What does an 11/34 cassette represent?

The representation of an 11/34 cassette indicates the number of teeth on the two extreme gears of the cassette, specifically the smallest and largest sprockets. In this case, the smaller sprocket has 11 teeth, while the larger sprocket has 34 teeth. Understanding this configuration is crucial for cyclists as it affects the range of gears available, influencing how easy or difficult it is to pedal under various conditions. Gears with fewer teeth make pedaling harder but can provide more speed, while those with more teeth allow for easier pedaling, which is beneficial when climbing hills or dealing with adverse conditions. Therefore, knowing the specific tooth counts helps riders make better decisions about their gearing based on the terrain and their riding style.