MODULAR BICYCLE DERAILLEUR

A rear derailleur is configured as a hierarchical, at least two-level modular construction system and comprises at least several of the modules: "base element module", "swivel formation module", "shifting element module", and "chain guiding device module". At least one of the modules is replaceable and handleable in one piece. At least one of the modules includes at least one sub-assembly that is replaceable and handleable in one piece. In an embodiment the modular construction system is configured to use at least one family of sub-assemblies comprising at least two family members within at least one of the modules.Detachable connection interfaces of the family members to adjacent sub-assemblies of the module within the sub-assembly family are configured uniformly across family members for the respective sub-assembly family in such a way that a family member of the sub-assembly family of the module is exchangeable for another family member of the same sub-assembly family that, is for example, of different material, of different design, of different functionality or has different surface properties, while retaining the remaining sub-assemblies of the module.