Originally Posted by owlmaster08

First, I would like to say that I have been more of a runner than a bicycler, so am king of ignorant about bikes...


I am currently riding a Dahon Mariner (2007) that I picked up in college when I had to park over a mile and a half from my dorm. It has served me very well so far. I ride the sidewalks all the way there, averaging about 15 mph (including waiting on lights). Most the lights turn red with only 1 car at little side streets; since I'm on the sidewalk I just keep going. For the real intersections I actually wait for the light to turn green.

My issue is that once I get up to about 15 mph, I am starting to peddle pretty quick and would like to shift to a better gear. I spend pretty much all my time in gear 7 (out of 7), except for starting from a stop. It's gear inches are 34" - 92". I would like to go faster, but it is just too tiring peddling that quick for too long. I was able to get it up to almost 30 mph once on the street to cross an intersection, but I was peddling so quick it seemed that the chain wasn't even attached... >:0 The sidewalks also prevents going much faster, as they aren't in good condition.

I would like to ride on the road, but 15 mph is not going to cut it in a 45 mph zone, even if traffic can all get over.