Originally Posted by
George3
Having just one gear will strongly reduce the weight, size, cost and repair time of your bike. And you can also do steep climbs walking or running along your bike, esp. with heavy luggage. That is also a healthy workout. So you can keep it cheap and simple.
Multi speeds are just so much more enjoyable. The human walks at about 4 miles per hour. I ride my bike at between 6 and 16 miles per hour most the time---rarely below 10 mph. Depending on terrain I might change gears 10 or more times per mile.
With a single speed I am rarely in the most efficient gear. One of the great joys of a bicycle is being able to efficiently match my mood and how hard I want to work to the ride I am on. A simple 8 or 10 speed derailleur geared bike easily allows me to be efficient in my workout. I have an electric bike for my girlfriend specifically so I can work as hard or as little as I want without having to wait for her. Much more enjoyable for both of us.
Expensive? really? a new cassette and chain every 5-10k miles? Weight? if a pound makes that big of a difference you might as well just walk.
People think bikes are expensive but spend $7 on a 50 cent cup of coffee or $100 on a $12 pair of pants. Never mind $30k for a car.
Long term one of the best values on the planet is a good $600-1000 geared folding bike---