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Number of speeds.

post #1 of 3
2/5/12 at 3:30pm
Thread Starter 

I'm currently looking at new bikes. As I look I'm noticing that there are 10,12, 16, and 24 speed road bikes. What are the differences and what is better?

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post #2 of 3
2/5/12 at 5:47pm

You seem to be from a previous generation. Modern road bicycles seem to have 2 or 3 chainrings in front and 9 or 10 cogs on the rear wheel. That gives 18, 27, 20 or 30 "speed" - gear combinations.

 

More "speeds" allow you to match your body to the terrain better. If you have steep hills or long hills you might want 3 chainrings to help you up the climbs and still allow high speeds on the flats.

 

The number of cogs on the rear is mostly unimportant. I think most Shimano brand rear hubs will allow 8,9, or 10 cogs. (Some technical details will be filled in by others.)

 

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If you have steep hills, get a bike with 3 chainrings. If you don't, get a bike with 2.

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post #3 of 3
2/5/12 at 9:54pm

I went from an old-school 12-speed to a 30-speed last year.  Three rings in front, 10 cogs in back.  I mostly don't use the smallest front ring any more as I've gotten much stronger with more riding.  However, I could see having even more gears in back.  With more gears in back, the gear ratios end up being closer, which means that even with slight changes in the terrain, one can keep pedaling at their ideal cadence.  Over time, as you ride, you'll find that you can pedal at a broad range of RPMs, but there will be a narrow "sweet spot"  of a 5-10 RPM range that allows you to go long distances without tiring easily.  (Mine is currently about 80-90 RPM, up from about 70-75 two years ago).

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