For the uninitiated people, the mention of this element of the bicycle causes only laughter. Although, despite its modest size, it plays a very important role. A bicycle cock is a small removable plate that allows you to lock the position of the rear derailleur. The essence of the existence of this holder is that it prevents a possible breakdown of the frame upon impact. After all, while riding a bicycle, his rear derailleur often clings to shrubs or other vegetation. This unfortunate accident breaks out this small consumable item, while all the other parts do not suffer.
A look into the past
The development story that a rooster on a bicycle was forced to go through is very interesting. It begins with the first frames that were made of steel and had considerable weight. In those days, the gear switch was attached directly, because the alloy of iron from which the frame was made was flexible and endured mechanical damage. A lot of time has passed since then, and mores have changed. Modern frames are made of carbon fiber or aluminum, which have a low weight, but excellent spatial rigidity. However, these materials have to pay brittleness for their advantages - if concentrated point forces are applied, they lose their integrity and collapse. It was in order to avoid such sad consequences that they began to make a bicycle rooster, which has less strength than the main structure to which it is attached - a frame. In some cases, this consumable helps to maintain the operation of the rear derailleur - after the impact, the latch breaks and the components do not get damaged. This reduces not only the financial costs of the cyclist, but also contributes to a more technological and high-quality service of the vehicle.
Application
As a result, if a rooster on a bicycle connected to the frame and represented a solid structure with it, this would inevitably lead to regular breakdowns. Unlike steel, aluminum or carbon fiber is not susceptible to welding in the air from the environment and require special recovery technologies. Even after repair work, local materials remain in these joints at the junction, therefore their operation after damage is extremely limited. In these cases, the issue of maintainability also has to be considered from the point of view of profitability or expediency, since the cost of restoring the frame can exceed the price of a similar sample that has only recently left the plant. Therefore, after damage to the frame, on which all the equipment of the bike is mounted, you have to throw it away. Only the most valuable frames are restored, which are exclusive or have undeniable historical value. Therefore, in most cases, it is much easier to replace a rooster on a bicycle that does not have significant strength, which, after receiving the deformation, can be thrown away with a clear conscience. And the frame will remain unharmed.
Differences
During its development, each of the manufacturers tried to introduce something new into the construction of the bike. The rooster on the bicycle was also subjected to changes; from a recognizable and simple detail it turned into a very original product. They differ in design, number of holes, material (aluminum, carbon fiber or polymer composition) and, of course, interchangeability. Now the lock of the rear gear selector is unique for each bike model, so difficulties can arise with its replacement. Even authorized dealers who are engaged in the implementation of a particular brand in their niche do not always have a sufficient assortment. Therefore, it is often necessary to resort to the help of specialists who make them to order, or to do it yourself. After all, the work that needs to be done is not too extensive - it is important to drill holes in the necessary places and cut out the shape corresponding to the seat of the part. If the first time this fails, then do not despair, just handle the latch with a file and it will occupy the position allocated to it.
Summary
It is hoped that now for beginner athletes there will be no question what a cock is on a bicycle and what its purpose is. Fortunately, the times when these parts were fixed, have long sunk into oblivion. After all, few owners of old bicycles still have to weld a cock after each breakdown.