Originally Posted by m_yates

I just rode a century in the Adirondacks a few weeks ago on my touring bike. On some steep sections, I was using my lowest gear (26T chainring and 34T rear cog). I was creeping along, but I kept a good cadence and wasn't walking. On some downhills, I was in my top gear (46T chainring and 11T rear cog). I have 27 gears and used all of them at some point that day.

Gears give your bike versatility. You may only need one gear on some routes, but you'll be glad you have other gears on hills and when carrying stuff.