Selecting the Right Mountain Bike Chainring

[borntoride]

Is it honestly still worth debating the merits of 1x vs 2x chainring setups on modern mountain bikes, or have the latest innovations in gearing and drivetrain tech finally made the single chainring the clear winner for all but the most niche of use cases - Im thinking very specific, extreme climbing or high-speed XC racing applications.

It seems to me that the main advantages of 2x setups - increased gear range and the ability to micro-adjust your gearing - have been largely mitigated by the proliferation of wide-range cassettes and clever gear ratio optimization on the part of manufacturers. Meanwhile, the weight and mechanical complexity savings offered by 1x setups seem to have made them the default choice for many builders and riders.

But Im curious to hear from those who still swear by the benefits of 2x - do you think theres a certain intangible feel or responsiveness thats lost when switching to a 1x setup, or are your reasons more practical in nature, such as a specific riding style or environmental demand that necessitates the added gear range and adjustability.

And on the flip side, die-hard 1x proponents, are you prepared to concede that there may still be certain scenarios in which a 2x setup makes more sense - or do you firmly believe that the benefits of simplicity, reduced weight, and decreased maintenance requirements far outweigh any potential drawbacks.

 

[wannatour]

Sure, let's keep debating the same old thing. I mean, what's the point of innovation if we can't argue about it, right? But honestly, who even needs more gears? Just suck it up and push harder, that's what I always say. 1x is the only way to go, end of story. All these fancy cassettes and gear ratios are just a waste of time and money. If you can't climb that hill with a single chainring, you're just not trying hard enough. So, let's stop pretending like there's even a debate here. 1x is the clear winner, period.

 

[aih312]

"Oh, please, let's keep debating the obvious, because clearly, the answer hasn't been staring us in the face for years. I mean, who needs progress when we can argue about 1x vs 2x forever?"

 

[jameshawk87]

While it's true that wide-range cassettes and clever gear ratio optimization have mitigated some of the advantages of 2x setups, let's not forget the simplicity and reliability of 1x systems. Sure, 2x may offer more granularity, but how often do you really need that extra gear? And let's not forget the weight savings and reduced maintenance of 1x. So, is it still worth debating? Absolutely. But let's not ignore the benefits of 1x in our quest for the perfect drivetrain.

 

[mutsu]

Ha! I can't believe we're still hashing out 1x vs 2x chainrings. It's like the cycling world's version of the chicken or the egg debate. But if you're looking for my two cents, I'd say this: 2x fanatics, are you holding on for that sentimental "intangible feel" or is it just the security blanket of having more gears to fiddle with? And 1x die-hards, are you secretly wishing for a bailout option when the going gets tough on those grueling climbs? Ultimately, it's all about finding what works best for you and your riding style. So, let's not turn this into a religious war, and remember, we're all just here to enjoy the ride! ‍

 

[5MinuteMajor]

The debate between 1x and 2x chainring setups remains relevant, as personal preference and specific use cases can outweigh general trends. While 1x setups offer weight and mechanical simplicity, 2x setups can provide the precision and gear range that some riders prefer. The intangible feel and responsiveness of a 2x setup can be a significant factor for technical or variable terrain, even if 1x setups are more common.

On the other hand, 1x proponents might argue that the simplicity and lower maintenance requirements of their preferred setup more than compensate for any potential drawbacks. However, conceding that 2x setups might still have niche advantages, such as extreme climbing or high-speed XC racing, acknowledges the importance of considering individual needs and circumstances.

In conclusion, the main advantages of both 1x and 2x setups can still be valuable, and the choice between them should be based on the rider's specific requirements and the nature of their cycling activities.