Correct Way To Use a Bicycle Gear System
A bicycle derailleur system generally consists of shifters, derailleurs, a chain, and a freewheel. By operating the shifters, the position of the chain between different sized freewheels can be changed, thereby adjusting the gear ratio and achieving different speeds and riding experiences. From gear selection to practical techniques, proper use can improve riding efficiency by 50%.
I. More Gears Are Not Always Better
The core of a derailleur system is the combination of the chainring and the freewheel. Gears = Number of chainrings × Number of freewheel sprockets. Usage Scenarios:
1. Entry-level Gears (18-speed, 21-speed): Mostly found on commuter bikes or entry-level mountain bikes, suitable for urban commuting and riding on flat roads. Advantages include simple structure, low failure rate, and low maintenance costs.
2. Advanced Gears (24-speed, 27-speed): The mainstream configuration for mid-range mountain bikes. They allow for easy climbing with a smaller chainring and a larger freewheel, and acceleration on flat roads with a larger chainring and a smaller freewheel, suitable for diverse scenarios such as suburban riding and light off-road riding.
3. Professional-grade groupsets (30 speeds and above): Exclusively for high-end mountain bikes and road bikes, with 10 or more sprockets on the cassette, some even offering 12 speeds. Suitable for professional cyclists or racing scenarios. However, the structure is complex, and maintenance requires specialized tools.
Tips: Groupets are only a "basic configuration"; the smoothness of the shifting system depends more on the brand of the components and the tuning process.
II. The "Golden Shifting Rules" for 3 Scenarios
1. Climbing: Shift gears in advance, don't wait until you "can't ride anymore"
Anticipate in advance and gradually shift gears: 10-20 meters before the uphill section, gradually switch to a combination of a smaller chainring and a larger cassette to keep pedaling effortless; during the climb, if you feel the effort becoming heavier, gradually switch to a larger cassette, avoiding jumping too many speeds at once.
2. Flat Roads: "Gradual Progression" to Find an "Efficient Cadence"
The core of riding on flat roads is "maintaining a stable cadence" (60-90 revolutions per minute): Start with a "middle chainring + middle cassette" (choose the middle chainring and the 4th-5th cassette on the cassette) for an easy start, then gradually switch to a "large chainring + small cassette." Once speed is stable, find a gear ratio that allows for effortless pedaling and a consistent cadence, and maintain a steady pace.
3. Downhill/Sprint: Utilize "High Gear Ratios"
When going downhill, gravity will accelerate the bike. Instead of pedaling aggressively, switch to a high gear ratio with a "large chainring + small cassette" to allow the wheels to accelerate naturally. Maintain a light pedaling pace. For sprinting and overtaking, switch to a high gear ratio 20 meters in advance. Utilizing momentum will quickly increase speed, which is more efficient than sudden acceleration.
III. Common Shifting Mistakes Made by 90% of People
Mistake 1: Forcing a shift while the chain is pulled at an angle: For example, using the "largest chainring + largest cassette" or "smallest chainring + smallest cassette" will cause the chain to tilt severely. Shifting in this way can easily cause the chain to jam into the frame or even bend the shift lever. The correct approach is to avoid "extreme gear ratio combinations" and retain 1-2 gears for buffer.
Mistake 2: Squeezing the shift lever too hard: Applying excessive force when shifting will cause a sudden change in the tension of the shift cable, which will accelerate the wear of the shifting components over time.
Mistake 3: Lack of maintenance leading to shifting difficulties: If the pulleys and chain of the shifting system are dusty or rusty, it will cause shifting to be uneven. It is recommended to clean the chain with a special cleaning agent every month and lubricate the pulleys every 3 months to keep the shifting system smooth.
The shifting system is like the "gearbox" of a bicycle. Learning to use it correctly can significantly improve your riding experience. If you have any specific questions about shifting operation, please leave a message in the comments section, and we will answer them with factory test data!
