Bicycle Gears, Explained for Everyday Riders
A clear introduction to what your gears do and how to use them.
EXPLORE GEAR EXPLAIN
Bicycles
Straightforward guides to bike gears, riding, setup, and everyday maintenance.
How to Shift Bike Gears on a Hill
Find an easier gear before the climb gets steep.
What Do the Numbers on Bike Gears Mean?
Make sense of speeds, chainrings, cassettes, and gear range.
Front Gears vs. Rear Gears: What Changes?
Learn when to use the bigger front shift and small rear adjustments.
The Best Gear for Starting on a Bicycle
Set off smoothly without putting too much pressure on the chain.
Why Your Bike Chain Skips When You Pedal
Simple checks for a chain that slips under load.
Bicycle Cadence: Find a Comfortable Pedal Rhythm
Use your gears to keep your pedaling steady on changing roads.
What Is Cross-Chaining and Should You Avoid It?
Understand extreme chain angles and when they matter.
How to Choose a Bike Gear Range for Daily Riding
Compare easy climbing gears with faster flat-road gearing.
Derailleur Gears and Hub Gears Compared
See how the two common shifting systems differ on a ride.