Originally Posted by mihlbach

Here is an example of an excessive number of gear ratios on a single speed. I effectively have four potential gear ratios on the bike at one time. NOtice I have a road double crankset and and White Industries Dos freewheel on the right side, and another freewheel in the left side. This gives me the option of 38:19 and 40:17 with the Dos freewheel. The freewheel on the left side (a 16t in the picture, but currently an 18t) works with either front chainring. This is my swiss-army knife bike that I ride in all sorts of conditions ranging from hilly singletrack, gravel and paved roads. I've also done some bikepacking on it. Any kind of long ride with radically varied terrain will make you appreciate having options. I flip the hub around all the time depending on where I am riding it. The setup is tight enough that the brake pads do not need adjustment, so its not really a hassle to regear it.