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

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.