Will 3 gears make a big difference?

[Moe]

I am torn between two bikes, one has 18 gears and the second has 21, will those 3 gears make an awful lot of difference??
Should I stick out and save the extra for the extra 3 gears??
Opinions please!

 

[the_mikey]

It's impossible to give you a straight answer without the specific details of the groupset on each bicycle, however in general you need to be looking at the bottom range of gears, it's crawling up hills where these things matter, it could be that the 21 speed bicycle will have triple front chainrings and 'may' give you a lower gear for climbing than the 18 speed, the 18 speed bicycle will offer a wide range of speeds and still have a good hill climbing gear, it just might not be quite as low as the 21 speed.

 

[MrWill]

3x7 vs 2x9?

It's a personal choice and you can only figure out what you want by riding around. I'd go with the 2x9, if it's a compact (34/50 chainset).

 

[young Ed]

no
get the one with the best frame and components, which bikes are they?

many of us on here ride a bike with 1 gear and no freewheel (you have to always pedal) and they cope fine

you may hear other things from other people such as depends on how hilly it is where you are and depends on how fit you are etc
just saying, because my comment may be slightly bias as i am a fit as a fiddle 15 year old lad
Cheers Ed

 

[Moe]

Here are the two bikes I am looking at:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/mekk-pinerolo-al-10-sora-2013/

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/dolce-x3-2014-womens-road-bike-ec053035#features

Hope the links work OK.......

 

[the_mikey]

Based on those, the Specialized gives the better range of speeds the lowest gear would make hills very light work indeed.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

The Specialized has actually 24 gears, 3 on front, 8 on back
This is an all important detail that makes your riding up steep hills a bit easier.
Imo, the Spesh looks better too. If you are a not so fit (yet) beginner I think it's the best choice.
But if you are a fit young thing, the Pinerolo is what ... erm ... fit young things would choose I think - they would not be seen death with a triple front ring
From my limited knowledge, I think the Pinerolo has better components too, and it's cheaper.
Can you not do a test ride of both?

 

[Cycleops]

The two bikes have very different gearing. The Dolce has a triple up front so the spread of gears is much wider than the Mekk, it will have a lower bottom gear useful for steep hills. So depends on the routes you'll be taking. If you want to keep your options open go for the Dolce.

 

[Pale Rider]

Your area is as lumpy as any for cycling, so it would be the extra gear range of the Spesh for me.

Worse way, you will get a nice, smug feeling if you don't have to use the granny ring.

 

[voyager]

Hi Moe

Choosing a Bike is really a personal matter , buying one from a Mail order company , Limits both your choice and the experience of buying .
Unfortunately in the times we now live , and the lack of real cycle shops , online shopping has become the normal . The Problem is that the bike is aimed at normal ladies and thus the bars , stem length and frame geometry is pretty much standard . Either way both look a nice road bike and I think I would go for the 24 speed over the 18 speed BUT unless you work out all the available gear ratios on both bikes first . You could " loose " some gears as they will overlap . Either way both will " do the job " both wiggle and evans are reputable companies .
Unless you are in a tearing hurry to buy then wait until all the 2015 bikes are on sale and you will pick up a 2014 model at a sensible discounted price.

regards emma

 

[MikeW-71]

*looks at location..

N. Yorkshire isn't flat, the Mekk gearing is rather high for a beginner. Lowest gear is 34-25.

The Specialized has a lowest gear of 30-32. That will make hills far easier and will be just as quick on the flat bits.

 

[fossyant]

The Spesh has the better warrenty on the frame. The granny gear gives you a bail out if not sure about climbing ability.

 

[Moe]

Thank you all for your input! I really appreciate it!! Either way, I have to wait a little while so I have time to think.... And yes, where I live is hilly! I am in Ripon and which ever way you go, there is a hill before you leave the area!! I really hope that they (or others similar) are still available once I get the funds together!!
Thank you all again!!

 

[citybabe]

Personally for me I would go for the Dolce. I tried one for size and it felt perfect and very comfoftable. But I didn't want a triple. That was the only thing that stopped me from buying it