WHY I'm DITCHING 1X Drivetrains

[@matthewwinne]

Perfect timing. I was just about to buy a 1x drivetrain because I didn't feel cool enough with my 2x. Thanks for talking me out of it.

[@adamkrz59]

I converted one of my 2x bikes to a 1x and ended up putting the 2x back on for the better range - my newer bikes are all 1x but I very much like the 2x..

[@keithhunter3910]

My Diamondback Haanjo came stock 2x. I converted to 1x last year, but then converted back over the winter. I do like 1x on my Surly Ogre and Felt 9er hardtail.

[@joelhenderson3723]

Good choice. I like 1x for mtb, but everywhere else 2x is preferable, imo.

[@KptnHaddock_]

Don't listen to him but try it out yourself.

[@oscaraurelio8869]

I was thinking of a 1x on a steel frame bike, as my aluminium frame bike got its crack (I am still lamenting it), and then, I compared the costs between a 1x and a 2x, the ratios I would have, and finally, it is only a question of time to grab the 2x version, even though one can expect less maintaining costs on the 1x. The purchase price is, in my case, higher for the 1x than with the 2x, even taking the shifters prices into account. Too bad the 3x are disappearing from the market, because though they may be more complicated to maintain, and even then, not by that much, they are darn versatile

[@fsquared64]

I’m one hundred percent with you on running a 2x system, especially on my gravel bike. SRAM had to push 1x because they couldn’t build a decent front derailleur to save their life.

[@timeorspace]

FD M6020 D by Shimano is a masterpiece! Origin8 Thruster Boost 2x crankset is my hero - but swap BB spacers to keep it centered.

[@Exgrmbl]

Ha, I never stopped using 3x.

[@MrCROBosanceros]

Me too! I have a 9-speed 3X drivetrain on my touring bike and an 8-speed 3X drivetrain on my mountain bike.

[@milesochsner8883]

It's the future! 3X was never a problem in the first place. I wouldn't use anything else now.

[@StanEby1]

3x9 is probably best ever invented if you want efficient chain line, long lasting system, and good gear range all in one package, IMHO.

[@greggschwabauer6241]

I’m still 3x as well, most of the time. 1x has a place, but general utility and adaptability is it. Glad to see you’ve regained your sanity.

[@m.talley1660]

It's really too bad that nearly all of the QBP brands Salsa, Surly, etc with their touring focused all road bikes are now spec'ed 1X. Maybe you will help influence a return of more sensible gearing for these types of bikes.

[@leightonbohl1920]

I’ve always enjoyed your energetic and resourceful bike ‘fettling’. Just to help you out a bit, Spa Cycles in Harrowgate, Uk, sell three different copies of Sugino chainset that can be set up as triples or doubles. The Sugino models copied are the XD and the Alpina 2, I believe. The smallest inner ring is 24 teeth (74 BCD) and the middle and outer rings are on a 110 BCD spyder. To set it up as a double use a bash guard in place of the outer ring, or, more sensibly, fit five shims to replace the outer ring, and Bob’s your uncle, you’ve got a super compact 24/40, or 36, or 34, etc. I’ve used these chainsets for years on various bikes; e.g., a 14-28 freewheel with a 24/40 front gives a range from 23-72 gear inches and a 12-34 cassette gives an 18-100 gear inch range with a 24/44 front. The basic chainset, without rings, is £30, so about 40 odd US dollars. They are well made and nicely polished when in silver. Spa doesn’t ship to Europe because, I assume, of Brexit difficulties, but they should ship to the States. Try one - for the price you can’t go wrong and they are certainly better value than White Industries or Velo Orange, for that matter. Hope this helps, Cheers

[@ehounshell]

The 110/74 triple is my new obsession. Can be set up many ways, and they don't cost a fortune.

[@sametal38]

Depends on the bike I would say. My commuter and xc bike are 1X and I don’t see that changing ever. My road bike is a 2X and until hubshifting becomes more prevalent, I don’t see that changing either.

[@joppek77]

Indeed. For a trail bike a 1x drivetrain is perfect. One less lever on the bar, one less cable rattling against the frame and no more dropped chains on a front downshift. Imo it's one of the _best_ "innovations" in recent years. For an MTB, that is. On my commuter I'm running a 2x drivetrain and I'm happy with that too.

[@grumpynerd]

And also where you're riding it. I converted my mtb to 1x but kept 2x on my gravel bike; because that's what works best *where I ride each bike*. Out here in the Northeast, the mountain bike trails I ride don't have much net vertical altitude gain, but have frequent, short, steep ascents and descents. I just don't need much high-end gearing on my MTB where I ride it because on descents I'm usually coasting and there's very few flat sections. If I were riding the kind of trails we see on this channel, I'd probably have kept 2x. 2x works on my gravel bike because it gets ridden on a mix of roads and trails.

[@michaelaiello9525]

I have been wanting to transform my 3x '85 Stumpjumper into a 1x. They are everywhere. Lets turn this oldtimer into a modern, friction 1x monster! I just about figured it out with your videos. Thank you!! And now your 2x preference video comes up in the rotation!! OH Brother!! Here we go again.. I need to stop thinking about this for another minute!

[@rkulla]

1x7 all day for errands/cruising for me since I have some steep hills here and there. Getting rid of a front derailleur / weight is a super nice balance between the extremes of a single speed and too many speeds for the average rider who just wants simplicity with practicality.

[@anielyantra1]

For my commuting I find I can do a 1X as a 38/ 11-34 but I do use a IXF hollow tech (104 BCD) which is well suited to becoming a 2X as a 42,32 /11-34. The 104 BCD cranks have the range of gears available for this conversion. Always friction shifters, and rim brakes. (the industry be dammed!)

[@Wds__99]

Yup 2x for me too. Sure, lots of redundant gears but 2x is more high end and lower bottom end, plus better chain lines.

[@etuaz]

i'm both a car and bike nut (and mech engr), and its interesting that while car manufacturers have promoted automatic transmissions with a high # of gears up to 10 or even more (like CVTs), the bike industry went the opposite direction with 1X drivetrains. Human cycling cadence has a limited effective RPM range not that different to an internal combustion engine. It's pretty obvious the more gear choices you have the better if you spend any significant time climbing difference grades. If you live in a pancake flat area go with a single speed and save weight...if you live in a hilly or mountainous area you need gears.

[@BrandonMeyer1641]

I’ve been on 3x for a while on both a touring and a commuter/gravel flat bay bike. Shimano alivio rear derailleur with Shadow. 48-26 in the front and 11-36 in the back I can climb basically anything. If you know how to to keep a good chain line and shift them properly a 3x9 will last you a couple thousand miles before having to do a chain, cassette or chain ring replacement and parts are dirt cheap. For people on a budget 3x has a lot to offer.

[@bryanramsey22]

Great video, and I agree completely. I run 3x touring bike. It’s a 44/32/22, 11-36, 9sp MTB drivetrain with friction shifters. All the range in the world! On my All-Road bike I run 2x with road components. 48/34, 11-34. I like 1x on my mountain bikes where I really only need lower gears.

[@ds94703]

Great Video - and very well explained. A couple of side note comments from the peanut gallery: RE RATIOS:. You go through the various gear ratio's fast, but I totally agree with you. The lower the low the better, but you still need something that lets you keep up with the pack when you are drafting and cruising along at 25mph. (btw, I'm a roadie, live in hilly NorCal leaning toward gravel 2-bys) So let me summarize the 2x setup you used: Fromt Chainring 38-24 Cassette 11-36* High Gear = 38:11 Low Gear = 24:36 -- (Thats mountain bike low). - my road triple which is low for a road bike has a 30:32 ratio for the lowest gear. But then I'm not pulling a trailer with 100lbs of gear) APPROXIMATELY EQUALS: High gear= 92 Gears/in Low gear = 20 Gear/in (your gears/in may varry depending on tire and wheel size). *The notation you've given imply means that for one of these cassettes, the smallest sprocket has 11 teeth, the largest has 36 teeth. RE SHIFTERS Back when STI shifters were new and therefore "fiddley", I opted for bar-end shifters. Shimano made them. I wish I kept them, just to put on my old Trek 1220, which I use for a workout bike on a trainer.

[@markmoreno7295]

A 2 by let’s you run fewer chain rings on the rear cluster (if you want to) to avoid excessive dishing of the right side spokes. That helps create a stronger rear wheel.

[@3DThrills]

I bolted a 30 tooth chainring to my 36. I change front gears so rarely that I haven't bothered adding a derailleur yet but I'm sure I'll use the 36 again if I add a hub motor. Fat bike cruiser. I switched from an 11/28 to a 13/34 on the freewheel but I had to order it from the UK to get one that didn't have a huge jump between 1st and 2nd gear.

[@podfunk]

For touring, 3 x 9 will give you a massive range of gears and these days will also be super smooth (Shimano Alivio has a nice Hollowtech bottom bracket and has a downswing front derailleur option) but also, crucially, won't break the bank. If you're going with drop bars with this then get Gevenalle shifters, they're great, they work with MTB gears and brakes and only cost 200 bucks.

[@ex0stasis72]

I ride an e-bike now that has replaced my car, but when I did bike before, I was satisfied with my 3x mountain bike with ridiculously low gears to allow me to ride up even the steepest hills without walking the bike. Gear 1 on sprocket 1 was so low that it might have been faster for me to get off the bike and walk it. So I settled on gear 2. With my e-bike, with a cadence sensor pedal assist, I sometimes wish that I had higher gears because when I turn the pedal assist up, it feels like my legs are just going through the motions, and it's not much more efficient than just cranking the throttle the whole way.

[@JC-tu7cy]

"...because there's no way SRAM is going to sponsor us now." 😆 Incoming mt bike drop bar converter here, and for several reasons am also going 2x up front: 24t & 34t front rings with 29x2.2ish tires. Ultegra 10spd brifters with 11x42 cassette and likely an LX front and Sunrace RMD900 derailleur - technically a 9spd derailleur, but supposedly 9spd mt stuff works well with 10spd non-Tiagra Shimano road shifters. We'll see.

[@joonlee920]

Campy has their newer Ekar groupset that effectively addresses the need for both higher gears and lower gears (for climbing). Honestly for my use, a 1x drivetrain makes more sense: simplicity in shifting, cleaner look, and (IMHO) more reliable. I've rarely felt a need for a small gear to go faster. Plus, most of the gearing in a 2x setup are redundant. My biggest quibble in a 1x setup is the gearing spacing, sometimes the difference between a shift are pretty large but that's the bike manufacturer decision. BUT, with all that said, I do love Shimano's Di2 synchro shifting that effectively combines the two front cogs into a seamless sort of 1x shifting.

[@DrTomCruisin]

Only problem with Ekar is it doesn't offer a super wide range. With 13 speeds they should def have a 9-52 offering, but the best they have is 9-42 or 10-44.

[@SurpriseMeJT]

The redundant gears are not "equal" as they do not have the same power transfer efficiency (larger gears and cogs transfer power more efficiently) nor do the same ratios have the same chainline angle, also affecting drivetrain friction.

[@stevepark6363]

Ekar does a lot of things right, straight out of the box. The steps are close and even. It functions well. Superb brakes. 10-44 is brilliant for most cases. 9-42 is 466%...quite wide though not class-leading. An extra wide Ekar cassette is a compelling idea.

[@spinningtrue]

Very interesting video! I struggled with how to achieve a large enough range on a 1x drop bar system and ended up with a 12 speed, 10-51 cassette, 32T ring with bar-end shifters for a range of 17-89 which I felt was pretty good but the compromises are increased wear on the single chainring and large jumps between the gears. The hardest part was finding a compatible crankset which ended up being the Praxis Alba with a Wolf Tooth Camo direct mount spider & chainring. I also haven't toured with it yet to see how practical it really is.

[@johnnydoe66]

I have heard other riders complain about the lack of top end with 1x on gravel bikes and I can totally understand the point. 1x definitely is the best thing in my opinion for mtn bikes, but with gravel it depends on what you personally want or need. Personally, if I ever get a dedicated gravel bike, it will most likely have a 2x sub-compact.

[@christeschke9844]

I also tried the 1x with a mountain bike. 11-42 on back and 32 on front. Could offroad but my commuting to work was all at 90rpm spinning :) Switched it to 2 x 11. 26-36 on front, I still run out of oomph at the topend on road, but my range is so much better than a 1x drive line. I remember people touted 1x as reducing bar clutter and dropping weight. But then everyone added a dropper post with a lever on the bar.......

[@runningwithshemp]

One-by is great for most mtb set ups (XC, All Mt or DH) or Cyclocross. Once you start riding for more than an hour or two the limitation on great range is noticeable. Since I more or less stopped racing and my CX bike is now all around or gravel going back to two-by is why better for range and bail out. Plus the cleaning cycle is way less. Really wish more brands would offer stainless rings for better wear as kinda of pain to fully clean the drivetrain my XC bike after every ride

[@tuco0x]

4:30 I'm sure you rounded off those inches of gear values but as it stands 88/20 inches of gear with a 11-50 cluster and 36 chain ring gives a wheel diameter changing by an inch (26.8 & 27.8 inch dia). Using 27.5 for a wheel diameter yields 90 and 20 inches of gear.

[@yute-hube779]

I'm still using a triple 🙂 48-36-24 front and 11-32t rear, on 9-speed. That gives me roughly 19" to 111". I was using 22x40t at one point on 11-speed, now that is a low gear, it's my limit in fact, any lower and you can't balance. That was about 14" gear inches. I didn't like the amount of torque that must have been putting on my chain, rear cassette, freehub and spokes so I went back to the already mentioned, more sensible option.

[@vegasvampire66648]

I'm a 1X guy....3 bikes. 36 w/ 11-42 40 w/ 11-46 32 w/ 11-42. It ain't for everybody, but it works for me. I am old & slow. 🙂

[@andyrandy0815]

You can also use 2 front gears without any front derailleur - just take 10 secs and lift up the chain with a little stick yourself if you expect a long hill climb. Of course, works only fine if you don't ride tracks where the chain often jumps off the front chainring, but I assume you don't ride DH tracks with your gravel bikes

[@pittapittae]

I did lay down the money for the white industry 40-24 combination last year. I have some health issues and I needed to be able to climb with lower heart rate. Totally worth it, now my meager 220 watts can bring me up climbs without too much trouble :) But yeah, they are costly (although impressive, both on quality and desgin, like the self-extractor integrated in the cranks...)

[@MetroidChild]

I've been stuck on the front 28t on my 3x8 for the entire winter and haven't even bothered to fix it, the best upgrade I would possibly make is going to a 2x9 (wider cassette and 26-36 up front) so I get more torque and speed than currently. I don't need 113" gear being 240lbs riding a 15 year old full suspension 26er, that cost $250 at purchase. Really I don't even want to think about the cliff I would have to go down to reach those kinds of speeds with that bike.

[@stevenmarshall7078]

You can have a 24 front chainring from Real chainring and a 58 and 94 bcd. That is what I have and I love it. I agreed with you in regards to 2x or 3x. I never was a candidate for a 1x.

[@DIY-DaddyO]

Yeah you convinced me to try this 2x thing. My triple has a 42-32-22 setup with 11 to 32 rear (9x) so there’s lots of overlap. If I drop the 32 ring and move the 42 over I’ll still have a 99” to 18” range which should do me fine.

[@toddsampson5628]

such a great channel. I perhaps should have made my way through the posts backwards because I obsessed over trying to get some kind of mullet to work on my 10 speed 50/34T road bike (mainly used for zwifting) untill finally arriving at your adventX video, and pulling the trigger on that. Paired with a xsync 48T up front I will be gaining a lot in my low gear (not that needed for zwift but nice on the gravel tracks in Vermont) and only sacrificing like 2-3% on my high gearing (which is fine, i need to learn higher cadence cycling anyway). The simplicity of the 1X is still top consideration for me. I took the 2X system to two different bike shops before finally just accepting the front derailleur chain rub was not going to be solved. I hate thinking my way through optimized gearing, chain rub, trimming, and the silly quick cassette adjustments you need to make when changing between chainrings... once you drive a 1X it all seems so insane. Thanks for the videos. I agree though, the friction shifters on my 3X tourer are absolutely a dream if you need to go this route... and sometimes you do.

[@baabbylon]

Finally, my bikes are back in fashion 😂 history repeats .....!

[@andrasheczey]

1x works on flat terrain. Once you are in the mountains (thinking Alps or Rockies), even if you get the gear ratio range needed, the increments between gears are so large that you are rarely at your ideal cadence. Never understood why 1x was even considered outside of flats. Maybe when 20 gear cassettes become available.

[@ethanvaill]

I love 1x for the simplicity. However for quick gear drops while mountain biking (Oh hai sudden climb) I really do miss that front derailleur sometimes. My gravel is a 2x and my Atlantis is running 3x (and has been plagued by chainsuck issues since the day I bought it in 2008). I'm not a die-hard either way and see advantages and disadvantages to both... er... all three.

[@drill_fiend1097]

I like 1x on my new bike since i don't have to split my hairlines about cross chaining. Also most easiest choice for future eBike conversion. But if you are completely going to stay with foot pedaling, x2 isn't also that bad, and great for road bikes. x3 is just too excessive and hassle to adjust. Not to mention I've met with bunch of people who disagree about when to shift front derailleur. Also, it feels awful when the middle chainfing isn't accessible when the front derailleur wires get caught by something. x2 is the sweet spot for many.

[@johnsmithers284]

Some people fell for this meme so hard, welcome back to sanity

[@jsaintclair1]

I have what I consider the ideal 9 speed triple crankset on my two touring bikes (Surly Troll and Soma Saga): Deore XT 44-32-22. Why stop with a 2x? The only problem is that finding this crankset now is almost impossible, except maybe from China, and you'll never get one with a 175 mm crankarm.

[@binoardev]

I have a 40 by 11x51. And is nothing compared to my Compact 30x46 to 11x36, and I tell you it works like a dream for me. Anyways just my own experience.

[@mattsysko636]

2x all the way, maybe 1x for a dedicated mountain bike. I never even desired a 1x, last couple of new bikes I purchased people/dealers tried to tell me to go 1x but most people I ride with also ride 2/3x

[@marcof6235]

I honestly never really considered a 1x, its expensive and non- redundant plus I am a bigger dude so it can really help on the long climbs. That is until I rebuilt an abandoned renegade. The front derailleur gets clogged if it gets wet sand on it, and the way it sits will rub into my tire if I put anything wider than a 38. That said, I will probs experiment w/ different derailleurs and see if that can be over come though.

[@Julian-zc9vm]

If you’re racing and want really high gears, or bike packing up hills and need really low gears, 2x makes sense. For the other 75% of us, 1x makes sense.

[@brixsteezy4486]

I prefer 1x to mountainbiking, simple stuff pretty much, upper and lower chain guides, derailluer clutch, narrow wide chainring, bash guard on the bottom, no chaindrops and the clearance are great when descending, uphill isnt a problem either, 32t up front and 51t highest gear makes me climb steep stuff pretty easy,downhill isnt a problem i dont get caught off whenever i try to pedal thanks to having a 10t smallest gear, the only downside is chains wears out faster, compared to 2x and 3x because of it having a thinner chain, proper cleaning and lubing is a simple solution to your chains longevity, and buy a reasonable proper chain, dont buy a cheap one

[@brianmaldonado3723]

My long distance bike, 44-30, 14-32 5 speed, all friction shifted. Old 170 Nervar 5 pin cranks and 650b wheels w/47mm meats. If I want 1x I'll buy a BMX bike.

[@lowblues]

2X all the way! Then just change out your ring sets until you get what you want. In bike packing, I need the low gears more than looking “cool” with a 1X.

[@charlesblithfield6182]

Food for thought Russ . I am reconsidering my 1 x conversion of a 90s Bianchi to a gravelly/rough road bike. QUESTION What suspension seatpost is on the Bearclaw?

[@jirdesteva]

My last bike was a 3x my newest bike is a 2x and I miss my granny gears on a few of my rides. I will probably stick to my 2x for a long time maybe I'll get a bigger cassette.

[@davidalderson7761]

I have 3 x 2 x and 1 x …. The 1 x is sram electronic shift with 10-50 wirh a choice of 32 34 36 chainring ( spanner required here ) I find the ONLY downside is I hunt for a gear a bit too often on the 1 X.

[@stephenkohler3472]

I can't imagine ever having a road, gravel, or bikepacking bike with a 1X drivetrain. I love it on my full suspension mountain bike but the range and granularity just isn't there for other types of riding.

[@johnnigri7269]

Cool! I’ve got a box of now cool again front derailleurs to sell !!!

[@agunlogisteam]

And here i am still using 3x. 24-34-42 paired with 11-34. It still works fine so i wouldn't change it 🤓

[@bricedyer205]

I'm sure its already been said but sram offers a 28 42 2x in there x5 crankset its a good middle of the road

[@TroutbumBlazer]

2x or SS! Go baller and get the White Industries VBC set up. Currently running a 46/32 on my Wolverine

[@WheelersAtLarge]

Agreed, 2x is so flexible👍Is there a weight penalty? It depends how much riders spend on a super lightweight 1x dinner plate.

[@CruiserBrah]

I really miss the XT 10 speed triple that I had on my first Anthem 29er. Having that really low crawl gear made life good on the really steep ST.

[@joen3992]

I ride vintage mountain bikes. Steel being my favorite. They are 3x7 and even 3x8. No human uses 11 gears or 10 for that matter. A 1x is you jumping around the cassette and finding the right gear. No thanks. But thank you for the explanation of your decision to return to 2x and it makes more sense for gravel riding.

[@stephenhickcox9718]

i've been saving up for a while to convert my scram red to two by

[@Schlafanzugmen]

Prefer 3X system. Best combination on my touring bike is a 3X 9S system. Because there are plenty of cheap exchange parts and i can take all 7Speed rear derailleurs when I'm cycling somewhere, where i don't get the newest premium parts. And the 9 Speed cassettes are cheap and reliable.

[@sakomeow]

1x came and went so fast, I never had a chance to get into it.

[@barumoto]

just swap your chainring. i regularly swap 32/34/36/38 depending on the terrain 11-42 cassette

[@bjornpfeiffer3557]

I don't get 1x... imho, a decent bike should at least have 2 or even better 3 gears. One for the up, one for the way down and one for the flats. Plus some fine-adjustments, of course.

[@johnszabo2057]

I am 73 and listened to 50 years worth of concern for bad chain angles. With a 1x you get bad angles in high and low. Grant, the preacher of chain angle, has been silent since the advent of 1x.

[@leifcian4288]

Lot of advantages of 3x5 for urban use.

[@stevepark6363]

Russ, what are you using for a 2x rear derailleur? Does it have a clutch?

[@simedinson984]

I would like a 3 by on my road bike even thou it's kinda flat where i live just bc i want to run a 25 11 cassette

[@tiggerlator]

i'm on 1x12 (10-51) and my lows are great but i still have a good high with a 36 front chainring. I detest front mechs, they are a waste of metal.

[@lancecorporal7605]

bikes nowadays are fairly indestructible so the bike industry has to appeal to the adapters -> 3X, 2X, 1X; 26in, 27.5 in., 29in, in cycles...

[@eisernerbursche]

I dig into the same topic! Apart from a Sugino-TA combination and Rene Herse (both super expensive) I found a British "New Albion" 42-26 crankset. It costs 110 pounds. Has anyone heard of it, or tired it?

[@UnitNo.2]

I think I have aittle research to do before I step up from a bmx bike to a gravel bike lol

[@tzvikatrip5519]

For bikepackibg I have to change the front from 34 to 30, (1x12) The 12 speed derailleur come with Clutch - with it's issues,, The 12 speed chain should be lubed twice a day, otherwise you start to hear the noises, All these bring me back to my old 3x9, wow, I love them

[@joeshmoe7967]

Lucky me, no conversions necessary....all my bikes are 2x or 3x. I haven't had a non front derailleur bike since I was 12. 1x makes absolutely zero sense...even on my eMTB, which is 3x, with a rear 14-???? Never counted my range on the back. Rarely need that low on an ebike. 48 up front, but I have days when I wish it was 52 or bigger.

[@smefour]

Still rocking a 3x

[@marcusathome]

Interesting. Most people here (including me) advocate for the 2x or even 3x drivetrains - why then is 1x still the trend in the bike industry and getting hyped? Just asking...

[@monkmchorning]

Is it really that difficult to shift chainrings when you need a lower or higher range?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

No

[@fernellethey-she7931]

Got a sram advert at the end of this lol.

[@oldshovel]

I think it all depends on what you are riding. I personally love the simplicity of a 1x when mountain biking but when I am gravel bike packing I find exactly what you have explained and the shifting and and need for transitions are not as frequent the extended range is nice to have. I actually think the range you described with the 40 24 upfront sounds awesome. Great video!

[@joen3992]

Personally a 1x is for those with a wallet full of money and wanting to stand out from the crowd. Same as internal cable routing; marketing at a price. Simplicity at the cost of your wallet and sanity isn't why I ride in my late 50s on a muddy trail...

[@kw4704]

I’ve ridden on my 1x mtb going on 3 years now without needing a single indexing adjustment. My new Ultegra 2x needs about about 2 adjustments a year to meet my standards. 1x is without debate an easier drivetrain to maintain

[@ivanteo1973]

@@joen3992 You miss the point, its not about wallet and show off. front actually derailleur cost more, harder to maintain, heavier. I didn't miss the 2x at all, not even you are willing pay me to change back. However it make sense for Path Less Pedaled as he is more of gravel rider than mountain biking.

[@JD-oe5uc]

@@joen3992 you forget the introduction of dropper posts. I do technical MTB riding and a dropper post is one the best invention in the MTB imo. But with the remote on the bar, there is no (or less) space for front derailleur shifters. I prefer a clean and simple cockpit. So it all depends on what and how your ride.

[@bradsanders6954]

@@joen3992 Marketing is what got people thinking a 2X was an unnecessary complication.........all it takes is repetition with well known people selling you what they want you to buy......now guys go on about how free they feel with no front mech, or how "aero" they feel with 1X.........or how neat it looks...........FFS. Sales work can do anything.

[@rudycoaltrain]

I love 3x9. I live in mountains. Currently my “gravel bike” has 44-32-22 up front and 12-36 in the back. Works great for me.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Sounds like my 2011, Co-Motion touring bike with 3x9. :-)

[@alexmiller1658]

The best thing about triples is even if you live in a (relatively) flat area like I do you can just sit in the middle chainring and use the other two only when you want them. Less is not more in this case, lol.

[@gpatrick95]

I just stripped a '97 Hardrock to the frame and rebuilt it as a flat-bar gravel bike with a rigid fork. My comfortable cadence range is quite narrow, so I like a tight cassette, but I still wanted a low (~20 gear-inches) climbing gear. Went with a Deore 42-32-22 10 speed crankset, front derailleur, and front shifter; a SRAM 12-27 10 speed cassette; an Ultegra RX (clutched) rear derailleur; and a Tiagra 4700 flat bar shifter for the back.

[@pratikpramanik7782]

3x10 for me. Got a Shimano 9sp MTB Shadow derailleur in the back with 10 speed road bar ends. Silky

[@tjmcdonald4747]

I was so, so happy for my 3x9 on a bike tour in eastern Washington. I had a 700' climb on 7-8% grade with 20+ mph headwinds. I put the bike in the "Don't Be a Hero Gear" and rolled up at 3-4 mph easily.

[@PeterC5263]

As a 75 year old geezer; I find that a triple crank with indexed bar end shifters are what keep me riding without electric assist. It is so easy to go from one end of the cassette to the other or go from big ring to tiny ring in one motion. It really isn't that hard to get the components to work together.

[@colinwellman9480]

79 year old boy here and totally agree with you. The manufactures keep trying to re-invent the wheel. I rarely have to adjust the front derailleur but adjust the rear about every 3 months.

[@timothydraper3687]

I'm 42 and that's why I have the same set up, but with less maintenance friction thumbies/bar end levers, I want to keep having happy knees, and I like not having to faff with my bike. I like it, anyway.

[@PeterC5263]

@@timothydraper3687 The reason I stick with index shifting is my hearing is shot due to three years in the artillery. I just can't hear grinding gears anymore.

[@timothydraper3687]

@@PeterC5263 That's interesting to know, my hearing isn't what it was since I saw The Prodigy playing live, I may need to do the same thing one day.

[@PeterC5263]

@@timothydraper3687 I had my share of concerts as well. One of which was Woodstock, six months after I got back from Vietnam in 1969.

[@Cyclingabout]

2X has a wider gear range, smaller jumps between gears, a lower drive resistance, lower-cost parts AND a reduced need for hacking drivetrains to get appropriately low gears. For your use, Russ, it seems like a no-brainer (MTBs being the exception).

[@DrTomCruisin]

It's all a matter of opinion. On the other side, gear jumps don't matter much in gravel and some 12 speed cassettes have enormous gear range. You also have the simplicity of only having one shifter and having fewer things to potentially repair on the road. But again, it's all about what you value. One isn't better than the other. They each have different costs and benefits.

[@Red-ju4mi]

@@DrTomCruisin 12x is expensive and then if the front der breaks it just turns into a 1x on the small chainring :) therefore no repair is necessary. While 3x can get complicated, 2x really isn't that hard to figure out. Single speed is great but Regardless one of these options might have a wider range of functionality.

[@mikegleim5241]

There he is! I immediately thought about what CYCLINGABOUT would opine regarding getting the necessary 17ish gear inches for touring. May a respectful debate ensure!

[@DrTomCruisin]

@@Red-ju4mi 12x doesn't need to be expensive! I did a Ratio Tech upgrade for almost nothing. I just waited until my 11 speed cassette needed to be replaced, bought a used GX derailleur, and sold my road derailleur. All told, the upgrade cost me around $100.

[@DrTomCruisin]

@@DilbertMuc This is an important distinction. Good point. That gets to why I said there are costs and benefits to both, and each is suited better for different people and different settings. One isn't "better" than the other.

[@grundle.chunder]

I thoroughly believe the bike industry doomed front derailleurs just by trying to index them. For doubles, I like centering the big ring with the cassette so I can still get the whole range of the cassette without cross-chaining, but have the small ring aligned with the inside-half of the cassette. You can treat it like 1x most of the time, but have the convenience of a bail-out cluster for when the going gets tough.

[@ehounshell]

That's clever. I think I did this by accident on a recent build by mounting a too-short BB spindle, but it works nicely for the reasons you explained.

[@kdstoffel7574]

I’ve done the same thing on more than a few bikes. You get the use of the entire cassette off the big ring, with just the meaningful part of the cassette when things get vertical.

[@bradsanders6954]

Well. The newer ft derailleurs and shifters index like magic every time,and have for some years now. They shift as fast and accurate as the rear shifter. Instantly. GRX especially.

[@bjrblackjackc1]

I've used this method on my commuter bike for years... still just 2x8 with some tiny bailout gears. I go on many reeides without shifting the front derailleur, but it sure is nice to have on occasion.

[@Exgrmbl]

@@bradsanders6954 i think people overstate the issue or just dont know or have the experience (or patience?) to adjust them. I have an old Giant x1000 with a grimy old acera x group set and it shifts just flawlessly, even with those horrible gripshifters.

[@sadlfjasdfacv]

I'm a DFM engineer (design for manufacturing) by trade, and I totally understand why the bike industry is moving to 1x.. Simpler frame construction, fewer returns from customers complaining about shifting and noise issues that are just from the front derailleur being adjusted incorrectly, easier to turn around repairs for shops, lower BOM count in manufacturing, fewer assembly steps, etc, etc....but none of these reasons actually make the experience of riding the bike any better if your bike is setup correctly and maintained.

[@gedrot2486]

Now if those cost reductions would've only made it to the consumer.... Personally, I recently installed an FD on a frame with a high direct mount. We would've needed that way sooner, the setup is so incredibly simply since all you have to do is getting the height correct and Shimano actually shipped mine with a small bracket to keep the FD from compressing together and a small sticker to dial the gap to the chain ring right. I have never setup an FD this quickly in my life. Including the cable installation I didn't spend even 10 minutes on it, a large part of wich I also wasted by oggling the FD and bike instead of actually working to install everything. Kinda sad it didn't catch on.

[@gregsullivan7408]

Another possible reason may simply be boredom - engineers like to be doing new things, and they may simply have been curious to see whether 1X could be implemented successfully.

[@zenofthemoment]

@@gregsullivan7408 highly unlikely. Engineers are plenty busy constantly, and no business does anything anymore out of 'boredom'. Developing products to bring to the consumer market is way too costly to just do for fun. If I was bored when I was designing, it was a sign that I overlooked something on one of my projects that was about to blow up in my face. It's been said that engineering is like riding a bike...except the bike is on fire, and you're on fire, and everything else is on fire.

[@FiveMinuteVelo]

I'm a mechanical design engineer and your logic is impeccable. However you did forget to add the bike companies can reduce costs and charge extra to the customer for the 'benefits'. I just love capitalism.

[@antoniocruz8083]

@@FiveMinuteVelo Exactly, less gear but higher price because it weighs 200g less.

[@greggr1591]

We who have stayed with 2x and 3x agree: more gear choices is always a good thing. Long live friction shifting!

[@donhuber9131]

Yes!

[@coreygolphenee9633]

Just having granny gears is magic, ask any 4x4 guy what a 50s suburban can do with a real granny gear it's unbelievable

[@donhuber9131]

@@coreygolphenee9633 great analogy!

[@giovanizumpichiatti2907]

Just being able to drop lots os gear at once by using the front derraileur is magic when you get to a steep hill.... long live friction shifting comarades

[@bradsanders6954]

@@coreygolphenee9633 That's part of the deal. Really strong riders have no use for real low gears. None.....so of course to them yeah the 1X is it........ Its all they need.......the thing being I'm not them,and they aren't me..........I really liked the 22/36 low gear on my last Kona XC bike.......I set it up myself that way.........having a bike racer or super strong rider like the guy who put this video out tell you what you need,and whats best.......is mildly ass nine for the average person out on his bike on a 19% grade.

[@Coppice1]

I think you missed some key arguments, 9 and 10 speed are cheaper, the chains are wider and the smaller cassettes are steel so overall cost and durability is better.

[@richardharker2775]

I still run 9 speed and don't regret it. I also have 10 and 11 speed road bikes but I don't think they improve anywhere that I ride.

[@PeterAbouGharib]

I like 1x but having to choose between climbing and top speed is annoying

[@Coppice1]

@@spitchgrizwald6198 based on what? In my experience the massive aluminium rear sprockets wear quicker and then accelerate chain wear.

[@Coppice1]

@@spitchgrizwald6198 still though, what makes you think a thinner chain is more durable?

[@tomordr]

Heck, I too still prefer 3x and I have 1x, 2x and 3x bikes in my stable. With 3x and 8 or 9 speed you have all incremental range you could ever need. My 3x10 is a veritable smorgasbord of gears for my enjoyment 🙂. I’m different than you Russ in that I desire small jumps in gear changes. Guess I’m picky! The thing I always found funny when my LBS shop would tout 1x and say “you get 94% of the range” my response was always yes but it’s that 6% you really miss when you need it. Great video! Thanks.

[@Volkbrecht]

It's not about being picky. Don't know where you live, but my home area is mostly flat, so the "problems" I have to deal with are mostly slight changes in road angle or wind intensity, also the slight decrease in energy over longer rides. For that, I absolutely want small steps between gears to stay at that sweet spot where the preferred pedalling frequency meets the optimal feeling of physical strain. So 3x it needs to be, for valid reasons.

[@TrailFeatures]

I’ve definitely reverted back to a 2X system on my gravel bikes. Being able to get an insane amount of range, and incremental shifting it’s so much nicer than having a clean looking set up.

[@getstrongby4038]

Sram eagle is 500% range

[@getstrongby4038]

@Maciej Jan Długosz I haven't had to maintain anything yet The sram xx1 chain is terrible? It lasts ages

[@getstrongby4038]

@Maciej Jan Długosz of course you have to change things I'm not 100% how much I've done on it but I've had the bike 6 months,no chain wear yet

[@Punkyrooster6]

I’ve tried 1x, 2x, & 3x and for the kind of riding I do I had the most fun on the 3x. Made my bike a sport utility vehicle. I felt confident that I could ride up anything.

[@SurpriseMeJT]

Yep, and you could put slicks on the same bike and make use of that large chainring. It's the true one drivetrain for everything.

[@tonyb9735]

There's another nice thing about having a front derailleur; you can drop to a lower gear on the front derailleur while still pedalling hard far better than you can using the rear, which typically demands that you reduce the pressure while the gears change. It's a small thing, but it can be useful.

[@practicalguy973]

Yeah true and a 3x gives more shifting range when operating that way over a 2x. I changed from a 3x10 to a 1x11 and I miss those extra gears on the front derailleur for some terrain!

[@practicalguy973]

One thing I noticed with a 1x11 is any dirt or banging hard in trails causes the shifting to not be so crisp and sometimes I'm tuning the derailleur more often through the year than on the 3x10. I might go back to a 3x but maybe a 3x9. My best shifting bike ever was a Shimano Deore XT 3x7 from the 1990s. I think having less gears improves shifting tolerances because each shift has a larger area it encompasses in the shift range.

[@tonyb9735]

@@practicalguy973 I recently built a couple of bikes to use for bike-packing. We envisage doing a lot of our mileage off-road and so I wanted as big a range of gears as possible for climbing while loaded up with camping gear. So I went 3x9 (components sourced cheaply on eBay) but I went slightly beyond the range spec for the rear derailleur. It means that the system cannot cope with the chain on the largest rear sprocket and the largest chain ring at the same time (but who would do that anyway, right?), but I have the most amazing range of gears for climbing and for road work. I opted for XTR derailleur with XT front mech and shifters, and the shifting is as sweet as you can imagine. 3x9 stuff is cheap on eBay, nobody wants it!

[@dan_lazaro]

this is how I dropped my chain on a training ride. My team thought I bonked and laughed at me for about a month. It's not a tuning issue I've only ever dropped my chain on the bottom of climbs and it has only happened once on Shimano and once on Sensah.

[@DinnerForkTongue]

I ease up pedal pressure even when downshifting the front, but the biggest grade I ever faced was like 9%.

[@Ray.J]

The nice thing about cycling in 2022 is that there seems to be something for most everyone. With that variety comes the ability to experiment and find what works for you, no matter what that might be. If it is 1X and it gets you home, great! If not, then 2X or even 3X might be the ticket. Cycling is not immune to fads and trends and 1X certainly has had its time in the sun. And for many it is fine but others find it too limiting and so they are moving back to multiple chain rings. I'm old enough to remember when 10 speeds were the norm and I mean two up front and 5 in the back, so most anything today is a huge improvement. When it comes to bikes and likes, vive la difference!

[@bradsanders6954]

Its real hard to buy a new mt bike with 2X........the bike design doesnt allow it........a gravel bike can still be a 2X.

[@tauncfester3022]

@@bradsanders6954 back in 1983 on my first MTB I was running a Stronglight double with a 48 X 28 with a 5 speed rear. it was fine for my use the bike saw a lot of forestry logging and gravel roads.

[@caseysmith544]

Yep I know when 15 speed was on all top of the line bikes, 3 in front and 5 in the back or a 18 with 3 in front and 6 in the back for all top of the line, then a 24 that was 2x in front and 12 in back mostly for road but some were later made for extreme MBT stuff with all steel parts, with now 3x 12 for 36 is common for some road Pro stuff when going over biggest hills in some races like Tour De Frace or even tougher Giro De Italia cycling. In fact, it is in Italy where the Bianchi made the first road bikes with more than two gears using a Derailleur on the back gear, a 5 speed with a single speed in the front specifically for pro Italian riders in the Giro complaining how doing this race without more than 2 speed back Derailleur setup is leaving them unable to continue on stages due to race being mostly mountains.

[@bradsanders6954]

@@caseysmith544 I had the first year Rockhopper they made,at the time it was a really cool bike........if a triple is tuned right it works fine, but 2X is fine these days with the cassettes coming in all sizes now.............it used to be a point of pride to run a tiny cassette on back with 12/22 or what ever,and 42/52 on front................now even pros run pretty realistic gears for climbing.

[@johnnyboy3357]

You won't believe me when i say I'm still looking for a 2x5 TODAY, why? The chain alignment.. i don't like today's new standards of the ever increasing number of rings because manufacturers do not tell consumers chains wear out faster the more rings you have, because the more rings, the chain alignment suffers, the result is faster wear and power losses, that's why they tried to offset it by creating a larger tire diameter to make the sprockets farther from each other thus lessening the strain on the chain, because using both smallest and largest cogs definitely misaligned the chain, so I'm going back to 2x5 to better preserve my chain, actually, I'm gonna build a NEW 2x5, my old 2x5 never worn-out its chain for a decade! THEY INCREASED THE SPEEDS NOWADAYS SO YOU WILL BUY A NEW CHAIN MORE OFTEN, MANUFACTURERS STRATEGY LOL

[@BruceWalkerPhotography]

Well, I'm late to the party (pace), but I just can't see ever giving up my 2X config. I really like the convenience of shifting the chainring to get an instant 3-4 gear equivalent jump from very low for kicking off to cruising speed. I'm presently kitting up for a complete modernization overhaul of my vintage British touring bike to a 650b gravel-esque setup and I decided to pass on the idea of a 1X switch largely thanks to your experiences (especially with those monster cassettes). I don't need endless rear derailleur fiddling, thanks. I really appreciate your alternative take on cycling. I've had about all I can take of the road racing, TT-centric KZbin channels so prevalent. I am a 60-something fitness, health and cycling enjoyment rider who now and then breaks into an impromptu sprint just for grins. I'm really enjoying your videos and I hope you keep on doing 'em. Cheers!

[@ryanclose1]

I'm glad someone else said it. Like you said, I get it. 1x looks good and it's great in certain instances. But for all round utility, 2x is still the way to go IMO

[@markowsley4954]

I love a 3x9 but will settle for a 2x10 or 11. The bike shops thinks I'm crazy for wanting a cutthroat with the grx 2x11. They keep telling me that 1x12 is better. Told them I'm old school retro grouch who has no problems shifting a 3x9.

[@markowsley4954]

@RollinRat what got me about the bike shop workers was I had switched from down tube friction shifting to the very first sti shifters before they were even born. I wanted to say don't tell me I'll get confused about shifting and cross chaining unless I go 1x until you have more than a passing experience with 3x. SMH.

[@grandpavanderhof]

They want everyone on 1Xs because they know they'll sell more chains, more often. It hasn't been what's best for the rider for a long time, it's about getting you to buy parts faster.

[@beforedawn]

I similarly had to argue for a Force 22 on my gravel rando build. and still have an Ultegra triple with downtube shifters on my old touring Trek I keep CX tires on, too.

[@jonathan_f2]

I go on gravel group rides that consist of quite a few road miles before we hit the trails. The gravel cyclists with 1x setups are spinning away while on the road. By the time we hit the uphill trails, their gearing isn't low enough to climb forcing them to walk their bikes part of the way! So much for innovation!

[@getstrongby4038]

@@grandpavanderhof nah sram xx1 chain lasts AGES

[@trueartvandal]

Just got back from a tour running a front derailer for the first time. I used a bar end shifter and it was great to be able to use the granularity of the friction shifter to pop the chain back on if it dropped, plus it allowed me to trim the front derailer for a silent drivetrain no matter my chainline. I don't think I'd want to run an indexed 2x or 3x setup.

[@mikegleim5241]

Thanks for the comment; I just knew that someone here would invoke wonderful old Suntour shifters. Well said! 👍🚴

[@bradsanders6954]

The new lectric shimano shifting self trims the front derailleur,GRX and road both,you never have to touch it. it works so well its amazing.

[@InDaBurbs]

friction rules. Indexing - especially a triple - is a PITA

[@whirving]

I used to run my touring bike in friction mode for tours where shifting wasn't critical. It sort of gave me something to fidget with, also I enjoyed honing my skill at getting perfect shifts, reminded of the pre indexing days.

[@timeorspace]

I have never dropped a chain since using rear derailleurs with clutch mechanisms.

[@Hintonbro.]

Agreed. 2x for me - never going 1x . Especially since I use my gravel bike for everything - 1X is not flexible enough.

Great video! I'm used to 3x mountain bikes and i never thought 1x was a good idea. A little less weight but much less versatility, there's just no reason for me to go 1x

[@DinnerForkTongue]

I've always run 3x front gears and see no reason to pay more for less functionality.

[@climatechangedoesntbargain9140]

​@@DinnerForkTonguemore for more wear

[@kymcopyriot9776]

I went with my gut and chose 2X as the rest of the world was jumping on the 1X wave and I’ve never regretted it. For my riding it gives so much more choice. And if you know how to maintain a bike, it’s really no hassle.

[@getstrongby4038]

How so? You can use all the gears with 1x

[@Leo-gt1bx]

Same came from a 3x MTB to a 2x hybrid and it is good.

[@Leo-gt1bx]

@Maciej Jan Długosz As you said that would you think a 46/30 crank would be bad?

[@Leo-gt1bx]

@Maciej Jan Długosz That is my worry too. I have a new 46/30 that I might just fit.

[@cooltwittertag]

Its not real choice. You were buying an illusion, a lot of the gears are overlapping or cross chaining. You really arent getting more

[@MrGoodaches]

I’ve been around long enough to remember when the “new tech” was 1x5, 2x5, 3x6, 3x9, 2x10,,,,,,1x12. For enduro and DH the current 1x offerings make a lot of sense to me. Less chain issues with slapping or dropping. Front shifter spot becomes available for dropper post lever. All good. But for touring or bikepacking I wont give up 3x9 or 2x10. Having top gear above 90” is nice for casual stand up pedaling to give the butt a break. If I’m spinning out a 90+” gear chances are that gravity is already supplying so much power/speed that brake and tire tech become the more relevant topics. At the the low end, If I can’t keep my feet moving more than 60rpm in a 17.5” gear then I’ll speed up the trip by dismounting and pushing the bike.

[@chriscohlmeyer4735]

LOL, started on hand-me-down one speed balloon tire bikes with very worn tires, as I got older dad let me use his three speed (in the rear hub) bike, mom had a similar one that they had used to bike tour/camp for their honeymoon in the early 1940's. My first "road" bike was 2x5 that I rode everywhere - pavement, gravel, trails, single track, corn fields, open woods, pastures. Recently went back to an old haunt - "how in the F did I ride up that hill( +-20%)but be defeated by a 5% gravel grade up to the high school. When my hand-me-up 3x6 was in the shop for a while I was loaned a 1x12 gravel bike that I put through its paces, nice but I missed that lower range. Ordered a new gravel bike and handed back the 3x6 bike to my son but while I waited had the loan of a 2x10 gravel bike - it hits that sweet spot of low enough to manage many steeps and high enough to challenge my PB speeds on pavement. Yes, if my cadence drops too low on steep climbs walk a bike becomes faster 👍🚴‍♀️

[@gileee]

That's what I do too. I kinda understand the "floor is lava" cyclists, you want a universal machine, but riding up a very steep hill s*cks no matter what.

[@MELAVINKING]

I have been riding 3x this year and it's so much easier to climb with than 2x. This especially considering the hills around where I live consistently hit 20%+.

[@gicking3898]

20% !!!!!!!

[@MELAVINKING]

@@gicking3898 yes, I live next to the second tallest mountain in Africa. Mt Kenya.

[@andrewnorris5415]

@@MELAVINKING Cool!

[@DinnerForkTongue]

Damn, dem legs!

[@Ferrichrome]

Can you get a 2x with low gearing on the first gear?

[@kibbee890]

I rode a 3x setup for about a decade. 3x8 is actually very affordable, provides a huge range, and still has reasonable steps between the gears. I never once regretted having that granny ring even though I only used it once in a while. Also, you could pretty much leave the bike in the middle ring for 90% of riding, so it was nice not to really need to constantly switch the front deraileur. a little bit of extra weight, but knowing I always had the right gear no matter the circumstances was nice. I'm currently running a 2x, but I would consider going back to 3x if I was doing more loaded riding or lived in a hillier area.

[@dfglandon]

Sticking with the 3 by on my tour bike. Love having the ability to climb the big hills while being capable of speed on the flats. Love the hamsters reference

[@djsaunter]

Gotta follow your needs. For me, I'll never give up the slick, integrated dropper post that so smoothly integrates in the GRX 1x left lever that is no longer needed for shifting. Never getting a 2x. Luckily I got to use my brother's 2X bike for a while before buying my own gravel bike. I have no regrets with my 1X choice. Only thing I am really missing is a bit of top speed, which is not really why I bike.

[@jellylake1649]

Are dropper posts really all that tho. A sus lockout lever would be more practical to people who do ascents

[@djsaunter]

@@jellylake1649 for someone who came to gravel bikes from mountain bikes, and likes double tracks and often takes single track detours, it's fantastic. It sold my on getting a Kona Libre CR/DL instead of a Salsa warbird, and I have never regretted my choice. Even around town, at stop lights, swinging a leg over the bike when loaded with bags or luggage, small things make it a delight to have. I love my dropper. Also makes descending delightfully pleasant and so much easier to get your body's centre of gravity lower or in a more comfortable position. Benefits for me highly outweigh the few extra km/hour I'd get ftom a 2x setup

[@bradsanders6954]

When we ride the really steep around here on gravel bikes,guess who is off and pushing sometimes? The guys who bought into 1X on a gravel bike. Like 20% grade and the 1 to 1 gearing or nearly so just wont quite do it...pushing does build character for sure.

[@djsaunter]

@@bradsanders6954 Which is why bikes are so fun. There is no perfect bike, just perfect for you. And how many smiles your bike gives you. No one is smiling on a 20% gravel climb, 1x, 2x, except maybe the person who rips past everyone on an ebike, but that's a while different can of debate ;) Luckily I also ride gravel uphill on a 20% gradient basically never, so I'm pretty happy with my choice. Walking up that, if I ever see such a thing in the part of the world I live in, qualifies as party pace to me. I have no qualms with that.

[@stuartdilts2729]

I really like my 1x setup on my gravel bike, but only after I put on a 38 chainring, although 36 might have worked too. Only problem is, I like loaded touring, and it just doesn't have the range for it. I either need to stick a front derailleur on it or get another bike...