If you’re new to cycling, gears can seem like one of those mysterious things experienced riders just know how to use. Maybe you’ve wondered, Why do bikes even have gears? Or maybe you’ve tried shifting and ended up with that dreaded chain rattle (or worse, no resistance at all). Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and gears aren’t as complicated as they seem.

Let’s break it down so you can ride smoother, easier, and with a lot more confidence—especially on the kind of city bikes we love at Level Up Bike Shop.

WHAT DO BICYCLE GEARS DO?

Gears are your bike’s way of helping you adjust how hard (or easy) it is to pedal. Whether you’re starting from a stoplight, cruising down a flat street, or facing a surprise hill, shifting gears lets you stay comfortable and efficient.

Here’s the simple idea:

• Lower gears = easier pedaling (but slower ride).

• Higher gears = harder pedaling (but faster ride).

That’s it! You shift to a low gear when you need an easier ride—like starting off or climbing a hill. You shift to a higher gear when you want to pick up speed on flat stretches or going downhill.

HOW MANY GEARS DO YOU NEED?

For most city riders, the answer is: not many.

A lot of city bikes come with:

• Single-speed setups (no gears at all—great for flat areas).

• 3-speed or 7-speed internal hub gears, which are super simple to use and require very little maintenance.

• Or an 8-speed rear cassette, giving you just enough range to handle everyday riding without overcomplicating things.

Unlike racing or mountain bikes, city bikes are built for practicality—getting you around town comfortably, not conquering mountains.

HOW TO USE YOUR GEARS

If your bike has gears, chances are you’re using a simple twist shifter or thumb lever on your handlebar. Here’s how to think about it:

• Starting from a stop or riding uphill?

  Shift to a lower number—this makes pedaling easier.

• Cruising on flat streets or going downhill?

  Shift to a higher number—this lets you go faster without spinning your legs too quickly.

Most city bikes only shift on the rear wheel, so you don’t need to worry about complicated front and rear combinations. Just remember: Lower numbers = easier. Higher numbers = faster.

TIPS FOR SMOOTH SHIFTING

1. Shift while pedaling—gently.

   Your bike needs to be in motion to shift gears properly. Keep a steady pedal stroke and ease up a bit when shifting.

2. Anticipate stops and hills.

   If you’re rolling up to a stop sign or see a hill ahead, shift to an easier gear before you come to a complete stop or start climbing. It’ll make getting going again much smoother.

3. Don’t stress—modern city bikes are built to make shifting easy.

   If something feels clunky or stiff, it might be time for a quick adjustment.

DO YOU EVEN NEED GEARS?

In flat cities like San Antonio, a single-speed bike might be all you need. They’re lightweight, low-maintenance, and perfect for quick trips around town.

But if your route includes a few hills, heavy loads (like groceries), or you just want a more relaxed ride, a 3-speed or 7-speed gives you flexibility without overcomplicating things.

If you’re not sure what’s right for you, that’s where we come in.

LET'S LEVEL UP YOUR RIDE!

Gears shouldn’t be intimidating—they should make your ride easier and more fun.

If you’re unsure how to use your gears, or if your bike isn’t shifting as smoothly as it should, stop by Level Up Bike Shop. We’ll walk you through how your gears work, recommend the best setup for your kind of riding, or give your bike a quick tune-up to get everything running like it should.

⚙️ Pro Tip: If your gears are slipping, sticking, or making weird noises, it’s probably time for a little maintenance. We offer affordable tune-ups to keep your bike in top shape—because a well-tuned bike is a joy to ride.

Swing by Level Up Bike Shop anytime—because every ride feels better when your gears are working with you, not against you.