Cycling UK Forum

I have often wondered whether using a different gear actually changes one's mood.
The monotony of using the same say 8x2 for a
long time causes boredom and slight depression
but then changing to 5x3, very nearly the same
makes one feel it is quite enjoyable and different.

What would the physiological change be to cause this change in mood?

Any body know ?

Just one gear for most of the time!
Well! I would certainly be very moody
with that. I really do enjoy getting the right gear for the right piece of road and until I have I am not satisfied.

I currently have 5 bikes, all are used. One of these is a fixer and yes it does make a change from the usual multi-geared journeys.
My main touring bike has a 3x9 set-up, my off-road tourer has the same but with lower gearing and when they are used for their intended purpose, I NEED the flexibility that those set-ups afford me.My commuter has a Sturmey 3 speed built into a Wolber rim, this is enough for most local journeys.I also have a hub geared, road set-up MTB which tows a trailer for my trips to the farm shop and this copes well with the weekly shop.
To answer gar's post, I do enjoy the change that different set-ups bring, but each of my machines is not only geared for a specific purpose, but the frame and components are chosen with that purpose in mind, all of which suit ME as the owner.

Interesting to have a different bike for every other journey. I don't think I have ever had the space for it!

Rrunner,

Nice, I had been wondering about fitting "flat bar" type tap-shifters on drop bars, not particularily mechanically inclined, but wondered if it was possible.

I am looking to get/build a fixed gear bike. What do you look for in those?

Flat bars are a different diameter to drops so you'll have problems making them fit properly.
If you don't want the STI option, the best alternative is bar-end shifters.