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The Science Behind Bicycle Gearing and Shifting
How bike gears work, why a lower gear makes hills easier, and how gearing, tyres, fit, visibility and fitness fit together as one system of bike and rider.
Science, Health and Safety
Bike and Body Science
Gears, tyres, comfort, visibility and fitness explained.
The Science Behind Bicycle Comfort and Ergonomics
Why the saddle, handlebars and pedals shape comfort on a bike, how reach and position affect your body, and when a professional fit is worth considering.
The Science Behind Bicycle Safety and Visibility
How contrast, movement and reflective materials help drivers notice cyclists by day and night, and why being seen is only one part of riding more safely.
The Science Behind Bicycle Tires and Tread
How tyre width, tread pattern and the contact patch generally affect grip and rolling, and why you should always follow the pressure markings on the tyre.
The Science Behind Cycling Fitness and Endurance
General information on how aerobic fitness develops through regular riding, rest and pacing, and why individual results vary. Not medical advice.
Related topics
More in science, health and safety
Weather Riding Handling rain, wind, snow, darkness and extreme weather. Riding in the Dark Seeing and being seen when the light fades. Lights and Visibility Lights, flags and being seen. Bike Accessories Locks, pumps, stands, cameras and helmets. Cycling Physics Forces, drag, momentum and speed explained. Balance and Braking Science Why bikes stay up and how they stop. Skills Science The plain-language science behind core bike skills. Upkeep and Safety Safety habits and bike upkeep for tricks and long rides. Trick Safety and Preparation Gear, bike fit, upkeep and warm-ups that come before any trick. Endurance and Speed Riding further and faster with pacing, efficiency and recovery. Strength and Endurance Drills Off-bike and on-bike work that builds leg strength, power and staying power. Safety and Skill Guides Road safety, etiquette, stopping and level-by-level skill roadmaps. Pre-Ride Checks Quick checks that catch problems before they become crashes.