The gear shift system is a very important component that distinguishes EMTB from traditional MTB. It is precisely because of the development of motors that EMTB has the same appearance as MTB while being more labor-saving than MTB and capable of riding longer distances.
1. The principle and method of using the Electric Bicycle transmission：
Want to know where your derailleur is and how it works? Knowing how your derailleur works and how to use it can make your riding journey easier.
The working principle of electric bicycle transmission:
The working principle of bicycle transmission is to achieve different gears through the relative rotation of sun gear, planet carrier and ring gear. Planetary gear transmission is usually composed of two to three sets of planetary gear mechanisms, and a multi-plate clutch is used to control the combination of the above moving parts. The use of transmission includes starting, using different gears in riding, and using it in uphill, downhill, headwind, tailwind and other situations. A simple description of the transmission includes that the shift lever on the right side of the handle is used for rear transmission shifting, and the left side of the handle is used for front transmission shifting. The usual method of use is to fix the front sprocket and change the size of the rear sprocket to change the speed. On mountain roads, the front and rear sprockets need to be changed to adapt to uphill and downhill situations.
Why do you need a transmission:
The transmission of a bicycle can adapt to different riding situations, such as starting, stopping, uphill, downhill, headwind, tailwind, etc. Under normal circumstances, you can ride using 2-4 gears at a speed between 15 kilometers per hour and 22 kilometers per hour. If pedaling is easy, you can use 2-5 gears, and if you feel your legs are tired, you can reduce the gear. The use of the derailleur needs to be understood and used correctly in order to play its role.
The use scenarios and methods of the derailleur:
The use of the derailleur on a bicycle includes changing the size of the front and rear sprockets to maintain a certain pedaling force and speed when riding on ordinary roads. On mountain roads, the front and rear sprockets need to be changed to adapt to uphill and downhill conditions. The adjustment method of the derailleur includes changing the size of the front and rear sprockets to reduce the gap. When using the derailleur, you need to pay attention to the tilt and wear of the chain.
2. Basic types of transmission systems
Transmissions are simply divided into mechanical transmission and electronic transmission. The names are different, so the advantages, disadvantages and working principles are also different.
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Mechanical gear shift
Manual transmission changes the gear combination by turning the gear lever, thereby changing the torque and speed of the drive wheel. The power input shaft of the engine is connected to the power output shaft through the intermediate shaft to achieve power transmission.
Mechanical transmission has the advantages of light shifting force, intuitive operation, simple setting and simple appearance.
However, during use, the mechanical transmission will make a slight sound of mechanical parts moving when shifting gears, which is not suitable for intense use.
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Electronic gear shift
The electronic shifting mode can be understood as an electronic button. After "pressing" this button, an electrical signal command will be transmitted to the front/rear derailleur through the wires in the cable tube or radio waves (Sram Red eTap's unique wireless electronic shifting technology). After receiving the command, the motor in the front/rear derailleur will "command" the mechanical device in it to change the lateral position of the chain, thereby achieving the purpose of shifting.
The electronic transmission has the advantages of labor-saving and precise speed change, and also adds many new functions, making the rider's riding experience more comfortable at the original level.
The components of an electronic transmission system are also heavier than those of a mechanical system, as the motor and battery add weight. Compared to traditional transmissions, the buttons of an electronic transmission have the disadvantage of lacking tactile feedback. Mechanical transmissions feel like driving a manual car, while electronic transmissions feel like semi-automatic transmissions.
3. Recommended derailleur brands and models
Brand: Shimano
Classic models: Deore XT, XTR
Deore XT's shifting speed, shifting efficiency, smoothness, and sustainability have made it a classic/popular derailleur model. The XTR series of chains, handles, and brakes are all universal kits for off-road, endurance, and marathon competitions, and are designed specifically for the highest level of mountain biking and competitions.
Brand: SRAM
Classic models: GX Eagle, XX1 Eagle
GX Eagle generally brings excellent performance and quality to ebikes. GX Eagle can provide smooth and quiet shifting and is affordable. The biggest advantage is that it is affordable and easy to replace. You can carry it with you as a spare to solve temporary problems with your ebike.
XX1 Eagle is the best choice for those who pursue light weight. XX1 Eagle has more carbon fiber parts, which can effectively reduce the weight of the transmission accessories and is more suitable for off-road racers.
4. Factors to consider when choosing a transmission:
Cycling Environment
Mountain
In general, in mountain biking, use 2nd gear for the front chainring and 5-7 for the rear flywheel. In most cases, a combination of 2-5, 2-6, and 2-7 is sufficient.
When going uphill, the flywheel downshifts to 1-4, which is a combination of 2-4, 2-3, 2-2, and 2-1.
City
When riding a bicycle on a flat city road, it is suitable to use a larger chain plate and a smaller flywheel. Generally speaking, there are two transmissions on the front handle of the ebike. You only need to adjust them to achieve gear change.
Riding style
Leisure Cycling
Friends who do leisure riding are suitable for 11 or 12-27 or 28 teeth, which can make climbing easier.
Competitive Cycling
Riders who want to challenge themselves in mountain climbing can choose 11-32 teeth, but this range of cassettes must be paired with a long-legged rear derailleur to work smoothly.
Long Trip Cycling
Most professional riders prefer 11-25 gears, as the dense gear ratio makes it easier to maintain a consistent pedaling frequency.
Budget
Getting Started: $50-$250
Advanced: $150-$300
High Level: $500-$2000
Maintenance and durability
Internal Gear Hub
- Shimano Nexus/Alfine: Offers 3 to 11 speed options, highly reliable, and suitable for daily use.
- Rohloff Speedhub: A high-end 14-speed internal shifting system that is highly regarded for its durability and low maintenance requirements.
Belt Drive System
- Gates Carbon Drive: The most common brand of belt drive system on the market, widely used in electric bicycles and urban commuter bicycles.
Automatic Gear System
- Enviolo (NuVinci): Provides smooth, continuous automatic shifting for a variety of riding terrains.
Single-Speed System
- Soma: Providing reliable single-speed bicycle components for simple, low-maintenance riding needs.
5. Future development trend of transmission
I believe that in the future, transmissions will have the following development trends, and with the advancement of technology, they will continue to develop in these directions:
Wireless electronic speed change
- Wireless electronic speed shifting has already shown signs of development. Because wireless electronic speed shifting has the advantages of simple installation process, effective reduction of mechanical friction, and instant response, it can develop in the direction of longer battery life and faster response speed in the future.
Automatic transmission system
- The automatic transmission system can automatically adapt to the rider's habits and automatically adjust the speed through the introduction of AI. The future development direction is to more accurately adapt to various road conditions and riding styles.
Advances in using materials
- By adding new alloy and carbon fiber materials, the original weight of the ebike is reduced, making the vehicle stronger and lighter.
6. In Conclusion
Electronic transmission and traditional transmission are still the mainstream classification methods of traditional transmission.
Advantages and disadvantages of electronic and traditional transmission systems：
Traditional transmission can reduce cost expenditure to a certain extent and can better cope with temporary situations. The existing materials cause the problem that electronic transmission is heavier than traditional transmission.
Electronic transmission can adapt to the development of the times well, but in case of emergencies, electronic transmission cannot cope with emergencies well and flexibly, and subsequent maintenance will be more troublesome.
7. Best gear system ebike introduction-DAYLYRIDE Bikes
DAYLYRIDE DYG90 - An Electric Bicycle with Shimano 21 Speed Gear Shift System
DYG90 is our best-selling product, with excellent performance and super cost-effectiveness. It can easily shift gears on the handlebar. Easy shifting allows the electric bicycle to easily adapt to various terrains.
If you want to know more about ebike, please click here.
