Gears.

Strickland

While looking into road bikes, I've noticed a couple different types of gears that are used.

Could someone go through the main types and pros and cons?

Cheers.

P.S I completed a 65 mile cycle for the BHF yesterday on an MTB. Killer. Everyone that spoke to me on the ride said I would of found it a fair bit more enjoyable on a road bike. I've only been toying with the idea of a road bike, but yesterday kinda sold it to me.

asprilla

Can you describe the ones you've seen?

skyd0g

VERY broadly:

Triple - 3 chainrings for tourers, or people who cycle in very hilly areas. Typically 30, 42, 52.

Compact - 2 chainrings. Covers the needs of most people in most situations. Typically 34, 50.

Standard - 2 Chainrings. Mainly for racers or stronger riders. Typically 39, 53.

MrChuck

I think a compact is the way forward, if you're reasonably fit and aren't actually racing. There aren't many places you'd need a triple on a road bike (assuming you're not touring) and while the times I've felt undergeared on my compact are very few, the times I've been glad of it are many!

Strickland

Thanks.

And I've also noticed single speed gearing. What's the point in these? Surely to have a choice of gears would be better? Sorry, but Im a complete noob with all the ins and outs. Trying to get together at least a basic knowledge of what Im getting myself in to.

skyd0g

Strickland wrote:

Thanks.

And I've also noticed single speed gearing. What's the point in these? Surely to have a choice of gears would be better? Sorry, but Im a complete noob with all the ins and outs. Trying to get together at least a basic knowledge of what Im getting myself in to.

Single speeds / fixies - for trendy couriers in London.

...also used by a few who wish to train or want a simple to repair bike for commuting.

MrChuck

Singlespeed is an interesting one- my commuter is SS and I think it makes me stronger on my 'proper' bikes. But the most I ever do on it is about 7 miles. I wouldn't fancy it on a real road bike, mainly because downhills are pretty tedious.

So SS is inetersting as an addition to a geared bike but IMO isn't really a replacement for one for most people.

pbt150

Careful saying that gears are 'better' than single-speeds around here! It's one of those things like Shimano/Campag or helmet/no helmet where there's no right answer.

Basically singles-speeds are just different. A lot of people like them for commuting/riding around town because they are simpler and have fewer working parts that can go wrong, and they are also pretty good for training the legs to get stronger, especially when ridden as a fixed-gear bike.

If you're just getting into cycling you'll probably want to get a compact if you don't do any other sport, a regular double if you're fit or have strong legs, or a triple if you live anywhere very hilly. I started out on a double and I only really struggled when the road got >15%.

asprilla

I ride geared in the summer and fixed in the winter. Fixed is a lot easier and cheaper to maintain when all that road muck is eating away at your drive train. It's also good training.

Skippy2309

plus fixed is fun :P