Understanding High Gears on Bikes

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In summary, the use of gears on bikes allows for a range of wheel speeds while maintaining a comfortable pedaling rate. This is achieved by delivering power at a maximum rate, where power is calculated by speed times force. Higher gears allow for a higher force and lower speed, which is beneficial for riding at higher speeds.
  • #1
dEdt
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Why do bikes have higher gears? At a higher gear, I'm still pedaling with the same force, but at a lower speed, so my power output is lower. What's the advantage of higher gears?
 
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  • #2
In a higher gear, you would be pedaling with more force (more torque). The advantage of a higher gear is it keeps the rate of rotation near what is optimal for a rider at higher speeds. Wiki article:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_gearing
 
  • #3
Gears allow you to go at a range of wheel speeds whilst your legs are going at the same (comfortable) rate. You can only deliver power at a given maximum rate. Power is speed times force. So you can deliver, to the wheels, a high force at low speed (uphill) and a smaller force at high speed (going downhill) whilst your legs are working at the same rate.
 

1. What are high gears on a bike?

High gears on a bike refer to the larger chainring and smaller cassette cog combinations that allow for higher speeds and more resistance while pedaling.

2. When should I use high gears on my bike?

High gears are typically used when riding on flat or downhill terrain, or when you want to go faster with less effort. They are not recommended for climbing steep hills.

3. How do I shift into high gears on my bike?

To shift into high gears on your bike, you will need to use the right shifter on your handlebars. This will move the chain onto the larger chainring and a smaller cog on the cassette, creating a higher gear.

4. Why do some bikes have more high gears than others?

The number of high gears on a bike depends on the number of chainrings and cogs on the cassette. Bikes with more chainrings and cogs will have a wider range of high gears to choose from.

5. Can using high gears damage my bike?

Using high gears on your bike should not cause any damage as long as you are shifting correctly and not putting excessive strain on the chain and gears. However, constantly riding in high gears can lead to faster wear and tear on your bike's components.

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