Basic gearing issues on a 7-speed

[Becky]

Fredwina, I believe that I only have one gear in the front! Such is my ignorance. This is my bike---http://yorktowncycles.com/itemdetails.cfm?id=6688

Melissa, many thanks. I think I'll better understand this through experience. I learn best that way. My biggest surprise was the big gap between riding up that slight incline in 2nd and then shifting to 1st and seeing such a HUGE difference. I will read Sheldon's information. I read somewhere that he just passed away. A huge loss.

Yep, single chainring.

I think that the huge difference you're feeling between first and second is because of the cassette (gears) that you have. A 14-34 cassette is going to have some huge jumps in gearing in order to span such a wide range. A 34-tooth sprocket makes for a very low gear.

IMO, pedal what feels comfortable, and don't sweat what particular gear you're in. Just enjoy that pretty new bike!

[Cloudymoor]

Thanks Becky---the bike is cobalt blue and it is pretty (although secrety I wanted a Bianchi!)

If I find that I'm really into this and outgrow the gearing in a few years time, is it easier to get a new bike, or change what I have??

[Becky]

Thanks Becky---the bike is cobalt blue and it is pretty (although secrety I wanted a Bianchi!)

If I find that I'm really into this and outgrow the gearing in a few years time, is it easier to get a new bike, or change what I have??

That's sort of a tricky question to answer. 7-speed components are getting hard to find- I know, my commuter is 7-speed!- and 7-speed stuff is not readily upgraded to 8-, 9-, or 10-speed. You may be able to buy a 7-speed cassette with slightly different gearing, but it's certainly something that your shop would have to special order for you. To upgrade beyond that, you're looking at a significant chunk of money, and I'd be inclined to use it to increase your budget for a whole new bike.

Personally, I don't mind 7-speed, so I'll be keeping it on my commuter until it breaks. There's a lot of "what ifs" that go along with upgrading any bike so, for now, ride that pretty bike into the ground and see how hard the cycling bug bites you

IMHO, of course...

[Cloudymoor]

Becky---I'm glad to hear you're happy with the 7 speed commuter bike. I need to hear that right now. I guess I was worried that my lbs just sold me what was available rather than what was right for me. Thanks again.

[melissam]

Cloudymoor,

From what I understand about your riding terrain, it sounds like your 7-speed is a great bike for you right now. Enjoy!

- Melissa

[Sgritn]

I have a GIANT CYPRESS and I'm still confused about gearing. On the left I have 3 numbers, on the right I have 7 numbers- I'm usually at left 2 and 3 right. I am at the park {MARINE PARK in Brooklyn}a lot and faster riders pass me often! That's OK..I'll get up to speed eventually but as they pass me I can hear a 'whir, whir' gear sound..am I supposed to be hearing that sound too as I bike faster? Please tell me how I need to set my bike for a casual, park ride. I street ride less than a mile to get to the park. I feel at times that my gears are too loose if you know what I mean...like I'm pedaling but the spin feels too easy.
Thanks

[melissam]

Sgritn,

According to the specs, your Giant Cypress has a triple chainring up front, and a 7 speed cassette in the back. The numbers from 1 to 3 on your left correspond to one of the three chainrings up front, and the numbers from 1 to 7 on your right correspond to one of the 7 items on the cassette in the back.

Basically, all things being equal, the more number of teeth in the chainring, the harder it is to pedal; the more number of teeth in the cassette, the easier it is to pedal.

Pick a cassette/chainring combination that makes it easy for you to maintain your speed. Which combination you choose depends on a lot of things -- if you're riding into the wind, if you're riding on flat ground ... or uphill ... or downhill, if you're tired, how fast you can spin the pedals and still be efficient.

If the gears are too loose, try a "harder" combination. You don't need to spin the pedals like a cartoon character, but you don't want to have your gears set so that it takes extreme effort -- this is tough on the knees.

Oh, and the 'whir whir' sound? I'm not sure -- do you hear a similar sound when you back pedal your bike? It could just be the sound of their bearings.

Happy trails!

- Melissa

[Geonz]

What she said