Ree-r Klus-tur
Noun
The gears at the back of a bicycle
Example usage: I can't get my rear-cluster to shift properly.
Most used in: Cycling circles around the world.
Most used by: Cyclists who frequently ride on hills or mountains.
Popularity: 8
Comedy Value: 5
Also see: Cassette, Freewheel, Cogset, Gear Cluster,
What is a Rear-Cluster in Cycling?
A rear-cluster in cycling is a set of cogs or sprockets mounted on the rear wheel of a bicycle, directly connected to the wheel’s hub. The number of cogs in a rear-cluster can vary from three to eleven, depending on the type of bicycle. The more cogs a rear-cluster has, the more range of gears it will provide.
Rear-clusters are an essential component of the drivetrain of a bicycle. They are used to adjust the gear ratio of the bike, allowing the rider to change the pedaling rate or the speed of the bike. The rider can select a higher gear for faster speeds, or a lower gear for slower speeds or uphill climbs.
The most common rear-cluster sizes are seven, eight, nine, and ten speed. In the past few years, 11-speed rear-clusters have become increasingly popular, as they offer more range than their 10-speed counterparts. Research conducted by the National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) shows that in 2019, 70% of all bicycles sold in the United States were equipped with 11-speed rear-clusters.
In conclusion, a rear-cluster is a set of cogs or sprockets mounted on the rear wheel of a bicycle. Rear-clusters are essential components of the drivetrain of a bicycle, as they are used to adjust the gear ratio of the bike. The most common rear-cluster sizes are seven, eight, nine, and ten speed, however 11-speed rear-clusters are becoming increasingly popular and now account for 70% of all bicycles sold in the United States.
.The Origin of the Term 'Rear-Cluster' in Cycling
The term 'rear-cluster' was first used in the cycling world in the mid-19th century in France. It refers to the combination of a rear wheel and a sprocket cluster to form a single assembly.
The first rear-cluster was developed by Pierre Michaux, a blacksmith from Paris, in the 1860s. He designed a sprocket cluster with a chainwheel and sprocket that would fit onto the rear wheel of a bicycle. This allowed the rider to power the rear wheel with their feet, rather than the traditional method of pushing the bicycle with their feet.
In the early days of the bicycle, the rear-cluster was considered a revolutionary invention. It enabled riders to travel farther and faster than ever before. In the decades that followed, the rear-cluster became an essential part of the modern bicycle and is still used today.
