wheelsmcgee

I think it’s here to stay. I don’t even own any 1x bikes (well, unless you count 1x1) but there are some advantages that I don’t see going away anytime soon, like:

• Marginally more robust against drivetrain failure. I’ve never had issues on paved roads, but on mud the front derailer is in location that can get loaded up pretty quickly.
• as 11 speed, 12 speed (and beyond) become more common, there isn’t the same difficulty getting tight spacing and wide range. A lot of people don’t even really need both of those things.
• Adjustments are marginally easier.
• In theory, 1x should be cheaper to make and install.
• For some frames, running 1x maximizes tire clearance, and chainring/frame clearance which is also an important thing if you get muddy.

So yea, I don’t think it’s going away soon, but neither is 2x. If I did paved group rides with my gravel bike, I’d certainly want 2x.