Electric Bikes
Northwest+California

Shifting Gears

Today manufacturers offer an astonishing selection of componentry for shifting gears. Shifting has been made easier by the introduction years ago of index (or "click") shifting technology and the twist grip handle bar control.

There is renewed and growing interest in internally geared hubs. Some of us may remember the English 3-speed systems of old. Today's 3-, 4-, 5-, 7- and 8-speed hubs are proliferating.

It may be hard to make the case that 21 speeds or even 7 for that matter are actually needed for most riding. Many riders engage but a few of these gears (and there is not much difference between some of the gears). The number of gears may not be as important as how low the lowest and how high the highest gears are. This is measured in 'gear inches' (found elsewhere on this web site).

Shifting gears—despite the fabulous development of technology—remains a modest mystery to some riders and awkward to many more. Fewer gears to fuss with can mean a more pleasant ride.

The purpose of gearing is, of course, to add leverage. In the case of the electric bike the added motor power may equate to up to several times that of what the rider can pedal. If many riders seem to manage quite well with actually just using a few gears on a pedal-only bike, a few gears ought thus to be ample on an electric bike.

Here is how our main makes/models sold over the years are geared:

Internal hub:

• eZee Intro, 3-speed
• Merida PowerCycle, 4-speed
• Giant Lite, 4- and 5-speed
• eZee Sprint, 7-speed
• eZee Forte, 8-speed

Derailleur:

• Giant SuedeE, 7-speed
• Giant LAfree Sport, 7-speed
• eZee Torq, 8-speed

Single speed:

• eZee Quando

Copyright © 2007 EbikesNW

January 2008