der-ah-luhr geer
Noun, Verb
A type of gear system that uses a chain and one or more sprockets to change the gear ratio between the chainrings and rear cogs.
Example usage: 'You'll need to adjust the derailleur-gear to get the right gear ratio for this hill.'
Most used in: Mountain biking and road cycling.
Most used by: Cyclists who often ride on hilly or mountainous terrain.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 5/10
Also see: derailleur, drivetrain, shifting gears, gear shifting,
What is a Derailleur-Gear?
A derailleur-gear, often referred to as a ‘derailleur’, is a type of bicycle gearing system. It is used to control the gear ratio within a bicycle’s drivetrain, which is the set of components that work together to propel the bicycle forward. Derailleur-gears are the most common type of gearing system used on bikes, and they are found on the vast majority of modern bicycles.
Derailleur-gear systems are made up of multiple components. These include the shifter, which is used to select different gear ratios, the derailleur itself, which moves the chain between the sprockets, and the sprockets, which are the cogs on the rear wheel. The derailleur-gear system works by allowing the rider to switch between different gears, allowing them to adjust the amount of effort they need to put in to propel the bike forward.
The use of derailleur-gears has been increasing in recent years; in the United States, the percentage of bicycles equipped with derailleur-gears has risen from 70% in 2013 to 82% in 2018. This is indicative of the popularity and convenience of derailleur-gear systems for cyclists, and is likely to continue to rise in the years to come.
In conclusion, derailleur-gears are a type of bicycle gearing system used to control the gear ratio within a bicycle’s drivetrain. They are the most common type of gearing system used on bikes, and their popularity is increasing. With a derailleur-gear system, riders have the ability to switch between different gears to adjust the amount of effort they need to put in to propel the bike forward.
The Origin of the Term 'Derailleur-Gear' in Cycling
The term 'derailleur-gear' was first used in the context of cycling in the early 1900s. It was coined by Paul de Vivie, a French cycling enthusiast and writer, who is also known as 'Velocio'. He was the first to patent a device which we now know as the derailleur, in 1905. This device allowed bicycles to shift between multiple gears, which was a revolutionary development for cyclists.
The derailleur-gear was an important innovation for cyclists, as it allowed them to adjust the gear ratio of their bikes to suit different terrain and riding conditions. This made it easier to climb hills, go faster on flat roads, and even ride off-road. In addition, the derailleur-gear allowed cyclists to customize their bikes to their own needs and preferences, rather than relying on a single gear ratio.
The term 'derailleur-gear' was first used in France, but its usage quickly spread to other European countries. By the 1920s, it had become a common term for gear shifting devices used in cycling. Today, the term is used all over the world to refer to the same device, and is still an important part of the cycling experience.
