Gears, Drivetrain and Cables

Within our range, you'll find a huge volume of products for all the important elements of your bike, this includes gears, chains, cassettes, drivetrain and cables. You'll find something for each and every cyclist, whether you ride a mountain bike - opens in a new tab, road bike - opens in a new tab or a BMX bike - opens in a new tab. Depending on which element of your bike you are looking to upgrade or replace, we stock products for all skill levels and budgets. If it's a gear set you're looking for, we stock a great selection of Shimano gears, offering 8-speed cassette, 9-speed cassette, 10-speed cassette and 11-speed cassette. Shimano is the leading brand for bicycle gears, with build-quality, price and versatility being in their favour. Our range of Shimano - opens in a new tab gears, cassettes, derailleurs and chains offer something for every cyclist, with products covering all price points and types of bike. Whether you're looking for a Shimano MTB gear cable set for smoother shifting, or Shimano double road levers which make shifting faster, smoother and lighter on road bikes. As well as Shimano, we stock quality products from the likes of Sram, Clarks and Truvativ, offering front & rear derailleurs, chainsets, chainrings, drivetrain spares and accessories and much more.

But that's not all, as if you're looking for advice on how to replace a gear cable on a mountain bike - opens in a new tab or how to adjust bike gears on a road bike - opens in a new tab, our cycling help & advice hub offers all the help you need. You'll find informational videos and helpful advice guides on everything cycling. What's more, with our convenient click & collect service, you can get a hold of your products sooner too. Or, opt for delivery or head to your local Halfords store - opens in a new tab where one of our team will be happy to assist you.

Gears, drivetrain and cables FAQs

How to change gear while cycling

In order to shift gears when cycling, shift the shifters on the handlebars. The left shifter usually shifts the front gears (chainrings) and the right shifter shifts the rear gears (cassette). Shift down to a lower gear (smallest chainring or largest rear cog) for climbing or easy pedaling. Use higher gears (largest chainring or smallest rear cog) for flat or downhill speeding. Always relieve some pressure from the pedals during shifting to provide smooth gear transitions and reduce drivetrain wear.

How often should I clean a bike drivetrain?

Clean your bike drivetrain every 100–200 miles, or more frequently if you ride in rainy, muddy, or dusty conditions. A clean drivetrain smooths shifting, is longer lasting on components, and improves efficiency. Degrease the chain, cassette, and derailleurs, and once dry, apply a suitable lubricant.

How to tighten bike crank bolt?

Position the crank arm correctly on the axle and tighten the bike crank bolt with the correct size Allen key or socket to the manufacturer’s recommended torque. Don’t over tighten or you may damage your gears, drivetrain and cables or the crank. Not sure? Halfords has expert fitting services and bike repair tools.

How to change bicycle gear cable?

To change a bicycle gear cable, shift into top gear and loosen the cable clamp, then you can pull out the old cable and fit a new one through the shifter and outer housing. Once thats in, secure it, adjust the cable tension a bit - you dont want it too tight or too slack - and give all your gears a once over to make sure they're shifting smoothly. Keeping your bike in good nick, with all its gears, drivetrain and cables in rude health, will help you avoid any nasty surprises when you go to change gear.