The Derailleur and Other Secrets of the Metal Horse

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If you were to say "bicycle" using my local dialect, which is "Enang Ukwak", the literal interpretation is "Metal Horse". And in a way, the logic makes a lot of sense, the bicycle is the metal version of the horse. And if it comes to who gave it the most appropriate name, while English went for "two circles"; just describing the wheels, the metal horse did a better job any day! It captures the function and soul of the thing in a way that is more poetic and accurate. A horse made of metal that carries you wherever you want to go, no feeding, no vet and no attitude.

Have I mentioned to you that the bicycle was one of the first means of transportation I ever had, that is if being carried wrapped behind my Mum's back is not to be counted. And my last bicycle is doing fine. Just treat the metal horse well and it could be loyal for many years. Here we call them sport bicycles; equipped with shock absorbers, good brakes and a derailleur gear system with different speed levels available on demand.

While recognising the features and systems that make this bicycle unique, it will only be fair to admit that its output production largely depends on the health, experience, endurance, and potential energy in the quadriceps of its rider.

This is the derailleur, an important part of the bicycle's gearbox. It has this arm that suspends downward, the arm is connected to a gear shifting lever at the handle of the bicycle. Once pushed or pulled, that downward-suspending arm moves the bicycle's chain up the stack of different-sized sprockets or down the same stack.
If you see it switching gears, you will understand why it is called a derailleur. The downward suspending arm is called a cage, it actually causes the chain to derail and at the same time, it pulls the chain to maintain tension.
Interestingly, you can push or pull the gear lever and switch gears while riding, no need to stop, just slow down the paddling a little when switching.

Ironically, a derailed chain on a non-derailleur bicycle was a serious problem. But the derailleur took chain falling off and converted it into its main feature, a classic example of converting a problem into a solution.

The driving gears at the paddle can also be switched to smaller gears for climbing hills and larger gears for speed.

Riding tips

Inspect your brakes. Always make sure that your bicycle's braking system is in good condition before you go for a ride.

The derailleur system will successfully switch gears only when the sprockets are rotating. So, a stationary bicycle cannot switch gears.

When riding a derailleur bicycle, you should go soft on the pedals when switching gears — especially when shifting from speed gears to climbing gears.

Switching to climbing gears too fast with pressure on the pedals can lead to a catastrophic fall. This is because the pedals will suddenly go soft under your feet and you will lose balance landing you on the ground.

As you gradually approach a stop, switch to climbing gears while you are still pedalling. This will make taking off much easier when it's time to move.

Each time you are riding and a car drives and stops in front of you, or you are about to ride pass a parked car, always be alert, all of a sudden, the door may open and you do not want to hug an opened door.

Conclusion

Have you felt the joy that comes with riding a bicycle? You can see that in his face. It takes you to your destination and also offers the opportunity to exercise, working on your muscles and heart. Ride safely and enjoy your ride.

@dequeen
@ruthjoe, @rubee2as1
@okere-blessing, @sadematthew,
@josepha, @alexanderpeace, @ninapenda,

Media Credit

Composer	@manuelhooks
Graphics	by manuelhooks
Edited with	Galaxy-A15
Posting Date	Wed, 22 Apr.
	(@) 2026