Science Secrets · Drawing 34 of 40
Gears Help My Bicycle Climb
Everyday Inventions
Gears change the relationship between pedal turns and wheel turns. A low gear can make climbing easier. In exchange, more pedal turns are needed to travel the same distance.
Did you know?
The chain transfers motion between the toothed wheels.
Look together
Which route does the chain follow on the bicycle?
An idea to try
With an adult and a stationary bicycle, find the chain and toothed wheels. Compare some sprocket sizes without touching the mechanism.
For the adult reading along
A little more to discover
The ratio depends partly on the tooth counts of the engaged parts. Gears trade effort against distance per pedal turn; they do not supply extra energy.
Sources and illustration notes (1)
Simplified scene and shapes. Models, imagined comparisons and enlargements do not preserve all real measurements.
These links lead to other websites. Explore them with an adult. References identify the institution and the related lesson; some linked pages are in French.
- Exploratorium: Science of Cycling — Drives & GearsGears change the relationship between pedal turns and wheel turns. A low gear can make climbing easier. In exchange, more pedal turns are needed to travel the same distance.
Source review: 2026-10-12. Illustrations are simplified for colouring.
