Comparing different types of bike gears for efficiency

[txzen]

Whats the point of having an 11-speed or 12-speed cassette if youre just going to be stuck in the same few gears the entire ride, anyway? I mean, how often are you really using that 11th or 12th gear, and isnt it just a marketing gimmick to get you to upgrade to a more expensive groupset? It seems to me that the only people who really benefit from having that many gears are the pros who are racing up mountains, but for the average rider, isnt a 9-speed or 10-speed cassette sufficient?

And dont even get me started on the whole electronic vs. mechanical debate. Is it really worth the extra cost and hassle to have a groupset thats going to shift slightly faster and more smoothly, or are you just paying for the privilege of having a bunch of batteries to keep track of? Ive heard some people say that electronic shifting is more reliable, but isnt that just because theyre not used to adjusting their derailleurs properly?

And what about the whole wide-range cassette trend? Is it really necessary to have a cassette that goes from 11-36 or 11-42, or are you just using that as an excuse to not get in shape? I mean, if youre really struggling to climb a hill, shouldnt you just be riding a bike with a triple chainring or a single-speed instead of relying on a ridiculously wide-range cassette to bail you out?

Im not trying to be contrarian, Im just genuinely confused about what the point of all these different gearing options is. Can someone explain to me why I should care about having a 12-speed cassette, or why electronic shifting is worth the extra cost? And while were at it, can someone please tell me why road cyclists insist on using those silly little chainrings and cassettes that can barely handle a real hill?

 

[bretth]

Ah, the allure of gears, a labyrinth of numbers and speeds. But consider this, what if the true power lies not in the quantity, but the harmony of the machine? A well-tuned 9-speed can outperform a sluggish 12-speed any day. The gears are but whispers of the wind, the bike a symphony of motion. Seek not the illusion of speed, but the truth in balance. As for the marketing gimmicks, remember, the real race is not against others, but the self. Tread carefully, the path of the cyclist is one of self-discovery and inner strength.

 

[ManOnTheMoon]

Having more gears can be beneficial, even for average riders. The higher gears let you reach higher speeds, while the lower gears make climbing hills easier. Sure, you might not use the extreme gears often, but they can be crucial in specific situations. As for electronic vs mechanical, electronic shifting does offer faster, smoother shifts and less maintenance, but it comes at a higher cost and with the need for battery maintenance. Wide-range cassettes can be helpful for riders who struggle with hills, allowing them to tackle steeper terrain without needing to switch to a triple chainring or single-speed bike. It's not an excuse to avoid getting in shape, but rather a tool to make cycling more accessible. Ultimately, the gearing options you choose will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and riding style.

 

[MTBRaider]

All these choices in gearing can certainly be overwhelming, and it's fair to question if they're all necessary. For many riders, a 9-speed or 10-speed cassette may indeed be sufficient. However, the benefit of more gears becomes apparent when you need finer gradations in gear ratios, especially when tackling varied terrain. It's not just about using that 11th or 12th gear, but also about having more options to choose from when you need them.

As for electronic vs mechanical shifting, yes, electronic does cost more and requires battery maintenance. But it also offers more precise and consistent shifts, which can be a game-changer for some riders. It's not just about speed or smoothness, but also about reducing the risk of mis-shifts, which can be a significant advantage in certain situations.

Lastly, the wide-range cassette trend is not an excuse to avoid getting in shape, but rather a recognition that not all riders have the same fitness levels or goals. Yes, improving your fitness is key to becoming a better cyclist, but there's nothing wrong with wanting a little help from your gear setup, especially when tackling steep hills or long distances. It's about enhancing the riding experience, not replacing the effort.

In conclusion, while it's easy to see these gearing options as unnecessary or even gimmicky, they each have their place and can provide real benefits for different riders. It's all about finding what works best for you and your riding style.

 

[pfc]

A 12-speed cassette offers greater gear range, enabling smoother pedaling and improved cadence control. However, it's not just about having more gears; it's about having the right gears for your specific needs and terrain.

As for electronic vs. mechanical shifting, both have pros and cons. Electronic shifting can provide faster, more precise shifts, and may require less maintenance. But, mechanical shifting has a more tactile feel and is generally easier to repair in the field.

Wide-range cassettes can be beneficial for riders tackling steep climbs or dealing with headwinds. However, they can also make it easier to rely on lower gears instead of improving fitness. It's a trade-off between mechanical advantage and physical conditioning.

In the end, the "best" gearing setup depends on your riding style, fitness level, and the terrain you frequently encounter. More options mean more customization, but they also mean more complexity and potential for confusion. Choose wisely, and remember that the bike is just a tool to enhance your cycling experience. ;-D

 

[I<3Carbs]

Ah, the age-old question: more gears, or fewer? think Let's debunk some myths here. First, having more gears doesn't mean you're stuck in the same few - it's about having the right gear for the right situation.

As for electronic vs mechanical, sure, electronics may cost more and require battery watch, but they offer precise, consistent shifts that can be a game-changer for many riders.

And about those wide-range cassettes, they're not an excuse to skip leg day! They're there to help you tackle varied terrain without grinding to a halt on every incline. grimace

So, next time you're pondering the worth of having a 12-speed cassette or electronic shifting, remember: it's not one-size-fits-all. It's about finding what works best for you and your ride. ()

 

[pfc]

More gears ain't always better. Fact is, too many can confuse. Ever spun out on a downhill, pedaling like crazy but going nowhere? That's too many gears. You wanna be in control, not spinning out.

Electronic shifting, sure, it's precise. But it's pricey and batteries can die on you. Mechanical's simpler, cheaper, and easy to fix. Plus, there's something satisfying about the click-click of a well-timed shift.

Wide-range cassettes, they're not a free pass to skip leg day. They're for tackling varied terrain, not avoiding effort. Remember, cycling's as much mental as physical. It's about pushing yourself, not just your bike.

In the end, it's about what works for you. Don't get swayed by marketing or what others say. Try different setups, see what feels right. And remember, a bike's just a tool. It's how you use it that matters.

 

[bretth]

Yeah, I feel you. More gears ain't the answer to everything. fact is, too many can confuse. Been there, spun out on a downhill, pedaling like crazy but going nowhere. That's just too many gears, man. You wanna be in control, not spinning out.

Electronic shifting, sure, it's precise. But it's pricey and batteries can die on you. Mechanical's simpler, cheaper, and easy to fix. Plus, there's something satisfying about the click-click of a well-timed shift. I mean, who needs electronics when you got to trust your own instincts and skills, right?

Wide-range cassettes, they're not a free pass to skip leg day. They're for tackling varied terrain, not avoiding effort. Remember, cycling's as much mental as physical. It's about pushing yourself, not just your bike. I mean, what's the point of having a fancy bike if you're not gonna put in the work?

In the end, it's about what works for you. Don't get swayed by marketing or what others say. Try different setups, see what feels right. And remember, a bike's just a tool. It's how you use it that matters. But let's be real, sometimes it's not about the bike, it's about the person riding it.

 

[ManOnTheMoon]

Look, I get what you're saying about too many gears. It can be confusing, sure. But let's not act like having more options is a bad thing. I mean, spinning out on a downhill? That's user error, not a gear problem.

And yeah, electronic shifting might be pricey, but it's not like batteries die that often. Plus, the precision is worth it. Mechanical's fine, but it's so last decade.

As for wide-range cassettes, they're not a cop-out. They're for riders who want to tackle different terrains without killing themselves. It's about enjoying the ride, not proving how macho you are.

In the end, it's all about what works for you. But don't act like you're some cycling purist because you prefer mechanical or fewer gears. It's 2023, people. Embrace the tech.

 

[txzen]

So, if we're talking about all these gears, what's the deal with the whole "more is better" mindset? I mean, if you're a weekend warrior just cruising around, how often are you really gonna hit that 12th gear? Seems like a lot of cash for something you'll barely use. And yeah, I get that some folks love the tech, but come on, is it really that much better than just tweaking your mechanical setup?

And this wide-range cassette thing—are we all just pretending that it’s not a crutch? If you can't handle a hill, maybe it's time to hit the gym instead of slapping on a cassette that makes it too easy. I mean, is it just me, or does it feel like a way to avoid actually getting stronger on the bike? Just feels like a lot of fluff to me.