than 21 speeds and do they cost a lot more? and how much more?
2007-03-04 01:45:45 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Cycling
the number of speeds is not as important as the gear ratio or the abilities of the rider.
a triple 7, 8 or 9 (which is 21, 24 or 27 gears) could be just as good as a double 9 or 10 (which is 18 or 20)...
the number of gears is not what you should be looking at... the overall bike makes a difference.
2007-03-04 01:55:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
A lot will depend on what sort of bike the gears are on.
A "21" speed would be a 3 x 7 which would suggest a mountain style bike or a cheaper road bike. Both of these would be a little slower.
An "18" speed bike would be a 2x9 which would suggest a late model road bike. They are designed to be quick on the road. They are generally lighter and place the rider in a more aerodynamic position.
Aerodynamics makes by far the largest difference to a bicycles top speed. (for any given rider).
Currently many road bikes are available in 3x10 format ("30") most only take up the 2x10 option since the 3x does not give any higher gears. 3x is very good for steep climbing and towing trailers.
There is not a real lot of difference in the price of a 2x9 and a 3x10 generally in the order of a hundred bucks or so. (If the same component level).
High gearing does not always make you go faster. If you are not strong enough to push that gear you will actually go slower.
p.s. I rarely ever use the down thumb. Never on answers that are even close to right.
p.p.s. It wasn't me this time either
2007-03-04 09:14:40 · answer #2 · answered by Glenn B 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not necessarily. Most gearing, whether it is 18, 21, 24, or 27 speeds have about the same high and low gear. The big difference is in how many steps there are between each gear which allows more even cadence (pedal RPMs) over different terrain.
There are some differences of course, but they USUALLY won't be found in the ability to pedal faster or slower.
Other than low priced (under $200) and childrens bikes, there are hardly any 18 or 21 gear bikes to be had anymore so, no, the cost is about the same between the 2.
2007-03-04 02:02:24 · answer #3 · answered by bikeworks 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The gear ratios are more important than the number of gears if you're looking for top speed. My Trek 520 has 27 gears, with the highest gear being a 52 x 11 ratio and the lowest being a 30 x 34 ratio. Most road bikes now come with at least 24 speeds, some have 30. Prices can be anywhere from $600-700 for something decent up to several thousand dollars or more for top of the line.
Check out trekbikes.com to get an idea of prices.
2007-03-04 02:48:35 · answer #4 · answered by crazydave 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The answer to your question is No it's not faster. The number of speeds a bike has is not as important as the gear ratio of the cassette or freewheel and of course your crankset. Most cassette gearing start with an 11, 12 ro 13 tooth sprocket where your top speed will be achieved, and most cassettes sold today are 8,9,and 10 speed.
Check these links and it will give you an idea of speeds that can be achieved using certain gears.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gears/
http://www.wisil.recumbents.com/wisil/gearinches.asp
As far as the bikes worth, it's worth what an individual is willing to pay.
2007-03-04 02:15:31 · answer #5 · answered by Ric 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
YourYour top speed is determined by how much energy you can transfer from your muscles to the road. The gearing simply adjusts the cadence, which is where the greater number of gears comes in handy, with the ability to maintain cadence over more varied terrain. 18 or 21 gears is not goijng to make a difference in your maximum speed, but it will affect your cadence at your maximum effort.
2007-03-04 02:01:40 · answer #6 · answered by rowlfe 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋