CHAYNJ GIR
verb, noun
To switch between different gears on a bicycle.
Example usage: I need to change gear to get up this hill.
Most used in: Areas with a lot of hills and inclines, where cyclists need to change gear often.
Most used by: Commuting cyclists and touring cyclists who need to adjust their gear when the terrain changes.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 2/10
Also see: Shift, Gear Shift, Change Cog, Change Sprocket,
What Does 'Change Gear' Mean in Cycling?
For cyclists, the term “change gear” is used to describe the act of shifting the bicycle’s gears to adjust the level of resistance. This is usually done to make cycling easier or harder, depending on the terrain and the cyclist’s speed. By changing gears, cyclists can control their speed and the amount of effort required to maintain a certain speed.
Most modern bicycles have multiple gears, ranging from one to twenty-seven or more. The lower gears are easier to pedal but require more effort to reach higher speeds, while the higher gears are harder to pedal but require less effort to reach higher speeds. By changing gears, cyclists can adjust the amount of power needed to move forward, allowing them to conserve energy and ride more efficiently.
It is estimated that cyclists who use their gears correctly can improve their efficiency by up to 30%. This means that they can ride faster and farther with less effort. This is why it is important for cyclists to practice shifting their gears to maximize their performance.
In summary, “change gear” is a cycling term that refers to the process of changing the bicycle’s gears in order to adjust the level of resistance. By changing gears, cyclists can conserve energy and ride more efficiently, improving their performance by up to 30%.
From the Streets of England to the Cycling World: The Origin of the Term 'Change Gear'
The term 'change gear' has been used in the cycling world since the early 1900s, yet its roots can be traced back even further. The phrase first appeared in the streets of England in the late 1800s, when cyclists used it to describe the action of shifting their gears.
In the early 1900s, the phrase began to be used in the cycling world, and was eventually adopted as an official term. The term was first used in the context of a 'gear-changing mechanism' in an article published in England in 1908. The article, titled 'The Cyclist's Handbook', described the mechanism as a 'change gear'.
Since then, the term has become a staple in the cycling world, used to describe the act of shifting gears. It is now used in both professional and recreational cycling, and has even become a part of cycling slang. Whether you're a professional racer or a casual cyclist, chances are you've heard the phrase 'change gear' at least once.
