KLIM-ing GEAR
Noun, Phrase
A type of bicycle gear used for climbing steep inclines
Example usage: 'I switched to my climbing-gear to tackle the steep hill.'
Most used in: Mountainous and hilly regions.
Most used by: Mountain and road cyclists.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 5/10
Also see: Cadence, Granny Gear, Compact Crank, Low Gear,
What is Climbing-Gear in Cycling?
Climbing-gear is a term used in cycling to describe the gear ratio of a bicycle that makes it easier to climb inclines. It is the combination of the size of the chainring and the sprocket that makes up the gear ratio. The larger the chainring and the smaller the sprocket, the higher the gear ratio, and the easier it is to climb uphill.
Climbing-gear is important for cyclists who ride on hilly terrain. It allows them to maintain a comfortable cadence while riding up hills and mountains, which is essential for a successful ride. The gear ratio of climbing-gear also allows for a faster acceleration when the rider reaches the top of the hill.
Statistics show that the average cyclist will use climbing-gear for up to 40% of their rides. This means that having the correct gear ratio for climbing is essential for cyclists who ride in hilly terrain. It can make a big difference in the overall success of a cyclist’s ride.
.The Origin of the Term 'Climbing-Gear' in Cycling
The term 'climbing-gear' was first used in the context of cycling in the early 1930s. It originated in France, where the hilly terrain of the Tour de France necessitated the need for a gear that would help cyclists climb hills with greater ease.
At the time, the most common type of bicycle was the fixed-gear, which had a single gear ratio. This made it difficult to climb hills, as the cyclist had to pedal at a high cadence to make it up the hill. To help cyclists climb hills more easily, a French cyclist named Paul de Vivie developed a new type of gear system that he called 'climbing-gear'.
This new gear system allowed cyclists to shift to a lower gear ratio when climbing hills, allowing them to pedal at a lower cadence and still have enough power to make it up the hill. This new gear system quickly gained popularity and became an essential part of cycling. Today, the term 'climbing-gear' is used to refer to any type of gear system that is designed to help cyclists climb hills with greater ease.
