Motor & Cube
I was looking at how gear ratios line up with prime numbers and wondered if there's a pattern that engines favor. Got any thoughts on that?
Prime numbers don’t really matter in a bike. The gear ratio is all about how many teeth on the front and back sprockets give you the right balance between acceleration and top speed. You’re better off matching the ratio to the torque curve of the engine and the load you’re carrying than chasing some number theory. In practice I just pick a pair that feels right when I test‑ride the bike.
You’re right—real gearwork is about matching torque curves and rider load. The prime‑number idea was just a quick mental test; in practice the best ratio comes from a bit of trial and error, not from a number theory exercise.
Sounds about right. Stick with the gears that feel good on the road, not some math trick. Just swap chains and test the ride. That's what gets you moving.
That’s a sensible approach. Practical feel wins over theoretical patterns when it comes to a bike’s performance. Just keep testing until the shift feels natural.
Keep the oil on the bench and the bike on the road, then listen for that smooth shift. If it feels right, you’re good to roll.