As a cyclist, choosing the right gear is crucial for an efficient and comfortable ride. The gears on a bicycle allow you to maintain a suitable pedaling cadence regardless of the terrain or riding conditions. Selecting the proper gear will help you conserve energy, power uphill sections, increase speed on flat or downhill stretches, and avoid overexertion or injury. This article provides guidance on what gears are best for different speeds and situations.
How do bicycle gears work?
Bicycle gears work by changing the ratio between the number of times the rear wheel turns compared to the number of crank revolutions. This allows the rider to maintain a steady, optimal pedaling cadence despite variations in speed or incline. There are two main components that enable gearing:
- The front chainrings – The crankset that the pedals attach to usually has either two or three chainrings of varying sizes. Using a larger chainring in front makes pedaling easier but results in faster wheel rotation.
- The rear cassette – The rear cassette is found on the back wheel and also has a set of sprockets of different sizes. Larger sprockets in back translate to easier pedaling and slower wheel rotation.
Shifting between different gear combinations results in trade-offs between pedaling effort and speed. For example, being in a low gear (small front chainring, large rear sprocket) requires more pedaling rotations for each revolution of the wheel, but is easier to pedal and allows climbing steep hills. A high gear (large front chainring, small rear sprocket) results in faster speed for each pedal rotation, but requires more power.
What cadence should you aim for?
Cadence refers to the number of revolutions of the pedals per minute (RPM). Most cyclists aim to maintain a cadence between 60-100 RPM. Spinning the pedals at this cadence range allows for an efficient transfer of power while reducing stress on the muscles and joints. Here are some general cadence guidelines:
- Uphill sections – 60-80 RPM to power ascents at a steady tempo
- Flat terrain – 80-100 RPM for efficient cruising speed
- Downhills – 80+ RPM to maximize speed
- Recovery – 80-100 RPM for active recovery spinning between intense efforts
Aim to select gears that allow you to stay within this optimal cadence band throughout the ride. Avoid mashing a heavy gear at low cadence or having to spin the pedals excessively fast in too high of a gear.
Gearing Recommendations Based on Speed
The appropriate gear depends greatly on your speed. Maintaining proper cadence requires changing gears as your speed increases or decreases. Making these adjustments ensures you are pedaling efficiently for the given conditions.
Speeds under 10 mph
Slow speeds typically occur when climbing steep gradients or riding off-road. At speeds under 10 mph, you want your cadence to remain between 60-80 RPM. Shift into easier gears by using smaller chainrings upfront and larger sprockets in the rear. Being in the lowest gears helps prevent grinding out slow cadences or stalling on steep inclines.
Speeds between 10-15 mph
This range covers most general cruising speeds at a moderate effort. Cadence from 80-90 RPM is ideal here. Use middle chainrings up front and mid-range rear sprockets to strike an efficient pedaling rhythm. These middle gears provide a balance of speed and steady power output.
Speeds between 15-20 mph
As your speed builds between 15-20 mph, shift into larger front chainrings and smaller rear cogs to keep cadence in the 90-100 RPM range. The higher gears enable fast pedaling to match the faster pace. High cadence helps spin the legs quickly with less muscular strain.
Speeds above 20 mph
Once your speed exceeds 20 mph, you’ll need the highest gear ratios. Use larger front chainrings and the smallest rear sprockets. At these fast speeds, a cadence of 100+ RPM will be necessary. The highest gears translate pedal rotations into rapid wheel movement to achieve maximum velocity.
Descending/coasting
When descending or coasting, cease pedaling and let your speed build naturally. Avoid pedaling at high cadences over 120 RPM, which can cause abnormal muscle fatigue. Also refrain from coasting for too long, which allows the legs to cool down. Lightly spin at 90-110 RPM to keep muscles active when descending or coasting.
Gearing Recommendations for Different Conditions
Beyond speed, the riding terrain and conditions will influence optimal gear choices:
Flat roads
On straight flat roads, use mid-range gears. Try combinations like the middle or large front chainring with mid-range rear cogs. This allows efficient cruising at moderate efforts between 15-20 mph.
Headwinds
Strong headwinds require more power to maintain speed. Shift into easier gears like smaller front rings and larger rear cogs. The easier cadence helps overcome the wind resistance.
Tailwinds
With tailwinds, you can use harder gears since the wind assists your pace. Use larger front chainrings paired with smaller rear sprockets. Let the wind boost you to higher speeds in these taller gears.
Steep hills
To climb steep hills efficiently, use the lowest gear ratios. Small front chainrings with large rear cogs make for easier pedaling. This allows scaling steep gradients at a steady cadence.
Rolling hills
For undulating terrain, shift frequently to maintain cadence. Use your middle chainrings and cassette gears to adapt to the changing inclines. Climb in easier gears and descend in harder gears when rolling over hills.
Guide to Front Chainring Size
The size of your front chainrings significantly impacts your gear range. Here’s a breakdown of typical chainring sizes and their purposes:
| Chainring Size | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Large – 50-55 teeth | Standard double or triple crankset | High-speed cruising and descending |
| Middle – 42-48 teeth | Standard double or triple crankset | General flat riding at moderate speeds |
| Small – 30-34 teeth | Standard double or triple crankset | Low-speed climbing and off-road riding |
| Single – 40-46 teeth | 1x (single chainring) systems | All-around gear for varied terrain |
Larger chainrings with more teeth provide higher gear ratios, smaller ones easier gear ratios. Select the front ring size based on the speeds or conditions you aim to ride in.
Guide to Rear Cassette Sprocket Size
Like the front chainrings, the size of the rear cassette sprockets also impacts the gear ratio. Here’s an overview of common cassette gear sizes:
| Sprocket Size | Type of Sprocket | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 11-12 teeth | Small sprockets | Very high speeds |
| 13-15 teeth | Mid-range sprockets | Fast road riding |
| 17-19 teeth | Middle sprockets | Moderate speeds on flat terrain |
| 21-25 teeth | Large sprockets | Climbing gears and off-road riding |
| 27-34 teeth | Largest sprockets | Very steep hills and challenging terrain |
Larger rear sprockets provide easier gear ratios, smaller ones harder ratios. Select rear cassette gears according to the conditions and your fitness level.
Fine-Tuning Your Gearing
While the above serves as a general guide, you’ll need to fine-tune your gearing based on factors like fitness, bike specs, and riding preferences. Here are some tips for dialing in your optimal gear ranges:
- Try different chainring-sprocket combinations to understand how cadence and speed change through the gear ratios.
- Use a bike computer or fitness tracker to monitor your RPM and determine ideal gears.
- If you spin out too easily in the hardest gears, switch to larger chainrings.
- If you strain in the easiest gears, install smaller chainrings or larger sprockets.
- Adjust gearing incrementally to avoid drastic changes in pedaling feel.
- Ask fellow riders what gearing works well for them on similar terrain.
With practice and experimentation, you’ll learn which gears enable you to pedal comfortably and efficiently at your desired speeds.
Other Gearing Considerations
In addition to gear ratios, also factor in these variables:
Pedaling style
Your natural pedaling style can influence ideal gearing. Faster spinners may prefer higher cadences in easier gears, while slower grinders do well in bigger gears at lower RPMs.
Fitness level
Stronger cyclists can power bigger gears at lower cadences. Less fit riders often rely on easier gears to maintain RPM. Choose gearing suitable for your fitness.
Bike type
Road bikes accommodate taller gears than mountain bikes. Hybrid and commuter bikes offer a middle ground gearing range. Match your gear ratios to the bike’s intended purpose.
Personal preference
Some riders like to pedal fast, others slowly. Determine what cadence range you find most enjoyable or efficient. Gearing should complement your preferences.
Conclusion
Finding your optimal gearing is a mix of science and personal preference. While the general speed and terrain guidelines provide a starting point, your goals, fitness, bike, and riding style also influence gear choices. Take the time to experiment with different gear combinations across varying speeds and conditions. With practice, you’ll discover the gear ratios that enable you to ride comfortably, efficiently, and enjoyably.