Ritzel

Ritzel is a German term used in mechanical engineering to denote a small gear or pinion that engages with a larger gear. In gear trains, the Ritzel is the smaller gear, paired with a larger wheel to achieve a desired gear ratio. In bicycles, the term is commonly applied to the rear sprockets on a cassette or freewheel, which mesh with the bicycle chain to provide different gear selections.

Beyond its technical sense, Ritzel is also a surname of German origin. It is borne by individuals in German-speaking regions and in diaspora communities around the world. As a family name, Ritzel may appear in historical records, genealogical sources, and contemporary contexts.

Because Ritzel appears in both technical vocabulary and personal names, the meaning is typically clear from context. In engineering and cycling literature, it refers to a small gear or sprocket; in biographical or genealogical material, it identifies a surname. The term reflects its German roots and its continued use across disciplines and communities.