28
b
c
da
6 DRIVE SYSTEM.
The drive system includes all bicycle parts that are crucial for the
transmission of the pedalling power to the rear wheel (a+b), i.e. bottom
bracket, crankset-chainrings, pedals, sprockets and chain.
6.1 Gears.
The gears on your bicycle serve to adjust your pedalling power to the
terrain you are riding on and the desired speed. A low gear (where in the
case of derailleur gears the chain runs on the small chainring and a large
sprocket) allows you to climb steep hills with moderate pedalling force.
You must, however, pedal relatively fast. High gears (large chainring,
small sprocket) are for riding downhill. Every turn of the pedals takes you
many metres forward at correspondingly high speed.
Derailleur gears always work according to the following princi-
ple:
Large chainring – high/heavy gear – higher transmission
Small chainring – low/easy gear – lower transmission
Large sprocket – low/easy gear – lower transmission
Small sprocket – high/heavy gear – higher transmission
Normally, the shifters are mounted as follows:
Right shifter – sprockets
Left shifter – chainrings
On level ground your pedalling speed, also referred to as cadence,
should be higher than 60 strokes a minute.
6.1.1 Bottom Bracket - Crankset.
The bottom bracket (c+d) composed of ball bearings, cups, sealing
rings and spindle normally comes as a compact unit. This is to protect
the sealed cartridge bottom bracket against penetrating dirt, water or
mud. The compact bottom bracket is maintenance free and delivered
without play. Check the bottom bracket bearing in the bottom bracket
shell for play at regular intervals. The crank arms may come loose in
use over time. Regularly check whether they are rmly attached to the
spindle. Grab the crank and try to jiggle it forcefully. It must be absolutely
free of play.
If the crank arms have play, the crankset mounting may sustain
damage. Risk of breakage!
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
