I don't disagree re. how much faster it is to dump/gain ratios with a 2x system. I've also spent enough time on Di2 2x to say it's easily the best 2x system that has ever existed from a shifting performance metric.
I also recognize that there are some issues with 1x chainline - which is why when possible I move my ring inboard so that the chainline is better with the gears that see the most torque.
I still argue that 1x is a significant benefit in terms of designing good full suspension bikes - with any design - on a budget since anti-squat is so easy to dial in around a single ring. To offer other examples than my broken record budget Hawk Hill example, Santa Cruz' VPP bikes and Intense's vpp bikes pedal and perform significantly better in a single ring format.
I'd rather be riding a 1x system than be faffing with ProPedal adjusters or to have another cable going to my bar for a shock remote or worse yet riding a Specialized Brain - these are realities linked to maximizing pedaling performance with multi ring systems on full suspension bikes (Examples: Scott, Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, etc, etc).
As you say, to each their own. But I think 1x specific is going to be increasingly the reality. A prime example would be the German market where 2x is still very popular and Rocky Mountain who sell a lot of bikes in Germany. The newest generation Element bikes are no longer 2x compatible. That is a huge change in thinking.
The good news is Chris at Pivot is a front derailleur aficionado himself and his bikes actually pedal well with different chain ring sizes, so if you're holding out definitely consider supporting Pivot!
June 6, 2017, 6:39 p.m. - Andrew Major
I don't disagree re. how much faster it is to dump/gain ratios with a 2x system. I've also spent enough time on Di2 2x to say it's easily the best 2x system that has ever existed from a shifting performance metric. I also recognize that there are some issues with 1x chainline - which is why when possible I move my ring inboard so that the chainline is better with the gears that see the most torque. I still argue that 1x is a significant benefit in terms of designing good full suspension bikes - with any design - on a budget since anti-squat is so easy to dial in around a single ring. To offer other examples than my broken record budget Hawk Hill example, Santa Cruz' VPP bikes and Intense's vpp bikes pedal and perform significantly better in a single ring format. I'd rather be riding a 1x system than be faffing with ProPedal adjusters or to have another cable going to my bar for a shock remote or worse yet riding a Specialized Brain - these are realities linked to maximizing pedaling performance with multi ring systems on full suspension bikes (Examples: Scott, Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, etc, etc). As you say, to each their own. But I think 1x specific is going to be increasingly the reality. A prime example would be the German market where 2x is still very popular and Rocky Mountain who sell a lot of bikes in Germany. The newest generation Element bikes are no longer 2x compatible. That is a huge change in thinking. The good news is Chris at Pivot is a front derailleur aficionado himself and his bikes actually pedal well with different chain ring sizes, so if you're holding out definitely consider supporting Pivot!