Gir Lervs
Noun, Plural
Gear levers are the shifters used to change gears on a bicycle.
Example usage: I had to adjust my gear levers to get the right gear for the hill.
Most used in: Mountain biking and road cycling.
Most used by: Professional and amateur cyclists.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 3/10
Also see: Shifters, Derailleurs, Cogs, Chainrings,
What are Gear Levers?
Gear levers are an important part of a cyclist's equipment, allowing them to quickly and easily adjust their bike's gearing as needed. They are usually located on the handlebars and usually come in two or three levers. When used, these levers move the chain from one sprocket to another, changing the gear ratio and enabling the cyclist to adjust their pedalling effort to match the terrain.
Gear levers are generally used in road cycling, mountain biking, and track cycling. In competitive cycling, the use of gear levers is essential as it allows the cyclist to optimize their performance and make the most of the available terrain. In mountain biking, gear levers are used to adjust the bike's gearing to suit the terrain, allowing the rider to tackle steep climbs or fast descents.
According to a survey conducted in 2020, around 30% of cyclists in the United States use gear levers on their bikes. This number is likely to increase as more cyclists become aware of the advantages of using gear levers and the improved performance they can bring.
Gear levers are an essential part of any cyclist's equipment and are an integral part of cycling performance. Whether you're a competitive cyclist or a casual rider, having the right gear levers can make a big difference in your riding experience.
The Origin of the Cycling Term 'Gear Levers'
The term 'gear levers' was first coined in the late 19th century when the first derailleur systems were being developed in France. The idea of using a lever to change gears had been around since the late 1800s, but it wasn't until the early 1900s that the term started to be used more frequently in cycling circles.
The first derailleur system was developed by French bicycle racer Paul de Vivie in 1906. He coined the phrase 'gear levers' to describe the levers used to change gears on his derailleur system. The term quickly caught on, and soon it became a common phrase among cyclists to describe the levers used to change gears.
Since then, the use of gear levers has become commonplace in cycling, and the term is now used to refer to both the levers and the derailleur systems that are used to change gears. Today, gear levers are found on all types of bicycles, from road bikes to mountain bikes, and they are an essential part of any cyclist's toolkit.
