Gears, How Many And Why?

[Cyclezee]

How many gears does an electric bike realistically need and why?

You could have from 1 to 81 with the SRAM dual-drive, but what is the optimum number and what is best derailleur hub?

 

[jerrysimon]

In Cambridge two only. The new SRAM A2 with kick back brake. Why because its faultless, no cables, brake or gear levers and does not need much attention/maintenance.

Whatever the ebike I don't see any need for more than a few (maybe 5 max) gears.

Regards

Jerry

 

[danfoto]

8 hub gears. Because that's what our Kalkhoffs have and in our neck of the woods, it's ideal for us.

We have 21-speed Deore on our Thorn Sherpas, but we wouldn't want derailleurs on our pedelcs.

 

[funkylyn]

8 hub gears for me too.....but would accept 3.....
would never consider a bike again without hub gears after getting used to them I love them....

Lynda

 

[Geebee]

Depends on the terrain, I have to deal with 20% grade hills, normal dérailleur system 21 speed, Compact 14 speed.
I use all of the gears, if you remove the really steep hill a 7 speed would do.

BUT what about the safety of having enough gears to get home if the assist dies?

 

[Kudoscycles]

I could get away with three but eight gears is useful especially if riding uphill on low PAS setting. Multi gears (21plus) are really only needed if riding non assist. I personally like the Nexus 8 speed hub,if you prefer derailleur then the Deore 9 speed is a good strong set of gearing-sales of our Kudos Tourer are equally divided between Tourer-N8 and Tourer-D9.
Dave
KudosCycles

 

[NRG]

Minimum 8 buuuuut....thats with a drive through the gears crank design, for a hub powered bike 8 is not enough where I live, 21 is far more realistic and practical.

 

[indalo]

BUT what about the safety of having enough gears to get home if the assist dies?

That's a good point Geebee but a Nexus 7 or 8 speed hub will easily assist anybody to limp home unless the bike is ridiculously heavy. I know some hub motors can drag a bit but I have never noticed any discernible drag with my Panasonic crank-drive and it rolls forever on the flat on 28" wheels. I might have to push it up the steepest hills without power but it is certainly eminently rideable without the assistance simply by using the gearbox properly, (hardly required under power).

Indalo

 

[Scottyf]

Electric probably 7 speed hub.
I can cope with that for most terrain on the road unassisted

Only need more in an off road setup. Then I think a High 7 speed derailer with double chain ring would be suffcient.

 

[flecc]

With normal gear systems, six gears with a minimum 300% range. Any less than six gears with that range gives steps that are too large, anything less than 300% range can't cope with the worst hills while giving an adequate enough high gear for moderate cadences.

My ideal would be 6 gears over 300% range plus a very high "overdrive" gear for the long slightly downhill runaways at speed.

The SRAM DualDrive can provide for that, but with far too many gears.
.

 

[kitchenman]

For me and my recent experiences of riding assisted and un-assisted on my route I use 12 gears. I used to skip change but since I have been working on my cadence I've learnt to step up gradually. I still skip change down.

 

[overlander]

For me when i went from my 27 speed bike to the koga's Rohloff 14 speed hub i thought i would miss the gears. No i have not as what i quickly learned was as long as the range was the same and the gaps between them was not too big then 27 gears are just not needed. So on a touring bike 14 is more than enough as long as the top and bottom are correct. On an electric bike the need is even less so an internal hub from shimano is ideal.

 

[KirstinS]

another vote for 8 hub gears. I love my Alfine setup more than any deraileur I've ever had and prefer it to the Nexus as seems quieter and smoother. Would be quite happy to try the 11 gear version or even the Rolhoff 14....... but even in the hilly South Downs 8 is enough any any more is pure extravagence (esp as the 11 or 14 hubs are way more expensive)

 

[timidtom]

Four for Cheshire - I know I've got more but use only four ...

 

[bazwaldo]

My ideal would be 6 gears over 300% range plus a very high "overdrive" gear for the long slightly downhill runaways at speed.

As usual flecc I think your opinion is spot on, my Bearprint has 6 gears and I very definitely need a higher gear for maximising the downhill enjoyment!

Barry.

 

[Jimod]

I have 9 and I use them all everytime I'm out. My area is all hills and very little flat roads and I need ALL of my gears at one time or another.