1X vs 2X | What is the ULTIMATE Drivetrain For Your Bike?

Поделиться
HTML-код
  • Опубликовано: 9 июл 2024
  • Let's go through the available data on 1X, 2X and 3X drivetrains! 🦄
    📘 The Bikepacking Bike Buyer's Guide: www.cyclingabout.com/bikepack...
    📕 The Touring Bicycle Buyer's Guide: www.cyclingabout.com/touring-...
    Like my videos? Patreon supporters get early access to my films and exclusive access to my Q&As:
    🌱 PATREON (Monthly rewards!): bit.ly/3vVaioW
    ⚡️ PAYPAL (One-off donation to replace broken camera gear!): www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
    CREDIT:
    Audio mastering of my low-grade recording by ‪@EricPeelMusic‬
    🔥 INSTA: / cyclingabout
    🌎 FACEBOOK: cyclingabout/
    🚵🏻‍♂️CYCLINGABOUT (endless bike travel info!): cyclingabout.com/
  • НаукаНаука

Комментарии • 562

  • @Cyclingabout
    @Cyclingabout  3 года назад +48

    Do you think the front derailleur will always exist? Or will new technology eventually render it obsolete?? 🤔

    • @PrzemyslawSliwinski
      @PrzemyslawSliwinski 3 года назад +17

      I hope FDs will stay for long. On a tandem, a 3x setup works great, the need for cross-chain is rare and thus chainrings and all cassettes cogs wear quite uniformly.
      The only pain is that we have to buy three new chains after every 3000km anyway... ;)

    • @konyp1
      @konyp1 3 года назад +15

      You forgot chain retention. It is one of the biggest benefits of 1x in MTB.

    • @jcsrst
      @jcsrst 3 года назад +16

      Oh that's a tough question! They are cheap and efficient and have been around for ever so I am going to say yes, they will continue to exist. You can't make a 1X fast enough for a road bike.

    • @ajsaracina8380
      @ajsaracina8380 3 года назад +8

      I think they'll stick around as long as the rear derailleur sticks around. Hopefully one day we'll fully adopt gearboxes of some sort as the standard.

    • @tarekali7064
      @tarekali7064 3 года назад +3

      1x gang

  • @jcsrst
    @jcsrst 3 года назад +121

    That was the clearest explanation of the drive train differences. I love the bike nerd stuff! Thanks again for taking the time to make this.

    • @Cyclingabout
      @Cyclingabout  3 года назад +9

      Glad you enjoyed it! 🙏🏼

    • @celpabedn
      @celpabedn 7 месяцев назад

      @@Cyclingabout How much top speed do you lose going from 2x to 1x?

  • @antonhelsgaun
    @antonhelsgaun 3 года назад +76

    3x gang rise up

    • @Kore7711
      @Kore7711 3 года назад +4

      A bit late but here I am to support

    • @rafi6618
      @rafi6618 Год назад +1

      poor gang?

    • @antonhelsgaun
      @antonhelsgaun Год назад +4

      @@rafi6618 i mean yeah, or just not wanting to spend a ton of money on a bike

    • @danielgamboa1200
      @danielgamboa1200 Год назад +1

      11-32 Road cassette
      53-39-24 crankset with 74BCD small chainring
      There You hace every ratio you'll ever need. From 20 gear inches at your lowest to keep pedaling at 60+km/h at your highest.
      Hope you like maitenance thoug .

    • @qwerty6789x
      @qwerty6789x 10 месяцев назад

      ​@@rafi6618ah yes modern peasantry mentality. pay more for less

  • @belverticale
    @belverticale 3 года назад +31

    3 x 9 for touring for me. (48-36-26 chainrings and 11-36 cassette). Huge range of gears and half the price of a 1 x 12, which I think should be factored in. Alivio these days is perfectly smooth enough - (Shadow rear derailleur, Hollowtech II bottom bracket, downswing front derailleur, etc.) while being reasonably priced and more easily replaceable. Pro touring tip: drop bars with Gevenalle shifters.

    • @guandasin3099
      @guandasin3099 Год назад +1

      Same drivetrain here! 🙋🏻‍♂️ Using a 26er converted to Gravel Bike though

  • @adamweb
    @adamweb 3 года назад +154

    12 chain rings in the front and fixed gear in the back is best, bye Felicia!

  • @charlesmansplaining
    @charlesmansplaining 3 года назад +22

    The problem I had when I gave a 1X setup a test was the grumbling feel and noise of the chain as it went around the front ring. I went back to 2X and liked it much better.

  • @cuzinmike
    @cuzinmike 3 года назад +98

    For me, I prefer the simplicity of a 1x setup for day-to-day riding, shorter trips and lighter loads. However, for long tours and heavier loads a front derailleur and smaller steps between gears will always be the way to go in my opinion.

    • @kasperpaisa4245
      @kasperpaisa4245 Год назад

      So true. For bikepacking I love my 2x setup.

    • @jason200912
      @jason200912 Год назад

      Simplicity is only useful for people still learning how to ride a bike. And by then they'll became experienced with using gears within a months use... Making the single chain a waste of money to only use for a month before it becomes a bottleneck againd the rider

    • @jurekgadzinowski2895
      @jurekgadzinowski2895 3 месяца назад

      @@jason200912Not true.
      In racing it is beneficial to have a few parts less that could get broken.
      Not to mention that 1x is the lightest. Even if you had 10 speed 11-42 casette in the 2x and 10-51 casette in the 12 speed, the weight of the additional chainring, the deraulier and a shifter is gonna be around 300g, if you are going to use XTR or DI2 line components. About 400g if it is going to be anything from the non-top shelf, which is a noticeable amount, especially since it is the rotational mass.
      But 2x has its benefits, like more range than 1x while usually having smaller jumps between gears, the ability to quickly change the gearing a lot, because if you shift on the front you will make a difference close to shifting 3 gears on the casette.

  • @christofs-a1834
    @christofs-a1834 Год назад

    Two years later and I only just found this vid. How did I miss it Alee? As always, the fantastic info is delivered in a week researched, easy to understand and gradated so the viewer can make up their own mind.
    Bloody good on ya bloke 👌

  • @mnflyguy
    @mnflyguy 3 года назад +2

    Thanks for another great informational video. I love your insights and data based approach.

  • @richarde1355
    @richarde1355 3 года назад +10

    Spectacular video! Thank you so much for putting this together.
    Two items that are often brought up by proponents of 1x are 1) they weigh less and 2) removing ehs left shifter on the handlebars provides more of that valuable handlebar real estate for a dropper post remotes or for a shock lockout remote. To me the loss of weight claim is very minor, if slightly inaccurate. Often a new derailleur and new larger cassette is required to attain the same or similar gear range that was afforded by the 2x, both of which likely weigh a little more than that they replace. Sure, the front derailleur is gone and it’s associated cable and shifter and one chainring, but we’re talking not much weight. I think the more legitimate argument is freeing up room on the handlebars.
    Your final thought on tire clearance and shifter chain stays and thoughts on frame design is an eye opener for me. To provide the linkage clearance, the clearance for wider tires, etc, it all makes sense and why many MTB frames now have “Boost” sizing. The claim I often hear about Boost is to provide more clearance for wider tires, but I can see Boost sizing provides more chainstay design options and accommodates better the 1x systems.
    Thanks again for this thorough, well-thought out and well-presented video!

  • @lomax1919
    @lomax1919 2 года назад

    This is a fantastic vid ! Tells you the entire story in a simple yet a pro way. Thumbs up and thanks !

  • @frakafrocka
    @frakafrocka 3 года назад +6

    alee's vids are simply the best. most informative tech vids out there. thanks alee.

  • @hardmtnbiker
    @hardmtnbiker 3 года назад +2

    Probably the best explanation of choices for picking a 1x2x or perhaps 3x. Personally I have all 3 types of drive trains. My old Mtn bike has an old 3x and is used as a commuter. My gravel has a 2x11 and I truly enjoy the extended range for my mixed gravel pavement 100 mile days. My new geared Mtn bike is a 1x11 and I it keeps things simple for my 20 mile trail rides. I also have a Single Speed Mtn bike and it doesn’t get any simpler but that’s really just for short 10-15 mile rides on trails I know what to expect.

  • @teja0505
    @teja0505 2 года назад +1

    Thanks for making this video. I was searching the difference b/w 1x and 2x since ages. Your video made it clear 👍

  • @RicardoEscobarMontecinos
    @RicardoEscobarMontecinos 3 года назад +4

    No matter the topic you’re talking about I always find it very useful. Even on topics I think I’ve heard all about, like this one, thank you!!

  • @tembaniphiri5485
    @tembaniphiri5485 2 года назад +1

    This is by far the best explanation I have heard so far on the 1x/2x debate!

  • @hubdeep9452
    @hubdeep9452 3 года назад +16

    I have 1x 2x and 3x bikes. And I'm sorry but 3x is still my favourite, especially for touring. People keep telling me I'm wrong but it's just my preference. Also when I bend my rear mech (which I have a habit of doing) I still have 3 gears to keep going. I did it on my 1x once and it was a really hard work to continue cycling with only the highest gear.

    • @Cyclingabout
      @Cyclingabout  3 года назад +1

      Nothing wrong with your preference for 3X!

  • @adamnorton748
    @adamnorton748 3 года назад +2

    I love the technical information you include on your channel along with the user friendly feel. It tickles me that people create such 'nerdy' content about- riding bicycles and taking them on trips.. but make no mistake I devour it!

    • @Cyclingabout
      @Cyclingabout  3 года назад

      I'm really glad you're enjoying it, thanks! 😎

  • @jammystraub488
    @jammystraub488 3 года назад +1

    That was amazingly informative. Thank you!

  • @alluharjulehto9331
    @alluharjulehto9331 3 года назад +30

    I think that 2x(9 or 8 or something) with friction shifter is the most care free drivetrain, because you can manually adjust chain to right coq.

    • @rockgsxr
      @rockgsxr 3 года назад

      i used to love manually trimming my 2x8 downtube shifters getting it just perfect, it was light too without all those cables etc

    • @edwardward8999
      @edwardward8999 3 года назад

      Exactly what I am using. Mind you bike fit and handlebar design now assumes all brake hoods are STI/ Ergo so getting brake levers that match those shapes is a challenge.

    • @ronr.53400
      @ronr.53400 3 года назад +2

      shimano 2 x 7 here .. all good, XC Giant Talon

    • @huseyinuguralacatli5064
      @huseyinuguralacatli5064 2 года назад +2

      I still usse 3x7 friction-indexed thumb shifter combo the least expensive setup ever

    • @jfrtbikgkdhjbeep9974
      @jfrtbikgkdhjbeep9974 2 года назад

      2 x 7 microshift /shimano mountain bike

  • @fernandoespinosa3403
    @fernandoespinosa3403 3 года назад +3

    Clear and objective comparison. Great video to watch before you decide to make a conversion to 1x.

  • @hahamasala
    @hahamasala 3 года назад +2

    Great video. Just the information the bicycling world needs!
    One thing with my 2x road bike I don’t like is when I shift the front the ratio jump is too significant compared to my old 3x.

  • @MrDanthemaniam
    @MrDanthemaniam 3 года назад +48

    Exactly what I've been saying since before they even came out with a 1X.
    Now we just need for somebody to make a cheaper, lighter, more efficient Pinion.

    • @stefa_j1032
      @stefa_j1032 3 года назад +1

      How about a microshift Advent (9 speed) , or Advent x (10 speed) , those are if not the cheapest 1x with a clutch.

    • @Shindinru
      @Shindinru 3 года назад

      @@stefa_j1032 Pinions have other advantages, cost is not one of them.

  • @mattdelcomyn8012
    @mattdelcomyn8012 2 года назад

    Very informative!! Great perspectives!! Thanks!

  • @Raijin24226
    @Raijin24226 3 года назад +24

    I run a 3x10. Had no problems so far. It does take a little practice on when to shift.

    • @esthetics4512
      @esthetics4512 2 года назад +3

      I run a 3×8 about to make conversion to 3×10

    • @fender1000100
      @fender1000100 Год назад

      30 gears totally unnecessary. Nobody ever needs more than 9 speeds. You have to be weak as a kitten to need more.
      1--3=climbing
      4--6=cruising
      7--9=sprinting
      And thats it. When I hear about people using even 1x11 I have to LOL.

    • @Raijin24226
      @Raijin24226 Год назад +1

      @@fender1000100 I'm sorry if we're not as strong as you are and I'm sorry if we're taking the number of teeth jumps per gear just to make the ride smoother.
      Not everybody is into bikes for races, some of us travel around countries at a chill pace. So again, I'm sorry if we're as weak as kittens.

    • @brianphillips7696
      @brianphillips7696 8 месяцев назад

      I would point out that many of the pro 3x crowd here have been using it on touring bikes. Bikes that are heavier than standard road bikes and that are often loaded down with lots of heavy cargo. Tents, cooking gear, food, water,bed rolls,etc.
      They might not be as weak as you think.

    • @jurekgadzinowski2895
      @jurekgadzinowski2895 3 месяца назад

      @@fender1000100 Bullshit. If it was true there would be pros using 9 speed casettes, since they can be lighter than 11 or 12 speed ones. But no serious rider wants big jumps between gears and small range. You can sacrifice one, but 2? Absolutely pointless. Anything under 10 gears is plain stupid, unless you ride on a perfectly flat terrain.

  • @ArisaemaDracontium
    @ArisaemaDracontium 3 года назад +13

    I recently upgraded my touring bike to 3x10 and its awesome. I have a crazy low gear of 22x36 which is great for steep climbs off road when loaded. Top speed is way faster than my 1x12 MTB. Someday I'll upgrade to 2x12, but I'll be sticking to 3x10 for a long time!

    • @ferruccio4531
      @ferruccio4531 3 года назад

      I'm even crazier, 22 x 46, I use a 22/46 x 11, had to buy the 22 separately because shimano only does 24 - 34

    • @ronr.53400
      @ronr.53400 3 года назад +2

      using 2x7 now .. maybe 2 x 6 later

    • @ronr.53400
      @ronr.53400 3 года назад

      @@ferruccio4531 stick with shimano 😊 i use 2 x 7

    • @giovannidestantis1422
      @giovannidestantis1422 2 года назад

      This one by Is propaganda and collusion by the parts and bike manufacturers. Sure it looks hot and cool but it doesnt offer many options.

    • @CogitareEstVivere
      @CogitareEstVivere Год назад

      why is 2x12 an upgrade compared to 3x10 ? ( im looking to replace my 3x9 on old mountainbike to go touring. )

  • @bobqzzi
    @bobqzzi 3 года назад +8

    Great content as usual. Most of my bikes have older 9/10 speed XTR triples. Just did short loaded ride on the Cross NH Adventure Trail and there were a few spots the 22/36 was very useful, and the 44/11 was enough at the top end. Haven't really found a 2X that quite gets there. GRX with a 31/40 would be okay on tarmac and good dirt roads, but wouldn't quite cut it on rough dirt.
    I love your references to testing sources.

    • @rsrs8632
      @rsrs8632 3 года назад

      650% gear range, I use the same setup. Do you also use 29" tires? It gives a really good granny gear!

  • @gregorygalistan8624
    @gregorygalistan8624 3 года назад

    Thank you. That was informative. Thumbs up.

  • @jasonlhy3263
    @jasonlhy3263 3 года назад +4

    Rocking on 3X for 2 years now.i guess it's very useful on my riding style. Mostly flats. And rarely off roads

  • @simoncossettini9680
    @simoncossettini9680 4 месяца назад

    Bravo - thanks for the research and video - I was thinking of converting from 3x to 1x in front for e-bike conversion and ditching the lower gears on the front derailleur - keeping the bigger chain and front chain ring and stock rear derailler setup. With the motor assistance the lower end gearing is probably not needed. Thanks to your video I can see that potentially keeping the standard setup may actually have more benefits than spending money on a new 1x system.

  • @stetf4651
    @stetf4651 3 года назад +1

    GREAT LESSON ! THANK YOU !

  • @w0bblyd0inkb0ink
    @w0bblyd0inkb0ink 3 года назад +2

    8:24 Thank you for amazing reviews, subscribed and liked every single one of them, no trickeries here, genuinely very informative videos.

    • @Cyclingabout
      @Cyclingabout  3 года назад

      Welcome aboard! I'm glad you find my videos useful.

  • @trakki
    @trakki 3 года назад +1

    Only an algorithm could believe, that you don't know, what you are talking about. Everonye else knows better. Tomorrow I start my first little bikepacking trip and I have found so much information and inspiration on your website, that I'm really looking forward to it.

    • @Cyclingabout
      @Cyclingabout  3 года назад

      Thanks! Best of luck on your trip. 🙏🏼

  • @Mrjonblakely
    @Mrjonblakely 3 года назад +13

    Can't argue with great data. Thanks for giving me reasons to stay with a front derailleur and not succumbing to the current trend.

    • @Cyclingabout
      @Cyclingabout  3 года назад

      Cheers!

    • @toby9999
      @toby9999 2 года назад

      I would prefer a 1x10 but not because it's a trend. It's not most bikes are 2x or 3x. I would rather have all ratios on one changer instead of messing with combinations.

  • @declanjones8707
    @declanjones8707 3 года назад +1

    I love your videos. Thankyou!

  • @slimjim4ever
    @slimjim4ever 2 года назад

    I’m a huge fan of 9t cog. After saying bye bye to good ol HG freehub body & replacing all my bikes with XD driver I can run now run 9-42/9-50 cassette using smaller chainring up front. I actually prefer bigger in between gears so it works perfectly for me and so far all my components are still in good shape.

  • @Snoochies
    @Snoochies 3 года назад +55

    Something big in my experience that can't be underappreciated is chain retention. I'd give 1x another point for that. Even a perfectly setup 2x system will have occasional issues when riding on rough surfaces, even with a clutch rear derailleur. 1x very rarely drops a chain.

    • @pashakdescilly7517
      @pashakdescilly7517 3 года назад +3

      I have sometimes had chain retention issues with a 1x - and fitted a narrow front derailleur to it to cure the problem.

    • @Snoochies
      @Snoochies 3 года назад +6

      @@pashakdescilly7517 with a narrow-wide ring and clutch rear derailleur? I've dropped a chain exactly once in the thousands of miles I've ridden a proper 1x setup and it was because the chain was so worn it no longer fit the chainring.

    • @peglor
      @peglor 3 года назад +6

      Have you tried Shimano 2x12? The chain retention is very impressive there, to the point where I've almost worn out my second chain on my current drivetrain and have yet to have the chain drop on anything. The other benefit is the chain doesn't shift itself down the cassette when you're rolling backwards in low gears because the chainline is better - very handy if riding fakie is one of the maneuvering options in your repertoire.

    • @Snoochies
      @Snoochies 3 года назад

      @@peglor I haven't ridden 2x12, but I'm sure it's excellent just like their electronic groupsets.

    • @Snoochies
      @Snoochies 3 года назад +1

      @@andarenbici it's not. 1x chainrings are designed to hold the chain tight, 2x rings are designed to be able to be derailed

  • @milesbgibbons
    @milesbgibbons 3 года назад

    Another top notch video alee 👌

  • @endianAphones
    @endianAphones 3 года назад +8

    The simplicity of 1x beats everything unless you're racing. Although I admit that ocasionally the range / step size is not ideal. I'm curious to see what the internet says about the rumored 1x13 groupset by campagnolo.

  • @sheldonhall1295
    @sheldonhall1295 3 года назад

    Excellent advice on drive trains. Thanks

  • @Metal-Possum
    @Metal-Possum 3 года назад +3

    "The first 1x specific drivetrain" was probably something made some decades ago (maybe even a century), when front and rear derailers were often seen as two discrete items. That said, they didn't exactly intend for them to be 1x only, they just didn't plan for them to be 2x or 3x either.

  • @robinrai4973
    @robinrai4973 2 года назад +2

    I want to go to 2x as I use my bike for both mtb and commuting but I really like how narrowwide chainrings keep the inside of the chain clean haha. Also really don't want any clunking from the front derailleur

  • @golaoi
    @golaoi 3 года назад

    I've one bike with 1x11, one with 3x9 (have had many) and two with 2x10. My current touring bike for 11y has a Roholff and that's my favourite, but for a cheaper bike, 3x is my favourite. I had a Dawes Galaxy with 3x8 for 13y but I changed the gears to an MTB 42, 32, 22 and 11-32 and the range this gave me was unbeatable. This bike eventually cracked.

  • @apryason
    @apryason 3 года назад +10

    As a bike mechanic, I have found that 1x11 and 1X12 (especially) systems are prone to bad shifting if there is the slightest bit of damage to the derailleur. I can straighten the hanger in most cases, but I don't have the tooling to check the straightness of the derailleur. I can spend a lot of time taking it apart, using straight-edges to measure the halves of the cage, bending a bit here and there, but it is never as good as new. I would really need a machine-shop-grade flat table and other fixtures to get it right. Bottom line is these things are too delicate for mountain bike use if one is going to crash every once in a while. And with the parts shortage now in effect this is really a problem.

    • @barielgraves
      @barielgraves Год назад

      And I guess, this is exactly the main purpose of the invention : (

  • @palicar
    @palicar 3 года назад +8

    I’ve messed with road/gravel 1x setups and have come to believe replicating a full 2x gear range is folly because of the big steps between gears. I think it’s wisest to start with a nice cassette like 11-32 and then choose either a big or little ring. I run 11-32 with a 38t chainring and it’s surprising how much speed variability it offers. 38:11 @ 100 rpm is roughly 30mph.

    • @thedownunderverse
      @thedownunderverse 3 года назад

      Totally agree.

    • @toby9999
      @toby9999 2 года назад

      I guess it depends of what you're comparing. My old 12 speed (2×6) has fewer ratios and bigger steps than the 1x10 I'm currently considering. A 2x8 isn't typically much better. The 3x8 I looked at last week had a bigger range of ratios but the 2 highest would be completely useless for my riding, leaving me with 11 useful unique ratios pretty much identically spaced as a 1x11.

  • @byza101
    @byza101 2 года назад

    I run a Sram 2 x 10 setup on a mtb. If we call the granny gear number 1, I would use gears 1-3, gears 11-13 and gears 16-20… I rode a 1 x 12, it felt wierd, but that could be because I’m not used to it… Thanks for the vid mate, you’ve got yourself another sub

  • @Gurnavemerno
    @Gurnavemerno 3 года назад

    Very well researched :)

  • @multisilhoutte
    @multisilhoutte 3 года назад

    Alfine, Automatix or Nexus for practically no hassle. On my MTBs i use the 1x9 and 2x10. It really depends on your bike application. If you don't have steep areas and want a cruise/grocery bike, just pick an optimal single speed setup. 16T in the back for example. If we are talking racing, road bikes still have 2x. Mountain bikes or downhill bikes can easily live with 1x.

  • @albertbatfinder5240
    @albertbatfinder5240 3 года назад +4

    First 1x specific drivetrain was released in about 1880!

  • @romariossoossoiramor150
    @romariossoossoiramor150 3 года назад +2

    Thanks a million for A Really pro clip

  • @Arfonfree
    @Arfonfree 3 года назад +1

    I think this is most useful in helping me get the most out of the drivetrains I already have. I still want my next bike to have a Gates belt and internal gearbox! :D

    • @ronr.53400
      @ronr.53400 3 года назад

      true enough, that Koga is very nice ... very nice 🙂

  • @shawnwells5719
    @shawnwells5719 2 года назад

    I've been riding a 2X10 11-36 for five years now. Glad to see my intuition that it's the superior choice is borne out by this testing.

  • @artemisxo6734
    @artemisxo6734 Год назад +1

    i love my 1x12 on my xc/trail bike, and honestly for my commuter bike (90s mountain bike) i'm in the middle ring 90% of the time. might convert it into a 1x with an oval chain ring

  • @CantTalkImRiding
    @CantTalkImRiding 3 года назад

    This bike nerd stuff is great. I sometimes make spreadsheets to compare bikes before purchasing..... a bike's cool factor also plays a role.

  • @NigelMarston
    @NigelMarston 3 года назад

    I use my hardtail for exercise, mainly on roads with nearly-slick tyres, and for longer rides and days out with cycling groups on canal towpaths and trails at weekends on fast-rolling "spuddy" tyres. I like my hardtail and don't want a roadie or anything with dropped bars.
    I recently converted my 2x10 to 1x10 mainly because I detest the front derailleur - it's the clunkiest piece of engineering on the planet - so when my front sprocket need changing because it has worn so much, the 25% extra cost to convert to a 1x crank set made sense.
    To be fair, I don't need the vast range associated with the 2x and in fact I could only ever get it into the very fastest two top gears when I was going down steep hills - I'm simply not strong enough to use those higher gears at any other time. I'm happy to coast downhill when I reach my current top speed (it's a little under 30mph - feels fast to me), so a smaller sprocket than the previous-large one suits well (I've gone from a 39T/24T to a 34T). Also, the narrow-wide chainrings are so great - I built a bike for my son with a 1x chain ring about 6 years ago and he's never lost a chain. The retention that narrow-wide tech offers is amazing. Such a small thing but the effect is incredible.
    For me, the increased simplicity of a 1x leads to reliability, and that is the deciding factor. But even though I'm not a competitive cyclist, I concede that the steps between ratios are sometimes larger than I'd like. I'm looking at alternative cassettes to see if there's any with more linear steps than those I currently have but this is just tweaking - overall I'm very happy with the results.

  • @igypop.
    @igypop. 3 года назад +1

    good unbiased video

  • @relativityboy
    @relativityboy 3 года назад

    Love it!

  • @viorelavram9813
    @viorelavram9813 3 года назад +11

    very nice description of the differences between 1 × and 2 ×, I prefer one 2 × because I can have a lot of power when climbing but also speed when descending, I think 1 × is ideal for mountain bikes but for me who also go to the mountains and on the road 2 × is the solution.

    • @ronr.53400
      @ronr.53400 3 года назад +1

      true enough ... XC mtb 2x 7 shimano ... all set, all good 😊

  • @paulmcdaniel9487
    @paulmcdaniel9487 3 года назад

    Very interesting. I haven't looked at your video list, but I suggest a video pertaining to crank length on mountain bikes. I am not an expert on crank length, but have been reading a few things that say cranks that are too long can cause knee and hip pain due to excessive knee flexion. I'm looking to understand this better. Keep up the good work!

    • @petesmitt
      @petesmitt 2 года назад

      shorter cranks are better for knee issues, although they do increase pedal effort like a bigger chainring.

  • @Coover90210
    @Coover90210 7 месяцев назад +1

    I have an old 3x hard tail. I call it a 2x with a rotating bash guard.

  • @hpd_hero
    @hpd_hero 3 года назад

    Very well summarized. In my opinion they should make a cassette that has very small variances in the 95 cadence/30 km/h area as thats where most people spend time on roadbikes. Should be very easy to just have 2 gears very close to each other at that particular speed, and sacrificing one of the accelerating gears instead. I live in Indiana so its very flat ofcourse, but if this option was available, then it would be a no brainer for ME.

  • @Patiboke
    @Patiboke 3 года назад +2

    For a bicycle trip with mostly paved roads I would hesitate to pick a 1X. Most of the riding would be done on the smaller cogs of the cassette, and the front sprocket is also pretty small. That will wear fast, unless it would be an exceptionally durable chain like those new 12 speeds.

  • @markvincentcocjin
    @markvincentcocjin 3 года назад +2

    Another unsung contribution 3x systems make is the ability to reduce the weight and thickness of a rear cassette.
    While existing systems have wider chains for lower geared drive trains, if the industry were to use 12 speed compatible chains and cog thickness to ten speed or even 8 speed systems, that would allow for a greater angle for the rear wheel spokes.
    You don't have to have a massive cog when you have a 3x. And the weight should have been put on the bottom bracket as full suspension bikes' rear wheels are actually un-sprung weight.

  • @AndrewGibson22
    @AndrewGibson22 3 года назад +3

    Very timely... I'm in the middle of a 1997 Gary Fisher restoration 👍🚲

    • @christopherharmon9336
      @christopherharmon9336 3 года назад +1

      I recently stripped and powder coated my 1998 Gary Fisher Aquila. I replaced the fork 7-8 years ago with a Rock Shox Dart model, which was a great improvement over the worn out fork that was on it. After the frame was powder coated, I installed a new Alivio crank, a Wolf Tooth Components 34T narrow-wide chain ring & bash guard, and an Alivio 9-speed shifter coupled to a Deore XT derailleur and an 11-34 cassette. I did not think about the 9-speed drive train NOT working on the old wheels, so a new set of wheels were purchased also. OOPS. I installed new Avid V-brakes and Avid brake levers also. Since I was building the bike up for commuting, I also installed a Blackburn rack. I only use the bike to cruise the bike paths, so I have 26 x 2.0" Bontrager slicks on the bike. All in all, it was a fun project, and I do like the simplicity of the 1 x 9 drive train. The 34T chainring and 11T sprocket at 100 cadence will produce 23.9 mph at 100 cadence if I remember correctly, and the 34T rear sprocket is low enough to get me up shorter and not-to-steep climbs. Since I live in the Denver Metro area, I am seriously considering an 11-42, 10-speed drive train.

  • @lenolenoleno
    @lenolenoleno 3 года назад +1

    An important factor you're forgetting (perhaps of no importance to roadies/bikepackers who don't get rowdy) is that bigger spacing is preferred where terrain regularly undulates rapidly/suddenly and time is of the essence (MTB trails). 1x setups mean 1 or 2 shifts on your RH are needed rather than 3 or 4 RH + potentially a LH shift to maintain chainline/no FD rub on every pitchy climb/descent.
    This especially true for disciplines where rider input/body language gives you bucket loads more speed than optimal cadence at all times or 2-4W efficiency chainline gains (e.g. pumping, cornering, picking lines, bunny hopping, manualing etc). Less time shifting = more time/concentration to read the trail/milk it for speed. This is exacerbated by no FD = a dropper lever goes in it's place which is a huge benefit for jumping, cornering & descending (and even some technical climbing).

  • @savoirfaire8979
    @savoirfaire8979 3 года назад +1

    *I have spent many hours as a home mechanic adjusting front derailleurs. I was so happy to abscond installing a new derailleur and decided one day to ditch it. My life is simpler now.*

  • @Chris-ps4ju
    @Chris-ps4ju 2 года назад +1

    Great analysis ! All possibilities you speak of ! On my own i've 7 bikes (road and AT ) : 3 bikes on 3X drive train , 2 bikes on 2X drive train and 2 on 1X drive train .
    All différents bikes and for différents uses and cost . The best compromise is with the 2X drive train wich has a lot of possibilities .
    A 1X drive train is sometime a pure marketing story wich inflate prices ! The choices are fun but money is also a reality ! (even for drive train , cassettes , shifters ......)

    • @renjithk4723
      @renjithk4723 2 года назад

      Trek dual sport 3 2022(1x10)
      vs
      Scott sub cross 20 2022(3x9)
      vs
      Giant roam 2 2022 (2x9)
      Iam confused to buy
      Pls reply.Thanks in advance.....

  • @cfkusnier1
    @cfkusnier1 3 года назад

    3 X with not front derailleur. If you have a typical triple crankset, shimano ty 48-38-28 teeths, and 7-8 cog , you can go uphill using the 28 teeth crank in the all cogs with not problem. When you go down hill, you change the chain manually at the 38 or 48 ring of your crankset. It's work very well and you can use really all the posible combinaton. I learned it in Santiago de Chile a city between the mountain. It' s a "Chliean method".

  • @christophweber6894
    @christophweber6894 2 года назад +1

    Just ordered Shimano XT 2x12 because of the bigger gear range (623%) and smaller gear steps.
    Glad Shimano offers it! :)

    • @Cyclingabout
      @Cyclingabout  2 года назад +2

      Good choice! That drivetrain is excellent.

  • @tomdomagalski3679
    @tomdomagalski3679 3 года назад +4

    I ride a 3x hybrid bike but I barely use the largest front ring. I'd vote 2x for hybrid definitely! Thanks for the video👍

    • @Cyclingabout
      @Cyclingabout  3 года назад +3

      2X is becoming the default drivetrain for many hybrids!

    • @graememorrison333
      @graememorrison333 3 года назад

      I put a 3 x (or a 'triple' in old money 😁) 52/42/30 on my all-purpose road/cross/gravel frankenbike but as it's not meant to be a bike for winning races on at 26+ mph (and i cant pump out 250W for hours on end anyway), I ditched the outer ring (and swapped the bolts for shorter ones). 42/28 at the front (i changed the inner ring too) with 12-28 at the back pretty much serves all my gearing needs these days.

    • @ronr.53400
      @ronr.53400 3 года назад

      the results were in, 2x 5 points ... 😉

    • @ronr.53400
      @ronr.53400 3 года назад

      @@Cyclingabout yoy did very well with your specs guided analysis ... i am on my first 2x setup ever, its entry level shimano 2x7 ... maybe low budget entry level, but i got used to it ..

  • @ds67566
    @ds67566 3 года назад +1

    Great videos!!! Just curious if anyone has thoughts on the Surly Bridge Club? I’m looking for a bike to do 4/5 day touring and bikepaking as well as some local commuting. Good choice? Or Surly Troll that is more expensive?

    • @trakki
      @trakki 3 года назад

      Well, you will find thougths on Alee's webpage and also on bikepacking.com.

  • @nicolapellegrino1072
    @nicolapellegrino1072 3 года назад

    I use 2x10 on my Genesis vagabond and 1x12 on my trek rail, on ebikes drivetrain wears out quicker and must be checked out much often, to use a full steel cassette and chainring will prolong the life of the transmission making it lasts longer, on 2x10 on my gravel things are really different on normal conditions thousands of kilometers can be made.

  • @scottconlon5124
    @scottconlon5124 3 года назад

    Good work 👍

  • @dnorm
    @dnorm 3 года назад +1

    This is something I'm considering, whether to switch to a 1x for commuting or go 2x. Durability and longevity are my governing factors, the maintenance I find is a calming past time 😌. So I'm thinking of the Deore 1x12 ... as I'm at the stage where everything needs replacing anyways...

    • @Cyclingabout
      @Cyclingabout  3 года назад +1

      We don't have any data on the Deore 12-speed stuff yet, but using the groupset with a top-tier chain (XTR or maybe XT), which employs the latest metal and coating technology - should keep everything durable and long-lasting.

  • @phatrickmoore
    @phatrickmoore 3 года назад

    48 seconds into the vid ... this vid is gonna be good!

  • @bombdiggitydave3881
    @bombdiggitydave3881 3 года назад

    I have a older 2002 mongoose mtb model zero 3. Could you answer a couple questions please? 1. I am trying to make this dual suspension bike a hybrid road/ gravel commuter by changing to a 1x crank chainring. What would you recommend as a budget conversion? Bike is stock. I am changing tires to a road/gravel tire but wondered if you could recommend a low rolling resistance tire with puncture restistance please. My commute is 20 miles round trip on hwy tarmac shoulder. Thanks for all you do and your awesome informative bike videos. Cheers!

  • @myfrequencies1912
    @myfrequencies1912 3 года назад

    Does anyone happen to know how common 10T cogs are on cassettes fitted to bikes intended to work with a 1x system?
    As I understand it, you have to have a specific type of axle to allow 10T. 11T is the standard minimum.
    10T would be a desirable compensation for the lack of larger ratios up front on a 2x or 1x.

  • @timjohns3743
    @timjohns3743 3 года назад +4

    I absolutely love your nerd comparison videos and technical bits. So much research.

  • @jaybanger7165
    @jaybanger7165 3 года назад +1

    👍👍👍
    Very useful

  • @johngonon1507
    @johngonon1507 7 месяцев назад

    It's 1x11 on my carbon road bike (50x11-32) and 1x10 on my cheap and heavier winter bike (44x11-42). Smallest speed aimed to the 15% climb on my way home and the biggest is enough to do flat.
    I got fed up of the front derailleur ; added a cog behind and removed 2 chainrings.
    I don't see the front derailleur going away for those who want to do mountain climbing and also want to go quick in descents (even-though I can't understand that 3x still exists).
    Most people riding bikes don't need 2 chainrings with 10 or 11 cogs on the cassette.

  • @dampandrew
    @dampandrew 3 года назад

    I’m riding a single speed for the rest of my life. Yesterday I put on a 16T freewheel it was amazing. I am done with being cross-chained. I have only ridden 7 speed bikes for the past 20 years they are pointless unless it’s a mountain bike. I just want to pedal harder on the hills from now on.

  • @microsal9711
    @microsal9711 3 года назад +1

    whats the cheapest touring bike you can recomend? thanks

  • @_Rafiki.
    @_Rafiki. 3 года назад +1

    Yikes! Back to the drawing board for me then. I was convinced the gravel bike I'm about to buy had to be 1x

  • @johnurbanek1027
    @johnurbanek1027 2 года назад

    I have 3X on my commuter. On my MTB I call it a 2-1X, two chainrings I change by hand without a derailleur, depending on what kind of trail I'm riding.

  • @tehalexy
    @tehalexy 2 года назад +1

    1:37 nice data but to put it into perspective ... how much watt do we usually generate and how much % is that compared to us?

  • @ianmangham4570
    @ianmangham4570 Год назад +1

    55 years old and still riding 3 up front, think I'll try just One up front and the big pizza 🍕 out back 🤟

  • @outbackwack368
    @outbackwack368 3 года назад

    I have Ultegra 2X 11-34, 30/46 on my Topstone and ride almost exclusively in the big chainring, but no bike touring/packing yet. Then again, my 20 mile fitness loop from my house has about 250' of elevation gain...

  • @RSmerlinRS
    @RSmerlinRS 3 года назад +1

    hilly areas where I live.. need at least 2x on the front. I've got a 27.5" mtb with 2x9 speed, I kinda still prefer an old 3x8 over it tho. And then 3x9 and 3x10 are god tier among my friends.
    That being said, I'd love to live somewhere very flat and ride a fixed gear belt drive system. 29x3.0" wheels/tires aren't as common as they should be too

  • @jason200912
    @jason200912 Год назад +2

    3x easily wins in all categories.
    The weight savings argument against the 3x doesn't make hold weight since you could apply the exact same argument into using a single speed instead of having a cassette at all. In fact a 3x 7,8 cassette would probably be way lighter than a 2x10,11,12

    • @snek9353
      @snek9353 3 месяца назад

      The tiny weight savings of 2x vs 3x is more than offset by going 10sp to 11sp.

  • @robenglish416
    @robenglish416 3 года назад +1

    I have 1x3 but would prefer internal hub gears or 1x1 for simplicity. The highest gear i never use when on touring trips, down hill is rest time! Could have a lower gear than what I have though.

    • @Frombie_01
      @Frombie_01 2 года назад

      Downhill is for spinning the lactic acid out of your legs. I ride a 2x10 and tow a trailer (20+ kilos) and rarely use my lowest gears.

  • @ultima00005
    @ultima00005 2 года назад

    I switched to 1x because I hated the 3 piece crank. The crank arm kept getting loose. I also wanted to try the oval chainring.

  • @Masterfighterx
    @Masterfighterx Год назад

    I always skip 1 rear cog when I'm on the small front chainring on my daily driver when accelerating, and only go up or down by 1 on the rear when I'm on the large front chainring.
    When I change to the large front chainring I go 1 back on the rear and increase/decrease by 1 after that, and I'm usually riding in the 2nd/3rd smallest cog unless going downhill or having a good wind in my back, what that tells me is that a 2x for a regular citybike is more than I need, a centered front cog (slightly smaller than the current front, but about 10 teeth bigger than the current small front cog) and 8 rear gears will benefit my much more.
    Also being 1x8 means the chain won't cross as much as 11/12S (Although my 1x12 MTB is the best I've ever ridden with despite having a more limited top speed)
    We need a front chainring that will move in and out, eliminating cross chaining, and keeping it 1x.

  • @robertbotta6536
    @robertbotta6536 3 года назад +1

    Dude! That was awesome. So clear and comprehensive. Thank you.

  • @galenkehler
    @galenkehler 3 года назад

    I love 1x, but I also run a 56t front ring so I don't get small gear inefficiency :)

  • @MJorgy5
    @MJorgy5 2 года назад

    Previous owner set up my bike as a 1x, but it only has 8 on the cassette. I think I'm going to add the big chainring back onto the crank.

  • @ianmangham4570
    @ianmangham4570 Год назад

    These modern mtbs are works of ART ,I'm on a resto mods
    1999 Marin/naked alloy Ovation frame with the most beautiful plush rockshox recon SL up front,I stare at my beautiful bike alot, if I had one of those modern beast's I'd sit and stare ALL day .😍🤣💯👊🤟🇬🇧

  • @ElevationEveryWeekend
    @ElevationEveryWeekend 3 года назад

    The 1x12 SLX on my Surly ICT has finally sold me on the abilities of the 1x. Before that I would say I preferred the 2x10 on my hardtail 29er. I have a 1x11 on my full suspension, good not great. A good 2x10 is tough to beat. Haven’t used 2x11. We’ll see how the 12spd wears.

    • @cjohnson3836
      @cjohnson3836 3 года назад +1

      I'm thinking of possibly trying a 2x without a front mech (just hand move the chainring when I need to) on my Ogre, but I use so few of my gears regularly even on my 1x10. I'm wondering if the better option would just be replace the NX crank with a Race Face and throw on a Wolf Tooth CAMO, and have a daily use larger commuter ring and a smaller bikepacking ring. I just wonder with this if the same chain would play nice with a larger circle ring and a smaller oval ring.

    • @cjohnson3836
      @cjohnson3836 3 года назад

      @Spitch Grizwald Two different chainrings should be fine, regardless of crank set up, as that's what every 2x or 3x does anyways. The issue I'm wondering is when switching circle to oval and back. The other issue, at least for me, is that a 2x still changes the chain line. So, even without the derailleur, it still has tire clearance issues (3" tires). If I can get a boost 2x though, that might eliminate the problem. As for gearing, I don't want a narrow range cassette because the lower gears are necessary for bikepacking, and I want my bikepacking set to be compatible with my commuter set up. Just swap the wheels (and maybe chainring) and go. Its the gear ratios that's the problem. While commuting, 90% of the time I'm in one of the 3 highest gears. I only shift lower if I get caught at a light. And bikepacking anywhere that low gearing is necessary probably means managing cadence is a useless effort.

    • @jfrtbikgkdhjbeep9974
      @jfrtbikgkdhjbeep9974 2 года назад

      2 x 7 microshift / shimano setup

  • @cbaumann1987
    @cbaumann1987 5 месяцев назад

    Hello! I often go biking on uphill roads. I am 230lb. I have a 2x drivetrain and is a struggle every time. 1x drivetrain should be ok? Thank you for your great video btw!

  • @richardmiller3808
    @richardmiller3808 3 года назад

    I don't about most folks but I'm still using 2x and 3x set ups on all my bikes. Yeah I'm old school however you can't get a 15.5 gear inch low gear with a 1x at least not yet. So I'll keep riding my 22/30/40 with my 10 speed 11-46 on my 920. 22/32/42 with a 10 speed 11-42 on my Fuel EX 7, 22/34 with a 10 speed 11/42 on my Superfly 9.7. Yep I need that little extra to get up them hills. Road bikes I'm running the standard compact cranks with 10 speed 11-36 on the Cervelo R3 (2008) same on my 2012 Venge Pro Force and the standard Shimano 105 11 speed group on my 2020 Domane SL5 Disk but thinking about sticking a 11-40 11 speed cassette on that one. Getting old sucks LOL.

  • @melainkinney7213
    @melainkinney7213 2 года назад

    nice video i must say i found it very informative . i agree go with set up that benefits you i had a 1x7 on a bike then i upgraded to a hardtail it comes with a 2x8 . i'm leaning to ditching the 2x8 and just crossing over to a 1x8 down then road to 1x10 staying with shimano or a micro shift set up uncertain not a sram person . that said my 1x7 has nearly 3 k miles on it its a city bike i took it on trails beat it up badly it was cared for just its a city bike not trail worthy its resting in my living room .