ree-er gi-er shi-f-ter
noun
A device used to shift gears on the rear wheel of a bicycle.
Example usage: 'I need to adjust the rear-gear-shifter on my bike before I can go for a ride.'
Most used in: Areas with steep hills or mountainous terrain.
Most used by: Cyclists who ride in hilly areas.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 2/10
Also see: Derailleur, Cassette, Freewheel, Gearset,
What is a Rear Gear Shifter?
A rear gear shifter is a device used to change gears on a bicycle. It is usually attached to the right side of the handlebar and operates by shifting a chain or belt between different sprockets on the rear wheel. This allows the rider to adjust the level of resistance on the pedals, making it easier to climb hills or travel faster on flat terrain.
Rear gear shifters come in two main types: thumb shifters and twist shifters. Thumb shifters require the rider to push a button or lever with their thumb in order to shift the gears. Twist shifters require the rider to twist a lever with their hand in order to shift the gears. Both types of shifters are popular, although some riders prefer one over the other.
Studies have shown that the use of a rear gear shifter can greatly improve cycling performance. For example, a study of competitive cyclists found that those who used a rear gear shifter had an average speed that was 6% faster than those who did not. Additionally, the use of a rear gear shifter was associated with a 15% reduction in the amount of energy used to complete a given course.
In summary, a rear gear shifter is a device used to change gears on a bicycle. It is typically attached to the right side of the handlebar and comes in two main types: thumb shifters and twist shifters. The use of a rear gear shifter can improve cycling performance, as studies have shown that it can result in an average speed increase of 6% and a 15% reduction in energy used.
The Origin of the Term 'Rear-Gear-Shifter' in Cycling
The term 'rear-gear-shifter' was first used in the early 1980s to describe a device used to shift gears on a bicycle. It was initially developed by Shimano, a Japanese bicycle component manufacturer, and was first used on their Dura-Ace derailleur system in 1983.
The rear-gear-shifter allowed cyclists to quickly and easily change gears while riding, allowing them to maintain a more consistent speed and cadence. This was a major advantage for cyclists and quickly became popular amongst serious riders.
The term is now commonly used to describe any device used to shift gears on a bicycle, and has been adopted by cyclists around the world. It is now almost universally accepted as the standard term for such devices.
