Gears(617 products)
Gears for every bicycle
Derailleur gears versus hub gears
There are two main types of gear systems on bicycles. Derailleur gears use a rear derailleur and cassette and are found on road bikes and mountain bikes. Hub gears are built into the rear hub and are used on city bikes due to low maintenance.
Groupsets and brands
A groupset consists of shifters, derailleurs, cassette, chain, and chainrings. Well-known brands are Shimano and SRAM. The groupset level determines shifting quality, weight, and price. A higher groupset has more gears and lighter materials.
Number of gears
The number of gears ranges from 7 to 12 speed. More gears offer finer ratios between cassette sprockets, resulting in smoother shifting. The number of gears must match between shifter, derailleur, and cassette. The chain must also be compatible.
Maintenance
A well-functioning gear system requires regular maintenance. The chain must be lubricated with chain grease and the gear cables must move smoothly. The chain link allows the chain to be opened for cleaning. Contact cleaner helps clean shifters.
For a complete drivetrain, the gear cables and chain guard on city bikes are also relevant. A worn chain can damage the cassette, so replace it promptly.