Shifty bicycles series#

Conversely, the smaller chainring(s) is easier to pedal.Īgain, having more chainrings decreases the gap between each gear and provides a broader gear range, allowing riders to find the correct cadence when tackling very steep gradients. The chainrings oppose the cogs, meaning the bigger the chainring, the higher the gear and the more effort it takes to pedal. Bike Chainrings - 1x, 2x, 3xĬhainrings are the larger plates at the front of the drivetrain attached to the cranks. The more cogs there are, the smaller the jump between gear changes smaller increments allow riders to maintain a smoother, more efficient pedal stroke. The relationship between cog and chainring teeth determines the gear ratios.

Shifty bicycles series#

The large cog on the cassette is the lowest/easiest to pedal the smaller the cog, the higher the gear and the harder it is to pedal.Ĭassettes contain a series of cogs up to a max of 13, each with a specified number of teeth (represented using a lowercase t, 11-28t). The cassette is a series of cogs at the rear of the drivetrain, descending outwards from big to small. *Note: many cyclists refer to high gears as ‘big gears’ and low gears as ‘small gears.’ Bike Cassette

Lower or easier gear = the bigger cogs on the cassette, smaller chainring(s).

Higher or harder gear = the small cogs on the cassette and big chainring(s).

This section will touch on each of the relevant terms and parts for shifting. It’s helpful to understand some common terminology and how the components work to help get the most out of your gears. To further understand gear shifting and how it works, we will briefly cover the main components involved and how they interact. In this situation, you could continue cycling seated or ride out of the saddle, both requiring vastly more energy per pedal stroke.Ĭonversely, to ride fast downhill or with a tailwind without gears would require an extremely high cadence, causing you to bounce on the saddle and possibly lose control. Without gears, your cadence would drop significantly each time you began climbing a steep hill. Additionally, the steadier your cadence, the less energy you expend, allowing you to ride longer without tiring. With a range of gears to choose from, you can climb or descend steep gradients and ride with or against strong winds, which would be extremely difficult or impossible on a bike with one gear. A wide range of gears allows riders to pedal at a consistent cadence while riding on varied gradients, terrains, and in windy conditions.