I have a 7 speed bike but I can’t keep up with my friends that have 21 and 24 speed bikes. Would it make a difference if I had a 21 speed.

Lol, try again. Something about socks would be good.

7 x 3 is 21, they have a triple crank. so the 7 has a high medium and low range ..


8 x 3 = ?? ... Math quiz, [Show your work] ... Speeds is a parts count in your Bike Sales..

Speed, Velocity is WORK.. you have to put out more effort ..

remember too, Air resistance goes up 4X for a doubling , 2X of velocity-speed..




....

Grow stronger.

Never mind, dance monkeys dance.

It's not the number of "speeds" that's holding you back. The number of speeds is just the number of different gear ratios that can be shifted into. The number of gear ratios doesn't matter nearly as much as whether the gear ratios you have are appropriate for the terrain and the rider's strength/speed.

The engine (aka the rider) is the single most important factor when it comes to keeping up. That said, the bike does play a part, but it's more than just the number of speeds. Is it the right size for you and fitted/adjusted properly? Are they the same type of bikes (road/mountain/hybrid)? What kind of terrain? What kind of tires -- knobby, smooth, other? Are they inflated to the proper pressure? Etc., etc., etc.

Bike is fast because of rider.

Nothing else.

What exact makes and models of bikes are you all riding?
Number of speeds means nothing without knowing what sort of bikes you are talking about

Yes it would make all the difference in the world. Each extra gear increases your average mph by one. Additionally, a carbon frame will give you a 5 mph increase, and disc brakes add 3-4mph.

What you really need is some 20mm tires pumped up to 140psi.

Exactly!

And if the bike is red it'll buy another 3-4 MPH.

Lol. You guys.

Depends on WHY you can’t keep up. Your bike has a lesser range than the others. You’re probably missing a fair bit of low range and a smaller bit of high range.
If you can’t keep up b/c you get left behind during climbs, then lower gears might help.
If you get left behind during power descents or fast tailwind sections, then higher gears might help.
If you get left behind during ”average” riding, more gears will not fix it.

yes

Which speeds do you need to go faster? Just get them.

"...Dawn go away
Please go away
Although I know
I want you to stay
Dawn go away
Please go away
Baby, don't cry
It's better this way..."

motors....

motors make planes, trains, and automobiles go fast...

...same with bikes

I dunno. If you gave Froome a single speed bike with gearing at 18GI, I'd be willing to bet a number of people on this forum could beat him on the road.

Guys, I think some of you are being a little harsh. This poster may actually be as uninformed as he seems.

Here, Dawn55--read this. Read ALL of it, including every link to other articles. By the time you're done, you'll at least know enough about bikes to ask specific questions.

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/glossary.html

I used to think red bikes and cars, think Ferrari, were faster, but recently I read that the Dutch Olympic speedskaters have adopted blue uniforms instead of red.

If you take away his drugs a lot of people would beat him.

Is that with or without "asthma" meds?
Btw, how long before all his wins are removed? Weeks, months or years?

Roll, many bicycle beginners fail to get proper fit...and that IS big if someone wants to ride with any kind of efficiency. how many times do you see people with their seats too low???

another thing is just get some air in the tires, real common, many are out riding with very low air pressure...again: no performance. and the last thing: go to an LBS and get yourself a REAL road bicycle. the 'bike' at the Big Box aint gonna cut it this time.

You must be new around here. And "he"?