Understanding how your bike’s gears work can completely transform your riding experience. Whether you’re new to cycling or just want to ride more efficiently, learning to shift smoothly will make every journey easier, faster, and far more enjoyable. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll break down what bike gears do, how they work, and how to use them with confidence.
What Are Bike Gears?
Bike gears allow you to control how hard or easy it feels to pedal. Think of them as tools that help you maintain a steady cadence (your pedalling rhythm), no matter the terrain.
Lower gears = easier pedalling, ideal for climbing hills.
Higher gears = harder pedalling but more speed on flat roads or downhill.
Gears work by moving the chain across different-sized cogs at the back and sometimes chainrings at the front. This changes the mechanical advantage, which affects how much effort you need to turn the pedals.
Different Types of Bike Gearing Systems
There are two main types of gear systems commonly found on modern bikes:
1. Derailleur Gears
These are the most common and are found on road bikes, mountain bikes, gravel bikes, and hybrids.
A derailleur system uses:
- A rear derailleur to move the chain across multiple sprockets (the cassette)
- Sometimes a front derailleur to shift between one, two, or three chainrings
- Handlebar-mounted shifters to control both
- Derailleur setups offer a wide range of gears and are great for varied terrain.
2. Internal Hub Gears
These gears are housed inside the rear hub, protecting them from dirt and weather. They’re typically found on commuter bikes, folding bikes, and city bikes.
Benefits include:
- Low maintenance
- Smooth shifting
- Ability to change gear while stationary (great for traffic lights)
The trade-off is that they usually offer fewer total gears than derailleur systems.
How Do Bike Gears Work?
A bike’s drivetrain is made up of several components that work together to transfer your pedalling power to the wheels. The key parts include:
- Shifters – located on the handlebars; these control when gears change
- Derailleurs – move the chain to the correct cog or chainring
- Cassette – a cluster of sprockets attached to the rear wheel
- Chainrings – the front gears connected to your pedals
- Chain – the link between all drivetrain components
When you press a shifter:
A cable or electronic signal tells the derailleur to move.
The derailleur shifts the chain onto a different cog.
You instantly feel a change in how easy or hard it is to pedal.
If your bike has a front derailleur, shifting between chainrings results in a bigger jump in gear change. The rear derailleur provides smaller, more precise adjustments.
Tips for Smooth Shifting
Learning to shift properly helps protect your bike and makes every ride more comfortable. Keep these key points in mind:
Shift before you reach a hill, not halfway up it.
Pedal lightly during shifts to reduce strain on the chain and gears.
Avoid shifting both front and rear gears at the same time.
Use lower gears at slow speeds and higher gears when you build momentum.
With practice, shifting becomes instinctive — and your bike will feel smoother and more responsive.
Final Thoughts
Bike gears aren’t complicated once you understand the basics. Knowing how and when to shift will help you tackle hills with ease, ride faster on the flats, and enjoy a more comfortable cycling experience overall. If you’re unsure whether your gears are working properly, or you’d like help choosing the right bike for your riding style, feel free to visit us in-store — we’re always happy to help.
Happy riding! 🚴♂️💨
