54
Gear shift system
7.1
Derailleur gears
7.1.1
Basic information
The derailleur gears consist of 1 to 3 chainrings on the pedal
crank and 7 to 11 sprockets on the rear wheel (see Fig.
“Derail-
leur gears”
). The chain can be shifted to different chainrings and
sprockets using separate control units on the left and right side of
the handlebar.
•
Pedal slowly and without applying force when changing gears.
Fig.: Derailleur gears
1 Gear shift cable
2 Sprockets on the rear wheel
3 Chainrings on the pedal crank
4 Chain
1
2
4
3
The theoretical number of gears is derived from the product of the
sum “chainrings × sprockets”.
The smaller the sprocket, the higher the selected gear. In a higher
gear you will have a lower pedal frequency.
The larger the sprocket, the lower the selected gear. In a low gear
you will have a higher pedal frequency.
note:
The chain rings are not selected as gears, but are selected
depending on the road.
The smaller the chainring, the higher the pedalling frequency.
The larger the chainring, the lower the pedalling frequency.
•
Use the small chain ring for ascents.
•
Use the large chainring for sport riding.
•
Use a damp cloth to clean the operating parts for the derailleur
gears.
•
On bikes with derailleur gears, you should clean all moving
components with a damp cloth or a soft brush, insofar as they
are easily accessible (see Fig.
“Rear derailleur”
).
•
After cleaning, you should lubricate all moving parts of the
derailleur gears system with a small amount of lubricant, e.g.
universal oil.
• Afterwards, wipe up any excess lubricant with a clean cloth.
•
Check to ensure that all components of the derailleur gears are
free from damage and that the rear derailleur is not bent sideways.
•
If you notice damage to any of the components or the rear
derailleur is bent to the side, you should ask your specialist
dealer to inspect the derailleur gears.
•
Check that there is sufficient clearance between the rear
derailleur or chain and the wheel spokes.
•
If there is no clearance or if the chain is grinding against the
spokes, you should ask your specialist dealer to inspect the
derailleur gears.
