How do Mountain Bikes work?

Question

I just received a pretty old mountainbike rhino, but i have no idea how it works ..

i know how to ride a bike and all, but i dont understand how the gears work (those 7 numbers on the right handlebar)

i noticed that if i ride on the lower numbers, it is very easy to pedal, but the speed is limited ... and if i ride on the higher numbers (7), it is very difficult to ride but i can go very fast

this bike is pretty small for my size, but i want to use it for errands

i get tired just from riding 20 blocks ... is it the bike or me? which gear should i ride on? thanks

Answer 1

Normally you will also have a shifter on the left handlebar to control the big rings by the pedals.   Bigger ring, harder to pedal.  A lot of mountain bikes have 3 rings; some have only two and some do only have one.

Assuming you do have 3 rings up front, try shifting to the middle ring for most riding.  If you get up some speed, shift to the biggest ring for the most speed.   Then fine tune your gearing with the right shifter.

Answer 2

wow ride on any gear that feels the right for you you change gears constantly so it dosent really matter