How to Use Bike Gear Ratios

Most people are familiar with the old 10- or 12-speed bicycles. You might be surprised to learn that today's bikes feature as many as 21 speeds. These 21 speeds are spread out over three front gears and seven rear gears. Learning how to manage these bike gear ratios will help you to improve your cycling.

Everyday Cycling

For everyday riding, you will need to use the front number two bicycle gear. You can access this gear by utilizing the left-hand shifter on your front handle bar. This shifter can provide you with a large range of speeds that are useful in everyday bicycle riding.

Stopping and Starting

When you are starting from a stop or intending to stop, you should use the front right-hand shifter to shift to a lower gear. Begin with gears between one and three, which will help you to start from a stop. These gears will also help you to control your bike and coast to a stop slowly.

Hill Climbing

Cycling uphill creates its own unique challenges. You can make the ride easier by utilizing the bike gear ratios. When climbing hills on your bike, take advantage of the bike's number one gear. You can switch to this gear by moving the shifter on the left-hand side of your handle bar. Gear one will allow you to climb the hill with fewer pedals, thereby expending less energy.

Gaining Speed

If you wish to increase your speed as you are riding, use one of the smaller gears on your bike. The ideal gear for speed cycling is number seven gear, which can be accessed by switching your left-hand shifter to the third position. This gear will help you to move faster with each pedal rotation.