How Mountain Bike Gears Work: A Comprehensive Guide
Mountain bike gears work by using a series of different-sized front chainrings and rear cogs to alter the pedaling resistance and speed. Larger front chainrings provide greater resistance, requiring more effort, but also making the bike go faster. Smaller front chainrings make the pedaling easier but reduce the speed. Rear cogs add to the range of gear ratios by offering multiple options for each front chainring size. The rider changes gears by shifting the chain onto different front chainrings or rear cogs using the shifters on the handlebars, which moves the chain from one gear to another.