Active derailleur system and method

A method of operating a derailleur of a cycle, the method comprising:

• linking, by a chain, a cassette that includes a number of sprockets with a drive unit configured to drive the cassette;
• guiding the chain around the cassette the by the derailleur;
• maintaining a tension on the chain by a swing arm of the derailleur;
• unlocking, by a controller, a lock at a pivot assembly of the derailleur to control the tension on the chain during a gear shift;
• and
• locking, by the controller, the lock when the gear shift is complete.

A cycle with a derailleur system comprising:

• a cassette including a number of sprockets;
• a drive unit configured to drive the cassette;
• a chain linking the drive unit with the cassette;
• a derailleur, configured to guide the chain around the cassette, the derailleur including a swing arm rotatable at a pivot assembly to maintain tension on the chain;
• a lock configured to selectively lock the swing arm from rotating;
• a frame of the cycle, wherein the derailleur is coupled with the frame, wherein the lock comprises a lock effector disposed between the frame and the swing arm;
• an actuator configured to engage and disengage the lock effector;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• determine whether shift conditions are met, where the shift conditions comprise requirements for initiating a shift between the number of sprockets;
• unlock the lock, by disengaging the lock effector through the actuator when the shift conditions are met;
• and
• lock the lock, by engaging the lock effector through the actuator when the shift is complete.