Why am I still faster than you?

E: Let’s all talk about what bikes should or shoudn’t cost

  • PlaidBaron@lemmy.world
    10·
    6 days ago

    I used to ride an old steel bike I pulled out of a trash heap to commute. Strapped an old computer bag to the back for a panier and called it a day.

    Picture for those interested:

    • Empricorn@feddit.nlEnglish
      4·
      6 days ago

      You lost me at “1 gear”. When I had a bike I hated not being able to go faster, or struggling to make it up a steep hill.

      • superkret@feddit.org
        2·
        6 days ago

        1 gear (with a ratio of 39/17) limits me to a top speed of around 37 km/h (23 mph), and on the other end, a 10% sustained slope uphill, or a short 15% burst.
        Which is fine by me, and more than most people I know do with their geared, or even E-bikes.
        It’s actually surprising how little difference gearing makes in practice.

        As for why I think 1 gear with no freewheel is better, that’s kinda hard to explain if you haven’t experienced it.
        Best explanation I can give is: I can pull my bike out of storage after 2 years, pump up the tires, lube the chain and go ride.
        I can slow down by pushing back with my legs, so I need the brake maybe once a week.

        And it kinda feels like being able to run 37km/h.

        • Empricorn@feddit.nlEnglish
          2·
          6 days ago

          Interesting, thanks for the info. I don’t really belong in this community as my job has to be done in a company vehicle parked at my home. But I really, really miss biking. I would ride all over town as a teenager and was in better shape. But my bike got stolen from an apartment years ago…