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Chains
The
bicycle chain transfers force from the chainwheel to the rear sprocket.
The diagram shows that for a counter-clockwise rotation of the chainwheel,
the top of the chain connecting to the rear sprocket is in tension and
the lower section is slack.
The tooth size on the two wheels is the
same. Each link of the chain engages a different tooth. The gear ratio between
the crankset and the rear sprocket is determined by the ratio of the number
of chainwheel teeth, NC , and the number of teeth on the sprocket,
NS. The number of links in the chain has no effect on this
ratio. The length of the chain is determined by the spacing between the chainwheel
and the sprocket, as well as the nature of the gear system. A derailleur
system requires a longer chain than an epicyclic hub. |
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