4. Derailleur and hub gears: Which gears fit which bike
This question does not arise with:
- racing bikes
- mountain bikes or
- gravel bikes
Because these bikes almost always drive with derailleur gears – i.e. with a large transmission range. That means small mountain gears and high-geared gears for high speeds. Most trekking bikes also shift gears using a rear derailleur and sprocket cassette.
Hub gears are often sufficient for city bikes – with coarser gearing and fewer gears overall. Unless it gets hilly like in Stuttgart or Bamberg. “Then it gets exhausting with a range of typically up to nine gears,” says Filippek. Or more expensive, because there are also high-priced hub gears that offer more scope with eleven gears (Shimano Alfine) or 14 gears (Rohloff).
Manufacturers prefer to install convenient automatic gearshifts on city bikes, but they are also expensive. Automated systems are available from Enviolo and Shimano, for example. Some expensive racing bikes, on the other hand, have semi-automated, electronic derailleur gears. The circuit controls the front derailleur in such a way that it avoids wear-intensive chain skewing.
Exception belt drive
Instead of a bicycle chain, a toothed belt can transmit the power to the rear wheel. Because this works without fat, the trouser legs also remain free of grease.
The incorporated carbon fibers ensure high tensile strength, while a chain, on the other hand, lengthens over time. E-bikers in particular sometimes have to replace their chain after just 1000 kilometers – while a belt can withstand many times that. A carbon belt costs around 50 euros and more.
You can get simple chains from 10 euros. “If you extrapolate the costs over the service life, it’s worth it,” says Filippek.
Prerequisite: The belt is correctly clamped and runs straight – otherwise it will also wear out quickly. With a belt you lose smooth-running properties – especially if it is too tight: “The power losses are higher than with a chain,” says Zedler. In addition, you can only combine the belt with a hub gear.
5. The different brakes at a glance
The powerful disc brakes have replaced rim brakes on many bicycles. But how exactly do they differ?
- Disc brakes function largely independently of the weather.
- Rim brakes, on the other hand, lose their braking effect in the wet.
With disc brakes, a distinction is made between:
- mechanical variant, which you operate using a cable pull
- hydraulic variant – with mineral oil or brake fluid
The more pistons press on the brake disc, the finer the braking force can be adjusted – and the price increases. Coaster brakes are still common, especially on city bikes. According to the expert Zedler, roller brakes have become rare – although they require little maintenance, they are hardly recommended in many areas due to their low braking power.
6. Buy from a retailer or online: this is important to note
Buying online means buying cheaper. The price differences to the local dealer can amount to a few hundred euros for comparable bikes. If you know exactly which bike you want and what size fits, you can confidently take advantage of the price advantage, says Zedler. He recommends that everyone else take an extensive test drive at the dealer.
Because: If you order from the sender, the bike will arrive in a box – usually only pre-assembled. You should be able to attach the handlebars and pedals yourself. For carbon parts you should use a torque wrench to prevent damage.
In general, repair skills are an advantage – for example:
- change the hose
- replace the brake pads
- adjust the derailleur
“You should be able to do that yourself so you don’t always have to go to the dealer,” advises Filippek. Because there you are not always welcome with bicycles from the sender.
Tip: Check out the used bike market and classifieds as well. Here you can make bargains – such as bad purchases that other cyclists want to get rid of. However, this assumes that you know exactly what you need.
“And there is a high probability that you will then have to put something in the bike or that repairs or new wearing parts will be necessary relatively soon,” says Filippek.
With e-bikes, the challenges are intensified: “The need for service is higher than with classic bicycles,” says Zedler. In the event of software problems, striking batteries or stuttering motors, the online retailer’s service is naturally poor. “It’s not so easy to decipher where the problem lies with an online check,” says Zedler.
Some of the online senders are now setting up a branch network in order to offer their customers further contact points in addition to advice via chats and telephone.