Need help understanding derailleur “clutch”& 10th gear

[Akrotiri]

I found out from Court’s review of the allant 7 about the derailleur “ clutch” or whatever it’s called that is on the derailleur system of the allant line.

I know what it does basically that when turned up it tightens the derailleur cog and chain so it doesn’t move about violently and when switched down it allows the derailleur and chain substantial freedom of movement laterally

My question is when exactly should I have it switched up? Should it be for smooth roads? And should I switch it down for when riding on bumpy terrain such as bad roads, dirt trails, gravel roads etc.

My other question is for 10th gear. When exactly should I use it ? I tried it out in the open road at very high speed but I felt vibrating in the pedals. Only when I downshifted to 9th or 8th the vibrating pedal feeling went away. Is it because I rarely use it that it’s not broken in on the cassette? Or is 10th gear only for downhill? Bad Pedal bearings perhaps? All just guessing on my part but if I don’t use a lot of torque in my cadence while I’m 10th the vibrating is minimal. Any help on these two questions greatly appreciated.

I’ll attach a photo of derailleur “ clutch” circled in yellow so everyone sees what I’m talking about.

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

When exactly should I use it ? I tried it out in the open road at very high speed but I felt vibrating in the pedals.

This feature is quite useful for MTB riding as it reduces chain slap and possible scratching of the chain stay.
The vibration you are feeling is not because of this. It is a combination of high speed, high chain tension and high gearing. The chain then becomes like a vibrating string tied (sort of).

If your chain is of correct length, you could ride it without using this. In fact the Allant 7s doesn't have this and it works fine.

 

[Akrotiri]

This feature is quite useful for MTB riding as it reduces chain slap and possible scratching of the chain stay.
The vibration you are feeling is not because of this. It is a combination of high speed, high chain tension and high gearing. The chain then becomes like a vibrating string tied (sort of).

If your chain is of correct length, you could ride it without using this. In fact the Allant 7s doesn't have this and it works fine.

So when I’m on rough roads do I switch it up to keep the derailleur and chain in place ? And keep it switched down to allow the derailleur freedom of movement when on smooth roads?

It’s the stock chain so I’m sure it’s the correct length but perhaps with 1150 miles it might be too time for a new one to stop the vibrating at high speed.

So the vibrating chain is normal at the highest gear ?

 

[FlatSix911]

So when I’m on rough roads do I switch it up to keep the derailleur and chain in place ? And keep it switched down to allow the derailleur freedom of movement when on smooth roads?

It’s the stock chain so I’m sure it’s the correct length but perhaps with 1150 miles it might be too time for a new one to stop the vibrating at high speed.

So the vibrating chain is normal at the highest gear ?

Yes, you want to engage the Clutch when you are off-road and need additional tension to prevent chain-slap on the rear stays. Hope this helps.

Do you need a clutch rear derailleur?

Simon Smythe wonders whether road riders need to avoid chain slap in the same way mountain bikers do

www.cyclingweekly.com

 

[Nova Haibike]

Generally you always use it with the clutch on, turning it off only to make removing the wheel easier.

 

[Akrotiri]

Yes, you want to engage the Clutch when you are off-road and need additional tension to prevent chain-slap on the rear stays. Hope this helps.

Do you need a clutch rear derailleur?

Simon Smythe wonders whether road riders need to avoid chain slap in the same way mountain bikers do

www.cyclingweekly.com

It did help also, but it does say at one point that it causes a measurable amount of inefficiency and needless tension on the drivetrain when on a smooth road for example. So maybe it’s good to switch it off when I’m on a smooth road.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Generally you always use it with the clutch on, turning it off only to make removing the wheel easier.

This.
Two of my e-bikes have the clutch , and it is always on, only unlocked for the rear wheel removal. Does a lot of good. No ill effects.
The chain should be properly tensioned at all times.