What's the best number of gears?

[ComedyPilot]

I only use one at a time, and regardless of bike there are never enough at either end of the range.

 

[betty swollocks]

1 or 14
Fixie or Rohloff.

 

[Randochap]

I'm rather partial to 30 these days. In the dark mists of antiquity, I also did well on 10 ... or even 5.

 

[Sittingduck]

Got a 10 speed cassette on the road bike and I like the close ratios. So for me, 20 is just nice.

 

[Joe24]

Just one i think. If im struggling, then i need to get fitter/stronger.

 

[D4VOW]

Just one i think. If im struggling, then i need to get fitter/stronger.

+1 I much prefer riding the fixed than any other bike I've owned.

 

[fossyant]

Advantage with more gears is you can keep that close ratio, and still have some usefull climbing gears.....

I like one tooth jumps, but for general stuff, those two tooth jumps at the larger sprocket mean you can get a nicely spaced block with upto a 27....(10 or 11 speed) that said, I have only just fitted a 23 to the 'best bike' - the Ribble has a 7 rear with a 21 max....

 

[Deleted member 1258]

I do most of my miles on my fixed, use it for transport and winter club runs. I have a Dawes Giro 300 which gets used for summer club runs and has 8 on the back. I seem to spend most of my time on the middle three cogs, it has a 44/39 on the front and 13-23 on the back.

 

[Cubist]

Both bikes have 11-32 cassettes. On the MTB it means loads to choose from, and easier to work on cadence.

The hybrid is a 36/50 compact double. I can just about get up the steepest hill round here on it, and find the top end is too low. Legs run out of contact at about 38mph. I am seriously considering tripleising it.

 

[Steve Austin]

I've used everything from 1 to 30, but everyone knows the answer is 42

 

[GrasB]

any number =< 33 & >=1

 

[Saddle bum]

When asked why I had a bike with 30 gear ratios, I told him I coudn't get one with 31, (then). I don't really need more ratios, just more legs.

 

[mad al]

I'm rather partial to 30 these days. In the dark mists of antiquity, I also did well on 10 ... or even 5.

I've just joined your club, my latest steed has 30 and I rode it for the 1st time yesterday

Mind you, I also use 10, 21, 24 and 27

 

[Hover Fly]

1 or 14
Fixie or Rohloff.

2 or 14
Double sided fixie or Rohloff.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

but everyone knows the answer is 42

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