Originally Posted by
grumpus
It's not inappropriate to call old 2×5 bikes "ten speeds", just potentially confusing. The (front)×(back) notation is more precise, but those of us who are older than our 1970s ten speeds may not be acquainted with it. It's pretty easy to tell from what the OP wtote that this is a vintage ten speed, not the newer sort, also obvious from the photo of the chain - or do people use tiny screens to view this forum, and can't see it's an old Renold?
The only thing I've been riding for the last 15 years is a Trek Mountain bike. It has 3x8 gearing. Once a year I would take it into the local Trek store and have it serviced. Last time it got new chainrings, cogs, chain, brake discs, pads tires and tubes. Everything was adjusted and I asked them to bleed the brakes. I have not worked on a bike for better part of 30 years. I generally ride alone, to be left alone and enjoy my outdoor time. I'm polite, give greetings but generally keep to myself for however many miles I ride. For me and I would think many others, it's not only good for physical health but mental health as well. As a result, I know exactly nothing about modern bikes. So, I wrote 10 speed because that's what I knew. I would have listed my Trek as a 24 speed....Now I know better. And to all who helped, my sincerest thanks.