Originally Posted by DaveSSS

The new 1x systems were not designed in a vacuum. They are based on rider desires and what companies are certain will sell. I won't ever buy one because I ride on paved roads. I have no gravel available and wouldn't use it if I did. The primary purpose of 1X is to eliminate the chain drops that occur with 2X system, when ridden on rough terrain. If you don;t have than problem, then there is little point to 1X.

Most people do not ride at a steady cadence. If all I did was ride at a steady cadence from 8-20 mph, I'd be bored to death. I ride in the hills and mountains of northern Colorado. I ride winding mountain descents at speeds up to 54 mph and climb 12% grades as slowly as 5 mph. On the steepest grades my cadence might drop to 65 and on the fastest descents hit 115 rpm before I spin out at 42-44 mph on my way up to 50+. A typical 1X doesn't have quite enough top gear or low gear, compared to my setup that has a 540% range.