Bicycle technology
As a technical subject, bicycle technology deals with non-motorized two-wheelers ( bicycles ) or those with internal combustion engines ( Saxonette (bicycle) ) as well as electrically powered auxiliary motors ( electric bicycles ) that are equipped with electric motors.
circuit
Many bicycles have a gear shift to change the drive ratio. The most important types are derailleur and hub gears , rarely combinations of both types. Another variant are bottom bracket circuits .
Current bicycle models achieve up to 30 gears with a derailleur (3 x10). Due to construction-related overlaps, there are only about 15 genuinely different translations, of which only 12–13 are useful. The switching steps are never linear. With derailleur gears, the bicycle chain is subject to greater wear due to the system-related misalignment. It is advisable to check the chain for elongation from time to time with a wear gauge. In this way you can change the chain in good time and thus protect the sprocket and chainring from premature wear caused by over-elongated chains. Chain sprockets can survive 2 to 3 chains depending on use, maintenance and material.
Hub gears are now available with 3 to 14 gears. In the German and Taiwanese models these are almost linear, the Japanese hubs are not in the upper gear range. Total weight comparisons of all components that are necessary or omitted depending on the type of circuit mean that they are tied with conventional derailleur systems. A broad overall gear ratio (up to 526 percent), low wear and tear and low maintenance, and a longer chain life are countered by the disadvantages of the cumbersome rear wheel removal, the unchangeable gear ratio and the often high purchase price. In contrast to chain gears, hub gears can be combined with toothed belt drives.
For the system of derailleur to lower friction losses speak. The chainring, chain and sprocket (rear) form a gearbox with an efficiency of around 95 percent, as is the gearshift within the hub for the hub gearshift. Taken together (chain losses plus internal losses), the gear hub has an efficiency of only around 90 percent.
The American mechanic Sheldon Brown , together with Galen Evans and Osman Isvan, developed a unique system for determining and comparing gear ratios.
lighting
The bicycle lighting is the vehicle lighting on the bike. It is used to give the driver a view of the route while driving and to make it easier for other road users to quickly see the bike.
For the early bicycles, lamp types were initially used that were adopted from other types of vehicle and adapted to the construction of the bicycle. Bicycle lamps and lanterns with candles as a source of light, small oil lamps , petroleum lamps and carbide lamps were used. Today bicycle lighting is operated electrically with active elements .
The lighting comprises active and passive elements, a power source and the wiring. Active and passive elements differ in their function in that active elements emit light - battery or dynamo operated - and passive elements only reflect foreign light. Passive elements work without a power supply.
The lighting equipment required for road traffic is prescribed and regulated by law in the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) (see Section 67 StVZO).
Tires
The bicycle tires have a significant influence on the smooth running, ride comfort and traction of a bicycle. It usually consists of the tire , also known as a coat or blanket , and the tube . The jacket is the outer, robust part of the bicycle tire, it keeps the tire stable against the internal pressure and transfers acceleration, braking and cornering forces to the ground. Usually it is provided with a profile . The inner tube is airtight and has a valve , it maintains the tire pressure. In racing, tubular tires are used in which the jacket completely encloses the tube.
Brakes
Bicycle brakes are used to brake a bicycle. Depending on the direction of force, a distinction is made between radially acting block and drum brakes and axially acting disc and rim brakes. Furthermore, a distinction can be made between hub brakes (e.g. disc and drum brakes) and rim brakes in order to clarify the point of application of the braking force.
Bicycle brakes are important components on bicycles that serve the safety of the user and are - as far as one uses the bicycle in public traffic - legally prescribed and regulated in the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) (see § 65 StVZO).
suspension
For designs, suspension, damping of the suspension fork, see bicycle fork
Designs, suspension, damping of the rear structure
frame
The bicycle frame is the frame of a bicycle. It carries the weight of the rider and transfers it to the wheels. All the components that are required for other functions of the bicycle ( e.g. steering and drive ) are attached to it.
camp
See also
Ball sizes
| Ø in inches | Ø in mm | Use (examples) |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | 6.3 | Bottom bracket and rear hubs |
| 7/32 | 5.5 | Campagnolo Record / Zeus front hubs |
| 3/16 | 4.8 | Campagnolo, Shimano et al. Ä., road tax rates; Shimano front hubs |
| 5/32 | 4.0 | various headsets, pedals, pulleys |
| 1/8 | 3.1 | Jockey wheels, freewheel sprockets |
| 3/32 | 2.4 | Shimano pedals |
Tool
Spoke wrench
Headset tool
Hook wrench
Required tightening torques
| [Nm] | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bottom bracket | Bottom bracket (cone) | 50-70 |
| Bottom bracket (cartridge) | 35-45 | |
| Crank arm | 35-45 | |
| Chainring | 8-11 | |
| brake | Bowden cable attachment | 6-8 |
| Brake shoe | 8-9 | |
| Brake lever -> handlebar | 6-8 | |
| Rear derailleur | Derailleur hanger | 6-8 |
| Friction or index switches | 5-7 | |
| Bowden cable attachment | 5-7 | |
| Pulleys | 3-4 | |
| Derailleur clamp | 5-7 | |
| Gear lever clamp | 6-8 | |
| Ring gear | Campagnolo cassette lock | 50 |
| Shimano cassette lock | 40 | |
| Cassette lock Miche | 45 | |
| hub | Quick release fastener | 5-8 |
| pedal | Pedal axle on aluminum crank | 35 |
literature
- Michael Gressmann, Franz Beck, Rüdiger Bellersheim: specialist knowledge of bicycle technology. 1st edition, Verlag Europa-Lehrmittel, Haan-Gruiten, 2006, ISBN 3-8085-2291-7
- Fritz Winkler, Siegfried Rauch: Bicycle technology repair, construction, production. 10th edition, BVA Bielefelder Verlagsanstalt GmbH & Co. KG, Bielefeld, 1999, ISBN 3-87073-131-1
- Jörg Urban, Jürgen Brück: Bicycle repairs, maintenance and breakdown assistance. 1st edition, Gondrom Verlag GmbH, Bindlach, 2007, ISBN 978-3-8112-2938-9
- Michael Gressmann: Bicycle Physics and Biomechanics. Technology, formulas, laws. 11th edition, Delius Klasing Verlag, Bielefeld, 2010, ISBN 978-3-7688-5222-7
- Fred Milson: Bicycle Maintenance and Repair. 12th edition, Delius Klasing Verlag, Bielefeld, 2010, ISBN 978-3-7688-5259-3
- Jochen Donner: The trekking bike workshop. 2nd edition, Delius Klasing Verlag, Bielefeld, 2010, ISBN 978-3-7688-5293-7
Web links
Further information on the net:
- Sheldon Brown : Most extensive collection on the subject
- Hans Christian Smolik: Subpages on the basics of bicycle technology, wheels, glossary
- Fahrradmonteur.de
- With setting and assembly instructions as well as care tips for all types of bikes , bike workshop Sprockhövel
Links to tandems (as there is no sub-category yet):
- Martin Trautmann: On the technology of tandems
- SuDiBe tandem sites