Number of Gears (Speeds)

How many gears do you need?

A lot of folks find the simplicity of one gear to be attractive and seductive. I rode Cycle Oregon this year with a fellow riding a single fixed-gear. Others feel that the most gears wins -- matching the motor to the right gear at all times.

To help you decide, I would say it depends!

If you have a multispeed bike on any one ride you might only use a couple of gears. But if you are on a long tour it is very likely you will use every gear at some time or other.

With cassette stacks coming in 8, 9, 10 and even 11 cogs, it is possible to have a very fine setup with a rear deraileur only on a nice light bike. The many fine hub gears now available are making the same statement.

The value of more gears is always having the right one. The downside is finding the right gear at the right time and the complexity that comes with that.

If your skill and fitness give you a good cadence range and you have a little power when you need it, you might not need that triple. If on the other hand you ride in the mountains you know you need that granny when you need it. And carrying a loaded touring bike through a long day in the hills or the wind will make you glad you brought them all.

Keep in mind that small wheels mean it is easier to get small gears than large gears. Getting similar gears to larger wheeled bikes is not hard just a little different. If you need a little gear counseling then an email or a call to us will help that out.

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Alan Scholz, Co-founder