Start here
Bike Gears Explained with a Diagram
A plain-text diagram of a bike's gears: chainrings, cassette, derailleurs and shifters, which gears are easy or hard, and how to shift smoothly.
Chains, Gears & Brakes
Bike Gears
6 guides, starting with Bike Gears Explained with a Diagram.
Bike Gear Names: Chainrings, Cogs and Sprockets
Learn what each part of a bike's gear system is called, from chainrings and cassettes to derailleurs, and how gear, cog and sprocket differ.
Can You Add Gears to a Single Speed Bike? What It Takes
Yes, often you can. Compare internal hub and derailleur conversions, what to check on your frame first, and when it may not be worth the cost.
How Many Gears Does a Road Bike Have?
Most modern road bikes have around 22 to 24 gears, but the real number is smaller. See how it is counted and how 52/36 and 50/34 chainrings differ.
Which Bike Gears to Use on Hills
Use an easier gear for climbing: a smaller chainring and a larger rear cog. Learn when to shift, how to pedal, and what to do if hills still feel too hard.
Why Your Bike Gears Keep Slipping
Gears slipping or skipping under load? Learn the usual causes, from a worn chain to cable tension and a bent hanger, plus basic fixes to try first.
Related topics
More in chains, gears & brakes
Chain Care 6 guides, starting with How Often Should You Lube a Bike Chain?. Chain Fixes 7 guides, starting with Why Your Bike Chain Keeps Coming Off. Brake Types & Upgrades 4 guides, starting with Bike Brake Types Compared. Brake Troubleshooting 5 guides, starting with How to Adjust Rear Bike Brakes: Rim and Disc Setups.