Thread: Hub Gears: does near-perfect efficiency really matter?
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Old 08-19-08, 12:16 PM
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Foldable Two
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Originally Posted by timo888
"If racers, or even commuting or touring cyclists, could choose optimum gears
they would be hundreds of meters ahead at the end of 60 km (37 mi)."
-- The mechanical efficiency of bicycle derailleur and hub-gear transmissions
Chester Kyle and Frank Berto, in HUMAN POWER: the technical journal of the International Human Powered Vehicle Association NUMBER 52 SUMMER 2001
How many casual/commuter type riders do 60 km (37 miles) per ride? Maybe 6 km (3.7 miles) is more like it, therefore the actual advantage would be in the TENS of meters. Not a really noticeable advantage.

Disclaimer: I am a casual rider, but do stay in Direct Drive as much as possible on my Dual-Drive BF - I use the upper and lower ranges on more extreme terrain. Is there a big difference? I don't know, but will check it out on our next ride by staying HIGH range for the whole ride.
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