Keep 1x Drivetrains Off Road Bikes

We have seen a rise in the number of professional riders using 1x drivetrains over the course of the last season.

A single front chainring is also popular for gravel riding, but Simon von Bromley thinks that it should stay away from road bikes!

In this video, he gives you the reasons why you should be sticking to a double chainring. What do you think? Let us know in the comments 👇

Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:56 When Does 1x On A Road Bike Make Sense?
02:31 The Disadvantages Of 1x
04:57 Front Derailleurs Are Just Too Good
06:50 What About Classified Hubs?
08:05 Thanks 1x, But No Thanks

Image Credits:
FRANCOIS LO PRESTI/AFP via Getty Images
Stuart Franklin / Staff
Jean Catuffe / Contributor.
Jorge Luis Alvarez Pupo / Contributor
Stockforliving iStock / Getty Images Plus
David Ramos/ Staff

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[ck]

I have no issues running 1x on the road. Love the simplicity and no issues on group rides.

[grvl]

For people living in the Netherlands, 1x is perfectly fine. I spend my whole day riding between 25-35 kph... I don't race and when I go to another country, I bring my gravel bike. But admittedly, it is a rare scenario. The only bike I own that has a front derailleur is my road bike, but I never use the small ring :)

[andyvrakas]

As someone who has been road riding for yearsI was skeptical (just as I had been when going to wider tires). I switched from a 2x11 Dura Ace mechanical on a Giant TCR to a sram XPLR 1x12 on my BMC Road machine. The Shimano set up is obviously not 22 discrete usable gears. Several are near duplicates and of course you could argue four gears are thrown out for cross-chaining avoidance so it's more like 16.. The jumps in the meat of the XPLR cluster are actually fairly tight; then you have a couple larger jumps toward the inside and outside. I will admit the high end is a little bit less, but I only noticed that when cruising in the upper 20 mph range for extended periods and at my age that happens infrequently these days. After 1, 000 miles in various types of solo, chat, group and some gravel rides I have no interest in going back to a 2x. Shifting is extremely intuitive (I programmed left shift easy right shift hard and long press to shift multiple gears). Zero chain drops, no need to monitor cross chain, no big clunks as would sometimes happen on 2x when you are basically forced to shift front and back simultaneously. In short I have zero regrets and will not be going back. There is no right or wrong, but 1x road works for me.

[jeremysweeten]

I live is CA. 1x is a wonderful upgrade. So simple. Never notice the cadence difference. Love it

[MrZeroNegative]

For most people in most situations, it’s up to personal preference.

The marginal gains for going either 1by or 2by, are only important for the top 1% and Fred’s

[filip]

I've ridden all combinations, 3x7, 3x9, 2x11, let me tell you the following.
The less chainrings you have, the simpler the system...HOWEVER....
The less chainrings you have - the worse the cadence choice. The worse the chainline. The worse the durability. The worse your flexibility for tackling various courses.

Having 2x11 or even 2x10 is what I would say is best for road bikes. You can have the smallest sprocket up front 36, with 32 tooth in the back and be able to climb anything, whereas still keeping 52 front and 11 in the back and have enough gear for any sprint you tackle. Having more gears in between will allow for a finer choice of cadence, while also allowing to keep a straighter chainline. Using the small gear on the crankset with the first (largest) 6 gears on the cassette, and using the large crank sprocket with smaller 6 gears on the back allows for a fairly straight chainline and basically all gear ratios needed. Some people will opt for even 3 sprockets on the front, but I would argue it's not necessary, unless you daily tackle 20%+ gradients and you actually require the granny gear. Otherwise it's unnecessary. You could go for a 34-50 crankset and you should be fine.

These new 1x systems for road bikes are nothing but marketing shenanigans. Yes, the system is simpler....but you lose so much. It makes little to no sense. Even if you have "old" 2x10 shifting system, keep it, enjoy it, ride it. Service it and remember that it was a "revolutionary new" system when it came out back in the day, all the pros riding the Tour de France back then loved it and never thought they are hindered by the bicycle they had.

[KP-oltc]

Although I do agree, I currently find myself tearing down my fathers old Trek 5100 because it hasn't been used in years. I found out, it's because my 69 y/o father has bad knees, a bad back and in turn numbness down his right hand/middle fingers. I've now installed flat bars, a 1x9 drivetrain for single hand shifting. Now just working out a left side shifter where he has more feeling in his fingers. Bike looks a bit awkward imo but it'll get him back on the road so I guess sometimes you just gotta do what ya gotta do regardless of efficiency.

[sheldonjohns]

1x12 is all I've ever owned, granted I've only been riding for 3 years, and gravel. Works great for me.

[hananas]

Here in Belgium I personally wouldn't really ever consider putting a front derailleur back on my bike.
I run a 42 up front and a 13-28 at the back which has every gear I need (I'm a fast spinner when power is needed at higher speeds), and because I'm only running 9 cogs from the 11 in the cassette and a spacer in the back, chain line is great.
I very often see people being in an awkward spot where the 1st front ring is too small and the 2nd one too large for 90% of their riding, but with my 1x i'm almost always in a perfect straight chain line :)

[BobChicoria]

Realistically, most average riders who ride for entertainment or cardio need every benefit of a 2X crankset. Personally at over 70 years old and in hilly Maine USA I need the best possible options. I recently tried a gravel bike with 1X on some of the local hills and the last section of the bigger hills almost caused me to bonk. We have to remember that there are a vast number of riders who are not as experienced as some who have commented. Have great riding what ever your personal preference might be.

[VYBEKAT]

Front derailleurs shift so smooth now it's amazing. They provide a wider gear range with smaller steps between gears. Less drivetrain noise and noticeably less friction

[ItsMeHammie]

If I ride with anyone who cares whether I'm riding 1x or 2x or 3x, I'm riding with the wrong people

[DerekRAustin]

Some of us don't like maintaining complex gear systems but need more gears than a single speed. A 1x cruiser would be perfect, except importing Dutch bikes to North America is extremely expensive.

[nicdoye]

My issue is, I never use the big ring any more 😂

[XBroster]

I switched on my commuter from 2x to 1x and it’s great! But never on road bike … on my TT it’s possible, but at this time I can’t ride hills anymore so no option for me.😊
I love FD too!

[lexington]

3:39 bingo. I'll stick to two in the front 😎. I like having all of my bikes with multiple chain rings, including the mountain bike. It's what I'm used to and what I've raced with forever.

[quwers]

I run 1x on my mtb/road/tt bike. All good over here.

[E.T_rode_bikes_As_well]

I built an old rim braked to a 1x11 and man im happy.

[jabsba-yrik]

I'm no racer. 1x is the best setup for me. Simple, easier to maintain and it does everything i need.

[jma]

The average rider will love a 1x. Dumping the front derailleur simplifies shifting and increases focus on the ride itself. The range can be virtually the same but with larger jumps as mentioned l, but most riders could care less. I have found climbing is almost always easier on the 1x.