Grah-nee Geer
Noun, Slang
The lowest gear on a bicycle, used for climbing steep hills.
Example usage: I'm going to shift into my granny gear to tackle this hill.
Most used in: Mountainous regions of the world.
Most used by: Cyclists who ride in hilly terrain.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 5/10
Also see: Low Gear, Easy Gear, Granny Ring, Small Chainring,
What is a Granny Gear?
A granny gear is a term used to describe the smallest chainring and the largest cog on a multi-geared bicycle. It is the easiest gear combination to use when riding uphill or in difficult terrain. It allows the cyclist to pedal at a lower cadence, making it easier to maintain a steady effort.
The term 'granny gear' is thought to have come from the idea of a grandmother slowly pedaling up a hill with her basket of groceries. The granny gear is used by cyclists of all levels, from beginner to professional. It is a great way for cyclists to save energy and maintain a consistent speed when riding in difficult conditions.
In terms of statistics, the granny gear is used most often by mountain bikers. According to a survey conducted by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, over 70% of mountain bikers use the granny gear when riding in challenging terrain. This makes it one of the most popular gears for mountain biking.
To sum up, the granny gear is the combination of the smallest chainring and the largest cog on a multi-geared bicycle. It is most often used by mountain bikers in challenging terrain, and is a great way to save energy and maintain a steady speed.
The Origin of the Cycling Term 'Granny Gear'
The term 'Granny Gear' is a term used by cyclists to describe the lowest gear on their bike. It is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 1940s or early 1950s.
At the time, cyclists would often refer to the lowest gear on their bike as the 'Granny Gear' because it was seen as a gear that was easy to use and only used by those who were not strong enough or experienced enough to use the higher gears.
This term became popular among cyclists in the United States and eventually spread to other countries where it is still used today. The term is still used to describe the lowest gear on a bicycle and is often used in a joking or affectionate way.
The term 'Granny Gear' is a reminder of the past and how far cycling technology has come since the 1940s and 1950s. It is still a popular term among cyclists and is used to describe the lowest gear on a bike.
