Originally Posted by chinarider

I think I know what you mean. The largest ring in front is highest but the smallest cog in back is highest. But if you understand the function, it makes sense. In front, the pedals are directly turning the rings. So it takes more power to turn the biggest one (more distance moved). In back, the cog turns the wheel. Now, the smallest cog requires more power because you are using less distance (i.e. the circumference of the cog) to move the wheel (as compared to the bigger cogs). Don't know if I explained that clearly; perhaps someone else can do it better.