6 Reasons You Should Be Riding A 1x Drivetrain

1x gearing is becoming more popular, here's 6 reasons why it might be a good choice when you next purchase a bike
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[@lobodk]

I'm running 3x 105 50/39/30 10-25. Old model but amazingly versatile🙌🏾

[@LowGearDisciple]

And take advantage of close ratio cassettes.

[@fender1000100]

That's pointless. Alot of unecessary useless hardware. 9 to 11 speeds with a 1X system is all you ever need.. When you have a 3 by system it's just a load of useless overlapping. With no real world benefits.

[@lobodk]

@@fender1000100 not for me in ny the gear overlap is great for being in transitions gears.

[@scoopermg8226]

Your lowest gear is a 30/25. That's lowish but not low. I think you back up Francis's video well.

[@BradWadeNL]

I appreciate the simplicity of this video. I have a new 2020 Trek 520 and it came with a 3x9 drivetrain. I really enjoy it because I'm able to use all of the gears especially with climbing and I really like having a steady cadence and having a 3x9 drivetrain allows me to do so. I was doing some math to see if I could get the same gear inches with a 2X or a 1X, but I was missing some of my favorite gears that I use when I go touring. My Kona Unit X has a 1x12 and that is a perfect drivetrain for that bike.

[@alstuart8801]

I'm a 1x.. on an MTB. Love it, stiffer BB area on the bike, less clutter on the bars, easier to clean.

[@jetBlue083]

Know what’s better than 1X? The colors in this video. Brilliant!!!

[@waynosfotos]

True that

[@climatechangedoesntbargain9140]

3X

[@diegovillacrez8349]

Not gonna lie I still love 2x on a mountain bike there's nothing like going up a super steep climb and just dropping a ring for a good ratio instead of like 5 gears on the back at once.

[@nadgeemark]

I can easily change the chainring on my 1x from a 42T to 36T for bikepacking duties and changing back only takes 15’. I go from 1 to 1 granny gear to .85. 😊👍🏼

[@strokyl]

Don't need to shorten/longer the chain?

[@markay_]

Don’t you need a longer chain when going from 36 to 42?

[@TurnbuckleTrivia]

Great into to 1x Francis! Another benefit to 1x is the freedom it gives engineers to design bikes. More tyre clearance, wider and stiffer Bottom Bracket, more opportunities for integration.

[@davewehrle1651]

I rode 42 - 52 with a straight block freewheel for about 25 years. I then, very briefly ride a Campy Record setup that I would describe as modern standard or even compact. For the last six years, I've been riding Sram Force 1x (road) 44 x 25-11 (36-11 if I'm doing any climbing). I've actually got one less than the same number of gears that I started with in 1986, and realistically, more gears (given the significant overlap with a 42-52 setup). I am NEVER going back to a front derailleur. I've climbed the mountains of Alaska, and I grab KOMs here in the flats at home. Thanks for this, Francis! It is spot on.

[@adam872]

I'm considering a GRX 1x group set when I upgrade next, for most of the reasons outlined. I'm all about simple, easily maintainable equipment in pretty much every aspect of my life and this looks like a good example of that.

[@markymarknj]

I was totally against 1x drivetrains until I got a bike with one. I recently purchased a Marin Kentfield 2 hybrid/city bike with a 1x10 drivetrain. It has a 38 tooth wide-narrow chainring up front, and it has a 11-48 10 speed cassette on the rear wheel. I LIKE IT! The gears are well thought out; they work for me and the riding I do. The jumps between gears aren't bad at all; if anything, they feel tailor made for me. I don't really notice the jump between gears, particularly going uphill; when I'm going uphill, I lose just enough momentum during the gear change that the lower gear feels perfect for me. I didn't think I'd like 1x drivetrains, but now I do. They're easy to live with. They're GREAT!

[@scottmcrobb6937]

SRAM Rival 1x on my bike. 42t chairing 11-42 cassette. Only downside is loss of top end speed. Can be a challenge keeping up with someone riding 2x on the flat. Love only having to maintain one derailleur.

[@Charles_Bro-son]

What amount of top speed loss are we roughly talking about?!

[@DearSoldierGP]

@@Charles_Bro-son i have the same question. I have 40T and 11-36. no problem at all. With 40T and 11 you can go 45km/h with 90 RPM . If you push it to 120 RPM you can go 60km/h.

[@Charles_Bro-son]

@@DearSoldierGP Cheers! I found a neat site where you can try different configurations and see the theoretical results www.ritzelrechner.de

[@Charles_Bro-son]

@@DearSoldierGP ps. my apologies, language is german, however it's rather easy to figure out by the numbers. I've spent a good amount of time there trying all kinds of drivetrain configs...

[@DearSoldierGP]

@@Charles_Bro-son ok no problem my friend. I also used a english website for this. Very easy. Do you ride a 1x already? or are are you planning too

[@paulsmith9887]

GRX 1x on my gravel bike cube Nuroad SL and Disc brakes which are lethal . uncomplicated setup reliable easy shifting chain never jumped off even on the worst gravel tracks .

[@Jim-ub9qy]

Very timely video my friend. I am in the process of purchasing a gravel bike and the only delay is determining what group set to use. Your comments have likely swayed me to the Shimano GRX 1x. My road bike is a Trek Domane with Shimano Ultegra and the setup works great. Thanks Francis!

[@Cade_Media]

sounds like a good choice to me, let me know how it goes!

[@garethhelliwell9736]

One by for me 11/42 cassette and 42 up front which will be a going to a 44 soon. For me a it is ideal. I'm way past my racing days and it just suits my riding style now.

[@Gazpalli]

I am now considering a 1x for my n+1.

[@webbo73]

One point I would have mentioned was the initial challenge of knowing what gear ratio to get when converting from 2x. When I built up a 1x bike I had a bit of trial and error with the front chainring size until I found the best combo of top end versus low gears.

[@joelstephens9081]

What have you gone for? I'm in the same position now

[@webbo73]

@@joelstephens9081 I ended up with 40 & 11-42 but 42 at the front would be better for top end or 10-42 if I had a compatible hub.

[@markthorrowgood3266]

I am running a 3x9 22-32-44 on 12-36 on my touring bike/commuter. I have a few 11-40 cassettes waiting in the wings that may be used in a 2x9 22-36 Frankenstein gruppo. I stocked up before Chain Reaction stopped selling Shimano internationally and have been very happy about that this year with the parts drought. Doing 250-400kms a week commuting just eats up components, but you are really just spending the money you save on train fares, so it's all good.

[@markthorrowgood3266]

@Randy Mayfield Nice. I really want to go to a 1x9 11-50 with a Box 2 or a Sunrace set up, maybe even a Microshift Advent? Not to concerned about jumps between gears, which, with 9 speed 11-50, are severe enough to cause a tear in the space-time continuum.

[@cyndy_776]

Great video and pertinent as I recently got a Specialized Diverge and it came with a 1x, my first. I'm a recreational rider and I find I can do anything on it, climbing and descending as good as my road bike, but... not as fast! ha. 'Course the Diverge is heavier in general, wheels are knobbier, etc. good times!

[@zimboy777]

Just converted Cannondale super 6 evo to 1x 46/11-28 - love the simplicity, clean front and bike weighs 15lb - it's transformed the bike

[@stifla23]

I’m a beginner biker, just got my first gravel Marin Gestalt 2. Great bike for starting out, learning all the nuances, fiddling with gears, etc. Its a 2x8 Shimano Claris and I already noticed I don’t use the lower gears at all. When time comes to upgrade I will definitely look into a 1x drivetrain. Once again, great video! ✌🏻

[@Leo-gt1bx]

Well what is your chain ring gearing. Drop to a 48/32 or 46/30 and you will use them all.

[@stifla23]

@@Leo-gt1bx Will look into it, thanks!

[@eolle43]

Excellent overview! Been running 1x on MTB for 5+ years. On road/grave I still use 2x and the entire range but the newer extended range 1x's without the need for an extension link are very enticing. If the 12 sp 1x road group sets were out when I built up my all around/gravel bike I would have given it serious consideration. The trade-offs have become less with a huge positive of not dealing with the front derailleur.

[@donjagoe]

Agreed! Love my SRAM 1x!

[@dawudcoen]

Nice overview, flying through it in the style of "Bang bang bang, thank you very much goodnight goodnight". Also taught me a few things about video editing, should I choose to start my own channel.....!

[@jdsenior74]

New Summer road bike (Whyte), gravel bike (Specialized) and mtb (canyon) all 1X and all bought this year so I bit skint at the moment with Xmas coming, great video keep up the good work 🚴😁👍

[@hockysa]

this just confirmed why I should follow through with my 1x oval drivetrain build idea

[@JonEllison]

I've been riding 1x11 on my 2013 Venge for the past 12 months and i dont think I would ever go back. Use 50T on front and 11 - 32T. I do live in a fairly flat place so it made sense for me.

[@HanOfGod13]

Now you mention it, I'm not a fast rider, but do struggle up hills, so having the dinner plate gears on the cassette in a 1x GRX would probably help me more as i don't really use my 50x11 on my compact very often unless going down a very fast descent (which is rare as it would mean i would have to do an ascent to do the descent).

[@waynosfotos]

Just buy a 48/32 or 46/30, front ring set, much better than a 1 by.

[@markjohnson5502]

@@waynosfotos Agreed!

[@sherwinandes7522]

Decided to install 7 speed on my single speed classic road bike. Totally worth it.

[@faceinthecrowd5810]

Just bought a trek sport FX5 as a fitness / gravel/ road bike to replace my old 3 ring steel frame training bike. I have some concerns losing the multiple front rings and the versatility of fine tuning my cadence, however I am a firm believer that we can adapt . My MTB bikes all have 1X drivetrains and I have zero issues, but MTB is a different animal with less “zone cadence”, riding woods changes happen very often, road…..sometimes a gear or two is all you need for 10 miles at a time. I train and the bike is only the tool the subtle gear ratio stuff is secondary to my own power and endurance, but I’m not a tech guy, others may think differently.

[@biking-places]

You're right that it's simpler and lighter. It's maybe cheaper if you only compare the same group w/ 1x or 2x options but I can buy an entire 3x9 groupset for the price of a 1x chainring and have more range at both ends. You have to spend a pretty penny on the newer groups that make 1x possible with their enormous 60t cogs but 9/10s with a front derailleur will be cheaper for years to come.

[@bennyhill4131]

2022/23, this vid could do with a follow-up vid since I guess thech has been improved, and more and more riders are looking into this as an option, even experienced riders seem keen on this nowdays. great channel and content as always! (found this vid after I watched that dream build of the Time Scylon at Backyard Bikeshop that Attacus put out.) /DB

[@markjthomson]

It's good to see it coming out better and better. Certainly considering it for my touring rig, currently running triple Sora. 1 x means I don't have a double up of ratios, and if I hit a sudden hill less chance of a bad downshift...

[@hyndxsyghts1012]

Succinct - Precise - Convincing - WELL x DONE...Thanks

[@xosece]

found my perfect bike, the Canyon Roalite 6 (5 is fine too) and I hope to get it next month. It has the best of both worlds, 1X drivetrain, 46T chainring and a 10-51 cassette, and flat bars! When I found it by sheer chance I couldn't believe my eyes! (I wanted to cry) It seems to be designed by me. It almost has the speed of my 48T road bike (I can get up to 54Km/h or so, 11-34T cassete), and the easy gears of a MTB with the simplicity of 1X. It accepts 32mm slick tyres or more. Also it looks gorgeous. Plus it weighs 10,06Kg. Superb. Why don't we see more bikes like that?? On my road bike with a 48-34T chainring and a 11-34T cassette there are some hills on my region that I can't climb without issues, something that on my 22-30-40T 11-34T MTB with the middle 30T chainring-34T sprocket, I can climb basically almost everything

[@milanb.6022]

I already run my bike as a 1x with a redundant large ring for those rare moments when i feel like riding fast. Bring on 42/26 already! High cadence spinner forever!

[@kosskrit]

My thoughts about it: 1) Easier - true, it is 2) Cheaper - if you want to have same range as 2× or 3× systems you would spend a lot on 1×12 or 1×11 drivetrain. You can go with 1×9 and 1×10 but those have limited range or larger steps between each gear, which could be very tiring during touring/bikepacking, you mentioned. 3) Less thing to go wrong - basically 1) again 4) Weights less - ok 5) (Better tech) Spacing inbetween gears - better spacing could be achieved by using 2× system with bigger chainrings (ie 38T/28T on MTB). That's why road cyclists use 53T chainring it makes gear spacing tighter. The bigger chainring in front the smaller steps between each step on casette. 6) Less maintenance - basically 1) again

[@glennoc8585]

Went 1x on.The MTB then went back to 2x just because I missed the left shifter.

[@K777John]

Road bike, Specialized Roubaix 50/36 11/32, Sonder Signal Ti hardtail 32 x 10-50, Planet X Tempest Ti Gravel 42 x 11-42. Since getting the Tempest 4 weeks ago the Roubaix has been ridden twice and is being put away as my sunny days bike, it’s faster but the Tempest is so so versatile especially since I have 2 sets of wheels so can use it with 34mm slicks on club rides and the 43mm gravel tyres for everything else. It does spin out down hills though- I got it up to 39mph, but span out at a cadence of 131-the Roubaix has gone down that hill at 42mph and I was still peddling......

[@WARnTEA]

I’m running a Sram Rival front derailleur on an ultegra groupset specifically because its less hassle. My chain fell off maybe twice until I got the included chaincatcher dialed it. Whats insane is that not only is the Rival front derailleur lighter than shimano but its almost the same price as a chaincatcher, and it includes its own chaincatcher. SramFD is just so much better. Sure shifting doesn’t feel as crispy since it wasn’t designed for Shimano levers, but I prefer Shimanos shifting over sram doubleclick. The Yaw design is such a gamechanger, yea it took maybe 3 hours of fiddling to get the cage lined up perfectly, but you never have to worry about chain rub or trimming. I had two shimano equipped bikes so far and no amount of messing about has ever eliminated chain rub for me, I always felt guilty riding my bike knowing that I had to fix that problem so half the time I just didn’t ride it. I would essentially just ignore almost half of my rear gears so it wouldn’t rub. With that being said, shimano is pretty good about not dropping chains, which is why sram comes with a chaincatcher.

[@Cade_Media]

interesting solution. A properly set up Shimano front derailleur won't rub though, although you might have to trim with the shifter while riding if it's not di2!

[@KOL630]

Good advice as always Francis.

[@chrisezekieldimalaluan4290]

DEORE XT 3X9 did wonders for me here in PH mountains. I do ride a singlespeed 49-17 now and still kickin it with MTB boiz.

[@joelfr023]

Love that type of video! Thanks Francis

[@chrisold6729]

Great video Francis! 1X is the only way forward.

[@danielosman3134]

I am running SRAM force 1x I love it I just swap out the front chainring depending on what I’m riding, 38 hills 40 oval for most rides and 42 for faster flatter rides takes 10 mins!

[@plain-bagel]

Do you do anything to the chain to accommodate the extra teeth on the rings?

[@rushi7312]

The only 2 noticeable points for me in this debate: About 1x : there less mechanical parts to worry about (tho the chain is thinner thus more fragile + subject to more offset between the front and rear) About 2x and 3x : I cannot imagine myself riding something else because I am so used to be able to drop from the 2nd to 1st speed at the front whenever I have to very quickly go uphill or unexpectedly slow down a lot etc. The ability to effectively skip about 3 speeds by the flick of a lever even while putting some pressure on the pedals is truly unmatched. Convince me if you can.

[@robertdewar1752]

I'm with you here. 2x is basically 1x but with added granny ring, thereby, as you say, the ability to drop to a nice low gear real quick.

[@rboydphotography]

great vid, new Ribble CGR 725 coming in november, GRX600 groupset, with GRX400 brakes and GRX812 rear derailleur. 11-speed 40T chainring with 11-42T Cassette. first time using a roadbike set-up so having 1 less lever to learn will definitely help and the easier maintenence will be a bit of a godsend for my rookie hands xD I have topped out on my MTB at around 28mph with just a 36T ring and caught up to people on roadbikes during the flat and some descents only to dropped a bit on the climbs due to weight difference and recent inability to use the inner ring (chaincatching/chainsuck since new chain fitted... also flaps about more than it used to, either too long or tension is too low). the additional teeth will mean I can go faster on flats than before, lighter bike will make it easier and all without making the climbs harder as the range of gears I need is still there. Looking forward to a 1x13-speed the day the top brands start to release 1x 14speed options xD

[@jlcasabal]

Thank you! I’ve been bike commuting forna while now and it still stresses me out thinking of cross chaining. One reason I wanted to switch to 1x. Also as i said, I am a commuter not a racer. Also 1x for me looks clean. Thank you again for all the great content and for all your hard work.

[@Cade_Media]

thanks for watching!

[@kristianrobinson5856]

Definitely thinking about it. I'm not clued up enough, and haven't tried it, but keeps coming up, and I'm keen on climbing.... So is more a fear of investing in the wrong thing. If there was a way of trying them out...

[@waynosfotos]

These are not for climbing, just work out your gear ratios. If you have a 46 on the front you need a massive cassette on the back to even get the same ratio as a 2 by. So you are compromising your flatter land cycling. If climbing, 2 by is better. You can fit a 36 or 40 on the back and have pretty easy gears. With 1 by, you calculate what you need for the same ratio as a 2 by?

[@tripleeyeemoji]

I’m using a 1 x 10 and I like it

[@PunjabiCyclist]

This is a good video Francis and I agree 1 x by is the way to go, I just ordered a 1 x by SRAM Rival Chainset its out of stock until May-22 though!!

[@elliottsill5992]

Camera quality looks fresh in this matey.

[@Cade_Media]

thanks Elliott! New lights 😁

[@s1alker564]

I have one on my Surly and love it.

[@schande]

i only use 3 of my 7 speed 1x setup here in the lowlands. 1x all the way baby

[@markdoherty6977]

My set up is single speed / fixie, lol the student budget doesn't allow for gears

[@spammy3164]

Fixies are addictive

[@jude7862]

Single speed or nothing, if you're strong enough anything is possible with it

[@super8hell]

I do 100 km regularly on a 46:16 single speed. With hills. You have to use momentum and grind a little bit. However the biggest advantage is the silence of the drivetrain.

[@Stuff_And_Things_0]

Just ordered my Ribble hybrid and spec'd the 1x Sram on it!

[@davidmartin305]

always 2x on road 53/39, cx 46/36 and 29er hardtail 38/24. 2 reasons for me .... straighter chainline and closer gearing allows me to be on my optimal cadence more of the time. I think bikepacking and maybe more modern MTB would get me to rethink.

[@robbchastain3036]

You make a good argument, Francis, no argument from me. And not to be contrarian but I recently purchased a NOS Campy race triple at a reasonable price and O how I love me some extra gears on my commuter, especially when the road undulates and my panniers are packed with groceries. And I usually do that at night, so at least nobody sees me creeping up hills like that. No other riders, anyway, and that's what counts, can't have them seeing me ride slowly.

[@Cade_Media]

no rules, just ride!

[@n0081719]

Francis, I really like what you do. I use KZbin a lot but there aren’t many people I return to regularly apart from you. However, whilst I appreciate and totally support your need to make money from this channel, this is a thinly vailed advert from the opening shots through to the scripted sale pitch for GRX. I trust you for objectivity and honesty but somehow this one make me question which videos you are being yourself and which you aren’t. I hope you don’t mind the feedback and i wish you all the best and hope to keep enjoying your work.

[@Cade_Media]

I'll always declare when something is an ad - this was not 👍

[@Cade_Media]

watching it back it does come across pretty salesy though - I scripted it myself, bored in lockdown!

[@christopheradams7158]

Thanks mate that has certainly given me something to consider as I'm going to get a new bike next year 😀 👍

[@Galaxieguy428]

I pretty much ride 1x on my 2x setup for where I live. (52/36 - 11-30). I pretty much switch to my small ring out of boredom once every 6 months. Thinking about switching to 1x or trying one of those 3T 1x bikes out.

[@juanrodriguez6864]

Claris 8-speed, already did a century in it with lots of hills.

[@richardhaselwood9478]

Sorry Francis, you'll take my front mech from my cold dead hands! 1X, fine off road, awful on road.

[@Smoothiverse]

Is a 1X really that bad to drive on road ? Because i need a hardtail to got to school on road but also to go mtb off road

[@lukaserlt5824]

@@Smoothiverse Not to drive on roads, but on a roadbike. mtb has significantly longer chainstays than roadbike, so the on average less straight chainline of 1x is less exaggerated than it is on roadbikes. Also the bigger gear steps are (in my experience) most noticable when you are riding someone elses tempo in a group ride and therefore can't adjust your cadence by slightly adjusting your speed. So shouldn't be a problem for you.

[@AlejandroTorres-jw4vc]

Maybe u got a very small chainring in the front... y run a 36T and a 11-40T in my MTB and it is pretty good on road, and I climbed mountains with no big problems, (If u can't go uphills, maybe a smaller chainring is for you). When I ran a 32T up front, I felt completely awful with no speed at all.

[@Leo-gt1bx]

@@Smoothiverse It's ok on a mountain bike but I hate in on a road bike. I run 2x9 and it is the best for me. Also cheaper to maintain.

[@Leo-gt1bx]

@@AlejandroTorres-jw4vc I find 36 way to slow on the road.

[@GotDamBoi]

when I was super poor my front deraileur broke and I only had my 34 tooth chain ring with an 11-34 for like 2 years and it worked fine unless I wanted to go faster than like 22mph (35ish km/h)

[@OmarFaruk-kv1di]

I use a hardtail And in our country 1x is very very expensive and i currently have 3 by 8 groupest and soon will be upgrading to a 3 by 9 groupset

[@spaceshipearth356]

I converted mine 3x9 to 2x9, the cheapest shimano option (square 22/36T and new 2x front mech, shifter stays the same). It is much better, generally use big cog for a road a small cog for a terrain. When I go up some very steep climbs, I switch from big to small. It is just one click, easy. I converted it for like 50€, worth it. We have hilly terrain here.

[@gmac8345]

Francis, I haven’t the faintest idea about photography etc, but the lighting in this vid looks really cool. 👍

[@Cade_Media]

Ah yeah, fits time using some new lights... £250 😱 but I'm glad someone noticed! Thanks

[@nigelstanley3674]

Always informative and useful. Going to start a bike build soon and haven’t decided on 1x or 2x. The new campag looks good but still thinking Shimano.

[@AndrewBlucher]

There's a saying ... Shimano wears out, Campag wears in. You get what you pay for.

[@johngonon1507]

Switched to 1x on all my bikes (adding 1 cog at the back each time). Matched the lowest gear with the biggest climbs around. It's not like I can push 52x11 on the flat anyway, so I'm just going aero a bit early on descents, no big deal. The up sides are too overwhelming for me, a fit non racer.

[@martincove6054]

Definitely considering this - especially for commute as have spent too much time and money on front mechs i.e. adjusting indexing (to get proper shift up and down) . Don't live in hilly area (Cambs !) so not worried about range of gears. Good clear run through of this by you (as ever).

[@seanbickford2842]

I run 1x on my mtb but on my gravel bike I prefer 2x. I live and ride in an urban area where quite often you have to use paved segments to connect gravel segments. If I were in an area where I was riding my gravel bike primarily off road, then I would probably consider 1x, but I'm not so I'll keep my front derailleur.

[@ultraruna]

Another nicely made vid Francis, I x on my gravel (sweet) but at the moment I can't see my road bike being less than 2x, but nearly 30 years ago I remember saying the new fangled front suspensions on mtb's was a gimmick, probably because I couldn't afford it.

[@njm3211]

42 narrow wide elliptical chainring and 11-36 cassette. Plenty for climbing up to 12%. Not concerned about going faster downhill LOL.

[@sknkwrksowner]

Moving my Venge to a 1x in January as it's my crit race bike. I have a Canyon for all other road racing with a 2x.

[@evgenyuspenyev7887]

52 for speed.When in doubts -- traffic lights, countryside, etc -- drop to 39,works fine for me,cheers

[@michaelsigismonde7958]

I own a Montague Paratrooper 26" folding bike. I almost never use the other two smaller chainrings. The biggest ourside chainring has more than sufficient gears for climbing, and the top gear is quite fast. Overall, the Montague is a great bike.

[@adamputu5448]

I Appreciate This And I My First Time Ride 3x8 Speed But I Rode That Long Time Ago And That Bike Is My Cousin's Bike And Then Now That Bike Broken. Now I Am Learned MTB From Internet, Reading The Articles, Watching The Bike KZbin Videos, and From Bike Brand Website Or Showroom Authorized Website 😁😁😁😁

[@DieterVanHolder]

1X All day every day. I got into 1x on my enduro mountain bike and together with droppers it has been my favorite tech advancement of the last few years. I'm looking at buying a gravel bike as a do it all bike while living in Flanders and I keep gravitating towards the 1x options. As you say, I'm not a racer. I'm just an average 37-year old that wants to go on relatively modest rides at relatively modest effort. In that case, 1x is less hassle, does the job and plainly looks better! Oh... I'm also an oval convert haha. So as far as I know there's not such thing as oval 2x's?

[@ProjectKishi]

I have a roadbike, and i made them 1x, usually go with round 52 if the ride is mostly flats and ill switch to a 38 Oval if its mostly hills, changing takes only a minute. Yes, an oval 1x roadbike.

[@grumpy-dad3701]

Its a personal choice. I was 2 x 9. Had wanted to go to 1x. Then my bike got nicked so replacement I went for 1x and really like it. I still get enough speed If the hill is too steep I hiker bike it

[@gs8941]

Thank you! Short, Sweet and very Sensible :))

[@jackpowell9276]

1x has pretty much taken over MTB now entirely, particularly good for keeping chains on. Cool to see it reaching other bike types. I think the 1x just looks really nice, though while MTB balance shifters with a dropper post lever, the lack of symetry on the road irks me haha.

[@Cade_Media]

Nearly included a point 7: it looks good!

[@tirabbi1]

I run the GRX Groupset on my Road Rat. Love it.

[@bikewatcher5428]

Thanks that was food for thought👍 you and Daisy stay safe😷👍. Ps, give John Braynard’s channel a glance he does a great gravel ride near Seefeld. Good filming area for your sponsors?

[@devononair]

"It's cheaper" Not if I already have a bike with gears!

[@Cade_Media]

true!

[@devononair]

@@Cade_Media Obviously, comparing the two systems, 1x is cheaper, but for me, it probably means replacing my entire groupset, since I currently have 3x9. I don't even know if my chain would work on the 1x chainring!

[@johnhilton1360]

Running 1x grx on my gravel bike which I use 95% on road no problems at all not very often I run out off top end ......on rides use middle 9 gears more than anything so seem to have it right for me

[@GiorgioCoppolaCycling]

1X is officially the future 😍

[@waynosfotos]

I don't think so

[@MyDemon32]

@@waynosfotos it will be, mark my words.

[@stockton350]

Until the industry finds another drive train set up to make people believe everything else is obsolete...

[@matthewshaw3747]

You forgot the clutch in the rear mech for rough surface riding! Great video.

[@Cade_Media]

You can fit the clutch mech to any system though, not just 1x!

[@matthewshaw3747]

Very true. I guess it has just been more the domain of 1x mostly.

[@Ming3r]

On a Jari With 40 up front and 11-42 in the rear. This combined with 650B is a little too low of gearing but it rides nicely for everything around here - the top gear comes just a little sooner than I'd like.

[@rustymac83]

This comment relates to 1*12 for a MTB, it may relate to other 1*12 applications but I have only got 1*12 on my MTB. Chain wear drastically impacts shifting performance of the drive train. To keep thing running smoothly check chain wear regularly and replace at 0.5. I'm not sure if the chain being narrower or if it is being stretched move over the bigger cassette range causes it to wear more quickly, but for me 12 speed chains do not last as long as 11 speed. A quick indicator of excessive chain wear seems to be rear cassette chain drop on back peddling especially in the largest cogs.

[@Cade_Media]

chain checking tool - one of the best little tools to own and saves you money in the long run!

[@rustymac83]

@@Cade_Media when you can pick them up for less than a fiver they are an incredibly useful tool to have in the box.

[@georgehsu1085]

Ultegra 2x on my road bike, Force 1 on my gravel bike. I really have no issues interchanging between the two. Front mech fiddly-ness is the bane of my existence, however...

[@WARnTEA]

I recommend buying a Sram Front Derailleur. Takes some time to dial in the cage position and the chaincatcher, you’ll probably drop a chain once or twice until you get it perfect. However it is surprisingly usable with shimano levers. No chainrub, no trimming. Its also cheaper and lighter than Shimanos FD. At least thats how it is when paired up with Ultegra R8000. Kind of a shame too because I think the Ultegra derailleurs are so well made and designed, but Idk what it is, I have never been able to dial in a shimano front mech to eliminate chainrub, and even if I could manage that feat I’d still have to deal with the annoying trimming.

[@georgehsu1085]

@@WARnTEA My chain has a tendency to drop off on the inside when shifting up to the big ring. Riddle me that one! :D

[@davidlee6411]

3T Strada with a 1 X 11 (50 to 11/36), love the ease and have absolutely no issue in the hills round Newcastle or over in Cumbria. Love the ease and the clean line / aesthetic. Interesting article when you look at AquaBlue and their I'll fated attempt which was not helped by them using various manufacturers equipment where SRAM advised them of compatibility issues and potential dropped chains, they ignored the advice but still blamed SRAM for the issue, go figure.....

[@Cade_Media]

I happen to know a few of the riders who were on that team and there was a plethora of issues they were dealing with, not just 1x! I feel sorry for the riders.

[@davidlee6411]

Very much so, as only a few bad races can put there career aspirations at risk as the back story rarely comes to the surface.

[@srcphonemail]

Just got a 3T Strada 1x. I did think that I would spin out on a 44 ring after using a 53 for the last ten years, only happened once inn a long downhill. Haven't run out of gears on my long rides. Building a new bike this summer which will definitely be 1x. Give it a go.

[@lookrider3845]

Yeah are you using the new camera work great picture is very nice and good information about the bike you're working on well once again a great Video.😎🚴

[@arcoulant87]

Touring bike 3x because Ineed 17 inch gear ,road bike 2x ,mtb 3 x thats what it came by and I like it gear inches again and I have a bolt in my knee so it helps and last I am 64 today !

[@jralicea6299]

Seam Force 1x on my gravel bike and love it!! I swap between them both, fully agree 1x is sufficient enough for anyone planning on having just one bike or all bikes for that matter. Ride on!!!

[@Melissa-qs8qc]

😢😢😢 have been told my x1 for bike packin is no good. Thank you 💕

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

1 x on MTB and sram etap on road bike. 1 x is way better in my eyes and when/if I need to upgrade the road bike I will go 1 x for sure

[@asherbeal8357]

Eagle AXS. 32T chainring with a 11-50 cassette for my Monster Cross Mullet (69’er).

[@WheelersAtLarge]

Nice one. I can only speak to myself but jumps in gearing aren't really a problem as I tend to default to my preferred cadence so compared to 2x sometimes it's slightly faster, sometimes slower, it seems to even out about the same for me. However, the wider tyres that tend to be on 1x bikes makes a bigger difference than gearing jumps. When the bike is laden I prefer 2x because I can have 34f 36r or even 40r and still have 46f 11r for the flats. Really don't see the point in 50t or over as I'd probably use it once a ride, if ever.

[@tihs87]

I have a xc bike but like doing road trips as well, For me its cheaper and easier to carry little extra weight then to get another bike for flat roads If I cant climb on 22 front 34 rear its on me not on the bike And 44/11 use only with back wind can get me to 50 kph

[@christopherlewis3615]

I had a single front mech once. When I was 5!

[@MichaelSnasdell]

Love my 1x