Originally Posted by
nz6666
Can't understand how do you get the same effort conclusion. For example, to get the same gear inches (hence same speed or distance per pedal stroke) on both bikes the small bike has to use a bigger chain ring and/or smaller rear cog due to the smaller diameter of the wheels. Any of these (bigger chain ring, smaller rear cog) translates to more effort right? It's like you are riding then suddenly switch to a higher gear (front or rear) then you must spend more effort.
you also have to take into account the smaller wheel, with a smaller wheel and the same gears as a big wheel bike then it's like you are switching to a LOWER gear and you expend LESS effort. So higher gear on the chainring and rear cogs would only EQUAL it out not make it harder.