Classification of bicycle derailleurs

Bicycle derailleurs can be classified based on their mechanical design and the number of speeds they can accommodate. Here are the main classifications of bicycle derailleurs:

1. Front Derailleurs:a. Traditional Front Derailleur: This is the most common type of front derailleur, designed for double chainring setups (e.g., 2x10, 2x11). It allows the chain to move between two chainrings.b. Triple Front Derailleur: This type of front derailleur is designed for triple chainring setups (e.g., 3x8, 3x9). It accommodates shifting between three chainrings.

2. Rear Derailleurs:a. Short Cage Rear Derailleur: Short cage derailleurs are used with cassettes that have a narrow gear range. They have limited chain wrap capacity and are typically used in road bikes with smaller cassettes.b. Medium Cage Rear Derailleur: Medium cage derailleurs can accommodate a wider gear range. They are commonly found on mountain bikes with larger cassettes and more gears.c. Long Cage Rear Derailleur: Long cage derailleurs have the highest chain wrap capacity, allowing them to work with wide-range cassettes, such as those used in touring and gravel bikes.

3. Electronic Derailleurs:a. Electronic Front Derailleur: This type of front derailleur is operated electronically, with precise shifting facilitated by electronic signals sent from the shifters.b. Electronic Rear Derailleur: Similarly, the electronic rear derailleur is electronically operated, offering smooth and precise shifting through electronic control.

4. Internal Gear Hub Derailleurs:a. Internal Gear Hub Front Derailleur: Some internally geared hub systems use a front derailleur to shift between different chainrings within the hub.

5. Single-Speed Derailleurs: Single-speed bicycles have a simplified drivetrain with no front or rear derailleurs. The chain is directly connected to a single chainring and sprocket.

6. Cage Length and Capacity:a. Short Cage Derailleur: Suitable for cassettes with a smaller range of gears.b. Medium Cage Derailleur: Accommodates cassettes with a moderate range of gears.c. Long Cage Derailleur: Designed for cassettes with a wide range of gears.

7. Mounting Style:a. Clamp-On Derailleur: These derailleurs are attached to the frame using a clamp.b. Braze-On Derailleur: These are directly mounted on the frame using a brazed-on bracket.

It's essential to choose the appropriate derailleur based on the number of chainrings and rear cassette sprockets in your bike's drivetrain. Additionally, consider the type of riding you'll be doing and the terrain you'll encounter, as this will influence the gear range you require. Proper derailleur selection and adjustment play a significant role in ensuring smooth and reliable gear shifting on your bicycle.