when the speed change is carried out. The gearshift must be carried out one at a time and, during their shift, give an insignificant load to the pedals. This will avoid damage to the chain, tensioners and keep the bike intact , setting the switch of speeds can cause beginners a lot of difficulties and even entail financial costs. After all, when you approach a steep rise, the risk is not only to get a serious injury, but also to bring your iron friend home in your arms. Especially often, such disruptions occur when using an entry-level equipment that does not have significant safety reserves. Consider the principles of its debugging and functioning.

Features of setting the speed connection system

For beginners, adjusting the bicycle speed switch is a total hell. Despite the fact that this mechanism is an uncomplicated mechanical system, it is very demanding of nuances. Therefore, before starting work, it is important to make sure that the front and rear switch are in good condition, and the chain forms the correct chainline between the stars. The determination of these parameters is made visually. To do this, it is necessary to turn the bike upside down and inspect its rear part - from the feathers and up to the carriage unit. The speed switch must be securely attached to the bracket, and the chain that is located on its rollers is not contaminated and lubricated with suitable materials to ensure its sliding and minimal wear. Draw an imaginary line between the rear and front stars. If it is at their center, then the elements of the system are calibrated properly and the installation of spacer rings is not needed. If the observed situation is diametrically opposite, then it is necessary to eliminate it, for this purpose it is necessary to set the speed switch on bicycles.

The indirect cause of its unsatisfactory functioning can be a cable connecting the manketes through a protective shirt. After all, if it is rusty and there is no lubricant in it, then you will experience difficulty in operating the system as a whole. A similar situation will be observed even with its cracks, when the passage of this thin cable will stop because of excessive friction.

There are three more important stages of debugging, the neglect of which will not allow you to adjust the speed changes properly. These include the state of the connecting cable, the position of the screws that adjust the speed switch on the bicycles, and the functioning of the spring-loaded tensioner mechanism.

Protective jacket and cable

Debugging this tool plays a significant role. The cable connects the cuffs to the switches, it depends on how much effort is made to change gears. At the same time, they ensure the correct position of the chain on rollers and stars. If the cable tension is excessive, then the gears may skip a few positions or change. If it is weakened, then the applied force becomes insufficient to activate the mechanism - and nothing will happen.

Adjusting screws

When the speed selector is set on the bikes, they provide the necessary position of the chain on the rollers, cassette and connecting rod stars. Top screws are usually responsible for the shifts of the switches up vertically, while the lower ones are down. Adjust their positions with a hexagonal wrench. On a concrete example, this will look like this: when the chain slides along the teeth of the cassette, the mechanism must be lowered down for reliable grip. In this case, the lower roller ensures a tight contact between the drive elements. If on the chain traces of increased wear are noticeable, but it is worth doing the reverse actions and weakening this interaction.

Adjusting the tensioner

This element delivers the least amount of difficulty when setting the speed switch on bicycles. Normally, its adjusting screw does not require intervention, but sometimes, due to the displacement to the extreme position, it can contribute to the beating and accelerated wear of the upper pulley and chain. The question is solved by twisting or fixing it with a groover.

If after the implementation of the proposed recommendations a positive result was not achieved, then it is necessary to apply to qualified bicycle mechanics who will be able to solve your problem.