Pay in 3X or 4X installments from 50 to €3,500 with Alma

Bitcoin & Crypto accepted here! See our payment facilities

Derailleurs & gear levers

Active filters

Back to top  

Derailleurs & gear levers

Derailleurs & Levers for Road Bikes: Performance and Precision

Derailleurs and shifters are essential components of your road bike's drivetrain. They allow for smooth and precise gear changes, ensuring fast shifting and greater control in all terrain conditions. A good derailleur and shifter not only guarantee optimal performance but also a more enjoyable riding experience. Discover our selection of derailleurs and shifters suitable for all types of road bikes.

Types of Derailleurs for Road Bikes

  • Front derailleur: The front derailleur allows you to change the chainrings on your bike. It is essential for adjusting your drivetrain when moving from a small chainring to a large chainring. There are models for different types of road bikes, including those with 2x10, 2x11, or 3x10 speed systems.
  • Rear derailleur: The rear derailleur, or gear derailleur, allows you to change gears at the rear of the bike. It is crucial for smooth gear transitions, offering a wide range of ratios suitable for climbing, descending, or flat terrain.
  • Short, medium, or long cage derailleur: The cage choice depends on your rear cassette. A short cage is ideal for compact cassettes, while a long cage is necessary for cassettes with a large sprocket.

Types of Road Bike Shifters

  • Integrated levers: These levers combine both brake and gear controls. Practical and ergonomic, they are very popular on modern road bikes, particularly for their ease of use and compact design.
  • Separate levers: Some cyclists prefer separate shift levers from brake levers. These levers are often used on more traditional road bikes or in specific setups like racing or triathlon bikes.
  • Electronic Shifters: Offering ultra-fast and precise shifting, electronic shifters are increasingly popular on high-end bikes. They allow for almost instant gear changes without any additional effort from the rider.

Important Features of Derailleurs and Levers

Choosing the right derailleurs and shifters requires several factors to consider. Here are the most important criteria to consider:

  • Drivetrain Compatibility: Make sure your derailleurs and shifters are compatible with your chain, cassettes, and chainrings. There are derailleurs for 9-, 10-, 11-, or 12-speed setups, so check your bike's gear count.
  • Brake Type: If you have disc brakes, there are specific levers designed for this type of braking. Make sure your shifters are compatible with your brakes (rim or disc brakes).
  • Ergonomics: Levers should be comfortable to grip, with a design that allows for effortless shifting. Some levers are designed to provide a better grip and less fatigue, especially on long rides.
  • Weight: For competitive cyclists or those looking to lighten their bike, the weight of derailleurs and shifters is a crucial factor. Aluminum or carbon models are popular for their lightness without compromising strength.

Benefits of High-Performance Derailleurs and Levers

  • Fast and precise gear changes: A good derailleur and quality levers ensure optimal responsiveness, allowing you to change gears instantly depending on the terrain or slope.
  • Comfort and ergonomics: Well-designed levers allow you to change gears without excessive effort and more smoothly, thus reducing fatigue during long rides.
  • Reduced risk of derailment: Properly adjusted derailleurs reduce the risk of derailment or chain jumping, improving your safety and comfort while riding.
  • Durability: Choosing high-quality derailleurs and shifters ensures greater durability, even in difficult conditions, such as climbs or rough terrain.

How to Choose the Right Derailleur and Lever?

The choice of your derailleur and lever depends on your cycling practice , your objectives and your performance level :

  • For racing: Competitive cyclists favor highly precise and lightweight drivetrains. Electronic derailleurs and integrated shifters are ideal for instant and effortless gear changes.
  • For long rides: If you are a long-distance cyclist, a classic derailleur system with comfortable and ergonomic levers will be an excellent choice to reduce fatigue.
  • For triathlon: Triathletes often prefer separate levers for better control, but some integrated lever models are also suitable for this type of practice.

With the right derailleurs and levers, you'll enjoy smooth and precise gear changes, improving your performance and comfort on the bike. Discover our range of high-quality derailleurs and levers to enhance your road riding experience.

Our best cycling brands and bike components

Brands