Originally Posted by
noglider
Gears too low? That's an unusual criticism. Maybe you're a masher? I find most bikes geared too high, and I consider myself more masher than spinner.
Anyway, you know the design constraints the bikes had. I think they did a great job, though I should say I haven't ridden one yet. I'm very glad to see them used so much, though. I'm moving to NYC in about August, so I'll buy a membership then.
Yes, too low! The first gear will spin you up a telephone pole, the second you might use to go up a hill, and the third you use for everything else. I find I can't use the second gear for plodding along on the mostly flat streets, I'm just spinning way too fast. I'll have to concede that they're made for short trips. I rode about 6 miles yesterday on one and it was a bit tiring even to a relatively fit rider.
The sticky weather didn't help. I was dripping wet on both rides I took, and wearing jeans and a cotton shirt. When I try this again I'll wear a wicking shirt, and wait for a drier day.