Why MTB riders always think more gears are better

[Chris_G]

Why do we always seem to be racing to have the most gears on our mountain bikes - is it just a marketing ploy or do people actually use them all? It seems like every year, manufacturers are adding more and more gears to their systems, and the mtb community is happily lapping them up, but Ive got to ask - do we really need all these gears? Are we actually using the full range of our 1x12 or 1x13 systems, or are we just stuck in a few favorite gears? Does the average rider really benefit from having 12 or 13 different gear options, or are we just creating more complexity and more potential points of failure?

Is the gear envy we see in the mtb community driven by a desire to keep up with the Joneses, or is it actually driven by a real need for more gear options? Do we honestly think that one more gear is going to make a difference in our riding, or are we just buying into the hype? It seems to me that many of the benefits of having more gears could be achieved through better chainring or cog options, rather than adding more and more complexity to our drivetrains. And dont even get me started on the weight and cost of these systems - is it really worth it? Are we sacrificing durability and simplicity at the altar of more gear options?

Im not suggesting that we go back to the days of 3x7 or 3x9, but I am suggesting that we take a closer look at what we really need in terms of gear options, rather than just defaulting to the latest and greatest. Id love to hear your thoughts on this - do you think were getting carried away with the gear options on our mtbs, or do you think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks?

 

[SprintSavvySteve]

Let's face it, the "gear race" in the mountain biking world can feel like a bit of an arms race . It's easy to get caught up in the hype and feel pressured to upgrade to the latest 1x12 or 1x13 system. But do we really need all those gears?

In theory, more gears mean more options for tackling different terrains, but how many of us are actually using the full range? Often, we find ourselves sticking to our favorite few gears. Adding more gears also means adding more complexity and potential points of failure .

So why do we keep chasing the dream of one more gear? It's partly due to the desire to keep up with the Joneses, but it's also because having more gear options can be beneficial in certain situations. However, it's worth considering whether those benefits could be achieved through better chainring or cog options instead.

And then there's the cost and weight factor to consider . Are we sacrificing durability and simplicity for the sake of having more gear options? It's a valid question to ask ourselves before jumping on the latest and greatest bandwagon.

In the end, it's all about finding the right balance for our individual needs. So let's take a step back and think about what we really need before getting caught up in the gear race .

 

[jhaake]

All this gear talk has me Do we really need more gears, or are we just chasing the latest trend? Ever considered that wider range cassettes or varying chainring sizes could offer similar benefits? And let's not forget the impact on weight, cost, and potential complexity. It's worth pondering: are we sacrificing durability and simplicity for the sake of more gear options? Food for thought!

 

[phildorman]

You're missing the point. More gears mean more control, more speed, and better performance. If you can't handle the range, you're not a real cyclist. Don't hold back progress just because you're stuck in your ways!

 

[darksmaster923]

The obsession with cramming more and more gears onto mountain bikes has got to stop. It's becoming a mindless race to see who can add the most, while ignoring the real needs of riders. Do we really need 12 or 13 gears? Unlikely. Many of us are stuck in our favorite few gears anyways.

This gear mania is driven by a desire to keep up with the Joneses and a misguided belief that more gears equal better performance. But the reality is, many of these "benefits" could be achieved through better chainring or cog options, without adding unnecessary complexity and potential failure points to our drivetrains.

And let's not forget about the weight and cost of these high gear systems. Are we willing to sacrifice durability and simplicity for the sake of a few extra gears? I think not.

It's time for the mountain biking community to take a step back and reevaluate what we truly need in terms of gear options. Let's not default to the latest and greatest, but instead, consider what will truly enhance our riding experience. It's time to put an end to this gear madness.

 

[allenpg]

Oh, you sweet summer child, thinking that more gears equals more problems. Let me, a humble forum dweller, enlighten you on the wonders of having a plethora of gears at your disposal.

First, let's debunk the idea that we're all just stuck in our favorite gears, shall we? We're not. We're too busy exploring the vast landscapes and terrains that our beloved mountain bikes can take us to. And sometimes, just sometimes, we need that extra gear to conquer the unforgiving hills or fly down the wicked slopes.

Second, the notion that more gears create more complexity and potential points of failure is just plain wrong. Sure, more gears might seem intimidating, but think of it this way: it's like having a bigger toolbox. Each gear is a tool, carefully crafted to help you tackle any challenge that comes your way. And if one tool breaks, well, you've got plenty more to choose from.

Finally, the argument about weight and cost is just a bunch of hot air. Yes, high-end drivetrains can be pricey, but they're worth every penny. As for the weight, well, have you ever heard the saying "light as a feather, tough as nails?" That's what we're aiming for here.

So, my fellow mtb enthusiasts, let us embrace the beauty of having more gears and less limitations. Let us not fear the unknown, but rather, welcome it with open arms and a heart full of determination. Because, at the end of the day, it's not about the number of gears; it's about the rider and their unyielding spirit. And that, my friends, is something that no one can put a price on.

 

[SprintSavvySteve]

I see where you're coming from, fellow cyclist, with your love for numerous gears ���icyclist:. It's true that having more gears can offer a wider range to tackle various terrains, and the idea of a bigger toolbox does have its appeal.

However, let's not forget that with more gears comes the need for more precise shifting and maintenance . It's essential to consider whether the benefits outweigh the costs and complexities.

And while it's great to have an array of tools at your disposal, it's equally important to master using them effectively. Are you making the most of those extra gears, or could you conquer the same trails with fewer options and less maintenance?

Ultimately, it's about striking the right balance for each rider and their unique needs. Let's appreciate the beauty of choice while remembering that sometimes, simplicity can be a strength .

 

[phildorman]

True, more gears can be beneficial, but they also bring complexity & upkeep. Mastering fewer gears can lead to efficient use & less maintenance. It's about finding the right balance for your unique cycling needs .

 

[Chris_G]

Complexity often comes at a cost. Are we losing sight of the pure joy of riding in favor of chasing the latest gear trends? How many of us can truly utilize all these options effectively?

 

[allenpg]

Are we, as cyclists, becoming too obsessed with gear quantity, neglecting the simple joy of the ride? How many of us genuinely exploit all these gear options? Complexity may have its price. It's food for thought, isn't it? Ever considered that more gears could potentially distract us from the essence of cycling? It's not always about the tools; sometimes, it's the craftsperson wielding the tools.

 

[Chris_G]

Is our obsession with gear count like trying to impress the neighbor with our lawnmower's horsepower? Remember when cycling was just about the wind in your hair, not the number of gears in your derailleur? How many times have we reached for those extra gears, only to end up in a state of confusion, like a cat in a room full of laser pointers? If we’re not using the full range, are we just collecting gears like Pokémon? Could we cycle just as happily with fewer options, or are we all secretly afraid of being left behind in the gear arms race?

 

[SprintSavvySteve]

Sure, the gear obsession can feel like lawnmower one-upmanship. But more gears ain't all bad, just more maintenance. And yeah, we could probably make do with fewer options. But here's the thing: sometimes those extra gears save our butts on tough trails. So, is it impressing the neighbors or having a wider safety net? You decide. But don't forget, simplicity has its charm too.

 

[Chris_G]

isn't it wild how we keep piling on gears like they're trophies? manufacturers push the latest craze while most of us barely touch the full range. are we just flexing to look cool, or are we actually riding smarter? those extra gears might sound great, but are they just adding weight? how often do we really shift into that 12th or 13th gear, anyway? makes ya wonder if we're just chasing numbers, not performance.

 

[darksmaster923]

Y'know, you're spot on. This gear obsession is getting out of hand. We're turning our bikes into bloated showpieces instead of practical machines. Most of us don't even use those extra gears, just sticking to our favorites.

And sure, more gears might sound fancy, but are they really making our rides better? Or are they just adding weight and complexity, making our bikes harder to maintain and more prone to breaking down?

I mean, how often do you actually find yourself needing that 12th or 13th gear? I'd wager it's not that often. It's like we're chasing numbers instead of real performance gains.

At the end of the day, we need to remember that simpler is often better when it comes to our bikes. Let's focus on what really matters: the ride itself.

 

[Chris_G]

So, are we really just chasing numbers with all these gears? Feels like we’re more concerned with bragging rights than actual performance. Most of us stick to a handful of gears anyway. Why are we letting manufacturers dictate our needs? Do we even stop to think about the real ride experience? Is it about the thrill or just the latest gear count? Seems like we’re losing sight of what mountain biking is all about.

 

[darksmaster923]

Absolutely, we're chasing numbers alright. More gears, more problems, I say! Who needs 12 gears when 3-5 will do just fine? Manufacturers are pushing this gear madness, but we gotta take a step back and remember what mountain biking's all about. It's the thrill, the ride, the experience, man! Let's not lose sight of that. #keepitsimple #ridelife #mtbpassion

 

[Chris_G]

So, we’re just piling on gears like it’s some badge of honor. Seriously, how many of us are actually using those extra 12 or 13 options? It’s like we’re in a race to see who can collect the most. What happened to just riding? If most of us are stuck in the same few gears anyway, why are we letting manufacturers sell us on this idea that more is better? It’s just noise, right?

 

[phildorman]

C'mon, it's not about hoarding gears as badges. More gears mean more control, more options for any terrain. Yeah, we might stick to a few, but choices are power. Manufacturers ain't forcing us, they're just responding to our demand for versatility. It's not just noise, it's progress.

 

[kik]

Let's get real, who needs 12 gears on a mountain bike? It's a marketing gimmick, plain and simple. I've seen pros stuck in a few favorite gears, and the average rider doesn't come close to utilizing the full range. It's like having a sports car and only driving in second gear. Give me a reliable, smooth-shifting 1x10 any day!

 

[Chris_G]

we're just obsessed with these gear counts like they're a trophy or something. it's wild. why are we so quick to assume more is automatically better? seriously, how many of those fancy new gears are actually getting used on the trail? sounds to me like more options just leads to more confusion. most folks stick to a handful of gears, yet we keep buying into this hype like we're missing out if we don’t chase the latest gimmicks. do we really think adding another gear is going to transform our ride, or are we just playing into the manufacturers' hands? the whole thing feels like a joke. it’s not about performance, it’s about keeping up appearances. when did mountain biking become about showing off gears instead of enjoying the ride? why are we pretending that complexity equals fun? feels like we're losing sight of what really matters on the trail.