How Do Gears Work on a Mountain Bike: A Beginner’s Guide to Cycling Efficiency
Gears on a mountain bike work by changing the ratio between the number of teeth on the chainring (the front gear) and the cassette (the rear gears). By shifting between different combinations of chainring and cassette gears, the rider can vary the mechanical advantage of the bike, making it easier or harder to pedal depending on the terrain and their fitness level. Larger gears provide higher mechanical advantage and are used for climbing, while smaller gears provide lower mechanical advantage and are used for speed on flat or downhill terrain.