How Many Speeds Do I Need On My Bike?

Choosing a Bike

February 13, 2017

The question of how many speeds you need on your bike can be a complicated one—or a very easy one—depending on how clearly you know what you need from your bike. Some bikes are ideal for slow weekend journeys to the farmers market or along a lake bike path. Others will take you uphill, downhill, and across some pretty tough terrain. If you already know you want to stick to your neighborhood, a single-speed may be all you need. When you’re on the adventurous side, you should seek out a multi-speed bike for sale. From single speed bikes, to 3 speed cruisers, to multi speed beach cruisers, sixthreezero has them all. You can even customize your ride with upgraded tires and a frame painted in your favorite color. Let’s take a look at what you can gain from bikes with single, 3, or multiple gears – and why you should decide how you’ll use your bicycle before you seal the deal.

A Single Speed Bike

A single speed bike is just what it sounds like: two-wheelers constructed with just one speed, meaning you never have to switch gears. Pedal forward, and your bike goes forward; pedal backward and it stops. A single speed bike is perfect for anyone who simply wants to take their baby out for a spin for fresh air, a little exercise or both, and preferably on flat terrain. A single speed bike is uncomplicated, which makes it easy to ride. However, they are also slow, so if speed or climbing hills is your thing, then perhaps you should consider a different type of bike since you will develop a substantial sweat riding either. Here you can check out the whole lineup of sixthreezero single speed bikes.

A 3 Speed Cruiser

Do you envision yourself being a little more aggressive with your bike riding? Do you want to weave in and out of traffic, break a sweat, climb hills, and go fast every once in a while? In that case, a 3 speed cruiser will offer you much more flexibility than single speed bikes. Even with just three speeds, you will be able to attack downhill, flat, and uphill terrains with much more vigor and speed, and you will save yourself from burning out from pedaling too hard. Take a look at the extensive selection of sixthreezero 3 speed cruisers.

A Multi Speed Beach Cruiser

Want to be able to traverse any terrain, dart in and out of any situation, go fast, climb hills and have a bike that answers any of your commands while still being comfortable and easy to ride? Well, then that’s easy: a multi speed beach cruiser is the best choice for you. With as many as seven speeds, your stocked two-wheeler can offer the precise speed for any situation, meaning your pedaling will be as easy as it can be while still generating the speed and movement you desire. Take a tour of all of sixthreezero’s multi speed beach cruisers.

Bike Speed FAQs

Nailing down the number of speeds you need takes some time and consideration. How far do you plan to travel? Will there be hills? Some new riders may be uncomfortable with multiple gears, but still need them to travel over their desired terrain. Here are some things to consider as you decide between a simple single-speed and a more complicated 21-speed – and everything in between.

How many gears do you need on a bike?

Technically, you only need one speed. Hence, the single-speed bike. Don’t assume that just because a bike only has one speed that it can’t get you where you need to go. On the other hand, in order to relieve some of the legwork on inclines, you will need more than one gear on your bike.

What speed bike should you get?

The number of speeds you should get is based on how you’ll use it. As we mentioned above, single-speed bikes are ideal for people who want to go on leisurely rides on flat terrain. If you are going to be cruising around the neighborhood or going on casual rides in the park, stick with a single speed. On the other hand, multiple gears are necessary for off-road adventures.

As you go uphill and struggle to make progress, having multiple gears allows you to downshift and make the trek easier. On the way down, if you pedal and feel no resistance, you can upshift to a higher gear so you don’t lose control.

How many gears does a 7-speed bike have?

Speeds equate to gears. So, if a bike is a 7-speed, it has seven gear options.

Is it easy to change gears?

Yes! Most bikes have gear shifters on the handlebars. Thumb shifters have a lever on each handlebar that you can move up or down as needed. Grip shifters allow you to change gears by twisting the shifter forward or backward. Some bikes also let you control front gears and back gears on different sides of the handlebars (i.e. front gears using the right hand and back gears using the left hand).

Are more gears more expensive?

The more complex your bike is, the more parts are involved with keeping it running smoothly and safely. This can translate to a higher price tag. At the same time, your multi-gear bike lets you explore more types of terrain and destinations. Think of your gear investment as an investment in your future experiences.

How many speeds are on a bike for commuting?

For a daily commute, you may want to make sure you have at least 3 gears. Unless you’re on entirely flat terrain the entire way, you’ll want the option to shift up and down. You’re going to work, after all, you don’t want to show up sweatier than necessary. A 3-speed cruiser or city bike is a good fit for commutes up to 30 miles or so.

Thanks to sixthreezero’s outstanding cross-section of bike styles, as well as its unique customizer, you can be certain that the bike you buy is the bike you need. It doesn’t matter if you go with a single-speed bike or one with more gears: you’ll be riding in style and comfort. Start browsing for a women’s single-speed bike or a men’s single-speed bike if you’re a leisurely biker who’s not out to break a sweat. Check out our 3- and 7-speed models so you have the option to explore more trails. It’s up to you. Just don’t forget to choose a new seat and frame before you check out, so you can make your new two-wheeler truly your own. Still have questions about bike gears? Contact sixthreezero right now to get help. We know a thing or two about bikes and we’re happy to share.