Originally Posted by
mountaindave
I think by the time I figured out what gear I’m in, I’d be done with the ride... I can’t resist: why? Because it was there?
The short answer is: for fun.
Expanded explanation: Well, when you have a Raleigh Super Course frame that has a "too far gone to keep" original finish, and you're lacking a 3-speed, but 3 speeds aren't especially practical for much besides rail-trail rides, you get to thinking of what's possible. I was inspired by others' conversions of lighter weight frames to 3-speeds, and Sheldon Brown's 63 speed flight of fancy. Since cassettes evolved beyond the 7 speeds he had available, I figured, "why not"?". I have no doubt that if he hadn't passed so prematurely, he'd have been several years ahead of me in cobbling something with as many (or more) speeds together. It's admittedly overkill, but it has been a fun exercise and I've learned a thing or two about technologies (new-ish and older), and gearing math along the way.