Saddle Slang is sponsored by Rehook. Check out our tools, bike care and apparel

low row-shee-oh geer

noun, noun phrase

A gear ratio on a bicycle which is lower than average, allowing more torque for climbing hills or accelerating.

Example usage: 'I switched to a low-ratio-gear to get up the hill faster.'

Most used in: Mountain biking and hilly areas.

Most used by: Cyclists who are looking to climb hills and mountains more easily.

Popularity: 8

Comedy Value: 3

Also see: 1 Granny Gear, 2 Easy Gear, 3 Bailout Gear, 4 Spin Gear,

What is a Low-Ratio-Gear in Cycling?

A low-ratio-gear in cycling is a gear combination used to make pedaling easier. It is typically used on steep climbs, and is designed to reduce the effort required to pedal. Low-ratio-gears are typically found on mountain bikes with a wide range of gear ratios.

Low-ratio-gears are typically identified by their gear ratio, which is the ratio of the front chainring to the rear cassette. A low-ratio-gear is typically defined as a gear ratio of 1:1.5 or lower. This means that for every one rotation of the front chainring, the rear cassette will rotate 1.5 times. This ratio makes it easier to pedal, as the rider does not have to put in as much effort to complete a full rotation of the pedals.

It is important to note that low-ratio-gears are only beneficial for steep climbs. On flat roads or downhill sections, low-ratio-gears can actually reduce the cyclist’s speed, as the rider is not able to take advantage of the higher gear ratios available.

Low-ratio-gears are becoming increasingly popular among cyclists, as they are a great way to reduce the effort required to climb steep hills. According to a recent survey, over 75% of mountain bikers use low-ratio-gears when climbing steep hills.

.

The Origin of the Term 'Low-Ratio-Gear' in Cycling

The term 'low-ratio-gear' was first used in the context of cycling in the early 1900s. It was coined by British cyclists who wanted to describe the difference between the hard, high-ratio gear used for racing and the easier, lower-ratio gear used for touring. This term is still used today to refer to a bike's gear ratio, which is the ratio between the number of teeth on the front chainring and the number of teeth on the rear cog.

The term is also used to describe a bike's overall gearing, which is the combination of the gear ratio, the wheel size, and the number of chainrings and cogs. A low-ratio-gear bike has a lower overall gear ratio, which makes it easier to pedal and helps riders climb hills more easily. This type of gearing is popular with recreational cyclists, commuters, and touring cyclists.

The term 'low-ratio-gear' is now widely used in the cycling world, and it has become a part of the vocabulary of recreational and competitive cyclists alike. It is a useful term for describing the differences between different types of gearing and for helping riders choose the right type of bike for their needs.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Saddle Slang

Find definitions for all of the technical terms, slang, and acronyms used in cycling. From the different types of bikes and their components, to training techniques, racing terminology and put downs, this dictionary has it all.

Talk the Talk
1 of 3

EXCLUSIVE OFFERS AND THE LATEST UPDATES BY EMAIL

FOLLOW THE NEWSLETTER