The speed switch on a bicycle on the steering wheel is used to equip urban, mountain and sports modifications. Comfort and safety of movement depend on the quality work of this unit. Before using the vehicle, check the operation of this unit. Speed settings are made by tightening or loosening the control cable.
general information
The modern speed switch on a bicycle on the steering wheel gives new opportunities in optimizing riding on various sections of roads. On such a bike it is much easier to perform various tricks, to move along uneven and mountainous tracks. The main thing is to properly configure the node in question. To do this yourself, you need to study the main parts of the mechanism, including the shift lever and transmission.
The last block includes a set of parts that allow you to take on part of the load transmitted to the cyclist. It also makes it easy to climb mountains and cross country terrain.
Device
The following components are included in the transmission unit:
- Gear knob on a bicycle.
- Front lock that helps the chain move along the drive sprockets. It is attached to the frame near the pedals.
- A system of stars of various diameters and the number of teeth mounted on connecting rods with the help of special bolts.
- The rear derailleur is located in the rear wheel area and allows you to move the chain along the drive sprockets of the cassette.
- A rattle, including several stars, differing in the number of teeth and size. On more expensive models, this assembly is fixed to the drum.
- Chain. Transmits the set speed from the pedals to the wheels. Requires regular cleaning and lubrication.
- Shifters. Through these elements, the cyclist controls the speed switch on the bicycle on the handlebars. A part is installed near the handles, the right shifter is responsible for the rear controller, the left - for the front. The principle of operation of the shifters is to change the tension of the cable, as a result of which the speed is switched.
- Cables They connect the shifters to the switch and are responsible for the correct transition between speeds, which largely depends on the correct cable tension.
- Shirt. This part is a rigid tube passing through a cable and mounted on a frame.
It is worth noting that the most reliable chains are considered elements of a matte gray color. Details with a yellowish tint are of poor quality, and nickel-plated chains belong to the middle segment.
Principle of operation
Before you learn how to adjust the speed switch on a bicycle, you need to understand its operating principle. The functioning of the node in question consists in pulling the front controller cable, which makes it possible to transfer the frame to larger stars. When the cable is loosened, the chain is thrown onto smaller sprockets.
Switching itself is carried out directly using shifter-type shifters located on the steering wheel. The back is controlled by the right shifter, the front derailleur is controlled by the left analog. As a result, the chain is thrown among the front or rear stars.
Which gearshift paddles on a bike are better?
There are three main types of bicycle gearshift mechanisms:
- External exposure device.
- Internal gearshift mechanism.
- Combined system.
The internal type appeared before the external mechanism. Back in 1902, Sturmey-Archer manufactured a similar analogue, which can be called the progenitor of multi-speed bushings. Consider each of the types in more detail.
Internal gearshift type
At the heart of this design are planetary bushings without the use of cassettes. The transmission unit includes only two stars. All elements are hidden inside. As a rule, in such a mechanism there is no front speed switch on a bicycle on the handlebars.
Such a device is used on pleasure, road, city and folding bikes. The working system is located inside the rear planetary tube. It is better to entrust the adjustment of such a switch to specialists.
External analogue and combined system
This mechanism is equipped with most multi-speed bikes. It is used both on mountain and on pleasure versions. The switch device consists of a controller and sprockets of different diameters. The entire assembly forms a cassette system, the position of the speeds in which is changed using the rear and front adjuster.
In such a device can participate from three to 24 speeds. The adjustment of such a device can be done independently, after having previously studied the principle of operation and the mechanism mechanism.
The combined circuit is a mix of external and internal mechanism. It is fixed on the rear hub. This type is not very popular because it combines all the shortcomings of the above modifications. Setting up the node is done only by a specialist.
Shimano Speed Switch
In today's market, there are many brands focused on bicycle accessories. One of the best switches are Japanese Shimano models and an American design from Sram.
Consider the modifications and characteristics of professional Shimano switches:
- XTR options occupy a leading position in the combination of quality indicators and prices. Modifications are lightweight, mainly used on racing bikes.
- Deore, Saint, Slx - used on bicycles of various categories with 27 gears.
- The gearshift Shimano LX, Dura-Ace, Hone occupy the third place in this line, focused on cycle machines with the maximum number of speeds.
- Tourney - aggregates with 21st gear, designed for a quiet ride.
Ram
These models can be divided into two groups: for sports and amateur riding. The first category includes the following variations:
- ESP 7.0 - the switches are made of very durable components, designed to adjust 24 speeds.
- ESP 4.0 / 5.0 - have a lower cost than professional counterparts, withstand up to 24 gears, are focused on tourist bike models. In addition, Sram 4.0 can be equipped with cheap hybrid mountain bike designs.
- ESP 3.0 - designed for recreational and urban devices.
The question is, which gearshift paddles for a bike are better? There are no cardinal differences in the adjustment and functioning of different controller lines. For example, eight-speed modifications of Alivio, Acera, Altus can be replaced with nine-speed analogs of Deore, LX / XTR. The same is available in the reverse order.
Adjustment
How to adjust the speed switch on a bicycle? To begin, consider the adjustment of the rear node. This mechanism is used on most modern bikes. It consists of the following elements:
- A frame whose length affects the number of gears.
- Pairs of rollers responsible for the tension and direction of the chain.
- Parallelogram mechanism.
- Fasteners.
- Limiters of the upper and lower speeds.
- Adjusting screw.
- Guide wire.
The assembly of the speed switch on a bicycle on the steering wheel, as well as its adjustment, may be necessary when the speed does not switch, the chain jumps over the sprockets, extraneous sounds are heard or the rattle is heard when the device is operating.
Node adjustment is carried out as follows:
- Make sure that the speed controller is mounted vertically and parallel to the bicycle.
- The bike should be turned upside down to allow access to the adjusting screws.
- The chain must be lowered to the smallest asterisk using the turns of the shifter on the right side of the steering wheel.
- Release the switch by loosening the cable fixing screw.
- Using a screwdriver and adjusting screw H, it is necessary to adjust the chain so that the sprockets on which the chain rests are in line.
- The cable is pulled by the hand as much as possible, after which it is fixed with a screw.
- Next, the operation of the node is checked. If there are problems with the transfer on large stars, you need to turn the handle counterclockwise, pulling the cable.
- Then the chain is thrown onto the smallest sprocket using a shifter.
- Using the screw L, the position is adjusted so that the largest sprocket is located in the same plane as the controller foot.
Front hub setup
Types of speed switches for bicycles on the steering wheel are indicated above. Next, we will analyze the adjustment of the front element. The assembly consists of the following parts:
- The framework through which the chain passes.
- The mechanism with a spring.
- Upper and lower limiter (H / L).
- Latch and cable.
Switch setup consists of the following steps:
- The chain must be set in front on the smallest star, and behind - on the maximum analogue.
- Using a hexagon, release the cable fixing screw.
- Using a screwdriver and screw L, adjust the position of the frame so that the distance from the inside to the chain is 4 mm.
- The cable is pulled and fixed with a screw.
- The second sprocket is adjusted after the chain on the rear derailleur is shifted to the smallest star.
- Check for chain cling. If such a problem exists, it is necessary to pull the cable harder using the shifter. The distance from the chain to the frame should be about 3 mm.
- The third sprocket is adjusted using screw N. If necessary, increase the clearance by pushing the frame out.
Troubleshooting
Repair of a speed switch on a bicycle on a handlebar may be required in the following cases:
- Cable stretch. This problem can be diagnosed if, when driving, the chain moves without sound and hardly lays on large sprockets. In addition, this problem is indicated by the unwillingness of the chain to jump to small stars. The problem is fixed by adjusting the drum on the shifter. Adjustment should be carried out until the chain begins to smoothly assume the desired position.
- Rupture of the cable. To fix this problem, replace the part. To do this, you need to disassemble the cuff, dismantle the old element, install, fix and grease the new cable.
- Jamming mechanism spring. The problem can be fixed by cleaning and flushing the part.
- Failure or deformation of the frame or screw. Such a problem often occurs after an impact. It is best to replace defective items.
How much does a speed switch on a bike cost? Depending on the company and the destination, the unit can be purchased at a price of 500 to 3500 rubles.