A detangler
The detangler or rotor[1] is an invention for the Freestyle BMX bicycle, allowing the handlebars to turn a complete 360° rotation without the brake cables getting tangled up. It is commonly called the Gyro. The trademark for the term Gyro is owned by Odyssey BMX, of Cerritos, California.[2] SST oryg is another common manufacturer of detangler systems.
A detangler is usually only used for the rear brake. The front brake cable can be routed through the stem, via a hollow stem bolt known as a Pott's mod bolt,[3] and fork steer tube to avoid the tangling problem.
How it works[]
From the brake lever the single cable is split into two parts, each of the ends of the cable are fed either side of a disc which sits around the steerer tube of the fork.
The disc is joined to another similar disc below it by means of a lip, allowing full rotation about each other.
The lower disc also has two cables fed from it, which are mounted on the frame joining into one cable further down, then being fed into the brake.
There is also a second variation of the system. Instead of using splitters for the upper and lower cables, two cables (dual cables) run from the brake lever to the detangler and two more run to the brakes.
Advantages[]
- Cables do not get tangled which allows bike tricks such as the tailwhip or barspin to be performed.
- If a dual-cable set up is used, mechanical friction is reduced.[2]
Disadvantages[]
- Harder to setup than a straight cable setup.
- More cables to lubricate.
- Dual Cables decreases the flexing, but can give a rigid feel that some people do not like.
- It is slightly heavier and more expensive than a conventional configuration.