A former machine operator at Chase Manhattan Bank in New York City, Barry Baldwin spent nearly three decades with the New York City Transit Authority as a bus operator. During this time, he earned numerous safety awards. Beyond his professional activities, Barry Baldwin enjoys staying physically fit. He walks several times per week and rides his 10-speed bike every weekend.
A 10-speed bike is a commonly seen multi-gear bicycle that allows riders to easily shift gears depending on the terrain and incline before them. To determine how many gears a bike has, simply multiply the number of rear sprockets by the number of chainrings on the front tire. A 10-speed would feature 10 sprockets and a single chainring.
The purpose of a multi-gear design is to assist riders in maintaining comfortable speeds and consistent levels of physical effort. For example, consider a cyclist riding along a flat, well-kept road at a leisurely cadence. If this rider is suddenly presented with a steep hill to climb or a gradual decline, they will need to adjust their gear to maintain the same cadence, an impossibility with a single-speed model.
High gears are better suited to descents, or other scenarios in which the cyclist is riding at high speeds. A bike’s highest gear is reached by setting the chainring to its largest size and moving down to the smallest rear sprocket. On the other hand, lower gears help the rider maintain momentum when pedaling up a steep incline.
It should be noted that gears and sprockets have no impact on relative speed. A 30-speed bike, for example, is no way faster than a 10 speed, nor is it an inherently better-made product. Furthermore, beginners must appreciate that “10 speed” is one of the most generic categories a bike can be put into. It is advisable to conduct research and speak with a professional regarding individual needs and desires, including a budget, when purchasing a bike.
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