How Do Bike Gears Work? | Bicycle Gears Explained

Bikes have gears to help you ride uphill and cycle on different terrain as efficiently as possible. Ollie goes back to basics to explain how gears actually work.

Let us know what else you'd like us to explain in the comments below 🔧

If you enjoyed this video, make sure to give it a thumbs up and share it with your friends. 👍

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Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound:
Ain't No Thing But To Swing - Jules Gaia
Life O' The Lavish - Jules Gaia
Oh What A Whirl - Jules Gaia

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[hectorolivera]

For the first time I finally understand the gears on a bike; not only what's happening to the human body but the clear physics of the movement of the chain ! Thank you sir !

[iknowyourider]

I love this video, it's so great to see GCN providing information for those who are just starting out bike riding. We were all beginners once and it's brilliant that the crew is making new people feel welcome.

[shauns]

Would be helpful for a beginner to explain more what gear number to start in, when and how often to change etc - or more practical as well as the theory of how it works

[ScaleTune]

The video photography is amazing! This closeup of the cassette is an absolute dream!

[sharonfreemantle]

Just ordered my first bike. It has 1x10 gears. Watching your video is very helpful to an complete beginner to cycling. Ps. Where I live is very hilly on the roads, and has lists of woods around a for trails. So bought a hybrid on the recommendation of the sales guys.
Please keep making simple beginner videos, so we can learn, keep motivated, and understand what we’re buying and if it suits or needs.

[francisibay]

Suggestion: "How to understand gear ratio" or "How to undestand bike geometry". in terms of numbers

[simonpowell]

I have ridden for years. Have changed mine and my pals cassettes/chains again and again but It's great to see a ABC of the how the system works.

[philpfeiffer]

Sorry if the simplicity of the subject matter (as evidenced by the snarky comments) didn't appeal to some, but I appreciated this video. I've been riding about a year and half and I didn't really have my head around the gear ratios and exactly what makes the gears easier or harder. Now I do. Thanks Ollie and GCN...

[OrnaloPlanting]

Very good content! The information is super accessible, the terms were technical but not too fast paced, and it's very comfortably presented! I wish content this user friendly was available when I was getting to know cycling.

[robbchastain]

I feel like I've just watched Bicycle Story Time with Ollie. And it was excellent. And next time, I'll watch with milk and cookies. But seriously, Ollie, I very much appreciate a clear explanation such as yours in this presentation.

[colinthompson]

Very helpful, my kids are using geared bikes now and this is useful for them to understand the principles. Thanks 👍

[taymac]

I want to thank you for some real informative, clear and great produced content. Actually made my day much easier

[ezghthrt]

Please more clips like these! Absolutely brilliant!

[thaZEBRAmussel]

This was a fantastic video, thank you! Quite informative paired with the visuals, it was very helpful as I had no clue about what cassettes and how they work.

[Jeff-bdgg]

Excellent content Ollie and props to the camera crew. Great info every cyclist should know.

[QUADRAXIS]

I was wondering how bicycle gears work, now I know - Thank you! I have given this video a thumbs up and now i'm off to share it with my mates.

[JonnyImpreza]

Ollie couldn’t sound less like he wants to be doing this video 😂 love it

[stefancameron]

I finally understand gear ratios! Thanks, Ollie.

[wadivs]

You been fantastic in explaining this concept in the most simple manner!!

[tombarton]

Love the close up, slow mo works guys! Great camera work 👍