Mountain Bike
Posted October 20, 2010
By admin
How Mountain Bike Gears Work
The gears in mountain bikes just keep getting more and more intricate. The bikes of today have as many as 27 gear ratios. A mountain bike will use a combination of three different sized sprockets in front and nine in the back to produce gear ratios.
The idea behind all these gears is to allow the rider to crank the pedals at a constant pace no matter what kind of slope the bike is on. You can understand this better by picturing a bike with just a single gear. Each time you rotate the pedals one turn, the rear wheel would rotate one turn as well (1:1 gear ratio).
If the rear wheel is 26 inches in diameter, then with 1:1 gearing, one full twist on the pedals would result in the wheel covering 81.6 inches of ground. If you are pedaling at a speed of 50 RPM, this means that the bike can cover over 340 feet of ground per minute. This is only 3.8 MPH, which is the equivalence of walking speed. This is ideal for climbing a steep hill, although bad for ground or going downhill.
To go faster you’ll need a different ratio. To ride downhill at 25 MPH with a 50 RPM cadence at the pedals, you’ll need a 5.6:1 gear ratio. A bike with a lot of gears will give you a large number of increments between a 1:1 gear ratio and a 6.5:1 gear ratio so that you can always pedal at 50 RPM, no matter how fast you are actually going.
On a normal 27 speed mountain bike, six of the gear ratios are so close to each other that you can’t notice any difference between them.
With actual use, bike riders tend to choose a front sprocket suitable for the slope they are riding on and stick with it, although the front sprocket can be difficult to shift under heavy load. It’s much easier to shit between the gears on the rear.
If you are cranking up a hill, it’s best to choose the smallest sprocket on the front then shift between the nine gears available on the rear. The more speeds you have on the back sprocket, the bigger advantage you’ll have.
All in all, gears are very important to mountain bikes as they dictate your overall speed. Without gears you wouldn’t be able to build speed nor would you be able to pound pedals. The gears will move the pedals and help you build up speed.
There are all types of gears available in mountain bikes, all of which will help you build up a lot of momentum if you use them the right way.
About the Author
Webmaster of http://www.mtbshop.us/
Mountain Bike (Trials Bike) Trickster – Danny Macaskill
|
|
All Wheel Drive Christini Mountain Bike – Last production unit! $25,000.00 |
|
|
Scott Spark LTD custom 20,0 lbs, THM, DT SWISS, KCNC $12,000.00 |
|
|
Phill Wood Mountain Bike $9,800.00 |
|
|
S-Works Epic Carbon 29 XTR (Large) $7,500.00 |
|
|
SPECIALIZED S WORKS EPIC 29 CARBON FIBER MOUNTAIN BIKE $7,499.99 |
|
|
New Cello Titanium Mountain Bicycle, XTR, 9.48kg, 10s, 15″ $6,899.00 |
|
|
Ellsworth Epiphany 18″ Black Gold 2012 Mountain Bike Sram XX **SHOW BIKE** NEW $6,995.00 |
|
|
HPC XC-4 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 4000W POWER SYSTEM & 21″ FRAME $6,634.00 |
|
|
HPC XC-4 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 4000W POWER SYSTEM & 17″ FRAME $6,599.00 |
|
|
HPC XC-4 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 4000W POWER SYSTEM & 19″ FRAME $6,599.00 |
|
|
2012 Cannondale Flash Carbon 29 Ultimate Medium ENVE XTR BB30 LEFTY MAGURA $6,500.00 |
|
|
THE BEST TREK SUPERFLY ON EBAY $6,500.00 |
|
|
HPC XC-3 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 4000W POWER SYSTEM & 21″ FRAME $6,134.00 |
|
|
HPC XC-3 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 4000W POWER SYSTEM & 17″ FRAME $6,099.00 |
|
|
HPC XC-3 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 4000W POWER SYSTEM & 19″ FRAME $6,099.00 |
|
|
HPC XC-4 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 3500W MOTOR 78V BATTERY & 21″ FRAME $6,034.00 |
|
|
HPC XC CARBON ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 2500W MOTOR, 51V BATTERY & 21″ FRAME $6,034.00 |
|
|
HPC XC-4 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 3500W MOTOR 78V BATTERY & 17″ FRAME $5,999.00 |
|
|
HPC XC-4 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 3500W MOTOR 78V BATTERY & 19″ FRAME $5,999.00 |
|
|
HPC XC CARBON ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 2500W MOTOR, 51V BATTERY & 17″ FRAME $5,999.00 |
|
|
HPC XC CARBON ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 2500W MOTOR, 51V BATTERY & 19″ FRAME $5,999.00 |
|
|
2011 Specialized S-Works Epic 29er Sram XX Roval Carbon Wheels Size: Medium $5,999.00 |
|
|
Moots Mooto XZ 19 Frame $5,700.00 |
|
|
Scott Addict R2 2011 Perfect Condition only riding 200km $5,450.00 |
|
|
Pinarello FV4 XO Mountain Bike 18″ Full Carbon MTB Red / White / Carbon $5,500.00 |
|
|
HPC XC-2 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 4000W POWER SYSTEM & 21″ FRAME $5,534.00 |
|
|
HPC XC-3 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 3500W MOTOR 78V BATTERY & 21″ FRAME $5,534.00 |
|
|
Specialized S-WORKS Epic 29 2011 small Carbon Fiber frame $5,500.00 |
|
|
HPC XC-2 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 4000W POWER SYSTEM & 17″ FRAME $5,499.00 |
|
|
HPC XC-2 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 4000W POWER SYSTEM & 19″ FRAME $5,499.00 |
|
|
HPC XC-3 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 3500W MOTOR 78V BATTERY & 17″ FRAME $5,499.00 |
|
|
HPC XC-3 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 3500W MOTOR 78V BATTERY & 19″ FRAME $5,499.00 |
|
|
2012 Intense M9 Custom Fox 40 Downhill Loaded Deity Sram I9 Industry Nine $5,499.99 |
|
|
customer Epic(M) about 2 month old $5,200.00 |
|
|
2012 TREK FUEL EX 9.9 CARBON FOX TALAS 32 RLC KASHIMA SRAM XX 2/10 IBIS MOJO $5,290.00 |
|
|
HPC HT-3 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 4000W POWER SYSTEM & 21″ FRAME $5,274.00 |
|
|
HPC HT-3 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 4000W POWER SYSTEM & 17″ FRAME $5,239.00 |
|
|
HPC HT-3 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 4000W POWER SYSTEM & 19″ FRAME $5,239.00 |
|
|
Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 2 full suspension mountain bike large new $5,300.00 |
|
|
HPC XC-1 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 4000W POWER SYSTEM & 21″ FRAME $5,184.00 |
|
|
TREK 9.9 SSL ELITE 2010 HARDTAIL OCLV RED 17.5″ $5,100.00 |
|
|
HPC XC-1 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 4000W POWER SYSTEM & 17″ FRAME $5,149.00 |
|
|
HPC XC-1 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 4000W POWER SYSTEM & 19″ FRAME $5,149.00 |
|
|
HPC XC-4 ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 2500W MOTOR, 51V BATTERY & 21″ FRAME $5,134.00 |
|
|
HPC XC-4 ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 2500W MOTOR, 51V BATTERY & 17″ FRAME $5,099.00 |
|
|
HPC XC-4 ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 2500W MOTOR, 51V BATTERY & 19″ FRAME $5,099.00 |
|
|
2011 Specialized S-Works Epic 29er Carbon – Large $5,000.00 |
|
|
2011 Trek Top Fuel 9.9 SSL Full Suspension Mountain Bike – Large $5,000.00 |
|
|
Intense Carbine Tracer, All XO 2/10, Fox Talas 160/20mm, Crank Brothers $5,100.00 |
|
|
New GT Sanction 1.0 Matt Silver, Shimano Saint, XS(16.9″) $4,499.00 |
|
|
NEW – 2009 Santa Cruz Blur LT – Fully CUSTOM, Size Large (19″), all ACCESSORIES $4,995.00 |
|
|
HPC HT-2 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 4000W POWER SYSTEM & 21″ FRAME $4,934.00 |
|
|
HPC XC-2 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 3500W MOTOR 78V BATTERY & 21″ FRAME $4,934.00 |
|
|
HPC HT-2 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 4000W POWER SYSTEM & 17″ FRAME $4,899.00 |
|
|
HPC HT-2 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 4000W POWER SYSTEM & 19″ FRAME $4,899.00 |
|
|
HPC XC-2 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 3500W MOTOR 78V BATTERY & 17″ FRAME $4,899.00 |
|
|
HPC XC-2 EXTREME ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 3500W MOTOR 78V BATTERY & 19″ FRAME $4,899.00 |
|
|
Super RARE ROTWILD R.GT2 CARBON LEFTY SRAM AVID Project $4,999.00 |
|
|
BMC Four Stroke FS01 Large Frameset + XTR Group + Custom Build – NEW OTHER $4,900.00 |
|
|
HPC XC-4 ELECTRIC 26″ BIKE BICYCLE – 2000W MOTOR, 51V BATTERY & 21″ FRAME $4,734.00 |
|
|
Stanley Outdoor Vacuum Drink-Thru Bottle 16 ounce/ 473ml $26.56 The Stanley(r) Outdoor Drink-Thru bottle with a double-wall, vacuum-insulated rugged steel design is leak proof and packable. It combines the sealing function of a bottle with the drinkability of a mug…. |
|
|
Mountain Bike Pint Glasses – Set of Four $34.00 Enjoy your re-carb beverage of choice in these fun pint glasses…. |
|
|
Bike Chain Bottle Opener $10.00 These bottle openers are ingeniously green. They’re made from recycled parts of the millions of bicycles thrown away each year. Perfect for poppin’ and good for the soul…. |
|
|
NWD 6 Unchained Biking DVD $16.95 Freeride Entertainment keepin it real with badass riding by the best in the biz. Special double dvd featuring over 2 hours of riding and extras. Once again, our cinees have scoured the earth hitting all the crucial destinations and competitions worldwide: Monsterpark, Bolivia, Utah, Crankworx, BC Canada, Adidas Slopestyle, and Mexico…. |
|
|
Adrenaline Rush (dirt ramps,street ramps,flat land tricks and mountain biking) $5.43 ADRENALINE RUSH – DVD Movie… |
|
|
Manitou Marvel Pro 26 Fork 100mm White QR Tapered $411.87 Manitou Marvel Suspension ForksAll 2012 Manitou forks are convertible to MILO remote lockout lever by using FK5510Item SpecificationsColorWhiteBrake Usage F/RFrontCrown Race30.0Steerer Tube Length265mmBrake TypeDiscWheel Size26″Fork Travel100mmFront Hub Spacing100mmFront Axle Type9x1SpringAirWheel Mount Center Offset0mmLockoutCrown MountedDefined ColorWhiteS.H.I.S. Clamp Diameter28.6Item NameMarve… |
|
|
Train Right Mountain Biking [VHS] $1.29 Dean Golich reveals the secrets and techniques he uses with some of the top mountain bikers in the world, including the Trek-VW professional mountain bike team. These workouts have been designed to maximize your training time and your athletic potential. In only a 60-minute workout, you will develop your VO2 system and improve your ability to handle the physiological demands of mountain bike rac… |
|
|
Transcontinental Headliners 2 (mountain bike) [VHS] $14.95 … |
|
|
Lombardo Shavano 26 Mountain Bike $470.99 Everyday riders and weekend warriors alike will enjoy riding the Lombardo Shavano 26 mountain bike. The Shavano 26 is a lightweight, low-framed mountain bike excellent for hitting the trails. |
|
|
SpareHand Elevation 4 Bike Tilt-Down Hitch Rack (fit 1-1/4 & 2 inch receiver) $169.99 This is one of our many innovative transportation racks and it is a perfect way and safest way to transport your bikes. Cradle tubes are approximately 9″ apart. This will fit most mountain bikes, road bikes, and kids bikes. |
|
|
Extreme Mountain Biking (Hardcover) $26.71 “Explores the sport of extreme mountain biking”–Provided by publisher. |
|
|
Falcon Guide Mountain Biking Moab $8.69 The Mountain Biking Moab Pocket Guide gives fat-tire enthusiasts the skinny on where to ride in this southwestern Mecca for mountain biking. The best rides around Moab, in Canyonlands and Arches national parks, high in the La Sals, and along the C… |
|
|
The Art of Mountain Biking (Paperback) $13.09 An unprecedented new look at mountain biking and trail riding techniques from the author of The Art of Cycling  Riding obs… |
|
|
Mountain Biking (Hardcover) $25.29 “Explains the sport of Mountain Biking (MTB), including the different types of riding, such as cross-country, downhill, North Shore, and marathon. Describes mountain bikes and the features that make one bike better for a riding style than another. Incl… |
|
|
The Mountain Biking Pocket Guide (Paperback) $10.26 From the author of The Mountain Bike Skills Manual, thistake-along guidehas everything you need to know when you`re out on your mountain bike. Mountain bike racer and trainer, Clive Forth,emphasizes pr… |
|
|
Wild Mountain Biking (Hardcover) $25.29 Description not available. |
|
|
Mountain Biking (Hardcover) $21.65 Description not available. |
|
|
Bicycling Magazine’s Mountain Biking Skills $9.85 Description not available. |
|
|
Mountain Biking 2013 Calendar (Calendar) $11.07 Description not available. |
|
|
Hiking and Biking Peru`s Inca Trails (Paperback) $15.94 Description not available. |
|
|
Bradt Travel Guide Tibet (Paperback) $20.3 Exploring ethnic Tibet independently is a challenge – the ‘land of snows’ possesses some of the wildest and roughest road routes in high Asia. Motoring, mountain-biking … |
|
|
Super Fast, Out of Control! (Paperback) $3.95 Afraid of his new mountain bike, third-grader Marvin finds himself in a desperate situation when he accepts a challenge to ride down Suicide Hill. |
|
|
Cycling (Hardcover) $25.29 “An introduction to a variety of cycling events of the summer Olympics, including road racing, time trials, triathalon, mountain biking, BMX racing, and more. Also explains rules, records, and famous Olympic cyclists”–Provided by publisher. |
|
|
The Ultimate Guide to Trail Running (Paperback) $13.29 Trail running combines all the health and fitness benefits of walking and road running with the outdoor adventure of sports such as hiking and mountain biking-not to mention the spiritual renewal from a day spen… |
|
|
Bike Magazine, 8 issues for 1 year(s) $13.69 Bike Magazine captures the moments, personalities, trends and issues that define the sport of mountain biking. The editors test bikes and equipment in every issue and give insight to the best places to ride, how to get there, and valuable travel tips |
|
|
Bicycling, 11 issues for 1 year(s) $19.94 Bicycling magazine is the world’s #1 road and mountain biking magazine. Since 1962, Bicycling has been inspiring people to get the most out of their cycling passion. Each action-packed issue is filled with proven secrets to go faster, stronger a… |
|
|
Where to Bike Los Angeles Mtb (Spiral) $17.33 Mountain biking is a popular pursuit for thousands of folks in the greater LA area. It’s free, healthy, environmentally friendly, sustainable and there are plenty of trails to be ridden. This book will tell you Where to Bike?… |
|
|
Frommers Peru (Paperback) $14.71 Expert advice on the best jungle cruises, trekking, mountain biking, and surfing. Tips on exploring Lima, the Central Coast & Highlands, Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, Colca Canyon and Amazon… |
|
|
Trouble in the Hills (Mixed media product) $9.85 After a fight with his father, Cam takes to the hills that surround his small, mountain community where an error in judgment leads to a serious mountain biking accident. As he slowly makes his way back to town over cold, inhospitable terrain, h… |