Why Do Mountain Bikes Have Fewer Gears Now?

Last Updated on June 16, 2023 by Emmanuel

Many have made mountain biking their favorite fitness activity; this sport allows you to work the whole body while contemplating the breathtaking landscapes.

However, beginners ask the question: Why do mountain bikes have fewer gears now? This article examines this trend and how it affects the mountain biking sport.

Why Do Mountain Bikes Have Fewer Gears Now?

Back years ago, manufacturers of mountain bikes used to feature them with up to twenty-four gears or more.

All gears were optional because the rider could only use a few of them; others were fancy or redundant.

Some people might think the number of gears reflects the quality of an MTB, but it is not necessarily the case.

Manufacturers were wise to make customers think the more speeds an MTB has, the more it is of the highest quality.

It was later that most of them started to design MTBs with fewer gears and bigger 29″ wheels.

At the same time, there was a need to redesign the frames and adapt them to the components of 26″ bikes.

The 29ers MTBs became so trendy that many rushed to buy them for up to $5000 and more.

Manufacturers continued to make changes and managed to design high-quality mountain bikes with fewer gears currently on the market.

Are Mountain Bikes With Fewer Gears Becoming Popular?

MTBs featured with seven to eleven gears offer many benefits, including:

• They are of simple design and feature fewer components making them easy to ride and maintain.
• These MTBs are lighter to take you far in the harshest riding conditions and most rugged terrain.
• Fewer speeds make you stay focused on riding instead of spending time finding appropriate rates to use in particular conditions.
• Unlike gravel and road bikes, MTBs don’t need a higher speed to take you where you want.
• Up to eleven speeds on a mountain bike enable one to shift quickly on downhills, uphills, etc.

RELATED: The ten best Giant mountain bikes for men in the US.

How Do Gears Work On A Mountain Bike?

Gears and brakes are the bike’s basics for riding experience and safety.

Correct gearing makes your ride comfortable, improves your speed, and increases your endurance.

So, we describe below when to use your bike’s low and high gears.

(i) You must use “low gear” when climbing because it enables you to pedal uphill without much resistance.

(ii) When you ride on descents, you will upshift using a high speed that allows accelerating and traveling downhills quickly.

(iii) Listen to your bike and know when it asks you to shift from one gear to another.

Where To Buy A High-End Mountain Bike?

Many retailers sell high-quality mountain bikes online, but we recommend Mike’s Bikes.

Mike’s Bikes has led the cycling industry in North America (Canada and the US) since the 1964s.

Its online store features hundreds of mountain, road, active, electric, and children’s bicycles. 

The owners have partnered with brands such as BMC, Cannondale, Giant,  Santa Cruz, Gazelle, and Juliana.

Other partners of Mike’s Bikes are Brompton, Electra, Liv, Momentum, Orbea, Salsa Cycle, Stromer, Yuba, and more.

Besides bicycles, this retailer also sells bicycle components, accessories, and apparel and offers cycling services.

You can use the link below to visit it online and see all the biking items available there.

How Can I Choose Good Mountain Bike?

Consider the following factors when choosing a top-quality mountain bike:

Size: MTBs have different frame sizes. It will help if you buy the right one for a comfortable ride.

Wheel size: Most MTBs have 29 solid-inch wheels; choose what suit your riding needs and style.

Hardtail or Not: Some mountain bikers prefer hardtails because they have better parts and are easy to maintain.

Weight: A suitable MTB also depends on the terrain you ride on and your weight.

For instance, you can need a mountain bike that allows you to carry extra pounds to keep it balanced and ride comfortably.

Suspension: Choose an MTB equipped with quality forks, shocks, and an air spring to travel in remote areas safely.

RELATED: HGH’s best supplements to build strong and lean muscles.

Why Buying An Expensive Mountain Bike?

We answer this question by showing why people prefer buying expensive bikes over cheaper ones.

Reason # 1: The Frame.

Cheaper bikes typically have steel frames (an example of kid’s bikes), but you can still find quality steel-frame bikes.

Bicycles with aluminum frames have fatter tubes and other metals, enabling them to keep the overall weight and offer a stiffer ride.

Modern aluminum bikes feature high-end components and technology, making them expensive.

Reason # 2: Suspension.

If you plan to ride in the rocky mountains, a full-suspension bike equipped with front and back springs is the correct choice.

Such MTBs are typically costly, but you can choose a cheaper option depending on your budget.

The stronger your bike’s suspension will be, the more it will enable you to hit challenging terrain comfortably and safely go far.

Reason # 3: Brakes.

Choose your bike’s brakes wisely because there are disk and rim brakes, as summarized below.

Disc brakes use metallic or synthetic pads to keep traction when dirty or wet.

These brakes are found on mountain and road bikes, but the most advanced bicycles use hydraulic brakes to activate the calipers.

As for rim brakes, you can typically find them as follows:

• Near the top of the fork for the front brake.
• At the top of the seatstays for the rear brake.

Reason # 4: Drivetrain.

According to Hahn, most bikes have the same gear systems with spring derailleurs and cables.

The chain moves when a cable pulls against the spring on the derailleur to release it.

However, derailleurs differ in components, benefits, and price. Check the bicycle’s components specifications.

RELATED: Why are motorcycle jackets so expensive?

Why Do Some Bikes Have No Gears?

Single-speed or fixies bikes are not equipped with multiple gears to shift when riding downhills, uphills, etc.

However, some riders prefer these bikes to those with multiple speeds.

Besides, the budget influences the choice; single-speed bikes are typically cheaper than those featured with multiple gears.

Choose wisely because fixies make the pedaling harder, especially on uphills, even if they save money.

Are 16 gears enough on a mountain bike?

It depends on the rider because some can be content with 16 gears mountain bike to use on medium to challenging terrains, while those who plan to ride on climbs and descents might need an MTB with more gears. 

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Final Thoughts.

Fewer gears on mountain bikes result from designers who use hind en advanced technology to feature them with modern fewer components.

Highend drivetrains enable riders to tackle steep climbs and technical terrain without sacrificing efficiency and speed.

Furthermore, simplified drivetrains improve the bicycle’s durability while reducing maintenance to suit many riders.

That’s what we can tell about why mountain bikes have fewer gears now.