If you want to buy a commuter bike, one of the key factors to consider is its gear. Gears allow you to adjust the resistance on your bike, making it easier or harder to pedal depending on the terrain you’re riding. But how many gears does a commuter bike usually have?
The basis of Gears
First, let’s talk about the basics of bicycle gear. Gears are different combinations of chain links (on the front) and gears (on the back) that determine how easy it is to pedal. More gear means more options to adjust the resistance to suit your riding conditions.
Single speed vs multi-speed
There are two main types of commuter bikes: single-speed and multi-speed. Single-speed bikes have only one gear, which is great for flat terrain and short commutes. They are low maintenance and easy to use. Multi-speed bikes, on the other hand, have a range of gears, usually from 7 to 27 or more. These bikes are more versatile and suitable for different terrains such as hilly or rugged roads.
How many gears should a commuter bike have?
The gear of a commuter bike depends on your riding preferences and the terrain you will encounter. For most urban commutes with flat or moderately hilly terrain, a bike in 7 to 10 gears is sufficient. This range provides enough options to adjust the resistance without leaving you with too many options.
If you live in a hilly area or plan to take your commuter bike for longer rides over different terrain, you may want to consider a bike with more gear, such as a 21 or 24 gear bike.
FAQ
Is there enough bike in 7th gear?
A wider gear range allows you to tackle steep hills without losing too much speed on flat terrain. The 7-speed bike is also ideal for recreational cycling and touring.
Is 16 speed enough for road bikes?
Modern bikes range in gear from 16 to 30. It depends on the terrain you’re going to ride and I think what works best for you. My road bike has 20 gears (which is now standard) and the chain set is standard double gear with a ratio of 39:53.
How fast can a 21-speed bike go?
The top speed I achieved on a 21-speed mountain bike with no tailwind was around 55 km/h. That’s in gear 3, gear 4 which means there’s another gear 3 up here.
Is 10 speed enough for a road bike?
A road bike can have as much speed as you feel it needs. It all depends on how you plan to use the bike. Most new road bikes have one or two gears on the crank and eleven or twelve on the cassette. If you want an old used bike, a rear wheel in nine or ten gears is common.
What’s the highest speed a bike can go?
In 1986, Jim Glover set the record in a Moulton AM7 at the Human Speed Championships during the Vancouver Expo. The fastest speed for a bike in a skid is 296 km/h (183.9 MPH), set by Dennis Muller-Krenek at Bonneville Salt Flats in 2018.
How leisurely can a bike go?
In short, the average speed (MPH) for recreational cycling on the sidewalk was 14.1 MPH and the average distance was 19.2 miles. The average speed for recreational cycling on dirt is 8.3 MPH and the average distance is 10.6 miles.
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