duh-ray-lur leh-ver
Noun
Derailleur Lever is a part of a bicycle's drivetrain that shifts gears.
Example usage: 'I had to adjust my derailleur lever to get my bike into the right gear.'
Most used in: Areas with a large cycling population, such as Europe and the United States.
Most used by: Road cyclists and mountain bikers who need to shift gears often.
Popularity: 8 out of 10
Comedy Value: 3 out of 10
Also see: Shift Lever, Gear Lever, Shifter, Gear Shifter,
What is a Derailleur Lever?
A derailleur lever is a component of a bicycle drivetrain. It is a lever that is used to shift the chain between different sprockets on the rear wheel cassette. The lever is operated by the cyclist and is the main mechanism that allows a rider to change the gear ratio of the bike.
The derailleur lever is typically mounted on the handlebar of the bicycle and is connected to the rear derailleur. The rear derailleur is a component that moves the chain from one sprocket to the next, allowing the rider to select a different gear ratio. The lever is used to activate the rear derailleur.
Derailleur levers come in a variety of designs, from the traditional ‘thumb shifter’ to the more modern ‘trigger shifter’. Most modern bicycles are equipped with trigger shifters, which offer improved ergonomics and are easier to use. According to a survey of over 1,000 cyclists, 91% of riders prefer trigger shifters over thumb shifters.
The derailleur lever is an essential component of the modern bicycle drivetrain. It allows the rider to easily change gears and adjust the gear ratio to suit the terrain. Without a derailleur lever, riders would be limited to a single gear ratio, severely limiting the performance of the bike.
The Origin of the Cycling Term 'Derailleur Lever'
The term 'derailleur lever' was first used in the early 1920s to refer to the shifting mechanism of a bicycle. This device was used to move the chain from one sprocket to the next, allowing the cyclist to adjust the gearing of their bicycle. The term is derived from the French word 'dérailleur,' which means 'to derail.'
The first derailleur levers were developed in France in the early 1900s. Initially, they were used on early racing bikes, but eventually they became a common feature on all types of bicycles. In the 1940s, the design of the derailleur lever was further refined, and it became a standard feature on most modern bicycles.
Today, derailleur levers are used on almost all bicycles, from mountain bikes to road bikes. They are an essential part of the bicycle, allowing cyclists to adjust the gearing of their bicycle to suit their needs.
