6 vs 7 speed why people upgrade?
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
6 vs 7 speed why people upgrade?
In the past i had cheap and heavy MTB with 21 speed, but really all i used is largest gear in the front and only switch between 7 speeds in the back, that's before i went to single speed for another three years.
Currently i run single 52T sprocket in the front and 16T in the back no problem at all when i go up big hill i simply stand up on the bike like elliptical machine and keep pedaling.
Only want to upgrade to speeds because i started to go off-road more than less and could benefit from lower gear, deciding between 6 speed and 7 speed, i was looking towards 6 speed since parts are bit cheaper and my frame originally was 5 speed, not much space in the rear fork.
Online i read that many people like to upgrade 6 speed to 7 speeds, wonder whats the great advantage you get from one extra gear?
Currently i run single 52T sprocket in the front and 16T in the back no problem at all when i go up big hill i simply stand up on the bike like elliptical machine and keep pedaling.
Only want to upgrade to speeds because i started to go off-road more than less and could benefit from lower gear, deciding between 6 speed and 7 speed, i was looking towards 6 speed since parts are bit cheaper and my frame originally was 5 speed, not much space in the rear fork.
Online i read that many people like to upgrade 6 speed to 7 speeds, wonder whats the great advantage you get from one extra gear?
Last edited by PimpMan; 05-24-21 at 12:09 PM.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Golden, CO and Tucson, AZ
Posts: 2,835
Bikes: 2016 Fuji Tread, 1983 Trek 520
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 674 Post(s)
Liked 738 Times
in
429 Posts
With the upgrade to 7 speed, you have a better chance of getting a hub with a freehub rather than a freewheel. That's a stronger hub, with fewer axle failures. (There are some old 6 speed freehubs and some new 7 speed freewheels, so number of speeds is not a guarantee.)
There are more choices for 7 speed shifters.
Presumably your old bike has a steel frame and takes 26" wheels, so cold-setting the frame should be doable. Be sure to check drop out alignment and frame straightness if you do it yourself. Shop tools help but are not crucial.
There are more choices for 7 speed shifters.
Presumably your old bike has a steel frame and takes 26" wheels, so cold-setting the frame should be doable. Be sure to check drop out alignment and frame straightness if you do it yourself. Shop tools help but are not crucial.
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
I believe its a marketing thing, like new standard for high end bikes nothing more.
Likes For andrewclaus:
#6
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,499
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3649 Post(s)
Liked 5,382 Times
in
2,732 Posts
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Mission Viejo
Posts: 5,800
Bikes: 1986 Cannondale SR400 (Flat bar commuter), 1988 Cannondale Criterium XTR, 1992 Serotta T-Max, 1995 Trek 970
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1943 Post(s)
Liked 2,163 Times
in
1,322 Posts
It is pretty simple. If your rear dropouts measure 120mm you’ll need a 5 speed freewheel, or spread the dropouts to 126mm.
If your rear dropouts are 126mm wide you can go with a 6 or 7 speed freewheel. The choice is up to you.
I think the trend from 6 to 7 speed happened in 1987 or 1988.
if your single speed was originally a derailleur bike, you shouldn’t have a problem converting it.
John
If your rear dropouts are 126mm wide you can go with a 6 or 7 speed freewheel. The choice is up to you.
I think the trend from 6 to 7 speed happened in 1987 or 1988.
if your single speed was originally a derailleur bike, you shouldn’t have a problem converting it.
John
Likes For 70sSanO:
#8
Full Member
the less speeds the better for a mountain bike, because when you throw mud into the equation, you want as much distance between the cogs as possible, this makes it harder to clog up the cogs and easier for the chain to remove the mud, and shifting does not have to be as precise. this has been my experience and is not written law.
Likes For cjenrick:
#9
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,499
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3649 Post(s)
Liked 5,382 Times
in
2,732 Posts
Likes For shelbyfv:
#10
(rhymes with spook)
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Winslow, AR
Posts: 2,788
Bikes: '83 univega gran turismo x2, '85 schwinn super le tour,'89 miyata triple cross, '91 GT tequesta, '90 yokota grizzly peak, '94 GT backwoods, '95'ish scott tampico, '98 bonty privateer, '93 mongoose crossway 625, '98 parkpre ariel, 2k'ish giant fcr3
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 919 Post(s)
Liked 745 Times
in
546 Posts
the advantage is gear range depending on much low or high you want or need. equally, though, the finer steps in gearing between cogs and smoother shifting with the advent of indexing. a brief history of half step gearing would explain the advantages easily
Likes For thook:
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Mission Viejo
Posts: 5,800
Bikes: 1986 Cannondale SR400 (Flat bar commuter), 1988 Cannondale Criterium XTR, 1992 Serotta T-Max, 1995 Trek 970
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1943 Post(s)
Liked 2,163 Times
in
1,322 Posts
I just found out some brake levers are designed to not have cables coming out of the hoods. For a long time I just stayed away from people with those bikes because I figured they couldn’t stop. Plus, those people have gears but no way to shift them. I see cables running to the derailleurs but no levers.
John
Likes For 70sSanO:
#12
SE Wis
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 10,493
Bikes: '68 Raleigh Sprite, '02 Raleigh C500, '84 Raleigh Gran Prix, '91 Trek 400, 2013 Novara Randonee, 1990 Trek 970
Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2740 Post(s)
Liked 3,386 Times
in
2,049 Posts
#13
Klaatu..Verata..Necktie?
Join Date: May 2007
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 17,907
Bikes: Litespeed Ultimate, Ultegra; Canyon Endurace, 105; Battaglin MAX, Chorus; Bianchi 928 Veloce; Ritchey Road Logic, Dura Ace; Cannondale R500 RX100; Schwinn Circuit, Sante; Lotus Supreme, Dura Ace
Mentioned: 41 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10397 Post(s)
Liked 11,849 Times
in
6,066 Posts
Is he reading bicycling magazines from the late 80s, thinking they're current?
__________________
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
Likes For genejockey:
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 33,656
Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2026 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,095 Times
in
741 Posts
the less speeds the better for a mountain bike, because when you throw mud into the equation, you want as much distance between the cogs as possible, this makes it harder to clog up the cogs and easier for the chain to remove the mud, and shifting does not have to be as precise. this has been my experience and is not written law.
Likes For HillRider:
Likes For ARider2:
#16
(rhymes with spook)
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Winslow, AR
Posts: 2,788
Bikes: '83 univega gran turismo x2, '85 schwinn super le tour,'89 miyata triple cross, '91 GT tequesta, '90 yokota grizzly peak, '94 GT backwoods, '95'ish scott tampico, '98 bonty privateer, '93 mongoose crossway 625, '98 parkpre ariel, 2k'ish giant fcr3
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 919 Post(s)
Liked 745 Times
in
546 Posts
seems much of it's part of the 1x trend to try and gain yet another lower or higher gear. of course it's whatever anyone fancies, but to me, a 2x8 or 9 is about as much as one needs and is still practical and affordable. easy enough to get 100 down to 20 gear inches and fits most riding conditions. however, i can see keeping all the shifting in the back making things simple. and, besides, there's all the plus size tires. 1x's make the bottom bracket and q factor thing easier to contend with, i suppose
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 587
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 94 Post(s)
Liked 151 Times
in
105 Posts
seems much of it's part of the 1x trend to try and gain yet another lower or higher gear. of course it's whatever anyone fancies, but to me, a 2x8 or 9 is about as much as one needs and is still practical and affordable. easy enough to get 100 down to 20 gear inches and fits most riding conditions. however, i can see keeping all the shifting in the back making things simple. and, besides, there's all the plus size tires. 1x's make the bottom bracket and q factor thing easier to contend with, i suppose
#18
Klaatu..Verata..Necktie?
Join Date: May 2007
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 17,907
Bikes: Litespeed Ultimate, Ultegra; Canyon Endurace, 105; Battaglin MAX, Chorus; Bianchi 928 Veloce; Ritchey Road Logic, Dura Ace; Cannondale R500 RX100; Schwinn Circuit, Sante; Lotus Supreme, Dura Ace
Mentioned: 41 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10397 Post(s)
Liked 11,849 Times
in
6,066 Posts
Likes For genejockey:
#19
Old fart
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Appleton WI
Posts: 24,776
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3582 Post(s)
Liked 3,394 Times
in
1,928 Posts
Besides the stated advantage of the stronger "freehub" design, less likely to bend or break axles, more sprockets means closer gear ratio spacing and/or wider gear range. This allows the rider to remain in their optimum cadence range for best efficiency.
It is to some extent, but the advantages are real for those who are competitive riders. That said, my bikes all have five and six sprocket freewheels (not freehubs). For the type of riding I enjoy, there is little disadvantage. I'm light enough that bent or broken axles have never been an issue for me, and fixed gear riding has broadened the cadence range in which I am comfortable.
I believe its a marketing thing, like new standard for high end bikes nothing more.
#20
(rhymes with spook)
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Winslow, AR
Posts: 2,788
Bikes: '83 univega gran turismo x2, '85 schwinn super le tour,'89 miyata triple cross, '91 GT tequesta, '90 yokota grizzly peak, '94 GT backwoods, '95'ish scott tampico, '98 bonty privateer, '93 mongoose crossway 625, '98 parkpre ariel, 2k'ish giant fcr3
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 919 Post(s)
Liked 745 Times
in
546 Posts
yeah...lol! i've never liked the jump there, either. 18% sucks. i have an 11-32 8 speed and actually half stepped it at one point for that very reason. i had 42/39/24. didn't use the half step very often, but it was there when i needed it
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 1,060
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 529 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 255 Times
in
185 Posts
If you get a freewheel with less gears, it is probably cheaper. The sprockets are probably thicker, and should last longer before they need replacing. So what is more important, having more gears, or spending less.
#22
Klaatu..Verata..Necktie?
Join Date: May 2007
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 17,907
Bikes: Litespeed Ultimate, Ultegra; Canyon Endurace, 105; Battaglin MAX, Chorus; Bianchi 928 Veloce; Ritchey Road Logic, Dura Ace; Cannondale R500 RX100; Schwinn Circuit, Sante; Lotus Supreme, Dura Ace
Mentioned: 41 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10397 Post(s)
Liked 11,849 Times
in
6,066 Posts
Will they, though? Fewer cogs means more time on each cog per unit distance.
__________________
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
#24
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,458
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4330 Post(s)
Liked 3,955 Times
in
2,644 Posts
7 speed hasn't been high end since the late 80s early 90s. If you think that is a significant upgrade you are missing a lot of time. The reason one would upgrade is to get smoother more reliable shifting, a more reliable hub using a freehub vs a less optimal freewheel and in many cases better components overall. Yes you can grind away on a big gear or you can get a set of gears that make sense for your riding and also learn how to shift and ride a bike. I will admit it took me time to learn gears but once I did it was awesome, get up down and around hills more easily was fantastic.
I get it new technology can be scary sometimes but I can assure you 9, 10, 11 and 12 speed are quite nice and have improved things over the years it is not just marketing it is people actually advancing things forward. You wouldn't be able to post on a forum on a website without the advancement forward with technology and your computer is marketing hype along with the internet you use but in the end it really isn't.
I will say though when my Dura Ace 7400 works it works quite well and it is 6 speed but at the time was the pinnacle of technology now is quite old and showing it's age, tiny freewheels and massive front chainrings are just not what I call useful.
I get it new technology can be scary sometimes but I can assure you 9, 10, 11 and 12 speed are quite nice and have improved things over the years it is not just marketing it is people actually advancing things forward. You wouldn't be able to post on a forum on a website without the advancement forward with technology and your computer is marketing hype along with the internet you use but in the end it really isn't.
I will say though when my Dura Ace 7400 works it works quite well and it is 6 speed but at the time was the pinnacle of technology now is quite old and showing it's age, tiny freewheels and massive front chainrings are just not what I call useful.
#25
(rhymes with spook)
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Winslow, AR
Posts: 2,788
Bikes: '83 univega gran turismo x2, '85 schwinn super le tour,'89 miyata triple cross, '91 GT tequesta, '90 yokota grizzly peak, '94 GT backwoods, '95'ish scott tampico, '98 bonty privateer, '93 mongoose crossway 625, '98 parkpre ariel, 2k'ish giant fcr3
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 919 Post(s)
Liked 745 Times
in
546 Posts
over on mtbr.com, there's at least one thread...i've only read one, anyway....that talks about utilizing only a 1x6 (or less) set up on a (eg. hope) single speed freehub. the idea being zero offset to the wheel and having six choices of "singlespeed" gearing. the former reasoning was more prominent for justification, but apparently six gears is all some people want or need. i also seem to recall jeff jones having some part in the idea. that reading was quite a while back, though