Urban Hybrids & "usable" gears

[norliss]

Hi all,

Just getting back into cycling after a long absence. Despite having a perfectly decent Marin Muirwoods, I've found myself a victim of serious gear-lust and am now considering upgrading to a new, higher spec bike via cycle scheme.

Having done a load of research, I've narrowed my choices down to:

Whyte Cambridge/Sterling
Specialized Sirrus Elite Disc
Ridgeback Flight 03
Orbea Carpe 20/10

I have to admit I'm very taken by the idea of the Orbea Carpe models although I see that the default option is a single, 42-tooth chainring i.e. 10 speed (unless you pony up a little extra for the 3-chainring option) unlike the other models which are 2 or 3 chainrings and therefore 18/20/30 speed.

I know from riding my existing bike that I've never really used the smallest chainring and that not all gears are really usable (the perceived wisdom is 2/3?) and that there's a degree of overlap between the various combinations, so my question is two-fold:

a/ Were I to opt for the default-option Carpe, are all 10 of those gears usable (given it only has one chainring)?
b/ Assuming the answer to a is yes, would be sacrificing that many gear options over the other bikes I've listed?

I'd be grateful for the collective wisdom of the forum on this question and if anyone has anything to chime in re any of the models I've mentioned above.

Thanks!

 

[vickster]

I have the 2011 Cambridge, it's great, really comfortable on rubbish surfaces. I have added ergo grips, a women's saddle, rack, mudguards and Marathon+ tyres (however, these do slow the bike considerably to achieve better puncture protection). If not a commuter/frequent use bike, I'd have faster tyres for sure.

Even commuterised, it's light and agile. Mine has SRAM apex, good wide range (although as I live in a pretty flat area, I use about 5 of the gears, very rarely use the smaller ring if ever)!

I am not sure what benefit the Stirling offers over the Cambridge in the real world as the frame is the same (I think, Stirling might have carbon rear stays but those don't seem to be a good thing necessarily)

 

[norliss]

Thanks for your reply, Vickster

The Whyte models are definitely on my short(er) list to try out, for sure.

 

[Kies]

I would say the Elite disc. A very versatile bike. To date i have used it as a fully loaded commuter (rack & panniers), a psuedo mountain bike with nobblies during the winter for some mild off road fun, and currently as my winter/wet weather training bike using 23c road tyres and mudguards.
Mine is the standard brake version, but a great bike

 

[Cycleops]

Re the usable gears on the Orbea Carpe (strange name). Why don't you work out the gear sizes in inches and do the same for your Muirwoods and see which correspond then you can see if these are ones you use most. I would say bikes are mostly over geared anyway.

 

[Cyclist33]

Hi all,

Just getting back into cycling after a long absence. Despite having a perfectly decent Marin Muirwoods, I've found myself a victim of serious gear-lust and am now considering upgrading to a new, higher spec bike via cycle scheme.

Having done a load of research, I've narrowed my choices down to:

Whyte Cambridge/Sterling
Specialized Sirrus Elite Disc
Ridgeback Flight 03
Orbea Carpe 20/10

I have to admit I'm very taken by the idea of the Orbea Carpe models although I see that the default option is a single, 42-tooth chainring i.e. 10 speed (unless you pony up a little extra for the 3-chainring option) unlike the other models which are 2 or 3 chainrings and therefore 18/20/30 speed.

I know from riding my existing bike that I've never really used the smallest chainring and that not all gears are really usable (the perceived wisdom is 2/3?) and that there's a degree of overlap between the various combinations, so my question is two-fold:

a/ Were I to opt for the default-option Carpe, are all 10 of those gears usable (given it only has one chainring)?
b/ Assuming the answer to a is yes, would be sacrificing that many gear options over the other bikes I've listed?

I'd be grateful for the collective wisdom of the forum on this question and if anyone has anything to chime in re any of the models I've mentioned above.

Thanks!

I can't see the point in upgrading bikes based on what you've said. Just whack some stiff wheels and light tyres on the marin!