| Whether you have a road bike or mountain bike, it | | | | The way a gearing system works in bicycles is simple. |
| does not matter. You will have to deal with shifting | | | | A speed of 12 can be derived from multiplying 2 x 6 in |
| gears when you cycle, especially with a multitude of | | | | which 2 is the second sprocket (at the front) and 5 is |
| different terrains (on road or off road). | | | | the fifth sprocket (at the back). Alternatively, the same |
| You will notice that most people are confused as to | | | | speed of 12 can be obtained by shifting to 3 x 4. |
| whether to choose a bicycle with higher or lower | | | | Generally, if you want speed, you should shift to bigger |
| speeds; 16 gears, 24 gears, 27 gears and so on. | | | | gears. This is especially true for cyclists who ride road |
| Gears, for the bicycle is the transmission system. With | | | | bikes. It is also very suitable when going downhill and |
| proper shifting of these gears, it can help a cyclist | | | | shifting to big gears for maximum speed. You will find |
| conserve energy or cycling purpose tremendously. | | | | that the bigger ring (front sprocket) will be harder to |
| Then you will hear about automatic shifting bikes. This | | | | pedal (bigger force) but enable more distance per |
| absolutely not required. Any cyclists should learn the | | | | pedaling. When going uphill, you should always shift to |
| basis of cycling by mastering the shifting techniques. | | | | the smaller ring sprocket. You will notice it does not |
| First, you will need to know what is cadence. Cadence | | | | take as much effort to cycle with the smaller ring |
| is the revolutions made in a minute ('rpm'). A value of | | | | sprocket. |
| 50 'rpm' is considered a cadence. Professional cyclists | | | | What about the rear or back sprockets? These |
| are fitter and can pedal more rounds per minute. They | | | | sprockets will range from 1 to 9 (the maximum number |
| generally have a higher cadence at 70 to 80 'rpm'. | | | | will vary according to manufacturers). You will use |
| The rule of thumb is this. When you are cycling (or | | | | these numbers for further fine tuning your gearing ratio. |
| pedaling) faster than the right cadence, you should | | | | In conclusion, you should keep your cadence in check |
| change your gears to be higher. When you are | | | | all the time. A good cyclist will always maintain his or |
| pedaling too few 'rpm' than your usual cadence, you | | | | her cadence by constantly shifting the gears when |
| should shift your gears to be lower. | | | | encountering different terrains. |