Operation Manual

36
SHIFTING SYSTEM
THEORETICAL FOUNDATION
The shifting system on the bike is used to
adapt one’s own performance to the terrain
and the desired speed. The physical work is
not reduced by the shifting system rather
the force required per crank revolution is
changed.
PROPER SHIFTING
Gradients can be powered up using low
gears and moderate force but you’ll have
to pedal faster. Downhill you can travel a
greater distance per turn of the crank. The
speed will be correspondingly high. Like
a car you must maintain your optimum
“engine” speed to perform well. What’s key
to your performance is keeping the number
of crank revolutions per minute (cadence)
above 60. Racing cyclists typically ride with
a cadence of 90 – 110. This rate naturally falls
o a bit during hill climbs but you should still
maintain smooth pedaling. The incremental
shifting steps and ease of use of modern
shifting systems oer the best conditions for
an ecient ride that is easy on your knees.
DERAILLEUR SYSTEM
The derailleur on the bike is currently the
most eective systems in terms of power
transfer. In a clean and well-oiled system
about 97 – 98 percent of the energy placed in
the pedals is transferred to the rear wheel.
Despite this near optimal performance, many
cyclists fear a bike without a coaster brake.
This fear is unfounded. The operation of the
derailleur system leaves nothing to be de-
sired. With specially designed sprocket teeth,
flexible chains and precisely spaced shifting
steps, the system shifts very easily. Re-
member to engage the shifter smoothly and
momentarily stop applying pressure to the
pedals until the chain is on the next sprocket.
Even though the special tooth forms of
today’s sprockets allows shifting under load,
it shortens the life of the chain and therefore
should be avoided.