Sept. 3, 2014, 8:11 a.m. -  blackbean

#!markdown Most riders are not strong enough to ride 1x. The typical weekend warrior, especially when over 40 years of age without any prior structured training, still needs a 22t ring up front and a 36t at the back to get up the steepest or loosest climbs around (even on the EC without major mountain ranges). I have friends that have been riding for 20+ years and still ride almost exclusively in their 22t ring when the terrain is not flat or starts to get rocky. Even on the local amateur racing scene, half the field in most races needs a 22t or 24t front ring after 2 hours of riding. And the 'racers' are light years ahead of the weekend warriors when it comes to fitness. I think solving the issues with a mechanical front derailleur is an awesome improvement. And I currently ride a 1×11 setup. I just despise mechanical front derailleurs. Electronic shifting enables synchro shifting which is about the biggest downfall of front derailleurs. When you shift in front, you have to shift at the back. Synchro solves this. And moving front derailleurs are hard (after a long time in the saddle). I for one can't wait to try this out. Just wish they went straight wireless instead of bothering with wires. Hopefully in the US the tech will be rapidly adopted and prices will become more reasonable. The drop in prices and availability of 1×11 in the past year has been incredible. More than anything, this is another option for riders. It does not have to be liked by all or be the cheapest option available, but it is available.