<div column 50% #intro>
----
===== Changing Gears =====

Riding off-road demands quick changes across a wide selection of gears.  The complex machinery of derailleurs and shifters has gone through continual growth, much of which has been driven by mountain biking.
Elsewhere, mtbtimeline already has a [[components:]] page created to help date 80's bikes by their derailleurs.  This page addresses a full century's worth of changing gears, from the to birth of derailleurs to [[https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/technologies/component/details/rapidfire-plus.html|Rapidfire]] to [[https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/technologies/component/details/bump-stopper.html|bump stoppers]].


For the first 50 years cyclists suffered without gearing, consigned to riding fixies on level surfaces at restrained speeds.  In 1884 freewheels appeared, followed by derailleurs in 1899.  After many excellent derailleurs became popular, it wouldn't be until 1937 that the Tour de France [[https://www.velonews.com/gear/road-gear/how-tour-de-france-embraced-derailleurs/|embraced derailleurs]] and the technology became truly mainstream.
\\


{{600.jpg?300|Shimano 600}}
\\
[[https://www.disraeligears.co.uk/site/shimano_600_gs_derailleur_6001.html|Shimano 600 GS]] (capacity: 34) on a 1978 Breezer Series I
[[http://www.vintagemtbworkshop.com/1978-breezer-series-i.html|vintagemtbworkshop]]
\\
Most 1970's mtbs used either the Shimano 600 or the [[https://velobase.com/ViewComponent.aspx?ID=1cd382b4-ccfa-47c6-9cd3-be3a7981a9b4&Enum=108|Simplex SLJ6000]].


</div>


<div column 45%>

{{penny.jpg?340|Penny Farthing Race}}
\\
Penny farthing race Herne-Hill, London, July 1, 1932
[[https://www.pinterest.com/pin/339881103126463509/|pinterest]]


</div>


<div column 50% #intro2>

With the first [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penny-farthing|penny -farthing]] bicycles, the higher the wheel, the higher the top speed, so that racers would often have wheels as tall as 60 inches.  That is, if their legs were long enough to straddle the tires and reach the pedals.((According to this [[https://www.unicycle.co.uk/faq/article/what-size-penny-farthing-to-buy|chart]], you'd need a 38" inseam to ride a 56" penny farthing.))  Bicycle gearing today is often measured in terms of the height of an equivalent penny farthing bicycle and are called [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gear_inches|gear inches]].
\\

By [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whippet_(bicycle)|1899]], lever operated, simple derailleurs became available, and were good for two rear gears on a safety bike with suspension, freewheel and rim brakes.

</div>
<div column 45%>
{{1899.jpg?300|1899 New Protean}}
\\
1899 New Protean derailleur.
[[https://www.disraeligears.co.uk/site/uk_patent_1899_18240_-_whippet.html|disraeli]]
\\
Obviously, the chain was crap.  No plans on making a timeline for chains, as long as [[https://www.sheldonbrown.com/chains.html|Sheldon Brown's website]] remains running.

</div>


<div column 50% #intro3>


The first //useful// handlebar operated, rear derailleur became popular circa 1920 with the [[https://lechemineauvintagefrenchbicycles.weebly.com/|Chemineau]] (usually 2x3 speeds), followed in 1937 by the [[http://bikeretrogrouch.blogspot.com/2014/06/nivex-grandfather-of-parallelogram.html|Nivex]] parallelogram rear derailleur (4 speeds, often with a front double or triple,) which worked nearly flawlessly.((The Nivex continues to spec'd today on retro touring bikes, such as the [[https://www.renehersecycles.com/nivex-or-etap/|Rene Herse]].))


<blockquote>
 The organiser of the Tour de France, Henri Desgrange, dismissed [derailleurs] in L'Auto as fit only for invalids and women.
<cite>
[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_de_Vivie|wikipedia]]
</cite>
</blockquote>

{{1938.jpg?300|1938 Nivex}}
\\
1938 Nivex [[https://www.renehersecycles.com/half-a-century-old-and-still-going-strong/|renehersecycles]]
</div>


<div column 45%>
{{1920.jpg?300|1920 Chemineau }}
\\
The Chemineau [[https://www.disraeligears.co.uk/site/chemineau_derailleurs.html|disraeli]]
\\
The first practical derailleur, ca. 1920, Developed by Joanny Panel

</div>

<div column 50% #mountain>
----
===== Mountain Derailleurs =====

The first mtb builders used touring derailleurs for their wide ranges.  They were not particularly robust: prone to clogging, misalignment and simply snapping under the punishment which mtbs endure.  Creating light weight, strong, performant and affordable mountain derailleurs continues to drive development today.  
</div>
<div column 45%>
{{sean.jpg?300|Sean Kelly}}
\\
Road riders get muddy too.
Sean Kelly, 1984 Paris-Roubaix
\\
photo by Graham Watson
[[https://twitter.com/grahamwatson10/status/851013863541571585|twitter]]

</div>


<div column 50% #mountech>
----
===== 1982 SunTour MounTech GTL =====

<blockquote>
The SunTour MounTech was the first derailleur ever designed specifically for use on a mountain bike. Truly a milestone product. ...
\\

When this derailleur appeared it was considered to be the epitome of sophistication - a wonder to behold.
When
[[https://web.archive.org/web/20170202104950/http://www.thedancingchain.com/About%20Me.htm|Frank Berto]] first tested it he declared it the best changing gear he had ever tested.
<cite>
[[https://www.disraeligears.co.uk/site/suntour_mountech_gtl_derailleur_5500.html|disraeligears]]
</cite>
</blockquote>

However, it was prone to getting clogged and "had a tendency to throw itself recklessly into the spokes of the back wheel."((Disraeli's wit and eloquence when describing mechanical devices is unsurpassed.))

</div>

<div column 45%>
{{components:mountech_gtl.jpg?300|SunTour MounTech GTL}}
\\
1982 SunTour MounTech GTL, 38T capacity,
[[https://www.disraeligears.co.uk/site/suntour_mountech_gtl_derailleur_5500.html|disraeli]]

</div>


<div column 50% #xt>
----
===== 1982 Shimano Deore XT =====

Here it is: the first bullet proof, off road derailleur.  Just as SunTour was losing its quality touch, Shimano pounced and took over the market with "a well-made, simple, strong gear."((Disraeli's text is irresistible and impossible not to quote.))
\\

Shimano states in a [[https://www.disraeligears.co.uk/site/shimano_-_celebrating_25_great_years.html|video]] that XT was available in 1982, but the consensus is that is wasn't generally available until January 1983.  However, the December 1982 Ritchey [[https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/1189682-making-shimano-xt-deer-head-timeline-4.html#&gid=1&pid=31|ads]] show some XT components.

{{sticker.jpg?260|25 Years of Deerheads}}
\\
Shimano XT decal from 2007. [[https://www.ebay.com/itm/143450097445|ebay]]


</div>

<div column 45%>
{{m700.jpg?300|1982 RD-M700}}
\\
1984-5 variations of the Shimano Deore XT RD-M700, 40T capacity
\\
 [[https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/1064087-shimano-rd-m700-derailleur-deerhead-advice-needed.html#&gid=1&pid=8|bikeforums]]
((Each of the RD-M700s pictured here is slightly different.  Note the M700-SP //super plates//.))
</div>


<div column 50% #campy>
----
===== 1991 Campagnolo Record OR =====

The Record OR was Campagnolo's ultimate and last attempt to dominate the high end mountain bike component market.  They had previous created a decent 38T [[https://www.disraeligears.co.uk/site/campagnolo_euclid_m010-md_2nd_style_derailleur.html|Euclid]] component group in a far too late bid to capture the hearts of the off road crowd.  After the Record OR, Campagnolo returned to making pretty things for the Lycra set.

<blockquote>
Record OR was fiendishly expensive, not particularly lightweight, did not index particularly accurately and so did not sell too well - in other words it had everything that a groupset requires to become a cult among vintage mountain bike fanatics today.
<cite>
[[https://www.disraeligears.co.uk/site/campagnolo_record_or_rd-22or_1st_style_derailleur.html|disraeligears]]
</cite>
</blockquote>

</div>

<div column 45%>
{{campy.jpg?300|1991 RD-22OR}}
\\
Campagnolo Record OR (RD-22OR 1st style) [[https://www.disraeligears.co.uk/site/campagnolo_record_or_rd-22or_1st_style_derailleur.html|disraeli]]

</div>


<div column 50% #xtr>
----
===== 1991 Shimano XTR =====

At the same time that Campagnolo saw some space above XT in the mtb market, Shimano dropped their //**R**//ace version of the XT groupset; the first with integrated shifters with brakes and rapidfire triggers.  It has remained the top end of mountain bike components: the Dura-Ace of mtb gruppos.((See XTR history at [[https://www.shimano.com/en/100th/history/products/58.php|Shimano]].))

</div>

<div column 45%>
{{xtr.jpg?300|1991 Shimano XTR}}
\\
[[https://velobase.com/ViewGroup.aspx?GroupID=0998dbac-dc80-4ff6-a9c7-a7b413923ea4|RD-M900]] 1992 Shimano XTR groupset, [[https://www.facebook.com/ShimanomtbNorthAmerica/photos/throwbackthursday-back-in-1992-xtr-m900-was-born-the-ultimate-in-off-road-compon/10155750250682762|Shimano Facebook]]

</div>

<div column 50% #paul>
----
===== 1995 Paul Components Powerglide 'Rasta' =====

The CNC era was a beautiful time to be a mtb derailleur.  Never since have so many many small component makers flourished.


"...water in the desert for mountain bike aficionados drowning in a sea of lookalike Shimano."((Quoted [[components:|elsewhere]] and comes from: [[https://www.theguardian.com/environment/bike-blog/2018/jun/07/10-weird-and-wonderful-derailleurs-and-how-they-changed-cycling|theguardian]]))

Today, sadly, there are no pretty derailleurs left.  Perhaps because they are fiendishly difficult to create and there exists an impenetrable wall of patents guarding any attempts to improve upon them.
Or perhaps because of the association day-glo derailleurs have with being difficult, pricey and fragile?
((For a gallery of colorful derailleurs over the years, see [[https://www.disraeligears.co.uk/site/derailleurs_-_a_riot_of_colour.html|DisareliGears]].))  But we've lost some playfulness and freedom by accepting corporate conformance.  It's time to bring bling back.

{{cnc1.jpg?240|CNC}}
{{cnc2.jpg?240|CNC}}
{{cnc3.jpg?240|CNC}}
{{cnc4.jpg?240|CNC}}

  * [[https://www.mtbr.com/threads/precision-billet-proshift-derailleurs-shifters.471602/page-2|mtbr]]
  * [[https://www.pinterest.com/pin/180636635028021100/visual-search/?x=10&y=10&w=538&h=403&cropSource=6&imageSignature=e36a3e2b486767572b95689645880eb0|pinterest]]
  * [[https://www.disraeligears.co.uk/site/joes_derailleur.html|disraeli]]
  * [[https://www.disraeligears.co.uk/site/precision_billet_proshift_purple_derailleur_2nd_style.html|disraeli]]

</div>

<div column 45%>
{{components:power.jpg?300|1995 Paul Powerglide}}
\\
1995 Paul Powerglide [[https://www.bikemag.com/gear-features/matter/derailleur-sells-1000/|bikemag]]

</div>


<div column 50% #sram>
----
===== SRAM Grip Shift =====


SRAM started as a maker of [[https://www.bikemag.com/blog/exclusive-the-product-that-changed-the-world/|Grip Shift]] in 1987, a twist shift system for triathletes' aero bars.  Branching out to mountain bike downhillers, whose glove were probably too fat for Rapidfire, they signed [[https://mmbhof.org/greg-herbold/|Greg Herbold]] in 1990 and SRAM found it's niche in between the heavyweight component manufacturers.  After 7 years of making just Grip Shifts, SRAM came out with a full component set.

{{grip.jpg?200|1988 Grip Shift}}
1988 SRAM Grip Shift [[https://www.bikemag.com/blog/exclusive-the-product-that-changed-the-world/|bikemag]]
</div>

<div column 45%>
{{esp.jpg?300|1994 SRAM ESP 900}}
\\
1994 SRAM EXP 900, 1st gen, their first rear derailleur
[[https://www.disraeligears.co.uk/site/sram_esp_900_1st_style_derailleur.html|disraeli]]
</div>


<div column 50% #sram2>

The real significance of [[https://www.sram.com/en/company/about/history|SRAM]] is that they exist at all.  And that they've thrived.  In the past 25 years SRAM has acquired [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZF_Sachs|Sachs]],
[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RockShox|RockShox]],
Avid, TruVativ, Zipp, Quarq, Powertap, Time & Hammerhead.  SRAM's 2020 revenues
were $974M, while the Shimano Bike division reached [[https://www.pinkbike.com/news/in-100th-year-of-business-shimano-breaks-revenue-and-earnings-records-by-ridiculous-margins.html|$4B]].
Recently SRAM has surpassed Shimano in the high end mtb market.  They won their market share by innovating faster than Shimano, introducing carbon drivetrain components, larger cassettes with 1x drivetrains, local race sponsorships, lighter weights, compatibility, suspension systems integration, acquisitions and simply being better at giving riders what they want.((See Shimano vs SRAM summary at [[https://www.theproscloset.com/blogs/news/shimano-vs-sram|theproscloset]].))


</div>


<div column 45%>
{{sram.jpg?300|SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS}}
\\
SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS [[https://enduro-mtb.com/en/first-ride-review-electronic-sram-xx1-eagle-axs/|enduro-mtb]]
\\
equipped with bluetooth and an [[https://www.sram.com/en/sram/road/campaigns/axs-app|app]]
\\
BTW, this is not mounted on a bicycle...

</div>


<div column 50% #index>
----
===== Indexed Shifting =====

As with suspension, disc brakes and shock absorbers, index shifting was common on kids bikes in the late 1960's in the form of stick shifts mimicking automobile transmission levers.((Schwinn started its "Slik Shift" in [[https://bikehistory.org/bikes/stingray/|1967]]))

{{stick.jpg?200|SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS}}
\\
Shimano 5 speed derailleur indexed stick shift
[[https://www.pinterest.com/pin/538109855449190668/|pinterest]]

From kid's shifters & derailleurs indexing slowly improved:

  * **1967** [[https://www.disraeligears.co.uk/site/shimano_archery-w_red_derailleur.html|Shimano]] W series indexed grip shifters
  * **1971** [[https://www.disraeligears.co.uk/site/simplex_derailleurs_-_1971_page_10.html|Simplex]] "click-shift"
  * **1974** [[https://www.disraeligears.co.uk/site/shimano_positron_dg100_first_style_derailleur.html|Shimano]] Positron
  * **1975** [[https://www.disraeligears.co.uk/site/bridgestone_synchro_memory_shift_derailleur.html|Bridgestone]] Synchro Memory Shift
  * **1980** [[https://www.disraeligears.co.uk/site/suntour_mighty_click_derailleur_2700.html|SunTour]] Mighty Click

And then, in 1985, Shimano's SIS((SIS := [[https://bike.shimano.com/en-US/information/news/understanding-shimano-indexed-shifting--s-i-s-.html|Shimano Index Shifting]].)) system arrived((Dura-Ace used an SIS compatible Positron derived index system since 1981.  See: [[https://www.disraeligears.co.uk/site/shimano_dura-ace_ax_derailleur_7300.html|disraeli]].)) and destroyed all the competition.  (([[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simplex_(bicycle)|Simplex]] folded in the 90's, [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SunTour|SunTour]] went bankrupt in 1988, [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SRAM_Corporation#Sachs_Bicycle_Components|Sachs-Huret]] got absorbed by SRAM in 1997, [[https://www.pinkbike.com/news/mavic-saved-by-bourellier-group-focus-to-return-to-wheels.html|Mavic]] stopped making derailleurs in 90's.))
\\

Shimano introduced Rapid Fire in [[https://www.shimano.com/en/100th/history/products/58.php|1989]] as part of the Deore XT mountain group and remains with us today.
</div>


<div column 45%>
{{tourney.jpg?300|Shimano Tourney}}
\\
1993 Shimano Tourney RD-TY20-GS
[[https://www.retrobike.co.uk/gallery2/main.php?g2_path=Manufacturer+Archive/Shimano+Archive/Catalogues/1993/1993+-+TOURNEY+TY20.jpg.html|retrobike]]
</div>


<div column 50% #index>
----
===== A Note on Compatibility =====

One of the great advantages of index shifting, at as far as the manufacturers were concerned, is that it locked you into a brand.  Shifters and derailleurs had to be paired along brands.
Despite what [[http://www.jtekengineering.com/shiftmate/shiftmate-compatibility-charts-choices/|JTek promises]], the various brands, and generations of brands, are hopelessly incompatible.((Obviously JTek works sometimes.  Their adapters work great when the ratio of cable pull between two models doesn't change.  For example a Shimano 10 speeds shifter can be easily adapted for an 8 speed Shimano derailleur by increasing the cable pull by a constant ratio.  Except that it's actually more complicated.))  It's mostly down to [[http://blog.artscyclery.com/science-behind-the-magic/science-behind-the-magic-drivetrain-compatibility/|cable pull]]: the millimeters of cable each click of a shifter pull & release.  Sometimes it's linear, or gradually increases, or fluctuates from large to small to large again.  See sample graph to the right ->
\\

The best solution is to stick to the same brand, or else study the [[https://www.sheldonbrown.com/drivetrain-mixing.shtml|compatibility]] charts carefully.
</div>

<div column 45%>
{{cable.jpg?300|Cable Cable Pull }}
\\
Cable pull chart [[https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/1114359-definitive-guide-derailleur-cable-pull.html|bikeforums]]
</div>


<div column 50% #internal>
----
===== Internal Hubs and Gearboxes =====

For most of the 20th century, the British eschewed derailleurs in favor of internally geared hubs for their cleaner aesthetic.  With modern derailleurs getting more complicated, it's no wonder that today internal hubs, such as [[https://www.rohloff.de/en/products/speedhub/speedhub-variations|Rohloff's]] are making a comeback and that all other derailleurs only come in a single color: black.((Rohloff's cost upwards of $1,500.))
\\

[[https://www.sturmey-archer.com/|Sturmey Archer]] has been making internal gear hubs since 1902 and today we have a number of companies, from [[https://www.rohloff.de/en/products/speedhub/speedhub-variations|Rohloff]] to
 [[https://pinion.eu/en/p-line/|Pinion]] who would have you believe that they have the mountain bike solution to end the reign of derailleurs.  Both [[https://www.rohloff.de/en/experience/technology-in-detail/gear-range-comparison|Rohloff]] and [[https://pinion.eu/p-linie-uebersetzungsrechner/|Pinion]] have a good gear range.  Both are durable and low maintenance, until they aren't.((As a (volunteer) mechanic, I witness that Sturmey Archer hubs are usually thrown away rather than repaired, other than simple greasing and tightening.))  The problems are:
  * cost : Rohloff := $1700, Pinion := $6000
  * weight : about 2 -> 4 pounds extra
  * wheel and/or frame changes (Pinion requires a special frame)
  * lack of customization : no swapping ring sizes, etc.
  * fewer gears : Rohloff has 14, Pinion has 18, Shimano XT Touring has 36

Yet there are plenty of advantages such as cleaner looks, apparent simplicity, weatherproof, ... ?  Until they show up on World Cup podiums, this timeline will ignore this tech.

</div>
<div column 45%>
{{pinion.jpg?300|Pinion}}
\\
Pinion P-Line gearbox [[https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/internal-gearbox-advantages-drawbacks-and-future-possibilities-for-apocalypse-ready-mountain-bikes/|singletracks]]
</div>


<div column 95% #index>
----
===== New tech =====

To be finished...
\\

Should include:
  * rapidfire : under bar shifting
  * clutches : chain stabilizing tension derailleur clutch
  * bump stoppers : a Shimano effort to quiet bouncing derailleurs
  * electronic shifting : incl. wireless
  * integrated shifters : brakes and shifting merged - more of a road advantage
  * 1x systems : giant cassettes to the rescue
  * belt and direct drives : not really a plus
  * more?
</div>