Thoughts on 1x10 & 2x10 set-ups

Tinman_66

Afternoon all,

I'm looking at upgrading the drive train on my Cove Stiffee, I'm currently running a conventional 9 speed with triple chain ring. One of the options I'm looking at is the possibility of going for a 1x10 (or 2x10) setup but I'm a bit wary. Currently I do a bit of everything trail centre, messing around in quarries going out in the Peaks.

I'd be interested to hear anyones thoughts who are already running a single (or even double) chain ring. How do people find it, is it versatile enough, do you find yourself missing the big ring?


j

Anonymous

I switched to a double+bash setup, with 9 speed at the back because I was forever mashing the big ring on rocks.
I don't particularly miss the big ring, because most of the time when I'm going fast enough to use it, I don't need to pedal anyway.
Of course, that depends on the terrain you ride and such, and what size chainrings you go for.
It's common to fit a "middle" chainring that's sized somewhere between a normal middle and large ring.

.blitz

Do I miss the big ring? Hahahaha err...no.

In terms of a single ring, I have been using a GT Chucker during Winter which is 1x8 11-32 cassette with a 32T ring up front and although it was difficult at first, I can now get round Cannock's switchbacks without too many problems and fireroad climbs don't even register.

I think having no gears at the front encourages you think ahead a bit more and plan climbs so that you don't blow up. I don't think I'd venture into unfamiliar territory with a single ring tho - part of the success relies on knowing where you're going - and it would be a brave move to single-ring your only bike.

When you do ride a bike with two or more rings up front it feels like a missile and you can go so much faster.

Northwind

Double's extremely versatile, you really don't give up much, if you swap to a 36T "middle" then what you lose off a 44T big ring, is 6 gears of overlap, only the top 3 gears are higher than what you'll have on a 36T.

Single ring is a bit more of a step, I had to sacrifice top gearing to get a lowest gear I'm happy with. On the bike it's on, that's not really a big deal, but I'd miss the 36/11 on my bigger bikes. And there's still times I miss the granny ring too. No chance at all I'd do it on an only bike, not unless I lived somewhere pretty flat and never rode anywhere else, but it does suit that bike.

The wider range cassettes will help that though, but just now you need to go 10-speed to get an 11-36 cassette (or make your own from a 12-36 9-speed one)

Andy525

Went over to a double set up from a triple and have found that I do not miss the big ring at all, currently running a SLX 36/22 with 11/32 9 speed at the rear.

The only thing I've found is that I use the granny ring more as the 36/32 is a bit high for climbing, particularly as I could get up them on the old 32/32 gearing, so I've been looking at ordering a 12/36 9 speed cassette, just like Northwind has advised.

DCR00

ive been using 2x9 for the last 8 months and TBH didnt notice any diff when i moved from 3x9

im actually moving to 1x9 soon as i never use the granny ring

njee20

I've been on doubles for years, and ran 2x10 all last year (28/42 with an 11-36). I would never go back to a triple myself, going single ring with a 36t for next year, as I did 95% of riding in the 42 last year.

There's enough choice of ratios that you'll be able to find something you like, personally I don't think a 44 is much use, nor is a 22, so something in the middle is great! YMMV and that.

Tinman_66

Thanks folks the more I think about it the more i like the idea. Think going for slightly bigger rings might be the way forward.

Another beating for the wallet coming up :?