Originally Posted by
moochems
Q.
When I got into adult bicycling, I pondered which bicycle get once I realized my old one was not a suitable choice, it was too small.
I nearly got a 9 speed (27 speed) bike, but ended up with 8 speed (24 speed). Man am I happy I did. I did not know a thing about the differences, but looking back I realize 8 speed is way my style.
I could see getting an igh bike, but I have enough bikes.
For commuting is 9 10 or even 11 speed advantageous? Other than racing applications, are there advantages to those drive trains?
I commute on a fixed gear, an 8 speed IGH, and a road bike with a 2 X 9 drivetrain. I'm seriously thinking of converting the road bike to a 2 x 10 with a compact double. While I happily commute on my fixed gear, I will say when it comes to geared bikes, yes there is an advantage to having more cogs on your cassette. Is it necessary? Absolutely not.
It's nice to have a wide range without a big jump between any of the gears. That's probably my biggest complaint about the Shimano IGH. The jump between 4th and 5th is too big. Now part of the problem is that if you're going to have a big jump like that it shouldn't be in the middle of the range. It would be less noticeable and more welcome even if the jump was between 1st and 2nd.
As for my road bike, converting to a compact double with a 10 speed cog instead of a 9 speed will provide my 50 year old body more options on any nasty hills I come across while still giving me even jumps between gears and without losing much on the top.
From a money perspective there's a definite advantage to being a bit behind cutting edge but I think we've reached a point where the cost savings has become a lot less than what it once was between 8 and 9 speed stuff. Not only that but there are fewer 8 speed choices. It's also gotten to the point where 10 speed is old news and the prices have come way down.
Again for commuting it probably doesn't matter a ton. If you're happy with your gearing options there is no reason to change.