Math nerdery, gears.... (The Truth About 11-Speed)

Just want to add: another advantage of 1x that is rarely mentionned is the nice real estate it provides in the cockpit to perfectly position the dropper post remote.

BTW, I run 1x11 on the full susp (100% trail riding) and 2x10 on my hardtail (some road riding required to get to the trailhead sometimes).

There is a front derailleur on my road bike…

I've run 1x11 XX1 for over a year now. I alternate between 34t and 32t rings depending on if I'm riding locally or in the mountains. With the 32t setup compared to a 2x 24/36 and 11-36t rear I lose .9 gear inches on the top end and 2.5 gear inches on the low end. I'm fine with that. I've used it in the mountains between here (East coast USA) and the Pacific Northwest with some long days and big climbs. With the 34t option that I use locally I gain 3.4 inches on the top end compared to the 2x and lose 3.8 gear inches on the low end - but I don't need that, I'd never use the 24/36 combo around here. In my opinion what you give up is marginal compared to the simplicity and weight reduction of the 1x. Another thing, lots of people seem to focus on the big 42t bailout gear, but in my mind the 10t cog is just as important. I like having the low gears without giving up much (or actually gaining with the 34t ring) on the top end.

Have to side with Flip on this one. I like more range and versatility and do find that I do at times "commute" long distances on pavement to get to the trails and utilize the full range of an 11-36 cassette running a 2x 26/38.

This is a big reason I'd want to convert one day, my dropper is on the right side top, means it's hard to brake and use the dropper at the same time because I move my thumb off the bar, and when I rode a bike with the dropper button where the front shifter used to be it was way easier to do the track stand bum drop at the start of a tricky descent lol.

36-11? Never…that's why I rock the 34-11. :)

I do use that bailout 24-36 fairly often. The second lap up Old Buck on Sunday I know I used it, especially on the section past the power line on the access road think up to Mt. Seymour Rd.

What good shifting 34t chainring did you find?

Edit: I run 110 and I walk sometimes, but I walked sometimes anyway with 210.

What good shifting 34t chainring did you find?

I think it was an Envy…will check when I get home.

1xHTFU

1xHTFU

If you really wanted to hog the fun you'd put a rigid fork on there.

If you really wanted to hog the fun you'd put a rigid fork on there.

look closely, that argyle only gets about 2/3's travel…..JACKHAMMER!

I am on a worn 3x9 and currently flip flopping on what to get for spring. Following this thread now.

It's quite simple, just train climbing on the 3rd lowest gear and you will rapidly adapt to a 30 tooth ring when you make the change.

Human beings are inherently lazy, when you are forced to ride at a higher gear, your body actually responds quite quickly.

I ride the 2X. I know my way around a mountain bicycle and I think it's a good idea.

Doesn't matter what anyone else is riding as long as they keep the nerdiness on the tube here and have fun out on the trail.

IMO there will be better cheaper 1X systems with more range if one waits a year or so

http://www.bikecalc.com/gear_ratios

I'm a nerd with this site and my commuter bike.

For your 1X set up a 34T cog and an 11-42 you would have a gear ratio of 3.1 - 0.8 (or.9 if you have an 11-36). Your 2x setup with 24-40 cogs and an 11-36 cassette will give you a gear ratio of 3.6 - .7 Where you are really losing out is in the high end power. Pedalling my commuter bike down Keith St. hill though I would really miss that range. Not so much on my mountain bike on the Shore.