Originally Posted by
ThermionicScott
Seems like you oldsters should be able to remember when your bike had a 14-17-20-24-28 (or even better, 14-17-21-26-32 like on our Schwinn Suburban) block on it and you just rode it happily.

My memory isn't what it used to be... but I remember my first geared bike was a 3 speed 16-18-20 with a 48 in front, Super Champion derailleur.