Originally Posted by
I-Like-To-Bike
What I get is - when the terrain really calls out a need for 21 gears and super low gear ratios, there will be few people who will bike commute on it with or without 21 gears; and it is fruitless to proselytize or badger people who are not already cycling enthusiasts into considering bike commuting on such terrain or long distances as a practical option.
I don't know about fruitless but I do generally agree with you. I'll talk transportation bicycling with anyone but I also try to be realistic with their and my expectations. Most people will give short local trips a go but most will not even consider 10 or 15 miles each way even if flat unless it is all on a nice trail (think Midtown Greenway) and even then it's pushing things.