General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Understanding Gears and Cassettes Rss Feed  
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2007-07-02 6:28 PM

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Oceanside
Subject: Understanding Gears and Cassettes
Can somebody explain to me about gears and cassettes? Is a ten speed as high as you can get? As far as the cassette cogs, I see numbers like 11-23, 11-28, 50-34. What does this mean? If the numbers are higher, is that better? I went to www.sheldonbrown.com as most of his info was at my level of understanding, but not on this subject.


2007-07-02 6:30 PM
in reply to: #869653

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Pro
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Los Angeles, CA
Subject: RE: Understanding Gears and Cassettes
This article is on compact cranks, but explains gears and cassettes pretty well.

http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/techctr/gearing.html
2007-07-02 10:11 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Understanding Gears and Cassettes

On the front rings, the higher the number, the harder the gear is to push (and the farther you go with each rotation). Thus, a 52 ring (common on a standard crank) is harder to push than a 50 (common on a compact crank), but can generate more power in each rotation. 

The cogs (the rear cassette) are the opposite. The smaller the ring, the more power you get per pedal stroke. The larger the ring, the easier it is to spin.  Typically, road cassettes have an 11 or 12 as the smallest cog and can vary from 23 to 27 as the largest.

A wider range, such as a 12-27, gives you a varied selection of gears at both ends, but can lead to "gaps" in the gearing where there is a big difference in cadence between one cog and the next.  A tighter range (e.g., 11-23) allows for smooth shifting while maintaining even cadence.  I

2007-07-03 8:03 PM
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Master
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La Crosse
Subject: RE: Understanding Gears and Cassettes
I'm learning myself. Just go to http://sheldonbrown.comand start reading. If you understand anything, let me know; I'm trying hard but it's pretty complex.
2007-07-05 8:42 PM
in reply to: #869653

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Oceanside
Subject: RE: Understanding Gears and Cassettes
Thanks for all your help! I can shock somebody back to life but I can't get the understanding of gears and cassettes down. Hopefully osmosis will work and the info will just seep into my brain.
2007-07-05 9:10 PM
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Expert
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Stafford, Ks
Subject: RE: Understanding Gears and Cassettes
I need help also. I'm looking for a cassette to put an a recently purchased set of race wheels. I will definately keep an eye on this thread.


2007-07-05 11:14 PM
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Spring (Houston), TX
Subject: RE: Understanding Gears and Cassettes
My undergrad is in mechanical engineering, and while I undertand the numbers, I don't worry about them too much.

From a simplistic view, "higher" gears are harder to pedal, thus a lower cadence. "Lower" gears are easier to pedal, thus higher cadence.

To shift into a higher gear, the chain moves away from the bike (to a larger gear up front or a smaller gear in the back). Use a higher gear when you are at speed on a flat road, or going downhill.

To shift into a lower gear, the chain moves towards the bike (to a smaller gear up front or a larger gear in the back). Use this to get moving or climbing hills.

For the most part, think of the front gear as low speed (small ring) or high speed (big ring). Use the back cassette for 'fine tuning' your ride, controling cadence, etc. If you decide you want a faster high speed than your bike has, buy a crank with a bigger number for the big ring - realizing it will be more difficult to pedal.

If you really want to calculate all of your gear ratios, we can do that...but it won't really matter when your riding. Just focus on your cadence and ride.

Hope that helps.
2007-07-06 8:05 AM
in reply to: #869653

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Elite
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Cheesehead, WI
Subject: RE: Understanding Gears and Cassettes
I've been clueless on gearing but MNAM, that explanation was brill! thanx! I think I get high/low gearing now.
2007-07-06 5:43 PM
in reply to: #873919

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Oceanside
Subject: RE: Understanding Gears and Cassettes
Thanks mman, that helped a lot!
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