KASS-it SHIF-terz
Noun
A type of bicycle shifter that uses a cassette.
Example usage: 'My bike has cassette-shifters so I can easily switch gears.'
Most used in: Mountain biking and road cycling.
Most used by: Cyclists who prefer the precision of cassette-shifters.
Popularity: 7/10
Comedy Value: 2/10
Also see: derailleurs, shifters, gear shifters, gear changers,
What Is A Cassette-Shifter?
A cassette-shifter is a type of gear system used in cycling. It is a cluster of sprockets, or cogs, that are attached to the rear wheel of the bike. The cogs are connected to the wheel’s hub, allowing the cyclist to shift gears by changing the size of the cogs. The cassette-shifter can be found on most modern mountain bikes, road bikes, and hybrid bikes.
Using a cassette-shifter allows the cyclist to adjust the gear ratio for different terrain and riding conditions. By changing the size of the cogs, the cyclist can select a higher or lower gear. This enables the rider to maintain a consistent cadence, or pedal speed, regardless of the terrain. A higher gear is used for flat terrain, while a lower gear is used for climbing hills.
The number of sprockets on a cassette-shifter can vary. Most mountain bikes have 7-12 sprockets, while road bikes tend to have 11-25 sprockets. The range of gears offered by a cassette-shifter helps to make cycling more comfortable and efficient. According to a survey of more than 3,000 cyclists conducted by the National Bicycle Dealers Association, over 90% of cyclists prefer a cassette-shifter to other gear systems.
Cassette-shifters are an essential component of cycling and are used by cyclists of all levels. They provide a wide range of gears that help cyclists to find the perfect gear for any terrain. With the help of a cassette-shifter, cyclists can enjoy an efficient and comfortable ride.
A Brief History of the Cassette-Shifter
The term 'cassette-shifter' first appeared in the early 1980s, as the cycling world began to transition from derailleur gears to indexed gears. It referred to the shifters used to control the indexed gears on the cassette, which was a cluster of sprockets on the rear wheel.
The cassette-shifter was developed as a way to make shifting gears easier. It allowed cyclists to quickly shift between different sprockets on the cassette, allowing them to adjust their speed and cadence with greater precision. The cassette-shifter was first used in Europe, but quickly spread around the world as cycling became more popular.
Today, cassette-shifters are an essential part of modern cycling. They are used by professional cyclists, competitive cyclists, and everyday riders alike. They provide riders with the ability to adjust their speed and cadence quickly and accurately, allowing them to get the most out of their ride.
