Is a 21 speed bike really better than an 18 speed?

Question

I'm looking for a new bike since my old one is beyond fixable. I don't know much about biking, I'm not really what you would call an "avid fan" of the sport, but I'm trying to get into shape and especially with gas being so expensive I thought I should try to get into it.

Anyway, I've found 2 that I like, one is an 18 speed and the other is a 21 speed. Is the 21 speed better? We are planning to start doing some trails and stuff, (eventually--when we're in better shape) which I'm told that an 18 speed is awesome for, but wouldn't a 21 be better?

Thanks for the help!

Answer 1

the 21 speed bike is better because it has more detail on what speed you want, it will also go faster. Basically the same as a 18 speed but more detailed on speed

Answer 2

it's totally the same. like anyone would use all 21 speeds. it's made only for the kids who would like to hear as bigger number as possible to feel more powerfull

Answer 3

It makes very little difference, so don't worry about it.  With a 21 speed you have one more cog in the back, and that's really it.  Real bike nuts will obsess over the gear ratios, meaning the sizes of each individual cog and the resultant ratios.  For your purposes, buy what you like. Just make sure that you have three cogs in the front, and not two.  As a recreational rider, you want to make sure that you have a "granny gear" in the front for hills.  Hard core riders will get bikes with just two cogs in the front and ten in the back, but most of us have three up front, and 8 or 9 in the back.

Answer 4

Having more gears available means that you have more of a chance at keeping your cadence (RPM) consistent when cycling, which is quite important IMO.

^^ I don't know what the guy above me is on about though - I bought a 7 speed Shimano cassette for my old road bike only a few days ago.

Answer 5

They probably have about the same range of gears, but with the 18 speed, you might find yourself "between gears" when you ride. The 21 speed will have more choices between highest and lowest gear and you will have a better chance of finding a gear that's comfortable for you depending on the conditions.

Answer 6

Both 6 and 7 speed rear ends are obsolete and you can only find them on cheap dept store bikes or 15-25 year old used bikes. As to which one is better, there's not a whole lot of difference. The difference between the two won't matter to you unless you ride a lot - in which case you'll soon 'outgrow' either.

Answer 7

Quality bikes are no longer being sold that have 18 speeds. They're out-dated. Extra gears will make it more easy to go up hills as they have lower gearing.

Answer 8

I would thin and 18 speed would be better for trails and a 21 for long distance road biking. I have a mongoose 21 speed i used to take to work during the spring and fall so that i could lose some weight.. Now im looking into a diamondback 21 speed cause my old bike is rusty and not worth the money to fix up..