Why oh why did I bother with 11 speed?

[derrick]

Some guys on here sound like their dad's, or even grandads. Most of those not wanting change or saying it is not required have a colour tv.

I am a grandad. So i need all the help i can get.. Only 66 though.

 

[Racing roadkill]

I prefer to strike a balance between simplicity, reliability, functionality and cost. If I can find a system that does what I need it to do, it doesn’t wear out every five minutes, and doesn’t cost loads, that’s what I’ll go for. I don’t need or want, super expensive fragile ‘state of the art’ kit, because I’m not trying to win things, or ‘smash stuff’. A big part of the reason I ride, is because I like going places and seeing things, whilst keeping fit at the same time, I don’t want anything to interfere with that, or cost a lot, so the way I do things is about right, for me.

 

[confusedcyclist]

Some guys on here sound like their dad's, or even grandads. Most of those not wanting change or saying it is not required have a colour tv.

It's not so much nostalgia or rose tinted spectacles, some people can see through the marketing gimmicks and realise that someone somewhere is trying to get money for old rope. Those prepared to read between lines from the marketing manuals will keep their hard earned money in their own pockets.

 

[screenman]

It's not so much nostalgia or rose tinted spectacles, some people can see through the marketing gimmicks and realise that someone somewhere is trying to sell get money for old rope. Those prepared to read between lines from the marketing manuals will keep their hard earned money in their own pockets.

And stop creating employment.

 

[confusedcyclist]

And stop creating employment.

If people stopped buying stuff they didn't need, they wouldn't need paid employment in the first place because they wouldn't need the money!

 

[Ian H]

3X Shimano XT?

That appears to be an MTB set-up.

 

[confusedcyclist]

That appears to be an MTB set-up.

It works perfectly well on my touring setup.

The gearing is not too high (you would will never reach road bike speeds anyway when loaded up) and has a granny gear and 32 rear cogs. MTB drivetrains are well suited for climbs, which are perfect for a loaded touring bike.

Disclaimer, I use the older 9 speed model which can be had cheap, not the 1x11 (which might limit you on the top or bottom end depending on the cassette/chainring combination.)

 

[raleighnut]

Not good for the mountains then.

There's a couple of hills in Leicestershire I struggled with.

It was built for 30ish mile 'blasts' to a pub about 2 miles away.

 

[Vapin' Joe]

Gears are too individual a requirement to say that this is better than that or that is better than this. We all have different engines and physical attributes and whereas six speeds with large jumps between ratios will be ok for one person another will find it murder and ride better with as many sprockets as are available with tiny jumps between ratios.

What's best is what's works for you, there is no right and wrong.

 

[overmind]

It’s like razors... One blade worked for years, now the manufacturers are attempting to out-blade each other with more and more blades, and wilder claims of efficacy.

 

[bpsmith]

Wouldn’t it be money for New Rope surely?

 

[FishFright]

I'm with the 8-speeders. Just seems the right number, be it close ratio or the have-a-cup-of-tea-between-cogs setup I have now.

I have several oldish editions or Richard's Bicycle Book where the same things is said about 5,6,7,8 and 9 speed

 

[DCBassman]

I have several oldish editions or Richard's Bicycle Book where the same things is said about 5,6,7,8 and 9 speed

Yes, very true...

 

[GuyBoden]

My Uncle, Alan Boden, had no problems with his gears, winning three bronze medals in the National TT races in different years. That made him the third fastest cyclist in the country at his chosen distance in his day.

 

[Ian H]

It works perfectly well on my touring setup.

It wouldn't do for me for several reasons, but fine if you like it.