Originally Posted by 46x17
Yes gears will make you go faster for sure. That is why the TDF involves gears these days.
However, your post was talking about brakes vs. no brakes (your drive train still is one though) and that was the point I was talking too. I believe the same fixed wheel bicycle (no gears on those remember) can be ridden as fast with a handbrake as it can without a handbrake by the same skilled rider.
I was addressing the part of your response where you talked about the podium in a regular alleycat. Gears have DEFINITE bearing on that.
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Philosophy and feelings don't change the laws of physics