How to Choose Right Gears for Your New MTB or Hybrid Bicycle

Buying a new bicycle can be exciting — but also a bit overwhelming. One of the biggest questions riders face is:
“Which gears should I choose, and how many gears do I really need?”

With so many options in the market — from Shimano Tourney and Acera to Microshift, LTWOO, Sensah, and more — it’s easy to get lost in the details. Add to that the choice between cassettes and freewheels, or 7-speed vs. 21-speed setups, and confusion is almost guaranteed.

In this guide, we’ll break it down so you can confidently choose the right gearing setup for your riding style and budget.

---

Understanding Shimano Groupsets

Shimano offers a hierarchy of groupsets — similar to how car models have different trims and price points. While they’re not strictly labeled as “basic” or “advanced,” the order of quality and performance is clear:

• Tourney → entry level (subdivided into TZ < TY < TX)

• Altus → better than Tourney

• Acera → better than Altus

• Alivio → better than Acera

• Cues (new) → sits between Alivio and Deore

• Deore, XT, XTR → professional-grade, meant for serious riders and competitive use

What “better” really means in gears

A better groupset typically offers:

• Smoother, faster gear shifts

• Less effort required to shift

• Reduced lag and noise during shifting

For example, Tourney often has a small delay when shifting, which can cause chain noise and a less refined ride. Alivio or Cues shift quickly and smoothly, making rides more enjoyable.

Our recommendation:
If your budget is ₹20,000–₹25,000, go for Altus, Alivio, or Cues. Tourney works, but for just ₹1,000–₹1,500 more, you can get a much better experience. For most city riders, there’s no need to go beyond Alivio.

---

Cassette vs. Freewheel — What’s the Difference?

To the untrained eye, they look the same and often cost about the same. But they are different — and that difference impacts how your bike rides.

Cassette-equipped bikes:

• Roll more smoothly

• Are easier to pedal

• Feel better to ride

That’s why almost all bikes above ₹20,000, regardless of brand, use cassettes. If you’re buying a geared bicycle, choose a cassette over a freewheel whenever possible.

---

How Many Gears Do You Really Need?

You’ll see bikes marketed as 7-speed, 8-speed, 21-speed, 24-speed, or even 27-speed. But here’s the truth: more isn’t always better.

For most city riders, 1× (single front chainring) or 2× (double chainring) setups are ideal. Examples:

• 1×7, 1×8, 1×9

• 2×8, 2×9

Why not 21 or 27 gears?

• Harder to operate

• More frequent maintenance issues

• Originally designed for extreme mountain riding — not necessary for city use

Even in mountain biking, 3× setups are becoming rare. High-end bikes above ₹50,000–₹60,000 almost always use 1× or 2× drivetrains.

---

Gear Recommendations Based on Usage

• Short rides (<20 km), mostly flat roads → Single-speed or 1×8 / 1×9 (Altus or Acera)

• Regular rides (40–50 km) with mixed terrain → 1×8, 1×9 or 2×8, 2×9 (Alivio or Cues are worth exploring)

• Long rides (100 km+) → 2×8, 2×9 or 1×10 / 1×11 (if budget allows). If not available, go for 3×8 or 3×9.

---

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right gears isn’t about getting the most expensive or the highest number — it’s about matching your setup to your riding style. For most riders, a mid-tier Shimano groupset with a cassette drivetrain will offer the perfect balance of performance, ease of use, and durability.

If you’re unsure, remember this rule:

Buy the best groupset your budget allows — but don’t overpay for performance you’ll never use.

Have questions about bicycles, components, or cycling in general? Drop them in the comments or message us — we’re always happy to help.