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jobyts
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Why is it that most of the bicycles have 10-20 gears, wherein motor bikes have mostly up to 6 gears? Is there an engineering reason behind it?
I always thought that more than 5 gears was overkill. In JHS and HS, I road a three speed that I converted to a fixed gear. At university, I road a 10 speed that I pretty much left in the highest gear ratio.jobyts said:Why is it that most of the bicycles have 10-20 gears, wherein motor bikes have mostly up to 6 gears? Is there an engineering reason behind it?
BobG said:Some of the gear combinations in between essentially duplicate each other when it comes to the overall gear ratio, so having 20 gears doesn't mean you have 20 unique gear ratios.
DoggerDan said:there are too many times when you need small increments from one gear to the next.
There are a few reasons for this. First, bicycles are typically used for shorter distances and slower speeds, so having more gears allows for more precise and efficient shifting. Additionally, the human body is capable of generating a wider range of power and speed compared to a motorcycle engine, so having more gear options allows for better matching of cadence and terrain.
Bicycles can have anywhere from 1 to 30 gears, but the most common number of gears is between 18 and 21. This allows for a good balance between having enough gear options for different terrains and not being too complicated for the rider to use.
Not necessarily. Having too many gears can add unnecessary weight to the bike and can be overwhelming for some riders. It's important to have a good balance of gears that cover a wide range of speeds and terrain, without being too excessive.
Technically, yes. Some motorcycles do have more gears, but it is not always necessary. Motorcycles have a much higher torque and power output compared to bicycles, so they can function well with fewer gears. Additionally, motorcycles are designed for longer distances and higher speeds, so having more gears may not be as beneficial as it is for bicycles.
No, not all bicycles have gears. There are single-speed bicycles that have only one gear, usually used for simple and flat terrains. However, most bicycles do have gears, especially those designed for more diverse terrains and longer distances.