Abstract: A wheel for a manual wheelchair includes a gear assembly which is linked to the wheel and includes first and second gear ratio arrangements. A rotating shift mechanism provides the shift capability between the two gear ratios, the shift mechanism having two to six (preferably three) extended, approximately equally spaced leg members, mounted so as to rotate in a plane perpendicular to the axle between two positions. In one position of the shift assembly, the wheelchair is in a standard 1:1 gear ratio, while in another position, the wheelchair is in a lower, 2:1 gear ratio.