Written By: Jonathan
Fact Checked By: Caroline Dezendorf
Reviewed By: Matt Tanner
Have you ever tried pedaling bicycle backward, you have definitely noticed that the bike doesn’t move when you pedal them backwards.
Instead of this the pedals spin freely in reverse, and the wheels remains still without any kind of backward motion as if something is blocking it from going backwards.
If you think this is the flaw then let me clear that it is actually intentionally by design.
As there’s a clever component is responsible is called freewheel mechanism.
You’ll know later on this article that exactly how this mechanism works, this question could be out of curiosity or your a beginner questioning everything to understand clever mechanics behind your bicycle.
Why the Chain Doesn’t Drive the Wheel in Reverse?
| 🔍 Aspect | 🛠️ What Happens | 💡 Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Part Involved | Freewheel or Freehub | A component in the hub of a rear wheel that controls how the wheel moves when you pedal. |
| Mechanism Inside | Pawls and ratchet teeth | Small spring-loaded parts available that hold or release depending on pedal direction. |
| Pedaling Forward | Pawls engages with the teeth | The pawls engage with the teeth, so it locks the cassette and moves the rear wheel forward. |
| Pedaling Backward | Pawls slide over the teeth | There is no engagement when pedaling backwards, so the wheel does not spin. |
| Why It Works This Way | To allow coasting and protect drivetrain | Allows the wheel to turn without pedaling, useful for slopes, turns or relaxing. |
| Exception (Fixie Bikes) | Rear cog is fixed to the wheel | The pedals always move with the wheel, so steady pedaling in a backward direction can make the bike move backwards. |
Basically, the main reason why your bicycle doesn’t move when you pedal backwards is due to a special part in the drivetrain known as the freewheel or freehub.
Because this is the part that allows the bike to roll forward, even when you’re not pedaling.
Additionally, the pedals can also rotate backward without turning the rear wheel.
The One-Way system is purposefully designed as it allows you to rest your legs and easily get down the slope so that you can travel safely without having to constantly pedal.
This is indeed a smart feature that makes the ride easier and more comfortable.
Because there is a clever system available inside the freewheel, made up of small metal pieces, called pawls, which sit against a ring of teeth.
So when you push the pedal forward, these pawls catch the teeth and actually lock the gear, pushing the wheel forward.
And when you stop pedaling or pedal backwards, the pawls slide over the teeth instead of locking, so nothing can turn the wheel, making it completely safe and comfortable.
This is why it turns and grips in one direction, but rotates freely in the other.
Conclusion
So this might seem like a puzzle and a nonsensical thing at first, but now you know that the reason why your bicycle doesn’t move forward when you pedal backwards is because of smart engineering.
As it is a one-way system it makes cycling more accessible, efficient and safer than ever before.
So, if you need any kind of information or you wanted to ask something then comment section is all yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between a freewheel and a fixed-gear system?
Answer: Freewheel allows you to have your bike keep moving forward even if you stop pedaling, And the fixed gear system means that whenever the rear wheel moves forward or backward the pedals move too, so it gives you full control in both directions, but is always rotating while you ride.
Q2: Is it harmful to pedal my bike backward?
Answer: Absolutely not, as pedaling backwards is safe on most bicycles and will not cause any damage to the drivetrain.
Read Also
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👉How To Choose The Right Bicycle Size?
👉How to Clean a Bicycle Chain?
Jonathan, the passionate owner of Bicycle Time, brings a lifelong love for bikes and automotive craftsmanship, that reflects into every corner of the shop. With deep passion in both cycling and automotive accessories, Jonathan is more than just an expert.