Help Me Understand My Bicycle’s Gears

Asked by: Shawn Hobson

How do you read bicycle gears?

Quote from video: At the opposite end if you shift into your fastest. And hardest gear the ratio is much bigger for example if your biggest chain ring is 50.

What do bicycle gear numbers mean?

Teeth & Bike Gear Ratios Explained



The chainring (front) on my bike is 50/34T. That means the outer ring has 50 teeth and the inner ring has 34 teeth. The rear cassette is 11 speed 11-32. This means there are 11 cogs ranging from 11 teeth up to 32 teeth (the exact cogs are 11/12/13/14/16/18/20/22/25/28/32).

What do the 7 gears on a bike mean?

7-Speed Bike Gears Explained



These gears will range from 1, which is the easiest gear, to 7, which may be referred to as a ‘high gear‘ and is most suitable for riding fast downhill, or on the flat. A 7 speed cassette is often found on city bikes, hybrid bikes, and children’s bikes.

What gear should my bicycle be in?

For regular terrain on a flat road, the middle gear is ideal. You can shift to the middle gear if you need strength, but not enough to ride on undulating roads. Combine the middle chainring with a triple rear cog to bike ride smoothly on a flat road. For beginners in biking, it is best to keep the bike in middle gear.

How should a beginner ride a bike with gears?

First pull the clutch lever in, then use your left foot to shift down to first gear, and then slowly release the clutch lever, and at the same time gradually roll on the throttle. Now the bike should start moving and you can release the clutch all the way and give a little more throttle.

What gear should I use going uphill on a bike?

Low Gear = Easy = Good for Climbing: The “low” gear on your bike is the smallest chain ring in the front and the largest cog on your cassette (rear gears). In this position, the pedaling will be the easiest and you’ll be able to pedal uphill with the smallest amount of resistance.

How do I remember the gears on my road bike?

Here’s a bit of a cheat sheet to remember what gears you should be in when: Climbing — little ring up front, bigger ring in back. Descending — big ring up front, littler ring in back. Flat roads, gentle uphills and downhillls — middle ring up front (if you have one), and any ring in the back that feels comfortable.

What gear should I use on a flat road?

High Gear. This one is great for descending, accelerating, or for use when you want to go nice and fast on a flat road. In a high gear, you travel a long way for each turn of the pedal.

What is the easiest gear on a bike?

Low Gear

Low Gear. The low gear is the “easy” gear and is primarily used when climbing. The low gear is the smallest chain ring in the front, and the largest cog on the rear cassette. In this position pedaling will be easiest and the least amount of force will be required to push the pedals.

How do I change my gear 1 to 2 smoothly?

To move from first to second gear keep your hand on the gear lever, palm away from you, apply slight pressure to the left to stop the gear lever springing back to the central neutral position, and move the gear lever straight back.

Is 7 speed or 21 speed better?

7 Speed vs 21 Speed Bikes



In terms of how the number of gears affects the overall ride of the bike, a 21-speed is generally faster with smoother transitions and pedaling. The 7-speed is adequate for most riders, which is why many people choose the slower option.

What gear ratio is best for climbing?

The best mountain bike gear ratio for climbing is 46 to 49 on a chainring and 16 to 18 on a cassette. For more diverse rides, mountain bike gears of ratios 46/17 to 42/17 are what work for flatter terrain or occasional hills. However, with that being said, the perfect ratio usually depends on the terrain you’re riding.

Do I change gears while pedaling?

First, remember that you have to be pedaling when you change gears. That’s because the chain has to be moving in order for the derailleurs to “derail” the chain from sprocket to sprocket. Second, pedal at a brisk pace.

When should I shift gears on my bike?

Tips for Proper Shifting



Anticipate the terrain: Shift right before you start climbing, not halfway up when you’re slowing rapidly and applying maximum pressure on the pedals. If you do shift on a hill, shift one gear at a time, and momentarily relax pressure on the pedals as you’re shifting.

What are the three steps to riding a bike?

3 steps to riding a bike

1. 3 STEPS TO SUCCESS.
2. Balancing and braking on a balance bike. Balance bikes are like two-wheel bicycles, but without the pedals and with the seat lowered so that the child can touch the ground flat-footed while seated. …
3. Steering a balance bike. …
4. Pedalling.

Is 7 speed or 21 speed better?

7 Speed vs 21 Speed Bikes



In terms of how the number of gears affects the overall ride of the bike, a 21-speed is generally faster with smoother transitions and pedaling. The 7-speed is adequate for most riders, which is why many people choose the slower option.

Which is gear 1 on a bike?

Number 1 on your right shifter is the easiest gear for climbing hills, as it puts your chain on the largest rear sprocket. Number 7 on your right shifter is the hardest gear for going really fast, and it puts your chain on the smallest rear sprocket.

How can I tell how many gears My bike has?

Multiply the front gear number by the rear gear number to get the number of speeds. For example, if you have two front gears and five back gears, you have a 10-speed bike. If you have one front gear and three back gears, you have a 3-speed bike.

What gear is easier pedaling?

Low Gear

Low Gear. The low gear is the “easy” gear and is primarily used when climbing. The low gear is the smallest chain ring in the front, and the largest cog on the rear cassette. In this position pedaling will be easiest and the least amount of force will be required to push the pedals.

Do I change gears while pedaling?

First, remember that you have to be pedaling when you change gears. That’s because the chain has to be moving in order for the derailleurs to “derail” the chain from sprocket to sprocket. Second, pedal at a brisk pace.

What gear should I use on a flat road?

High Gear. This one is great for descending, accelerating, or for use when you want to go nice and fast on a flat road. In a high gear, you travel a long way for each turn of the pedal.