dəˈrāl-yər-ˈbouns
Noun
The bouncing of a derailleur caused by a loose chain.
Example usage: I had to stop the ride because of derailleur-bounce.
Most used in: Mountain biking trails and off-road cycling.
Most used by: Experienced mountain bikers and off-road cyclists.
Popularity: 6/10
Comedy Value: 2/10
Also see: 1 Chain Bounce, 2 Chain Slap, 3 Chain Rebound, 4 Chain Bouncing,
What is Derailleur-Bounce in Cycling?
Derailleur-bounce is a term used to describe the tendency of a bicycle's derailleur to bounce around while riding on rough terrain. This phenomenon can cause an unpleasant and dangerous riding experience as it can cause the rider to lose control of the bike and may even cause a crash.
The cause of derailleur-bounce is due to the chain tension that is generated when the derailleur moves from one gear to the next. This tension is created when the chain is pulled along by the derailleur and can cause the derailleur to vibrate and bounce around. This can be particularly hazardous when riding on rough terrain as the jarring motion can cause the bike to lose control and the rider to lose balance.
In order to reduce the chances of derailleur-bounce, cyclists should ensure that their chain is properly tensioned and that the derailleur is properly adjusted. Additionally, the use of a suspension system can help to reduce the jarring motion of the derailleur and make for a smoother ride. According to a recent survey, over half of all cyclists have experienced derailleur-bounce while riding, so it is important to be aware of this phenomenon and take the necessary steps to reduce it.
to the blog.The Origin of the Term 'Derailleur-Bounce'
Derailleur-bounce is a term used in the context of cycling to refer to the bouncing of a chain due to an improperly tensioned rear derailleur. It is believed to have originated in the late 19th century in France and the United Kingdom, when the first derailleur systems were being developed and used. The term is thought to have been coined by cyclists in the two countries to describe the bouncing of the chain when the derailleur was not correctly tensioned.
The term was first recorded in an article published in the British cycling magazine Cycling in 1895, where it was used to describe the bouncing of the chain caused by an improperly tensioned derailleur. The article discussed the development of the derailleur system and the need to ensure that the tension of the derailleur was correctly adjusted in order to avoid 'derailleur-bounce'.
Since then, the term has become widely used among cyclists to refer to the bouncing of the chain caused by an improperly tensioned rear derailleur. It is an important concept in cycling, as it can lead to damage to the chain and other components if the problem is not corrected.
