What is a derailleur?
The derailleur is the bike component that allows you to shift between your gears. A derailleur is controlled by a shifter. The shifter can retract or release the cable, which changes the position of the derailleur. The derailleur then puts the chain on a different sprocket.
Chain tension
Besides shifting, the rear derailleur also ensures that the chain stays tensioned. Some derailleurs nowadays include a clutch, which ensures that the chain is even tighter. This is often used on bikes with a single front blade and on gravel and mountain bikes. The clutch works by a mechanical system that adds a resistance to the cage of the derailleur, making the chain less likely to bounce over rough terrain, resulting in a quieter ride and less chance of chain loss. You can often turn this clutch off with a little lever, making it easier to get the rear wheel out.
What kind of derailleurs are there?
Derailleurs come in all shapes and sizes, with different specifications to choose from. Consider the number of gears, the maximum cassette size and the capacity of the derailleur. Capacity is the difference between the largest and smallest front and rear sprocket added together, this is important because the derailleur must be able to keep the chain tensioned. Many derailleurs are available with different cage lengths; a longer cage provides greater capacity.
How do I adjust my derailleur?
Adjustment is key! A properly adjusted derailleur means a smooth ride. There are three important aspects to keep an eye on: the b-tension, which controls the distance between the guide pulley and the cassette; the limits, which prevent your chain from falling off your bike; and, of course, the cable tension, which makes shifting go like clockwork. A correctly adjusted b-tension allows the derailleur to move smoothly between the sprockets, while the limits limit the derailleur's room for movement to prevent the chain from over- or underrunning. Proper cable tension is crucial for accurate shifting without too much resistance or chain skipping.
Some bikes nowadays come with an electronic derailleur, these require much less frequent adjustment, as they no longer require a cable that can stretch and wear out.
What is a derailleur hanger?
The derailleur is a fragile component. To protect the derailleur, it is attached to a derailleur hanger. The derailleur hanger is made of a softer metal that is made to bend, it then absorbs the blows instead of the derailleur itself. If all your other adjustments are good, but it still shifts badly, your derailleur hanger may be bent and need to be aligned or replaced. The derailleur hanger is frame-specific and sometimes even different depending on the derailleur.
Which derailleur pad is on my CUBE bike?
Curious to know which derailleur pad is on your CUBE bike? Below you can check which derailleur pad is fitted to which CUBE bike per year.
- CUBE Bikes Derailleur Hangers 2016
- CUBE Bikes Derailleur Hangers 2017
- CUBE Bikes Derailleur Hangers 2018
- CUBE Bikes Derailleur Hangers 2019
- CUBE Bikes Derailleur Hangers 2020
- CUBE Bikes Derailleur Hangers 2021
- CUBE Bikes Derailleur Hangers 2022
- CUBE Bikes Derailleur Hangers 2023
The derailleur is essential for smooth shifting and an efficient riding experience on your bike. With knowledge about chain tension, different derailleur designs, adjustment and the importance of derailleur hangers, you can ensure your bike always performs at its best. Our experts in the workshop are ready to help you with all your questions and maintenance, so you can keep riding worry-free, whether you're cycling on the road, on the trails or in the city. You are always welcome in our shops for expert advice and professional service.