This page is intended to give a quick graphical overview of the gear ranges of various different bicycle gear shifting systems.

It's in three parts: Internal gear hubs, dual derailer systems, single derailer systems.

Click here to learn how the ranges are calculated.

Note that the placement of the gear range can be customized by selecting different sized chainwheels or rear sprockets. It doesn't actually make sense to say that this or that hub gives a "lower" or "higher" gear without specifying the front and rear sprocket sizes to be used.

See my Internal Gear Calculator for specific gearing options.

Also note that the internal gear systems can be given a wider range by adding a derailer. Any of these hubs can be used with 2 or 3 chainrings to provide a wider range, if you need it. This modification requires a front derailer and also a non-shifting rear derailer or a two-pulley chain tensioner.

There are also a couple of 3 speed internal hubs that can accept a multi-speed sprocket cluster and working rear derailer.

These are a few of the popular options for bikes with front and rear derailers. If you look up your present dual-derailer gearing and check its range, you can compare the range with the various internal gear options listed above.