Cyclist0114

Hey,
I change some of parts now and considering few scenarios - use cx/gravel bike as all-in-one, do not race anymore, but sometimes like ride faster.
And... what do you thing about 1x drivetain (in my case, 1x11) for long trips, i.e. 200 km or more per day?

For example 42T + 11-40T, 250 km trip, non-mountains. Such cassete will have bigger cogs jumps (minumum 2 vs 1 on cassete like 11-25 or 11-28).. but six first cogs on such cassete will be the same as on 11-34 (HG700/HG800) so probably it doesn't matter that we will use wider or narrower.
Of course, there will be more differences in comparsion to 2x, for example 48/32 or 50/34 with for example cassete 11-28.

But, I'm interested in your opinion, and I never tried that before - what do you thing about traveling on 1x? I do not mean bike-packing, because I like one day trips with minimal equipment only.

msu2001la

Depends on terrain. If you're riding hills that would require more than a 42/40 to get up, or want to ensure you're not spinning out a 42/11 on the descent, then 2x would be a better choice. 2x will always give you maximum range with minimal jumps in gearing. If you are already riding an 11-40T and are OK with those gear jumps, it really just comes down to range.

Maybe I'm confused about what you're asking, but I'm not sure how traveling, or distance of rides plays a role. It's entirely dependent on terrain. An all-day ride on a flat road might only require 3-4 different gears, whereas a 1hr ride in the mountains might require the whole cassette.

Troul 

i'd opt for 2x11 for that criteria given.

shelbyfv

What's on your bike now? Folks like 1X for MTB and gravel but most prefer 2X for road. I agree, distance doesn't have much to do with it.

Reflector Guy

It's very flat where I live, and I don't ride off-road, so my first impression is that your setup wouldn't be fast enough on the road and too many of the granny gears would go unused. I think a 2x (even 2x8 or 2x9 if I need to save weight or money) would be more useful for the way I ride.

chaadster

Yeah, I’d go 2x as well, because fine tuning your gear choice is particularly important over distance, where you’re trying to optimize output (i.e. riding fast) while managing fatigue. Additionally, having just one bike for every ride puts additional demand on having the right gear for every ride you might do, particularly in different seasons and weather conditions.

Of course a 1x11 would be totally manageable and livable, but what are the real downsides to having the versatility of a 2x system? About USD$200 in up front costs? Maybe 250gm in additional weight from derailleur, ring, and cables? The looks?

GrainBrain

I would miss the 12t cog when comparing 11-34 vs 11-40. I have both cassettes on two different bikes.

....

Before I sold it, I did long rides on my lemond with a 50/39 13-23 8 speed. Now I have a 46/30 11-34. For pavement I can stay in the 46 ring all day long around here. The trick with 1x is knowing what gears will work for you.

....

The other little trick is being comfortable pedaling over a wide cadence range. Obviously I like a tighter spaced cassette, but I have learned to spin the cranks. It works well to be forced to spin at say 90rpm vs 70rpm, you become adapt at it and it improves your endurance over really long rides.

Branko D

Would prefer 50-34 with a 11-30 or 11-32 for lightweight travel, wide range but still very modest jumps between gears. Or a 12 speed double, even better.

I find it ideal to try to maintain a consistent and low power on the really long days; something like the 50-70% of threshold power, going up to maybe 80-85% uphill. That's also how I do my aerobic endurance rides which I do plenty of. Even on a mostly flat-ish route doing an easy ride I'll use most of the top end on that sort of gearing, so I'd miss it.

With a 42-11 you can't spin on many downhills which I find to be unfortunate - especially if it's cold or cold and wet, you can really overcool while just sitting in the saddle, doing an easy 150W vs doing zero is a huge difference in body heat generated. Plus, with good wind on a smooth road you can make good use of the top end of compact gearing even when going easy.

Cyclist0114

Ok, thanks! So 2x will probably better choice.
What do you think about using GRX and 48/31 + 11-28 cassette? It will be enough for my strength and also very flexible

shelbyfv

Sounds like a very useful combo

Branko D

Yeah, that sounds about ideal for a touring setup, 31-28 is pretty low gearing (and if the drivetrain can handle a 11-28, it can also handle a 11-30 or 11-32 which gets you over 1:1 ratio, just great if you plan to go over the really steep stuff) and 48-11 is enough of a top end to be useful downhill.
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rydabent

Of course you could ride cross country with a 1x11 because years ago people did it with 10 speeds. But it is far easier to have a bike or trike with a triple in front.

Reflector Guy

Those probably weren't 1x10 though.

rydabent

No of course not they were 2x5.

blakcloud

I watched a really good video from David Arthur on this very subject this morning. He argues for the average cyclist, 1x is the way to go. He does look at both sides and says for him, he is perfectly content with this system. There are pros and cons to everything so it is a matter for that cost benefit type of analysis.