The feeling of the wind blowing on your face is unlike any other when you are riding your bike. Not only are you able to wash away the monotony of your everyday life, but also you enjoy every minute you’re on it. So, what kind of bike is the best for you?
Many people might be confused when they see the 7-speed and 21-speed bikes. Which would be better for them? Well, here, I am going to tell you the difference between 7-speed bike vs 21-speed bike, so you have an easier time deciding which to purchase and enjoy your rides on or to win competitions.
So, keep reading to find out the best option for you.
An Overview of 7-Speed Vs 21-Speed Bike
Before we can talk about what the differences are between the two bikes, it would be better if we get to know each of the bikes a little bit.
What Is a 7-Speed Bike?
First, I am going to talk about the 7-speed bike. The ‘7 speed’ basically means that these bikes have 7 levels of speed. And the gears in the bikes facilitate all the levels. Bikes such as these are great if you are planning to go riding on rough terrines where the road conditions aren’t as good.
While making 7-speed bikes, high terrines were kept in mind, which is why you will find that they have low gears. They enable the cyclist to pedal easily. The high gears make it easier for the cyclist to move on tricky roads easily.
With the speed settings available, you will be able to have a safe and comfortable ride no matter what kind of terrain you end up choosing to ride on. And the best part is that your bike is going to adjust to the requirements of the road. This is especially true for 7-speed mountain bikes and road bikes.
What Is a 21-Speed Bike?
The distinct feature of 21-speed bikes is the number of gears they have. There are 7 gears at the back end of the bike and 3 at the rear end. This combination of gears is the perfect blend needed for cyclists to be able to adjust to various levels of speed.
You can increase the speed to your heart’s desire, which makes this perfect for competitions.
This bike is also a very good purchase if you are new to riding bikes. You will be able to adjust the speed very easily. Beginners have an easy time learning to ride on this. Not only is the adjustability of speed a huge plus, because of the way the bike was designed, they are very easy to pedal too.
You don’t have to worry about your legs getting tired as you would with many other bikes.
Much like the previous one, the 21-speed bike is great for places with high altitudes. But it is better for regular roads. You could try looking for a 21-speed mountain bike or road bike. In short, you will be able to cruise through at ease on this bike.
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Difference Between 7 Speed Bike Vs 21 Speed Bike
There are several reasons why someone would pick one of the bikes over the other. Some differences set them apart from each other. Here, I am going to list all of them so you can make the best choice for yourself when it comes to bikes.
Speed Ratios and Speed Combinations
One of the biggest differences you will see between the 7-speed bike and the 21-speed bike is that the former has 7 different speed ratios. This enables the cyclist to use this bike in many different conditions. The 21-speed bike, however, has 21 combinations of speed, but in 3 ratios.
In my opinion, this is what sets them apart from each other the most.
Maintenance
When you take bikes out, there is a very high chance they will get dirty, especially bikes like 7-speed and 21-speed bikes. They are made for mountains and rough roads, where there will be a lot of dirt and mud. There is a need for frequent cleaning. Because they are used on such tricky roads, they need special maintenance.
Here is where you will prefer the 7-speed bike over the other, as it requires less maintenance. You will be spending lesser amounts of time and money on making sure the bike runs smoothly every time you are on it.
Efficiency
Even though the 7-speed bike won in the previous section, it’s not the case this time around. If we are strictly comparing the bikes in terms of efficiency, then I have to say that the 21-speed bike takes the cake. These bikes are more efficient because of the number of gears they have. This enables the bike to work better.
Comfort of Use
Both of the bikes are very easy to ride and comfortable to use. They have been designed keeping comfort in mind, as they are primarily used for rough terrines. The difference here isn’t very stark, but the 21-speed bike is a little more comfortable to ride on than the other.
If this is something you are worried about or have in mind, then you should try the 21-speed bike out. They are especially great for beginners.
Rough Terrain
Riding on rough terrains requires the bike to be tougher so that it can withstand the condition of the road. Even though both of the bikes are great to take on these roads, the 7-speed bike will give you the best result. You will not have anything to complain about if you take it for a spin on the mountains.
You will get similar results from the 21-speed bike. However, at the end of the trip, the 7-speed bike will leave you a bit more satisfied.
Long Distance
Most bikes can go a very long way. The bikes in question can do that as well. But one is better for covering long distances. The 21-speed bike is great if you want to go far off. Not only will it perform great throughout the journey, but also you will be more comfortable riding it for a longer time than you would on the 7-speed bike.
Tires
The last difference I am going to talk about between these two bikes is the size and thickness of the tires. As the 7-speed is a bike made for gravel, the tires are thinner. And the 21-speed bike is made more for roads, which is why the tires on this one are a bit thicker.
Which Is Better?
The answer to this question is not simple. You can pick one over the other because they are great on their own for different purposes. As I have mentioned before, the 7-speed bike is something you would want if you ride on rough roads and mountains. However, the 21-speed bike is more suitable for flat surfaces.
Also, as the 21-speed bike is made for flat roads, it is very popular among cyclists when they participate in competitions. They choose this over the others, as with this, they get higher speed, which is the most important factor during these events.
And the 7-speed bike is more suitable for rougher roads. You will have more control over the bike, as it has a lower speed. This makes the trip more controlled and therefore safer, which is exactly what you need in mountains.
How Do I Choose?
The choice you make has to depend solely on the use you have of the bike. You will be able to use both of the bikes in different conditions. But for the best output, you have to figure out where you will be using them.
If you are looking to go faster on a plain surface, then you should opt for the 21-speed bike. However, if you want more control and stability on a tricky road, then it would be best for you to ride on a 7-speed bike.
Conclusion
The difference between 7-speed bike vs 21-speed bike is numerous, but both are equally good. You have to figure out why you need the bike. Based on that, you can make the final decision of the purchase.