Originally Posted by
Sixty Fiver
I used to ride singletrack on nothing more than 7 speeds with no problems...it's all about your gear range and the shape you are in.
Well, that's a kind of broad generalisation..
Not everyone has the same strength, technique, stamina, local terrain, or cadence.
There are gender differences too, thank de Lord, and personal choice. That's why you have 24 speeds on your bike, even if you don't use them.
The Jack seems to be perfect at what it was intended for. More gear (range) extends the functionality of a bike, but at the expense of weight, maintenance, and cost. The last three aren't always desirable.