Title: An experimental approach characterizing rear bicycle derailleur systems. Part II: the stability region and its applications

Authors: T.Y. Lin, C.H. Tseng, Z.H. Fong

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30050, Taiwan, ROC. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30050, Taiwan, ROC. ' Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Chiung Cherng University, Chia-Yi 621, Taiwan, ROC

Abstract: An important concept in the design procedure of bicycle derailleur systems called the stability region is presented in this study. The stability region properties are introduced, and experimental procedures for stability region determination are proposed. The stability ratio, which is a performance index for the stability region is also defined. Shift-lever characteristics such as indexed point, over-shifting and under-shifting can be determined from the stability region experiments. Design concepts and skills for shift lever design are proposed, and a case study is given for demonstration.

Keywords: bicycles; bikes; derailleur gears; iterative stepping; multi-speed hub; shift lever; stability ratio; stability region; design process; gear shifting.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1998.062083

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1998 Vol.19 No.3, pp.371 - 384

Published online: 29 May 2014 *

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