29
PEDAL DRIVE
PEDAL DRIVE
15 General information
The term “pedal drive” refers to the process or the associated unit with which the bike is
basically propelled (manually).
The power applied when you push the pedals (pedalling) is transmitted to one of the wheels
via the chain (chain drive). The propelled wheel in turn sets the entire bike in motion.
INFORMATION
It is generally the rear wheel that is thus propelled.
16 Chain drive
16.1
Method of operation and handling
1
3
2
1
Chain
2
Chain ring
3
Sprocket
Fig. 2:
Chain drive components
The bike’s chain runs on two gear wheels whose teeth interlock with the free openings
between the individual chain links that make up the chain.
The gear wheel at the same level as the pedals that rotates when you push on the pedals
is known as the chain ring. The rotation of the chain ring is transmitted to the sprocket on
the wheel axle via the chain. The rotating sprocket causes the wheel to rotate also which
propels the entire bike and sets it in motion.
INFORMATION
It is possible in principle to open a chain and close it once again. Individual chain links
can be inserted or removed in order to achieve the perfect chain length.