1 x11 vs 2x10

kesher

I'm thinking about buying either the Whyte 129TS 2x10 ( 36-22 chain rings) and 11x36 cassette;

or the T-129 Works SCR 1x11 (32 chain ring) and 10-42 cassette.

However, I'm concerned about a possible lack of gearing range with the 1x11 setup, particularly the lowest gear. I would use the bike at trail centres. What do you think?

THANKS

kajjal

Best thing to do is workout which gear ratios you normally use, especially those used most often. I did this and chose 2 x 10 as I spend most time in the large chain ring but still need the small chain ring for long very steep climbs. I do mainly XC riding but also red routes at trail centres. My wife uses a 3 x 10 as it suits her riding better.

baz4388

Hi
I have a Norco sight carbon with 1x11 drive chain. I had the same apprehension when i was looking, but having done cannock chase without even using the lowest 2 gears its soon gone. obviously its going to depend on factor such as rider fitness and weight of the bike but unless you are riding some very steep accents the i can't see you having a problem with the 1x11
There are other things to look at when comparing those 2 bikes though as the works scr model has a much better fork in the pike. personally i don't know weather the sram guide rs breaks are any better than the elixir 5s but the 5s don't get very good reviews from what I've seen.

paul.skibum

You can always drop a smaller front ring on to give you the ratios. A 28t front to 42t rear is equivalent to 22t to 36t.

I swapped to 1x10 recently and run 30t front to a 42t range expander rear and dont seem to have a problem but your fitness and riding needs are unknown to me. If you find yourself struggling to winch up a hill in a 22/36 ratio then losing that gear is going to hurt for sure.

dusk

If it's a bike for trail centres then make sure the low gear is low enough, the high gear shouldn't be a problem at trail centres

rockmonkeysc

I use a 34t front and 11-40t rear cassette using a range expander. For me, thats all the gears I ever need. I wouldn't go back to a double.

Lewis A

I ride 34 front and 11-36 rear, no problems getting up the very steep local hills, I spin out on some of the longer descents though.

kesher

I would say I have a high level of fitness. My current bike is a Carrera Centos 13 although I have done some upgrades on it including changing the forks and pedals so it's a lighter bike; but I still struggle on certain trails with it's lowest gear being F22 x R32 (26" wheels) which is just slightly higher than the 129T S 2x10 F22 x R36 (29" wheels).

On the Carrera, I've ridden nearly every trail centre in Wales and the vast majority I can manage. It's just now and again a certain short, very steep section of a particular trail will prove too much and leave me wishing I had at least F22 x R34 (26" wheels) instead.

The lowest gear on the T-129 Works SCR 1x11 is equivalent to F22 x R26 on my Carrera. So on paper the T-129 Works SCR looks like it's not geared lowered enough. Although actually riding the T-129 Works SCR up steep inclines may prove to be easier as it's a much better bike than my Carrera.

rockmonkeysc

I think once you have built a little extra leg strength it actually takes less or no more energy to climb in a higher gear than to spin up in a granny ring.

njee20

1x11 for me, 32t ring (29" wheels). I came from 26" wheels 1x10 with 36t and 11-36, so find it fine. The extra range of the 10-42 cassette is very noticeable, but I find the 10t a big jump from the 11, I rarely use it frankly, which is good, as it'll probably wear out in no time!

If you've got a 'high level of fitness' you'll be fine on a single ring. Everything at trail centres is designed to be entirely rideable after all, you're not exactly encountering near vertical ascents!