Gears and chain drive have made cycling easier, and more fun. The two literally channel the energy that makes the bicycle move forwards. However, this was not always so. In the first bicycles the pedals were attached to the wheels, and cycling was not easy. It was only when the chain drive was developed that the bicycle got its modern look.

The cyclist could move the rear wheel forward by putting pressure on the pedals that were attached to the chain drive. The greater the pressure, the greater was the pull on the rear wheel. The chain drive also made it possible for the rider to sit between the two wheels and pedal comfortably. It also improved the balance of the cyclists.