Difference Between Gear Bikes And Gearless Bicycles

1. Difference Between Gear Bikes And Gearless Bicycles ‘Should I buy geared or gearless?’ That’s a question every cycling enthusiast has to answer at the start of their journey. Cycling remains a popular pass time even in the age of motorbikes and cars. Many people search for the ​best bikes brands companies in India​ because they understand that cycling is healthy, fun and eco-friendly. It also helps that cycles have a sense of nostalgia attached to them. Not every cyclist cycles the same way. Some cycle for thrill over mountains and rough terrains. Others cycle for leisure as they go to work. Your purpose will help you decide whether you should buy gearless cycles or gear bikes. Before that, let’s understand the difference between the two. What Are Gear Bikes? As the name suggests, these bikes have gears. People tend to think of these when they picture the best bikes brands and companies in India. You can adjust the gears to choose the right speed ratio based on your terrain. You don’t need to pedal hard to go fast. E.g. you can use the lower gear to ride uphill smoothly and top gear to speed over flat roads slanting downward.

2. Gears also help you maintain rotations per minute. Experts recommend maintaining an RPM of 60 to 90 to ride comfortably without causing muscle injury. They help you accelerate fast and cover a long distance. Their main downside is that they cost more than a ​bicycle without gear​. Gear cycles also require more maintenance, which can add to the overall cost. What Are Gearless Bicycles? Gearless is a bit of a misnomer because these cycles have one gear. But having one gear means that you can’t change their speed ratio. Thus the term gearless. You need to pedal them harder depending on the terrain you ride, especially if it’s uphill. That’s why it’s also called a single speed cycle. When searching for a bicycle without gear, you’ll come across these two types: - Freewheel Cycles These cycles are the most popular among cycling enthusiasts. They come with the back wheel unattached to the pedal. So you can cruise without pedalling once you reach a certain speed. This improves the bike’s performance and makes it easier to use. When riding downhill, many riders let gravity take over instead of pedalling. - Fixed Wheel Cycles These cycles come with the back wheel attached to the pedal. So you can’t cruise on them, you have to keep pedalling to keep moving forward. Many cyclists prefer this type of bicycle without gear because it gives them great control. They use it for indoor racing and exercise. You can slow down or stop without hitting the brakes. But it takes a while to master it, so practice in a secluded area before hitting the road. Which Bike Should You Buy? Whether you should buy gearless cycles or geared ones depends on the following factors: Terrain This is usually the deciding factor between the two bicycles. If you live in an area with uneven terrain, then you might prefer a gear cycle. It allows you to adjust its speed ratio based on the terrain and enjoy a smooth ride. In contrast, a bicycle without gear would be difficult to ride uphill but it does allow you to cruise downhill. But it’s better suited for flatter terrains where you don’t have to pedal hard based on the terrain. Ease Of Use Gearless cycles are much easier to use than gear cycles because you don’t have to worry about changing gears when riding a gearless cycle. However, you do have to worry about pedalling harder when riding uphill with it, in which case a gear cycle might be the easier one to ride.

3. Distance If you plan on riding a long distance, then you should ride on a gear cycle rather than a gearless one. Gear cycles are designed by the best bikes brands and companies in India to travel long distances smoothly and safely.