WHEN TO USE DIFFERENT GEARS

A lower, easier gear, with the smaller chain ring up front and a larger cog in the back, lets you accelerate faster. This helps you get started from a stop, or when you’re climbing a steep hill. The higher, harder gear (big chain ring, small cog) helps you increase your top speed, but requires more work and muscle to accelerate.

You also can’t always cruise in the fastest gear because you face resistance from wind, and your tyres are rolling on the road. Those forces are trying to slow you down and require acceleration to maintain your speed. So, even if you’re not trying to go faster, holding a constant speed takes a lot of muscle and effort because you’re in the largest and hardest gear combination.