Gear is a very important part of a bike. These help a rider the most for a fast or comfortable ride. Thus Racing bikes have a gear system suitable for fast riding, which helps the rider to ride faster than other bikes. The gears of racing bikes have changed a lot with the change in time. But since there are different racing bikes available in the market, their gear systems may also be different.
Gears can vary based on many things, including the nature of the racing bike, the track, etc. But it is true that these bikes must include gears. To clear some doubts, I will discuss the difference between racing bike gears and other bike gears and many more in this article. So, please read till the end for knowing the details.
What Is The Difference between A Racing Bike And Other Bikes?
At first glance, a race bike and other bikes such as endurance bikes may look similar. But if you look closely you will realize several differences between the two bikes. I’m presenting the differences between a race bike and other bikes through a chart below.
| Parameter | Race Bikes | Other Bikes |
|---|---|---|
| Geometry | The aerodynamics of riding position is important for a racing bike. So these bikes come with more aggressive geometry. | Most other bikes place more emphasis on a comfortable riding position. Hence they come with a more upright riding position. |
| Speed | A racing bike is ridden at an average speed of 20 mph (32 km) for regular training. But the Professionals ride these bikes at speeds of 25 mph (40 km) or even more. | Riders ride normal bikes at an average speed of 10 to 12 mph (16 to 20 km).
Many people ride bikes at 12 to 15 mph (20 to 24 km) to cover short distances quickly. But many also ride 15 to 18 mph (24 to 29 km/h) for group rides, especially road endurance bikes. |
| Comfort | Comfort is not the main consideration in racing bikes, rather speed is the priority. | Normal bikes ensure a comfortable seating position so that a rider can ride the bike comfortably for a long time. |
| Tires | Most riders use 28mm tires on racing bikes. | Other bikes use 32mm or thicker tyres. |
| Gears | Racing bikes use a gear system suitable for riding at high speeds. | Other bikes use gear systems based on need. That is why the gear system of all types of bikes is not the same. |
| Brakes | Caliper brakes are widely used on road racing bikes. Centrally mounted on the wheels, these brakes are very effective and safe. | Other bikes use caliper brakes as well as rim brakes or V-brakes. |
| Controllability | Racing bikes are relatively less controllable. | The controllability of most other bikes is comparatively better. |
Do Racing Bikes Have Gears?
Yes, you can notice advanced gear systems in racing bikes.
Over time, manufacturers have increased the number of gears on racing bikes. Today’s racing bikes commonly have two chainrings at the front and 11 or 12 gears in a cassette at the rear. In some cases, you may notice exceptions, but in almost all cases the subject is more or less the same.
Some road racing bikes use three chainrings with 52, 39, and 30 teeth respectively. These chainrings make things like hill climbing easier. A small chainring with 30 teeth can reduce your effort by about 30%. But remember, almost all professional racing cyclists use a gear system with two chainrings.
However, the gear system of track bikes used for racing is quite different. These bikes have one chainring at the front and one gear at the rear cassette. That’s why track bikes are sometimes called fixed gear bikes.
You May Like: Do Track Bikes Have Brakes?
Are Racing Bike Gears Same As Other Bikes?
No, racing bike gears are not the same as other bikes. As mentioned earlier, most racing bikes have two chainrings in the front and 11 or 12 gears in the rear. That means you have about 22 to 24 gears to use.
On the other hand, a Mountain Bike often has three chainrings in the front and 7, 8, or 9 gears in the rear cassette.
- That means you have the option of using 21, 24, or 27 gears on mountain bikes. Additionally, mountain bikes use low gears more to facilitate hill climbs.
- Moreover, different types of gear systems are used according to the category and requirements of the bike.
Final Words
Riding racing bikes at high speeds is an exciting feeling. And the gear system helps the bikes achieve this high speed the most. But the Racing bikes have a slightly different gear system from other bikes, as they have to cover short distances at top speeds.
To use a racing bike, you need to be aware of its gear system. If you want to know more about this, you can let me know through the comment section. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
