As the heading really, I am considering a gravel bike which I intend to use off road on suitable terrain (not single track trails where a MTB would be more suitable), as well as a winter road bike. My conundrum is whether to go 1x or 2x, my instinct says 2x but I fear that maybe misplaced? Just after thoughts of those who may have practical experience in similar situations and which they would choose now?
New Gravel bike
- Thread starter YellowV2
- Start date
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ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
I have a 1x11 bike in Devon. I really like it. The steps between some of the gears are quite big but I have ridden singlespeed a lot so I am used to being over/undergeared and adjusting my cadence accordingly.
The bottom gear is 42/42, which is low enough for me on most climbs, though I would like 1 or 2 lower gears for climbs steeper than 20%, which I have encountered a couple of times down there.
I think the highest gear is 42/11, which is high enough for me. I spin out on long/steep descents so I just freewheel on them once I can't pedal any faster.
A 1x13 bike with 42/10-46 gears would be great for me, and maybe for you too? If you wouldn't be riding up really steep hills, pick a cassette with smaller steps?
The bottom gear is 42/42, which is low enough for me on most climbs, though I would like 1 or 2 lower gears for climbs steeper than 20%, which I have encountered a couple of times down there.
I think the highest gear is 42/11, which is high enough for me. I spin out on long/steep descents so I just freewheel on them once I can't pedal any faster.
A 1x13 bike with 42/10-46 gears would be great for me, and maybe for you too? If you wouldn't be riding up really steep hills, pick a cassette with smaller steps?
I have a 1by gravel/winter bike - a Canyon Grail with Shiman9 12 speed.
1by is a lot simpler and when the time comes to replace will be moderately cheaper. The only downside I have found is that you can run out of gears when you have a good downhill or speed behind you But as long as you‘re not chasing speed all of the time, you just moderate your cycling style to suit.
I chose the Grail as it has purpose designed metal mudguards as I was always having to tweak the SKS guards on my old bike.
1by is a lot simpler and when the time comes to replace will be moderately cheaper. The only downside I have found is that you can run out of gears when you have a good downhill or speed behind you But as long as you‘re not chasing speed all of the time, you just moderate your cycling style to suit.
I chose the Grail as it has purpose designed metal mudguards as I was always having to tweak the SKS guards on my old bike.
PaulSB
Squire
- Location
- Chorley, Lancashire
I have a Kinesis ATR-V3 which I use for exactly the purpose you describe. It's 2x 12 speed with di2. I find it gives me the full range of gears I need, especially in winter on hills, and when I'm climbing often find I have 2 - 3 gears to spare.
I don't fancy 1x and the only person I know who rode one converted to 2x.
I don't fancy 1x and the only person I know who rode one converted to 2x.
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fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
I am a 2x on most of my bikes, including the FS MTB and CX bike Prefer the closer gears especially when on flatter trails.
N0bodyOfTheGoat
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Hampshire, UK
I'm loving the gearing of 2x for rampy hills, 30/46 up front with 11-34.
I like Skol
A Minging Manc...
- Location
- Sunny Ashton-under-Lyne
Triple..... Just sayin!
I'd deffo recommend and prefer a double - I'm biased, but I'd also recommend a Scott Addict Gravel bike.
I was out on mine earlier (It fulfils a raft of roles) and the GRX 48/31 with an 11-34 on the back, gives nice close enough gearing, but also pretty much caters for every eventuality, on or off road.
The other bonus in my eyes, is that replacement cassettes are going to be cheaper (And potentially available from more manufacturers) than some relatively abstract/niche/rare 10-52 - assuming such a ratio combo does exist, but hopefully you get my point!
I was out on mine earlier (It fulfils a raft of roles) and the GRX 48/31 with an 11-34 on the back, gives nice close enough gearing, but also pretty much caters for every eventuality, on or off road.
The other bonus in my eyes, is that replacement cassettes are going to be cheaper (And potentially available from more manufacturers) than some relatively abstract/niche/rare 10-52 - assuming such a ratio combo does exist, but hopefully you get my point!
Thanks for all the replies, most helpful and in line with my thoughts it’s about a 50/50 split. I think.
I will probably go with 2x my initial instinct, it seems slightly better for the road riding I think?
Dan sorry to disappoint but it won’t be carbon, I’m a Ti fanboy!
I will probably go with 2x my initial instinct, it seems slightly better for the road riding I think?
Dan sorry to disappoint but it won’t be carbon, I’m a Ti fanboy!
