{"id":56845,"date":"2023-11-20T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-11-20T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=316271"},"modified":"2023-11-20T13:46:23","modified_gmt":"2023-11-20T12:46:23","slug":"the-complete-guide-to-bike-gears-bicycle-transmissions-explained","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/the-complete-guide-to-bike-gears-bicycle-transmissions-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"The complete guide to bike gears | Bicycle transmissions explained"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"rssexcerpt\"> A beginner&#8217;s guide to gears and how to use them <\/p><p class=\"rssauthor\">By Benedict Pfender\n                \t\t<\/p><p class=\"rssbyline\">Published: Monday, 20 November 2023 at 12:00 PM<\/p><hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body> <p class=\"firstpara\">All too often you will see people spinning their pedals manically or laboriously grinding their way along, barely able to move the bike. Life would be a little bit easier for these folks if they were using their gears properly.<\/p>\n<p class=\"firstpara\">This is the ultimate guide to what bicycle gears are and how to use the gears on your bike.<\/p>\n<h2>What are gears on a bike?<\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--aspect\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% \/ 1.501210653753);\"> <picture> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=599%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=899%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1199%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=599%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=899%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1199%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1064%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1418%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1064%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1418%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=809%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1214%2C809 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1619%2C1079 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=809%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1214%2C809 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1619%2C1079 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1661%2C1107 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1661%2C1107 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1859%2C1239 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1859%2C1239 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=815%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1223%2C815 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1631%2C1087 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=815%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1223%2C815 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1631%2C1087 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1667%2C1111 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1667%2C1111 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <img class=\"wp-image-698468 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/09\/DSC00225-fcc1e47.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"The Ultegra R8000 rear derailleur allows me to run an 11-30 cassette.\" title=\"DSC00225\"\/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> Gears are your friend.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Gears are one of those <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/when-were-bicycle-gears-invented\/\">lovely inventions<\/a> that enable us to ride faster, climb hills more easily and get a lot more enjoyment out of our riding.<\/p>\n<p>They convert the effort you put in at the pedals to a certain output at your wheel. There\u2019s only so much force your muscles can produce and usually an optimum cadence (how fast you spin your pedals) at which you\u2019ll be most efficient.<\/p>\n<p>Changing your gears based on the terrain and conditions to stay broadly in that band enables you to move forward more efficiently.<\/p>\n<p>There are a few different systems that bikes use to change gears, though by far the most common are derailleur gears.<\/p>\n<h3>Derailleur gears explained<\/h3>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--full\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% * (900 \/ 1352));\"> <picture> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/02_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112008-79q6sn5ngpov-34fc6e2-e1587466123619.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/02_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112008-79q6sn5ngpov-34fc6e2-e1587466123619.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=600%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/02_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112008-79q6sn5ngpov-34fc6e2-e1587466123619.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=900%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/02_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112008-79q6sn5ngpov-34fc6e2-e1587466123619.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1200%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/02_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112008-79q6sn5ngpov-34fc6e2-e1587466123619.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/02_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112008-79q6sn5ngpov-34fc6e2-e1587466123619.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=600%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/02_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112008-79q6sn5ngpov-34fc6e2-e1587466123619.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=900%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/02_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112008-79q6sn5ngpov-34fc6e2-e1587466123619.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1200%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/02_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112008-79q6sn5ngpov-34fc6e2-e1587466123619.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/02_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112008-79q6sn5ngpov-34fc6e2-e1587466123619.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=710%2C473 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/02_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112008-79q6sn5ngpov-34fc6e2-e1587466123619.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1065%2C709 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/02_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112008-79q6sn5ngpov-34fc6e2-e1587466123619.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/02_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112008-79q6sn5ngpov-34fc6e2-e1587466123619.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=710%2C473 2x, 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https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/02_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112008-79q6sn5ngpov-34fc6e2-e1587466123619.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=816%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/02_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112008-79q6sn5ngpov-34fc6e2-e1587466123619.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1224%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/02_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112008-79q6sn5ngpov-34fc6e2-e1587466123619.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/02_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112008-79q6sn5ngpov-34fc6e2-e1587466123619.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=816%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/02_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112008-79q6sn5ngpov-34fc6e2-e1587466123619.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1224%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/02_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112008-79q6sn5ngpov-34fc6e2-e1587466123619.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/02_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112008-79q6sn5ngpov-34fc6e2-e1587466123619.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1112%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/02_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112008-79q6sn5ngpov-34fc6e2-e1587466123619.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/02_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112008-79q6sn5ngpov-34fc6e2-e1587466123619.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1112%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <img class=\"wp-image-316286 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--full no-wrap js-lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/02_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112008-79q6sn5ngpov-34fc6e2-e1587466123619.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"An external drivetrain with a front and rear derailleur\" title=\"02_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112008-79q6sn5ngpov-34fc6e2\"\/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> An external drivetrain with a front and rear derailleur.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Oli Woodman \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>The majority of bikes on the market today sport derailleur gears, which have been refined into simple, lightweight and efficient systems.<\/p>\n<p>Gears are changed on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/workshop\/bike-cassettes\/\">cassette<\/a> (a set of sprockets installed on the rear wheel) by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/a-complete-guide-to-rear-derailleurs\/\">rear derailleur<\/a>. This shifts the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/bicycle-chains\/\">chain<\/a> up or down the cassette. As the derailleur moves to change gear, it forces the chain against ramps or steps, moving it onto a bigger or smaller sprocket.<\/p>\n<p>The bike may also have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/front-derailleur\/\">front derailleur<\/a>, which shifts the chain between chainrings, which are part of the crankset.<\/p>\n<p>The gears at the front provide large jumps, which effectively change the range of your gears, so they are more suited to high-speed, flat-terrain or low-speed climbing. The cassette enables you to select your gear more precisely within that range as you modulate your effort.<\/p>\n<p>You will usually find between one and three chainrings (single, double or triple crankset) and up to 12 sprockets (although 13 exists with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/components\/groupsets\/campagnolo-ekar-groupset-review\/\">Campagnolo Ekar<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/components\/groupsets\/groupset-road\/rotor-1x13-groupset-review\/\">Rotor 1\u00d713<\/a>). That gives you a huge range of gears to choose from.<\/p>\n<h3>What is an internal gear hub on a bike?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--full\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% * (900 \/ 1352));\"> <picture> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=600%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=900%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1200%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=600%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=900%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1200%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=710%2C473 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1065%2C709 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=710%2C473 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1065%2C709 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=810%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1215%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=810%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1215%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1108%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1108%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1240%2C825 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1240%2C825 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=816%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1224%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=816%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1224%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1112%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1112%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <img class=\"wp-image-316290 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--full no-wrap js-lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b-e1587466273759.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"A Shimano Alfine 11-speed hub with Gates Carbon Drive belt\" title=\"03_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112012-nxx5xb8v0jmp-22c8b6b\"\/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> A Shimano Alfine 11-speed hub with Gates Carbon Drive belt.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Jonny Ashelford<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/internal-gear-hubs\/\">Internal gear hubs<\/a> (also known as hub gears) are a popular option for commuters and those who want a robust and relatively maintenance-free drivetrain.<\/p>\n<p>With service intervals ranging between 3,000 and 5,000km, internal gear hubs are great for the less maintenance-inclined.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s also no doubt that derailleurs are relatively exposed and susceptible to damage. Having everything nicely packaged away inside your rear wheel helps you breathe that little bit easier, especially during winter, when keeping gears protected from the elements doesn\u2019t hurt.<\/p>\n<p>There are lots of hub gear options available, but the most common are from Shimano, SRAM, Sturmey-Archer and well-known manufacturer Rohloff.<\/p>\n<p>With systems ranging from three to 14 gears, there\u2019s a wide range of options for whatever terrain you find yourself on.<\/p>\n<p>However, the main drawback is weight. You\u2019re riding around with a small gearbox inside your hub and that in turn contains a lot of metal parts that add substantial heft.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/workshop\/how-to-fix-punctures-on-a-hub-gear-bike\/\">Fixing a puncture<\/a> can also be harder with a hub gear.<\/p>\n<h3>Do bikes have a gearbox? What is a gearbox bike?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--full\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% * (900 \/ 1352));\"> <picture> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=600%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=900%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1200%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=600%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=900%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1200%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=710%2C473 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1065%2C709 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=710%2C473 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1065%2C709 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=810%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1215%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=810%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1215%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1108%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1108%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1240%2C825 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1240%2C825 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=816%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1224%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=816%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1224%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1112%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1112%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <img class=\"wp-image-316296 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--full no-wrap js-lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152-e1587466289781.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"Pinion gearboxes have found a niche mainly on mountain bikes\" title=\"04_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112015-1rgnvg5fcx2g1-a342152\"\/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> Pinion gearboxes have found a niche mainly on mountain bikes.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Mick kirkman \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Part of the problem of a hub gear is that it adds weight at one end of the bike, which can lead to unbalanced handling.<\/p>\n<p>Instead, a gearbox is integrated directly into the frame, with the weight positioned centrally on the bike. The cranks drive the gears directly and the output is converted in the gearbox and then transmitted to the back wheel via a chain.<\/p>\n<p>One of the most exciting developments in recent times is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/pinion-e-drive-gearbox\/\">Pinion E-Drive Motor Gearbox unit<\/a>. However, in general, gearboxes remain a niche in the bike world.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--full\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% * (900 \/ 1352));\"> <picture> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=600%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=900%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1200%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=600%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=900%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1200%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=710%2C473 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1065%2C709 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=710%2C473 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1065%2C709 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=810%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1215%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=810%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1215%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1108%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1108%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1240%2C825 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1240%2C825 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=816%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1224%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=816%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1224%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1112%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1112%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <img class=\"wp-image-316301 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--full no-wrap js-lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5-e1587466342103.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"A Gates Carbon Drive belt requires less maintenance than a traditional chain\" title=\"05_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112019-lbhkt202gsec-2434cf5\"\/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> A Gates Carbon Drive belt requires less maintenance than a traditional chain.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>ASDesign.uk.com<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Both gearboxes and hub gears can also be used with belt drives. This requires even less maintenance than a chain because there are no links to lube, meaning they are also much cleaner than an oily chain.<\/p>\n<p>However, only certain frames are compatible with a belt drive. Because the belt is a continuous loop, the frame requires removable dropouts or a chainstay splitter that enables you to thread the belt into the rear triangle.<\/p>\n<h3>What is an electronic groupset on a bike?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--aspect\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% \/ 1.501210653753);\"> <picture> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=599%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=899%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1199%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=599%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=899%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1199%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1064%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1418%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1064%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1418%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=809%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1214%2C809 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1619%2C1079 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=809%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1214%2C809 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1619%2C1079 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1661%2C1107 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1661%2C1107 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1859%2C1239 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1859%2C1239 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=815%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1223%2C815 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1631%2C1087 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=815%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1223%2C815 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1631%2C1087 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1667%2C1111 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1667%2C1111 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <img class=\"wp-image-680404 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/shimanoultegradi2r8100russburton005-1-542a673.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"Shimano Ultegra R8100 Di2 groupset \u2013 front derailleur\" title=\"Shimano Ultegra R8100 Di2 groupset \u2013 front derailleur\"\/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> Electronic groupsets allow for more consistent shifting.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>The majority of gears on bikes today are actuated by metal cables \u2013 Bowden cables to use their proper name.<\/p>\n<p>However, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/road\/news\/article\/chain-or-belt-drive-which-is-faster-36074\/\">electronic groupsets<\/a> have been on the market for some time now, and are only likely to become more widespread as time goes on.<\/p>\n<p>Instead of cables, the gear is shifted by an electronically controlled motor. The primary benefit is consistency. While cables can develop slop and stretch over time, an electronic drivetrain will maintain accurate shifting in all conditions.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, the drawbacks are that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/bend-in-the-road-suffering-an-electrical\/\">batteries need to be charged <\/a>(though not on a particularly regular basis) and the expense, although prices are slowly creeping down.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--aspect\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% \/ 1.501210653753);\"> <picture> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=599%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=899%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1199%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=599%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=899%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1199%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1064%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1418%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1064%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1418%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=809%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1214%2C809 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1619%2C1079 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=809%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1214%2C809 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1619%2C1079 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1661%2C1107 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2214%2C1476 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1661%2C1107 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2214%2C1476 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1859%2C1239 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2478%2C1652 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1859%2C1239 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2478%2C1652 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=815%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1223%2C815 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1631%2C1087 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=815%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1223%2C815 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1631%2C1087 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1667%2C1111 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2222%2C1481 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1667%2C1111 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2222%2C1481 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <img class=\"wp-image-751964 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/BR8272-f32ac84.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"SRAM Rival eTap AXS rear derailleur and FFWD RYOT 33 wheel against a stone background\" title=\"SRAM Rival eTap AXS rear derailleur and FFWD RYOT 33 wheel against a stone background\"\/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> There\u2019s not a wire in sight with SRAM\u2019s AXS ecosystem.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Shimano, Campagnolo and SRAM all offer electronic groupsets. Both SRAM\u2019s AXS ecosystem and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/road\/news\/article\/chain-or-belt-drive-which-is-faster-36074\/\">Campagnolo Super Record Wireless<\/a> forego wires between the derailleurs.<\/p>\n<p>Shimano\u2019s Di2 ecosystem is semi-wireless \u2013 it\u2019s wireless between the shifter and derailleurs but there is a wire connecting the front and rear derailleurs to the battery.<\/p>\n<h3>What is a singlespeed\/fixed\/fixie bike?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--aspect\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% \/ 1.501210653753);\"> <picture> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1198%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1198%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1618%2C1079 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1618%2C1079 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1660%2C1107 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2214%2C1476 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1660%2C1107 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2214%2C1476 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1858%2C1239 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2478%2C1652 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1858%2C1239 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2478%2C1652 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1630%2C1087 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1630%2C1087 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1666%2C1111 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2221%2C1481 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1666%2C1111 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2221%2C1481 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <img class=\"wp-image-439772 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/Surly-Steamroller-Gravel-Bike-2-38a9f3c-scaled.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"Surly Steamroller Gravel Bike-2\" title=\"Surly Steamroller Gravel Bike-2\"\/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> Fixies cannot freewheel.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Jack Luke \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Of course, you always have the option of just one gear, and that\u2019s how bikes started out.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/road\/news\/article\/chain-or-belt-drive-which-is-faster-36074\/\">Singlespeed bikes<\/a> use a single cog that can freewheel and allows the rear wheel to rotate without the pedals moving.<\/p>\n<p>Fixies are even more rudimentary, with the rear cog \u2018fixed\u2019 in place, meaning if the bike is moving, the drivetrain moves, so you always have to pedal.<\/p>\n<p>The main benefit is simplicity, with low maintenance requirements and cost. However, there\u2019s no doubt singlespeeds have also become quite fashionable.<\/p>\n<p>The key is to choose a gear ratio that is easy enough to get up the steepest hill you\u2019re likely to encounter while being hard enough to avoid spinning out when things get faster.<\/p>\n<h2>How do I use the gears on my bike?<\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--aspect\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% \/ 1.501210653753);\"> <picture> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1198%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?quality=45&amp;resize=1198%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <img class=\"wp-image-750217 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Nukeproof-Digger-RS-V3-10-a59860f.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"Nukeproof Digger RS V3 gravel bike\" title=\"Nukeproof Digger RS V3 - 10\"\/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> It\u2019s all well and good having gears but how do you use them?<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>There\u2019s no use having all these gears if you can\u2019t change them. There are a number of different designs of shifter on the market, which may be operated in slightly different ways, but they\u2019re all fairly intuitive once you get to know them.<\/p>\n<p>Shifters for the front and rear will be separate, located on the left and right of your bars respectively.<\/p>\n<h3>How to use flat-bar\/mountain bike shifters<\/h3>\n<p>Flat bars are common on hybrid\/commuting bikes, as well as mountain bikes. There are a few different shifter designs available.<\/p>\n<h4>How to use a trigger shifter<\/h4>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--full\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% * (900 \/ 1352));\"> <picture> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=600%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=900%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1200%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=600%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=900%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1200%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=710%2C473 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1065%2C709 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=710%2C473 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1065%2C709 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=810%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1215%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=810%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1215%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1108%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1108%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1240%2C825 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1240%2C825 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=816%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1224%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=816%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1224%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1112%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1112%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <img class=\"wp-image-316312 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--full no-wrap js-lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede-e1587466382567.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"Trigger shifters on a Specialized Sirrus commuter bike\" title=\"07_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112026-zyk9x3931e0z-e96bede\"\/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> Trigger shifters on a Specialized Sirrus commuter bike.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Oli Woodman \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Nowadays, the trigger shifter is the most widespread design. It has two levers under the bar, which can be actuated with your thumbs or fingers: one to shift up and one to shift down.<\/p>\n<p>Depending on the design, you may be able to change multiple gears at once or not. Shimano also has some designs that integrate the shifter and brake lever into one unit.<\/p>\n<h4>How to use a grip shifter<\/h4>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--full\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% * (1063 \/ 1597));\"> <picture> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=600%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=900%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1200%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=600%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=900%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1200%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=710%2C473 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1065%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1420%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=710%2C473 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1065%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1420%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=810%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1215%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=810%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1215%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1108%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1108%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1240%2C825 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1240%2C825 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=816%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1224%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=816%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1224%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1112%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1112%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <img class=\"wp-image-316317 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--full no-wrap js-lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641-e1587466402958.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"A grip shift shifter for a Pinion gearbox\" title=\"08_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112030-1pqmoq1treayd-ae07641\"\/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> A grip shifter for a Pinion gearbox<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Jack Luke \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>With a trigger shifter, you can usually only change one gear at a time, but with a grip shift, it\u2019s possible to move through multiple gears very quickly.<\/p>\n<p>The shifter integrates with the grip on your bar, and you change gears up or down by twisting the shifter \u2013 similar to the throttle on a motorbike.<\/p>\n<h4>How to use a thumb shifter<\/h4>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--full\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% * (844 \/ 1268));\"> <picture> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=600%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=900%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1200%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=600%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=900%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1200%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=710%2C473 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1065%2C709 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=710%2C473 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1065%2C709 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=810%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1215%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=810%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1215%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1108%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1108%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1240%2C825 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1240%2C825 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=816%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1224%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=816%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1224%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1112%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1112%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <img class=\"wp-image-316320 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--full no-wrap js-lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09-e1587130176439.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"An old-school thumb shifter\" title=\"09_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112034-jwhjk884csh3-70c6b09\"\/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> An old-school thumb shifter.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Daniel Oines \/ Flickr Creative Commons<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Though a little more old-school, thumb shifters still pop up from time to time.<\/p>\n<p>A lever on top of your bars can be moved clockwise or anti-clockwise to move through your gears.<\/p>\n<p>Modern gears are indexed, meaning a click on the gear shifter corresponds directly to a gear change.<\/p>\n<p>In the past, shifters did not have this defined click and instead, the shifter was held in place by friction and moved continuously until the gear changed. In some rare cases, you may still encounter such thumb shifters.<\/p>\n<h3>How to use road bike shifters<\/h3>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--aspect\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% \/ 1.501210653753);\"> <picture> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1198%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1198%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1618%2C1079 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1618%2C1079 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1660%2C1107 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2214%2C1476 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1660%2C1107 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2214%2C1476 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1858%2C1239 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2478%2C1652 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1858%2C1239 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2478%2C1652 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1630%2C1087 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1630%2C1087 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1666%2C1111 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2221%2C1481 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1666%2C1111 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2221%2C1481 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <img class=\"wp-image-439783 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/04\/FLF-April-2020-4-112c4fa-scaled.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"Weve put together a separate guide on how to use road shifters.\" title=\"FLF April 2020-4\"\/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> We\u2019ve put together a separate guide on how to use road shifters.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Matthew Loveridge \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>You\u2019ll find drop bars on more dedicated <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-road-bikes\/\">road bikes<\/a> aimed at speed rather than all-out comfort. Again, there are a few different designs available.<\/p>\n<p>We have a separate guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/skills\/technique\/how-to-use-road-bike-shifters\/\">how to use road bike shifters<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>How do the gears on my bike work?<\/h2>\n<h3>Gear inches<\/h3>\n<p>Your gears convert your input at the cranks into an output at the back wheel. Your cadence (how quickly you are pedalling) is converted into different speeds at your back wheel depending on whether you are in a high or low gear.<\/p>\n<p>Your gear development \u2013 how far your bike moves with each pedal stroke \u2013 is typically described in gear inches, i.e. how many inches your bike will roll forward with each full rotation of your cranks.<\/p>\n<p>There are a range of <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bikecalc.com\/gear_inches\">online calculators that work this out based on your wheel size, tyre size and chainring\/sprocket sizes.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Gear inches can give you a good idea of how hard or easy the gears are, with ranges around 20 inches being easy, 70 inches being medium and above 100 inches getting quite hard.<\/p>\n<h3>Gear range<\/h3>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--aspect\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% \/ 1.501210653753);\"> <picture> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1198%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1198%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1618%2C1079 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1618%2C1079 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1660%2C1107 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2214%2C1476 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1660%2C1107 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2214%2C1476 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1858%2C1239 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2478%2C1652 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1858%2C1239 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2478%2C1652 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1630%2C1087 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1630%2C1087 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1666%2C1111 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2221%2C1481 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1666%2C1111 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2221%2C1481 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <img class=\"wp-image-391517 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/07\/wilier_cassette-0cd2038.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"Wilier Zero SLR road bike cassette\" title=\"Wilier Zero SLR road bike cassette\"\/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> An 11-28 cassette would have an 11-tooth smallest cog and a 28-tooth largest.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <a class=\"im-image-caption\" href=\"http:\/\/Aoife%20Glass%20\/%20Immediate%20Media%20co\"><strong>Aoife Glass \/ Immediate Media co<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Gear range is often specified as a percentage that describes the overall range offered by the system. That means a 300 per cent range would offer a 3:1 ratio. Pedalling in the highest gear would move you three times as far forward per pedal stroke as in the lowest gear.<\/p>\n<p>For external drivetrains, the gear range can be calculated by taking the ratio of the largest and smallest chainring teeth at the crankset multiplied by the ratio of the largest and smallest sprocket on the cassette.<\/p>\n<p>The cassette specs will typically be identified by the smallest and largest sprocket. Thus an 11-28t cassette would denote a cassette with a smallest 11-tooth and largest 28-tooth sprocket.<\/p>\n<p>Cranks come in a number of forms for road bikes, including standard, compact, super-compact and triple.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--full\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% * (1063 \/ 1597));\"> <picture> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=600%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=900%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1200%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=600%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=900%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1200%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=710%2C473 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1065%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1420%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=710%2C473 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1065%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1420%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=810%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1215%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=810%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1215%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1108%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1108%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1240%2C825 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1240%2C825 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=816%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1224%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=816%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1224%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1112%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1112%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <img class=\"wp-image-302447 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--full no-wrap js-lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5-e1587466864664.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"I'm a sucker for old-school polished cranks\" title=\"04_cecil_the_tandem-1500377411894-yhfv2752ao4h-1749fd5\"\/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> A triple crankset has three chainrings.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Jack Luke \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>A triple crankset has three chainrings. While this was once the most widely used type of crankset, now it is found mainly on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-touring-bike-how-to-choose-the-right-one-for-you\/\">touring bikes<\/a> or for hilly terrain, where you require a very wide range of gears.<\/p>\n<p>Much more usual nowadays are bikes with two chainrings. These will come either on a standard or compact crankset, generally with 53\/39t, 52\/36t or 50\/34t respectively. The standard is more suited to high speeds with the larger chainrings.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/what-is-a-compact-crank\/\">compact provides a larger range and slightly easier <\/a>gearing that is well suited for most cases for riding both at speed and climbing steep inclines.<\/p>\n<p>On occasion, you may also find a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/road\/super-compact-chainsets-the-next-big-thing-for-road-cyclists\/\">super-compact crankset<\/a>, which uses even lower ratios than the compact chainset, making the bike more suited to climbing.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--aspect\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% \/ 1.501210653753);\"> <picture> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1198%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1198%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <img class=\"wp-image-435561 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Specialized-Enduro-Comp-04-1aab9db.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"SRAM NX Eagle gears on full suspension mountain bike\" title=\"Specialized Enduro Comp 04\"\/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> 1x gearing is increasingly common on both mountain and gravel bikes.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Dan Milner\/MBUK<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Mountain bike cranksets tend to use even smaller chainrings to deal with steep and off-road terrain. It\u2019s also now the norm to see most <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-mountain-bike\/\">mountain bikes<\/a> and many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-gravel-bikes\/\">gravel bikes<\/a> equipped with a single chainring up-front.<\/p>\n<p>This is usually paired with a wide-range cassette at the rear. This arrangement is referred to as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/1x-drivetrains\/\">1x (one by) setup<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>To figure out the number of gears you have, simply multiply the number of chainrings at the front by the number of cogs on your cassette at the back.<\/p>\n<p>However, the number of gears can be a bit of a misnomer because similar gears may be duplicated depending on which chainring\/sprocket combination you are using. Likewise, it may be inadvisable to use certain gear combinations because they can put the chain at an extreme angle.<\/p>\n<p>For gear hubs and gearboxes, manufacturers will typically specify the range. For example, a 14-speed Rohloff hub has a 526 per cent range, while a Pinion P1.12 gearbox has a massive 600 per cent range.<\/p>\n<h2>What gear should I be in?<\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--aspect\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% \/ 1.501210653753);\"> <picture> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=599%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=899%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1199%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=599%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=899%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1199%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1064%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1418%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1064%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1418%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=809%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1214%2C809 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1619%2C1079 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=809%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1214%2C809 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1619%2C1079 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1661%2C1107 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2214%2C1476 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1661%2C1107 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2214%2C1476 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1859%2C1239 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2478%2C1652 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1859%2C1239 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2478%2C1652 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=815%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1223%2C815 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1631%2C1087 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=815%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1223%2C815 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1631%2C1087 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1667%2C1111 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2222%2C1481 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1667%2C1111 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2222%2C1481 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <img class=\"wp-image-752238 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/RussellBurton202310252DX1100-5b42404.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"Oscar Huckle riding Marin Headlands 2 on a gravel road\" title=\"Oscar Huckle riding Marin Headlands 2 on a gravel road\"\/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> You\u2019ll want to aim for a cadence between 70 and 100rpm.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Russell Burton \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Gears are all about being efficient.<\/p>\n<p>Imagine trying to pedal up a steep hill in a high gear. You would have to push incredibly hard on the pedals and grind your way up the hill.<\/p>\n<p>Instead, in a lower gear your force input at the pedals is lower, but as a result you can spin faster.<\/p>\n<p>Your energy input in each case is roughly the same. The work done is equal to the force times the distance \u2013 so if you halve the force input required, you\u2019ll be pedalling twice as fast.<\/p>\n<p>However, there\u2019s a limit to how much force your legs can generate (and your knees can take), so there comes a point where it\u2019s preferable to shift gears to reduce the required force input and increase your cadence.<\/p>\n<p>The point about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/fitness-and-training\/cycling-knee-pain-the-problem-areas\/\">knee injuries<\/a> really is a key one. It\u2019s much nicer on your body to have to push relatively lightly (but more quickly) rather than having to grind your way along.<\/p>\n<p>Conversely, there also comes a point where spinning any faster becomes inefficient and can even unbalance you. It makes sense to shift into a higher gear again in order to reduce your cadence.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll quickly get a feel for what works for you, but the key is to strike a balance between having to push too hard or spinning far too quickly, enabling you to pedal smoothly. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/fitness-and-training\/how-to-improve-your-cadence\/\">ideal cadence will be very personal but is often considered to be in the 70 to 100rpm range.<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>When should I shift my gears?<\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--aspect\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% \/ 1.501210653753);\"> <picture> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=599%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=899%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1199%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=599%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=899%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1199%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1064%2C709 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1064%2C709 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=809%2C539 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=809%2C539 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=815%2C543 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=815%2C543 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <img class=\"wp-image-436256 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-10-720e6ae.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"Male cyclist in camouflage top riding a Bergamont Contrail Pro full suspension mountain bike\" title=\"Bergamont Contrail Pro 10\"\/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> Anticipation is the key to effective use of your gears.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Dan Milner \/ BikeRadar<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>The key thing with shifting gears is anticipation. Look ahead and try to predict how your speed will change and how you are likely to need to change gears.<\/p>\n<p>As you come to a tight corner, anticipate that you will need to slow down and shift into a lower gear so you can accelerate out of the corner more easily.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re riding up a hill or into the wind, your perceived effort will increase, so it makes sense to shift to a lower gear to account for that.<\/p>\n<p>Equally, if you need to stop at some traffic lights, shift into an easier gear so you can set off more easily when the lights turn green.<\/p>\n<p>One big no-no is that you shouldn\u2019t shift when you\u2019re at a standstill with an external drivetrain. Always ensure you are pedalling to perform smooth shifts and shift gradually across the range of gears to find the right one.<\/p>\n<p>Another thing to avoid is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/workshop\/cross-chaining\/\">cross-chaining<\/a>. If you have multiple chainrings, it\u2019s best to avoid being in a small-small or large-large sprocket-chainring combination.<\/p>\n<p>The extreme angles this puts the chain at can result in increased wear and high loads on the drivetrain.<\/p>\n<p>Conversely, hub gears or gearboxes can usually be shifted when at a standstill. In fact, they\u2019re often quite sensitive to shifting under load, so it helps to \u2018unload\u2019 your cranks slightly when shifting.<\/p>\n<h2>How to clean your drivetrain<\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--full\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% * (1169 \/ 1757));\"> <picture> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=600%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=900%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1200%2C798 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=600%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=900%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1200%2C798 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=710%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1065%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1420%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=710%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1065%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1420%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=810%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1215%2C808 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1620%2C1078 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=810%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1215%2C808 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1620%2C1078 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1108%2C737 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1662%2C1106 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1108%2C737 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1662%2C1106 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1240%2C825 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1240%2C825 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=816%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1224%2C814 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1632%2C1086 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=816%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1224%2C814 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1632%2C1086 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1112%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1668%2C1110 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1112%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1668%2C1110 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <img class=\"wp-image-316325 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--full no-wrap js-lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/11_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112041-14i05u26hnwyx-49e1f5f-e1587467281368.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"Dirty bicycle chain.\" title=\"Dirty bicycle chain.\"\/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> Don\u2019t let your chain get this dirty, it will just wear out your other drivetrain components.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Colin Levitch \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>The key to keeping your gears running nicely is to ensure you keep them clean and well maintained. In fact, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/road\/news\/article\/chain-or-belt-drive-which-is-faster-36074\/\">cleaning your bike<\/a> in general helps you keep on top of maintenance and enables you to identify any potential issues before they become more serious.<\/p>\n<p>As we\u2019ve already covered, hub gears tend to be lower-maintenance, though you may still have to adjust cable tension because it stretches gradually over time.<\/p>\n<p>General maintenance such as this works wonders in the long run because a well-adjusted and maintained bike is kinder on your components overall.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve put together a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/workshop\/how-to-adjust-the-gears-on-your-bike\/\">guide on how to adjust the gears on your bike.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s also critical to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/workshop\/how-to-clean-a-bike-chain\/\">clean your chain<\/a>, by degreasing and lubing it regularly.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--full\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% * (900 \/ 1352));\"> <picture> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=600%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=900%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1200%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=600%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=900%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1200%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=710%2C473 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1065%2C709 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=710%2C473 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1065%2C709 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=810%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1215%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=810%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1215%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1108%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1108%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1240%2C825 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1240%2C825 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=816%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1224%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=816%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1224%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1112%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"> <source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1112%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> <img class=\"wp-image-316328 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--full no-wrap js-lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e-e1587467365935.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"It's easy to check your chain for wear and there are lots of tools on the\" title=\"12_bicycle_drivetrain_explained-1542889112045-kp8djhdbh91u-961fb4e\"\/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> It\u2019s easy to check your chain for wear and there are lots of tools available.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>David Rome \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Finally, we would recommend <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/workshop\/how-to-know-when-its-time-to-replace-your-bicycle-chain\/\">checking your chain for wear regularly<\/a> with a dedicated chain checker. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/workshop\/how-to-replace-a-bicycle-chain\/\">Replacing a chain<\/a> is much cheaper than replacing other worn-out components on your bike.<\/p>\n<p>Equipped with this knowledge, get out there and start using your gears. You\u2019ll be flying up the hills in no time at all.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p> A beginner&#8217;s guide to gears and how to use them <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":56846,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"15"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/11\/the-complete-guide-to-bike-gears-bicycle-transmissions-explained-scaled.jpg",2560,1707,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/11\/the-complete-guide-to-bike-gears-bicycle-transmissions-explained-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/11\/the-complete-guide-to-bike-gears-bicycle-transmissions-explained-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/11\/the-complete-guide-to-bike-gears-bicycle-transmissions-explained-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/11\/the-complete-guide-to-bike-gears-bicycle-transmissions-explained-1024x683.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/11\/the-complete-guide-to-bike-gears-bicycle-transmissions-explained-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/11\/the-complete-guide-to-bike-gears-bicycle-transmissions-explained-2048x1365.jpg",2048,1365,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"A beginner's guide to gears and how to use them","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/56845"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/56846"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=56845"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=56845"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}