Lots of good info there eMTBHunter! I'm still not quite sure why 7-speed seems like a better option? Ok, yes, the cogs themselves are thicker, but commonly lower end components (materials and manufacture). The reason 10 and 11 speed chains are just as strong (if not stronger) is that they are made from better, stronger steel. The pros aren't going to use newer stuff if it's weaker or insufficient.
[youtube]fz2XpNzRAfQ[/youtube]
Here's a video I just shot, demonstrating various gears on a couple nearby hills. The long paved climb was done first in the 17t (straight chain line, tops out about 43mph on flat), and then again in the 11t (with a shout out to John Bozi). The grass hill climb doesn't look that steep in the video but I can guarantee it's remarkably steep, especially towards the top. I did go ahead and shift over 2 cogs to the 21t for this, and it barely pulled it off, from a standstill. Then to finish I ride some typically flat road in the 17t (stopped at red light, accelerates to 30mph just crossing the interestion, aka plenty of accel!) and then the 15t which pulls nicely from 40mph (at over 4,200W!). This is all with a 40t on the final drive. All 10 speed stuff, nothing goofy, everything works solid, no skipping, with >700 miles so far. Again, if your running less power you may need gears and can use them, if you run high power you hardly need the gears. Unless you want to pull tree stumps out of the ground and then ride off like a bat out of hell. :lol:
[youtube]fz2XpNzRAfQ[/youtube]
Here's a video I just shot, demonstrating various gears on a couple nearby hills. The long paved climb was done first in the 17t (straight chain line, tops out about 43mph on flat), and then again in the 11t (with a shout out to John Bozi). The grass hill climb doesn't look that steep in the video but I can guarantee it's remarkably steep, especially towards the top. I did go ahead and shift over 2 cogs to the 21t for this, and it barely pulled it off, from a standstill. Then to finish I ride some typically flat road in the 17t (stopped at red light, accelerates to 30mph just crossing the interestion, aka plenty of accel!) and then the 15t which pulls nicely from 40mph (at over 4,200W!). This is all with a 40t on the final drive. All 10 speed stuff, nothing goofy, everything works solid, no skipping, with >700 miles so far. Again, if your running less power you may need gears and can use them, if you run high power you hardly need the gears. Unless you want to pull tree stumps out of the ground and then ride off like a bat out of hell. :lol: