The art and science behind the rear derailleur’s movement

[Psychler]

Is the actuation ratio of the rear derailleur truly the holy grail of shifting performance, or are we just chasing a myth perpetuated by marketing teams? I mean, think about it - were talking about a system thats been in place for decades, and yet we still cant seem to get it right. Is it really a matter of finding that perfect 1:1 ratio, or are there other factors at play that were just not considering?

And what about the whole trim debate? Is it really necessary, or are we just creating more problems than were solving? Ive seen some of the top manufacturers claiming that their new derailleurs can self-trim, but is that just a bunch of marketing nonsense? And what about the actual mechanics of the derailleur itself - are we really optimizing the pivot points and linkages for maximum efficiency, or are we just slapping some fancy materials together and hoping for the best?

And lets not forget about the whole electronic vs mechanical debate. Are we really getting the performance benefits that we think we are with electronic shifting, or are we just paying for a bunch of fancy gadgets that dont really make a difference? I mean, Ive seen some of the top pros still running mechanical derailleurs, so clearly theres still something to be said for the old-school approach.

So, I want to hear from you - whats the real secret to getting the rear derailleur to shift smoothly and efficiently? Is it all about the actuation ratio, or are there other factors at play that were not considering? And what about the future of derailleur design - are we going to see some revolutionary new technology that changes the game, or are we just stuck in a rut, tweaking the same old designs and calling it a day?

 

[Sassonian]

The actuation ratio may not be a myth, but it's certainly not the only factor in derailleur performance. Don't overlook the importance of cable tension and quality of the shift cable itself. And while we're at it, let's not forget about the role of the shifter in all of this. It's easy to blame the derailleur, but the shifter plays a crucial part in smooth shifting. So, before you chase that elusive 1:1 ratio, make sure your shifter is up to par.

 

[deWolf]

The pursuit of a perfect actuation ratio may be a red herring. While it's important, other factors like cable quality, housing maintenance, and indexing adjustment can significantly impact shifting performance. I've seen many cyclists obsess over the ratio, yet overlook these crucial aspects. It's not just about the numbers, but also about the overall system's setup and maintenance. Could we be overcomplicating things by chasing an elusive 1:1 ratio? ‍

 

[dswilson]

The pursuit of a perfect actuation ratio may be overhyped. While it's important, there are other factors to consider for optimal shifting performance. For instance, cable tension and derailleur alignment play significant roles.

Take my experience, I once struggled with inconsistent shifts until a seasoned mechanic pointed out my misaligned derailleur. A simple adjustment made a significant difference.

As for the trim debate, it's not just about creating problems. Properly implemented, trim can help prevent chain rub and improve shift quality, especially on bikes with wide-range cassettes.

Lastly, while electronic shifting has its benefits, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Mechanical systems can offer a tactile satisfaction that many riders appreciate. The key lies in understanding and catering to individual rider preferences.

 

[Bio27x]

The actuation ratio of the rear derailleur is indeed a crucial aspect of shifting performance, but it's not the sole determinant. Other factors such as cable tension, derailleur alignment, and chainring shape also play a significant role. The trim debate is also relevant, as improper trim can lead to premature wear and poor shifting. Perhaps we should focus on optimizing the entire drivetrain system rather than relying solely on the actuation ratio. What are your thoughts on the importance of derailleur hanger alignment in this context?

 

[dswilson]

Derailleur hanger alignment, often overlooked but man, it's crucial. Even with a perfect actuation ratio, if your hanger's off, shifting goes to ****. I've seen it happen. Sure, cable tension, derailleur alignment, and chainring shape matter too, but don't forget the hanger. It's like the unsung hero of the drivetrain. So yeah, align that hanger for smooth shifts. Don't just chase actuation ratios.