What are the best gear ratios for road bicycles? And do 24/27 or 30 speed bikes offer different capabilities?

Question

I am considering buying a road bike. I currently use a mountain bike, but now have nice bikepaths to use.

I am unsure of what to look for in a road bike. I want speed, but ease of use (energy expended/output) is more important.

Most of the roads and trails are relatively flat, but there are some hils.

Answer 1

A typical road bike has a two front chainrings, a 39 tooth and a 53 tooth.

A typical rear cassette (set of sprockets) is 12 to 23 teeth, with anywhere from eight to ten total sprockets.

A better road bike will have a 10-sprocket rear cassette. The range can vary, but a standard is as follows: 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 23.

Some guys run an 11-23 or 12-25, going with the 11 for more power (sprinting) or the 25 for more spinning (climbing).

Nowadays, any road bike offering 8, 9, or 10 sprockets and two front chainrings gives you enough flexibility to tackle most terrain comfortably.