How To Convert Your Road Bike To 1x

[@gcntech]

🤔 Are you tempted by a 1x/Single chainring on your bike? Let us know why you would, or wouldn't 👇

[@bikecommuter24]

Does a belt drive bicycle count its got one pulley up front. 🤣

[@bebopman5]

I’m a vocal detractor of the front derailleur, so all of my bikes are 1x. You can’t change my mind because I understand the advantages of the FD, I just don’t care for it or the setup.

[@Lukearthwalker]

@@bebopman5 Your perspective reminds me of automobile drivers who never learned to drive a manual transmission. It takes more skill and there is a learning curve but is so worth it in every way, it just feels a lot better!

[@emmabird9745]

Hi Alex, simply put, no I wouldn't. I live in a hilly area and I need my tripple. Grannies need granny rings. Could you have saved a bit of that extra weight by having that chain wheel sculpted out?

[@aflipz]

@gcntech I already did, and did so on a budget! LTwoo GR7 levers and derailleur, 10s 11-46t cassette with the 3 largest gears machined from a single block of billet aluminum (338grams, not bad!), 52t narrow wide front chainring, hollow crankset. I absolutely love how simple this setup is, and the ratios are plentiful for my needs. (52 : 11 is enough for not running out if pedal down any hills I encounter, and there isn't anything steep enough around me to require bigger than 52 : 46)

[@phil_d]

3 minutes in, Alex realises it's a bad idea!!! 😂

[@RJ_Groot]

3 minutes longer than it took me.

[@FlourescentPotato]

Right? This made the bike vastly worse haha

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

@@FlourescentPotato TBH, you cannot make a Pinarello worse, at least not worse-looking.

[@cherriagana]

One of the things I enjoy ALLOT with my 1X 53teeth 105setup is that it's way way easier to clean. The front mech is a dirt/mud magnet :D

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

... a* lot* (to allot = to allocate)

[@nickgoogle4525]

I converted my bike to 0x. This is great. Now my riding is totally effortless! You should try that.🙂

[@gcntech]

this sounds like a genius idea!

[@vasipro]

=))

[@galenkehler]

I saved a ton of money by going 1x when I built my bike a few years ago. Removing the front derailleur, wire, and expensive chainset was a significant savings, and allowed me to get di2 where I wouldn't have been able to afford it in the full 2x.

[@bigbearkd75]

So, you got Di1 then? 😂

[@galenkehler]

@@bigbearkd75 haha maybe it's actually Di3, since it feels like extra intelligence 😅

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

The actual benefit of Di2 is the more precise and faster front derailleur, at the rear derailleur it offers almost no advantage over mechanical. Not sure if you're kidding.

[@galenkehler]

@@einundsiebenziger5488 I don't have a front derailleur, so that's infinitely faster and more precise than any front derailleur. Di2 is a lot better than any mechanical shifting, I don't think you know how that works. The derailleurs may be equivalent but the shifters are better

[@graffhead206]

I like how you break a bolt, the explain that it was due to not using a torque wrench... then proceed to continue tightening the remainder of the bolts without a torque wrench. This would have been a great opportunity to go and get one

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

Alex isn't a mechanic: he's merely less clueless than the rest of them when it comes to technical things. Or maybe not.

[@Glebaka]

bolt was defective i think, hes merely not applying any torque esp. with this leverage he had

[@graffhead206]

@Glebaka Either way, it is incredibly important to torque chainring fixing bolts to spec. He should have gotten a torque wrench to do so. He also stated, "I did it up too tight".

[@stevengagnon4777]

​@@Glebakathat would be my guess too those after market alloy chain ring bolts like to do that.

[@mt-nv4jd]

Where do they find these people?

[@philipwooldridge9606]

Another pro you now have some dura ace chain rings in the parts bin for a new project.

[@gcntech]

😂

[@veganpotterthevegan]

Another "budget" project😅

[@_Zane__]

The color of the chain ring makes it look like cardboard 😂

[@gcntech]

The only way to put this to the test is to use it in the rain!

[@swordmonkey6635]

Yeah I think matte black would be a better way to go.

[@darthjohn0]

I thought the same thing lol

[@_MrSnrub]

Alberto has a penchant for mismatching bike components. First the brown saddle and black bar tape, now the gold chainring without any other gold on the bike. Well done Ahmad!

[@graffhead206]

Also, I just want to add: I am a professional mechanic who works at one of the most high end shops in my country. If I didn't already know all of these processes, there is absolutely no way I could have followed along to do this job myself, at home. I'm not sure if the intention of this video was to teach people how to do this process, but if it was, maybe break it down a bit more next time. I still think you guys are great and do a great job. I just had to share a little constructive criticism.

[@foxy1706]

1x for the commuter bike, less maintenance, easy clean and less cost wearing out parts, when cycling in wet winter conditions.

[@gcntech]

especially if it is a nice flat route!

[@foxy1706]

@@gcntech 90% of time front derailer all faff. most year i ride 1x 11-36 with a 50t. front. have a "good" bike with 50/34 11-30. cycled bottom to top of Ireland over 6 days and didnt need front for 4 of the days and made it up many a large hill. if its not up a mountain front is not needed. but ive climbed on 11-36 and its fine you have 2 less gears you deal with it. plus 1x looks A1

[@trekkeruss]

IGH with Gates belt FTW.

[@a1white]

Especially when equipped with Dura-Ace and a £600 OSPW!

[@zedtony8110]

A single speed will have even less to maintain.

[@FoxFox-i1c]

If it isn’t broken, fix it untill it is 😂

[@jaycamp2364]

Alex, years ago I learned a different way to determine your new chain length. Simply place the chain on the largest gears (front and back), pull the chain together to the point of max extension. Then, add just 1 link. This is where you cut the chain. Never has let me down.

[@alextorresphoto]

A lot of videos on youtube, say add 2 link. I wonder why he did it this way in this video.

[@eddysobieralski8075]

​ @alextorresphoto / @jaycamp2364 The method used by Alex to size the chain is the one prescribed by Ceramic Speed to accommodate the OSPW.

[@alextorresphoto]

Thanks, had an inkling it was that but wasn't sure. I feel like it could have been explained better. @@eddysobieralski8075

[@bigbearkd75]

@@eddysobieralski8075the OSPW makes zero difference to the articulation of the derailleur. The old way (big-big + 1 pair of links) is still correct

[@Kimberlietriracer25]

Interesting setup. Looking forward to seeing how it performs in your race.

[@phenofinder9145]

1x Kool aid! Drink it!

[@jahoppey]

Is this the new 'hack or bodge?' from the GCN Show? 👻

[@benjaminpk]

Cool! I've been thinking about making my indoor bike 1by for simplicity.

[@JonCannings]

I did it on mine!

[@thebrunoserge]

1x is the future for road bikes too. Just makes logical sense

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

Does not make sense at all. The reason for increasing the number of gears was to make the gaps between gears smaller to get soother shifting. 1x increases jumps between gears making shifting and riding less smooth, and even with 13 gears, 1x never gives you the same range as 2x. If you want super-small climbing gears, you'll have slow big gears and vice versa. And 1x wears your cassettes and chainring down much faster, which is the actual reason the industry is pushing it.

[@thebrunoserge]

@@einundsiebenziger5488 The reason for increasing number of gears was to increase RANGE, not to add in-between gears. And it's really funny because I ran the numbers in the online gear ratio calculator and this 12 speed SRAM 1x has literally MORE range than my 11 speed Shimano 105 2x from 8 years ago.

[@TalkToMeGooose]

Alex having a spare OSPW lying around again alongside his dura ace chain

[@Gabe_Hansen]

I would love to try the Vegan Cyclist setup (VC adventures on KZbin). A MTB rear derailleur with a 56 tooth single front charging and a 11-52 cassette on the back.

[@JonCannings]

That is a wide range of gears!

[@benp3639]

Just converted my commuter bike to 1x to reduce cleaning on the front derailleur!

[@johnstrac]

Loving the Russian roulette when fitting the chain bolts.

[@gcntech]

just a bit tighter... PING!

[@johnstrac]

@@gcntech I did a car cylinder head bolt once (sold the car asap) !

[@DanTuber]

Says to use a torque wrench but then he doesn't

[@jefflabianco4459]

I used a 1x setup on my bike for a while with a 44 tooth chainring and 11-32 cassette, was pretty good in the flat area I live in but found that it was pretty uncomfortable on Zwift for climbing, I’m not the most powerful guy either just about 200ftp so I was on the limit for a virtual climb like alp du Zwift

[@jameslee-pevenhull5087]

With a double, you get 2 or 3 more gear ratios than the number of sprockets on the cassette. If you don't race, 5 gears are quite enough for a ride out with your mates. I have a shed-full of 1x bikes, from 50s, 60s, 70s & 80s. 5 speed screw-on block. This doesn't mean I get dropped, it means 50 years learning souplesse in big gears is used properly. Changing to 1x ?? Retrograde step. My 1981 Falcon Super Tourist De-luxe came with 1x 46 ring. It now has a 48/40 with matching Shimano Arabesque front mech and changers. A much better bike with lower and higher gears than standard. 48 x 17 cruising ratio, big-ring to 4th of 5. 28,24,20,17 & 14. Standard '100 in 10', easy. Don't do it ! :-)

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

Listen to the wish-fulfilment oozing out of his keyboard . . .

[@suhdud4646]

Watching Alex break that bolt was great and instantly I could hear the clattering of the keyboards being bashed by the GCN grump parade.

[@fotmheki]

Good one Alex! As you mention there's a way torque is write on parts and you was lucky not to strip the tread on the chainring but the one on the bolts, otherwise would be a lot worst 😱

[@WillPower46]

Who would have thought the humble little front derailleur, the bringer of so many options would become the red haired step child of the cycling community. I for one love and cherish all my front derailleurs, long live the front mech.

[@gordonmarshall7743]

I can hear Oli now. "What's going on with that front chainring??? That makes it only a nice for me."

[@legstrongv]

Triple chainring for me!!

[@biscottigelato8574]

Thinking of 1x only for race day. Only if particularly flat race course. And a climbing only (no downhill extremely little flat) race

[@Mavrik-60]

Why would i ever ever ever want to do that??? Boy y'all stretching hard for this one.

[@Hogdog4343]

Try it, you might like it.

[@olivierhenrat5881]

Would be greatly appreciated if you could indicate where these bolts covers are coming from! Cheers!

[@PaulTheCyclist.]

I wonder if Alex found the ceramic-speed OSPW next to his Dura-Ace crank in his spares box 🤣

[@JonCannings]

😂

[@klarkolofsson]

As a destroyer of knees I approve of this message.

[@craigmaberly8561]

A benefit of one by for people who have arthritis like me is my Sram works with one finger push on my right hand as my left hand is bad.

[@chrisridesbicycles]

Did that OSPW come from the famous Alex Paton parts bin? I love 1x on the MTB but not on the road for me. Too hilly / not enough watts in the legs.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

You don't need the cassette he's using. Plenty of 1x setups have a higher high and lower low than a compact and your typical 11-28

[@VishnuRajendranAmboo]

LOL the point of a one bi system is simply know your own ride, am not a super rider 27-28km average is good enough for, just two week I have gone for 40t SLX cassette with a 38t oval chain ring and works great! Didn't have to change any chain as it's within it's limit!! 90% of GCN viewers are not Tour De France riders 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Homescapeluxhomes]

Kindly, where did you get those bolt covers?

[@ERob5415]

Personally I prefer the old setup but then again it's not my bike, as long as Alex likes it that's all that matters. The one thing I am scratching my head about is why snap a bolt in the crank and then tell us that you should use a torque wrench to then carry on not using one 😂

[@xosece]

imho 1X is the future. Speed demons like the Canyon Roadlite 6 (2023) give you a hint of what you can achieve. It has a 46T chainring and 12 gears (10-51T), ideal for all conditions

[@alj922]

Nice Dura Ace crankset - did you have that one just lying around? 😉

[@JonCannings]

He will never live this down!

[@NOOB666X]

@home i need only the Big Chainring but if I go to Austria Alps is the 2nd Chainring nice to have

[@thecoffeeblog]

Golden rule of racing: Never test gear or a setup during race day.

[@gcntech]

well said, always test anything you use before race day!

[@graemewoodward]

@@gcntech And preferably for much longer than 1 week, particularly such a big change as this!

[@thebrunoserge]

Why? Scared you're going to lose again like a big loser?

[@Local.hero.1983]

Uploaded early by accident , filmed in advance for April 1st release.

[@Lukearthwalker]

Agree fully. 🤣

[@chrisreichmann1061]

Where did you get those Bolt Covers? I really need them, too! 😍

[@olivierhenrat5881]

Did you get any answers/found anything on the net? I didn't and these are the very last bits I would like to have for my bike which I've looking for years!

[@beyond8981]

@@olivierhenrat5881 Aerocoach - they are an option with the chainring but you can buy on their own

[@markfairchild5122]

I did using 50 tooth front and 11-46 using GRX derailleur so I still get similar range

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

but fewer intermediate ratios. :head slap:

[@markfairchild5122]

@@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589 my middle three rear cassettes are the same as 2x. I spend 95% of my time there at 19-21 mph. I use low cassette and big cassette for fast group rides and very steep. I rarely used my small chainring in the front on my 2x. Only if gradient was above 12-15%. In central texas it works fine.

[@bikecommuter24]

I think I got overcharged for my new 1x setup it was 2K, but they did throw in bicycle with it,

[@gcntech]

sounds like you got a great deal on the extra's thrown in!

[@millermiller75]

Does the new chainring sit halfway between the location of the two chainrings?

[@gcntech]

Hi, thanks for the comment! This model fits where the outer chainring would be 👍

[@Lukearthwalker]

@@gcntech So the answer is no. The chainline is going to be horrible in the easiest gears, that's one reason for the chain guard.

[@savagepro9060]

GCN Tech: How To Convert Your Road Bike To 1x with a Cardboard Chainring

[@stevengagnon4777]

Oops still using a 3×8 (yeah love that 42 in the middle it's so much better than a 39) with my steel Zurich. Must have gotten old in those years somehow. Oh yeah it's also got a rapid rise XTR with cables . Good thing those Utegra STI levers have a soft touch ,never misses a shift ( Shimano missed an opportunity here this works flawless on a road bike so much better.I doesn't matter how heavy you load the pedals just tap off the number of gears loower you want and bingo the derailleur does the rest for you. Need a higher gear slam it and the change is instantaneous). So sweet. Very intuitive too big lever bigger gear, little lever littler gear both hands.Before I forget 27mm tubulars (long before 27 mm became a thing, loved those paves decades ago, surprised it took so long to catch on) with 36 spokes. 32 in front. Yeah I'm getting old. Punching my acetabulem nearly through my pelvis was a bad idea though. So much easier to ride my slow boat to China... a Tour Easy recumbent. One consolation is that I get a lot of " cool ride" from all ages. Yeah slipped of a curb removing snow from the rear window of a car. Go figure that one. Hey at least I have some titanium hardware and a real fancy and expensive ceramic bearing...rambling like an old man too.

[@edymarkonthego4096]

We need to test this outside on climb 1x vs 2x setup.

[@JonCannings]

Angliru?

[@FoxFox-i1c]

1x means losing 16 teeth. And on a steep slope I need these! (If you got a 50-34 in the front, and only use a 50, you loose 16 teeth. It’s like the difference between a 18 or a 34 teeth cog on you rear wheel)

[@yukon3686]

Not quite as bad as 18t, but I agree. The equivalent of 52f-34r is 34f-23r (34/50*34=~23t)

[@Jari1973]

What Evil is this 😁 Let's make the bike slower and heavier.. Next, we will probably show how the Road Bike converts to a gravel bike 😈 By the way, has anyone noticed how many word tour bikes have over size pulley wheels?

[@kieron88ward]

Interesting that he managed to make this heavier. Is that cassette of the same tier? Also using a narrow wide chainring I wouldn't bother with the front chain guide. I've been running 1x on my road bike for the past year and I love it. 42 chainring with 11-30 cassette. Gear range is almost the same as my old 2x set up but much simpler (and lighter).

[@grumbazor]

but whats the benefit of limiting your options?

[@FoxFox-i1c]

I can’t see any benefits . It’s more heavy, limits the gear options, costs money en costs time. Just leave it and ride it.

[@Hogdog4343]

Simplicity, aerodynamics, weight loss… if it’s done properly. This is a good example of how not to do it.

[@NewEnglandDirtRoadie]

you get the benefit of narrower range from low to high, worse fine-tuning, worse chain line and higher wear rate... what's not to love?

[@___Bebo___]

You get to make the front half of your bike look like a fixed gear rider's bike, almost. No benefit otherwise.

[@Thezuule1]

I live in the mountains, not a chance.

[@DonutEndurance]

Snaps chainring bolt. “Torque wrenches are really important so you don’t do things like this.” Continues on without using a torque wrench.😆

[@kaltonian]

lol, fancy over tightening the chainring bolt on a video, good recovery though Alex, there's always something, even when done countless times, has it left a mark ? because you can't see it if there is.

[@GregMethven]

Wow - lovely bike pretty much ruined 😂😂😂, there’s no accounting for taste though .🎉

[@ProfeTa6]

This could make sense when it comes to maintenance and simplicity for a commuter that is ridden on easy terrain. For racing? No. Unless it's for a time-trial type event.

[@larrylem3582]

How odd that you didn't show the function of shifting up and down through the gears to show that they worked, the "big-big" chainline, and that there was sufficient derailleur capacity.

[@f1hotrod527]

I am getting my gravel bike with rival axs and gx eagle mullet. I am hoping the 1x works out. It will be really nice not having that front mech.

[@busterbrown2905]

Allan, let us know if you lose any of those clip on chain ring bolt covers.

[@eddysobieralski8075]

Hey Alex... did you have to do any config changes in E-TUBE to accommodate the missing front derailleur?

[@jhonsonbellevue976]

What is the brand kf the chain keeper?

[@ericcsaba8779]

Funny I'm considering going back to 2X on my gravel bike.

[@theonemanopinion2764]

What about chain line? surely you’d want the chain ring to be slightly closer inward to better align the chain on the largest gears

[@C345OFR]

Any advice on how to avoid chain suck after a 1x conversion? Asking for a friend...

[@thebrunoserge]

Clean your chain WTF that's weird if you're having chain suck

[@rednet2403]

What is the best gear combination for hill climb if your ftp is around 3.5 - 4w/kg?

[@Hogdog4343]

This is a perfect example of how not to do it. Do yourself a favour and but yourself a proper 1x groupset from Sram.

[@DIEGO.L]

Alex fails to mention that in that configuration his lone chainring will be off-center from his cassette, effectively mantaining the crosschain at larger gears. That's why there are specific 2x, 1x, 2x disc and 1x disc cranksets

[@gcntech]

ah yes, but we reckon Alex will be in the 11 the whole time 😉

[@hawkeye5035]

Needed a gold chain…

[@JohnnyRabbitQC]

April 1st is in 42 days.

[@heinz_fiction]

WHY??

[@a1white]

Did you find that Ceramicspeed OSPW lying around in a draw in your garage, Alex? 😅

[@detmer87]

Just *NO!* My MTB is 1x but I definitely don't want 1x on my cyclocross or road bike!

[@mrflaxtv81]

Omg, it looks sick! Is there a purpose to oversized pully wheels? Do they do anything? Genuine question, not taking the p*ss!

[@JonCannings]

They offer less "bend" in the chain, meaning that in theory the chain runs smoother 👍

[@maurolocatelli3321]

Also: 1) larger pulleys cause a slower rotation at the pulley bearing: slightly less friction power loss; 2) a larger lower pulley directly causes a increased chain wrap capacity of the cage, as much as having a longer cage.

[@fmstrat2104]

Surprised that a modification of the chain line is not required.

[@Jaume14]

How do you know the biggest size of the chainring you can fit in?

[@gcntech]

Hi, thanks for the comment. There isn't an easy answer to this, due to chainstay widths and angles - If you can work out the diameter of the chainring, then you may be able to measure and check against your own frame 👍

[@alastairstedman7840]

How bout. NO

[@christianheyder1036]

Wouldn't it be smart to swap the left brake lever for one without a shifter? Where can you buy something like this?

[@gcntech]

Sadly, to get something that feels the same in the hand, there is not something available on the market. However, many years ago some pro riders used a downtube gear lever for the front derailleur, and a regular brake lever (this was purely to save weight!) And then a STI shifter for their rear derailleur. The last rider to do this, from our knowledge is Lance Armstrong 👍

[@songofyesterday]

I like the simplicity of single chainring but then the hills come and it’s like what have I done…

[@gcntech]

The moment of regret!

[@yoannvillier9988]

End no explication of the chain line ?

[@flacche]

How did your race go? Did the 1x setup work well for you?

[@Konzuug]

Can I use the large 2x ring for a 1x setup?

[@jerredcastle4915]

what i did

[@swampy1584]

That chain ring looks like it's made of cardboard!

[@PolyglotBikepacker]

Nah cardboard would actually have quality

[@brian3937]

How could you do that to a pinarello, young Franklin

[@36sportsawall]

No thank you on the road bike or the gravel bike I love a small one by chain ring on my mountain bike but too much diversity in my riding and terrain to not have a 2x

[@zedtony8110]

Why are so many happy to downgrade their bikes, spending money and time doing it.

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

My thoughts exactly!

[@heheboofa667]

looks like you put a bit of cardboard on your bike.

[@NielsdeLeeuwdenBouter]

Get a decent chainring and your weight problem is solved. That Aerocoach chainring is 2x the weight of a DA one 😂😂

[@JonCannings]

The aftermarket chainrings are rather limited though 😢

[@NielsdeLeeuwdenBouter]

@@JonCannings An Alugear one will save you about 70 grams over this one.

[@drooghead]

Jumping the shark.

[@Livlifetaistdeth]

Next episode, we swap for rim breaks....you know, cause weight.

[@mh_dot_fm]

Hm, i had made my chain 4 pins shorter not longer, but maybe just because is was too loose before

[@MdBoj-n2v]

Prominent.

[@Dhungerf60]

It’s a BODGE

[@theGiantrider]

A gold chain as well would be fitting nicely...

[@JonCannings]

Yeah no excuse!

[@gcntech]

it would look integrate seamlessly with the chainring!

[@justinfo-jepy355]

how about just get rid of the smaller chain ring?

[@ralphkilmoyer9126]

What’s the point Shimano 2X works flawlessly and it’s much better.

[@veloello1]

What size chainring!?

[@JonCannings]

"monster" 😂