How To Adjust Mountain Bike Gears

Mountain bike gears are an essential part of riding a mountain bike. It is important to understand how they work, and how to adjust them. This article will teach you all about the different parts of a mountain bike, and how to adjust the gears on your own.

Mountain bikes have two sets of gears: front and back. The front gears are located on the handlebars, while the back set are found on the rear wheel hub. The front set is typically made up of three or four rings, each with a different number of teeth that correspond with its gear ratio. The rear set has one ring with either seven or eight teeth that also corresponds with its gear ratio.

How do I make my bike gears shift smoothly?

If upshifting is hesitant, gradually increase cable tension by turning the barrel adjuster a quarter turn anticlockwise and trying again. If your bike over-shifts, reduce the cable tension by turning your barrel adjuster clockwise until the chain runs smoothly in the second smallest cog.^[1]

What gear should you be in going uphill on a mountain bike?

Low Gear = Easy = Good for Climbing: The “low” gear on your bike is the smallest chain ring in the front and the largest cog on your cassette (rear gears). In this position, the pedaling will be the easiest and you’ll be able to pedal uphill with the smallest amount of resistance.^[2]

When should you shift gears on a mountain bike?

Anticipate the terrain: Shift right before you start climbing, not halfway up when you’re slowing rapidly and applying maximum pressure on the pedals. If you do shift on a hill, shift one gear at a time, and momentarily relax pressure on the pedals as you’re shifting.^[3]

Should you stop pedal while changing gears?

While you are shifting gears, you must keep pedaling in order for the chain to move from one gear to the next. When you’re in a particular gear and pedaling, the chain is pulling on the teeth of that gear.^[4]

How should a beginner ride a bike with gears?

First pull the clutch lever in, then use your left foot to shift down to first gear, and then slowly release the clutch lever, and at the same time gradually roll on the throttle. Now the bike should start moving and you can release the clutch all the way and give a little more throttle.^[5]

How do I adjust my rear derailleur?

Shift into a small ring on the cassette. With your thumb, push the body of the derailleur toward the large cog. The top pulley should align with the largest cog in the cassette. If the pulley moves past the largest cog toward the spokes, turn the limit screw marked “L” clockwise to tighten.^[6]

Which gear is best for downhill?

Use lower gears to go downhill When you start to head back downhill, use your engine and transmission to slow the car down instead of the brakes. Shift to a lower gear before you start heading downhill, as this will help slow down the car without you having to ride the brakes, says the National Park Service.^[7]

Is gear 1 high or low on a bike?

Gear ‘1’ on a bike is a low gear: this is the same for gears in a car. This gear is best for climbing, riding over difficult terrain, and riding slowly. This gear may also be referred to as the ‘easy’ gear.^[8]

How can I bike uphill without getting tired?

1) Weight. The heavier you are, the harder every climb will be. 2) Training. Unfortunately, biking uphill only really becomes easier if you do it regularly. 3) Get your gears right. 4) Pacing the climb. 7) Ride in a group. 8) Preparation. Conclusion.^[9]

What is the easiest gear on a mountain bike?

Low Gear. The low gear is the “easy” gear and is primarily used when climbing. The low gear is the smallest chain ring in the front, and the largest cog on the rear cassette. In this position pedaling will be easiest and the least amount of force will be required to push the pedals.^[10]

What gear should I use on a flat road?

High Gear. This one is great for descending, accelerating, or for use when you want to go nice and fast on a flat road. In a high gear, you travel a long way for each turn of the pedal.^[11]

Do you shift mountain bike while pedaling?

Pedaling should always accompany gear shifting. A cyclist who stops their bike when changing gears will not be able to engage the chain on the gears that they want to shift. Bikers also need to avoid backpedaling when moving the chain up or down the gears.^[12]