Bicycle gear shifting

Buying advice for: Bicycle gear shifting

• Gear types

  There are two main types of bicycle gears: Derailleur gears and hub gears. Both have their specific advantages and areas of application, which means that they fulfil different rider types and requirements. Derailleur gears are widely used and offer a wide range of gears, making them ideal for different types of terrain. They consist of several cogs, so-called chainrings at the front and sprockets at the rear, which are changed using a front derailleur and rear derailleur. This type of shifting enables precise and fast gear changes, which is particularly advantageous on steep climbs and fast descents. Derailleur gears are generally lighter and offer more gear ratio options, making them the preferred choice for mountain bikes and road bikes. Hub gears, on the other hand, are integrated into the rear wheel hub and therefore require less maintenance and are more robust against the weather. They offer fewer gears, usually between 3 and 14, but are very suitable for everyday use and urban cycling. Hub gears can be shifted while stationary, which is particularly practical in city traffic when you frequently stop at traffic lights. In addition to these two main types, there are also special gear systems such as the belt drive and automatic gear systems. The belt drive uses a toothed belt instead of a chain, which is quieter and virtually maintenance-free. Automatic gearsticks automatically adapt the gears to the rider's cadence and speed, which increases comfort and simplifies shifting.

• Gear brands

  Some of the leading brands in the field of bicycle gears are Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo. Shimano is known for its wide range of products, from entry-level models to high-end components. SRAM has made a name for itself with innovative technologies such as the 1x12 shifting system (one chainring at the front, 12 sprockets at the rear). Campagnolo, an Italian manufacturer, enjoys a particularly high reputation among racing cyclists for its precise and durable derailleur groupsets.

• Materials and workmanship

  The materials and workmanship of the shifting components play a major role in the durability and performance of the shifting systems. High-quality rear derailleurs and front derailleurs are often made of aluminium or carbon, which makes them light and robust at the same time. Steel is used for cheaper models and offers high durability, but at a higher weight. The workmanship of the shifting components also varies greatly. High-precision manufactured parts ensure smooth gear changes and a longer component life.

• Technical features

  Modern bicycle drivetrains are characterised by numerous technical features that improve shifting performance. These include, for example, indexed shifting systems, which enable precise gear changes, and electronic shifting systems such as Shimano Di2 or SRAM eTap, which offer even more precise and effortless operation. Another important feature is the shifting logic: While Shimano relies on the proven Dual Control system, SRAM has developed its own solution with the "DoubleTap" system, which works with one lever for both upshifting and downshifting.