2x XC for gravel, (not to mention every other surface, because I'm just a one bike does it all kind of guy!) Trouble is, if you want a mid to high end XC bike you have to look at older models because 1x is near universal now (in my experience) at the upper end of big name brands' ranges. I had to go back to 2017 models to find a version of the Giant XTC which wasn't 1x specific. At least 2x is actually an option on gravel bikes!
Hey Julie, I nearly spat my tea out when you stated you weren't a powerful rider! I saw you power up that first slope out of Cromford Wharf, and talk whilst you did so! If your not a powerful rider, then I don't know who is! Note to self: your even less fit than you thought!😂 Great post, as usual! Think I personally prefer the 2x set up, as like to go bike camping, and like (need)the extra gears for steep hills. That was a really interesting subject you covered, and I will look forward to read the comments section to see what the general consensus is. Thanx Julie, you take care, and shout out to the editor!👍😊
Thanks Tim. Its not that I'm powerful, it's just that I never stop talking lol ! Cheers for your continued support- always really appreciated . Take care .
Julie, with the question of 1x or 2x there is no wrong answer. Every rider has different goals and that’s why there are choices. My bikepacking setup is a dual suspension Trek Fuel with a 28/51. EDIT: 28/51 makes no sense 🙄,so to clarify it’s a 1 x 12 with a 28 front chainring and an 10-51 cassette (makes sense now) For me, it’s all about the journey. I keep my cadence to between 85-90,which is my sweet spot, and happy days. I can remember the 3x days when you were always switching the front or the rear derailleur to get the right gear. Thank goodness we’ve moved on from that.😅 Happy Trails.
Thanks Tim for your great comments, as always. You’re right. There is no right answer. It’s all about what suits the individual. Wishing you ‘ happy trails ‘too. Take care and have fun.
Yes, I agree with traildoug (and you). I don't race but certainly need my top gear with 2x on road descents. Might be worth adding: where are you coming from, road or mtb? I suspect that lots of mtbers are used to 1x and big jumps in the gears whereas roadies are more likely to favour smaller jumps and the ability to maintain an optimum cadence.
Thanks Julie, x2 on a gravel just seems better for me - sonder delivery soon. Adaptable for packing or road with trail mix etc. Don't need the racier setup any more, maybe another set of tyres👍
I agree with some of the comments however range is not the issue as my x1 set up has the same range as x 2 set up, only the increments are different. As I am 67 and I ride a lot of hilly rough tracks loaded and unloaded I find that having the low end range sorted works well so 46 or 50 on rear and a 36 oval on the front. This means I can spin up most climbs where I lose out is speed on the flat or downhill. That said I am usually glad to freewheel some descents for a rest or because the terrain is technical. On the flat I can still push the 45mm tyres along at about 24 mph. Which compared to a road bike is slow but more than adequate for gravel rides or bikepacking.
Thanks for your comments . It's great that so many people are contributing to this interesting subject. Yep it's the downhill particularly on the road , is when I notice it.
Good video, I have GRX 2 on my Camino and find the gaps between gears spot on for road and offroad use. If truth be told, though, I wish I had a bigger ring at the back for some of the climbs as I'm just not fit enough. Also I tend to spin out at about 55-60kph downhill (onroad) and cant pedal fast enough. Granted that#s fairly rare but I certainly notice when riding with a friend who has a road bike with a more speed-oriented setup. I've also been curious about the Classified Hub - which is a 2 speed hub gear in the rear wheel that you run along with a normal cassette thus effectively having the benefit of 2x but without needing a front derailleur. So far as I can see the only real downside is cost - its too expensive for one hub and I already run multiple wheelsets for road and gravel so is a non starter for me but could be just the ticket for some.
Ahh...I'm tearing my hair out over this choice. I love the idea of 1x - and want it! 😊But unfortunately most of my riding will be road and I'm not a strong rider so my head is telling me the wise choice would be 2x🙁
I think you could be right :-) I am riding the Sedona in the video with a 1x . I am preparing for a fast gravel race and the gearing is fine. However it has taken a longtime for me to come to this conclusion. In my event I probably will not be pedalling down really steep hills because I will be focusing on staying off the brakes when it’s really sketchy, staying as low as poss’ and weighting the bike correctly. When it comes to the uphills it will be a case of ‘full gas’ with no spare gears. I have been training a lot on this bike on some very difficult terrain so I know this will work. I really feel if there any doubts in your head , go for the 2x . It will give you loads of options. You can always swop at a later date- 1x will work out cheaper :-)) I hope that helps .
To me the annoying thing is lack of choice. The bike makers seem to be forcing us to 1x 12 speed on higher end bikes. I think 12 is too many cogs and a 10 sprocket too small. 10 speed X2 is my preferred option, but getting harder to obtain.
I must admit, like many people, I feel my choice is being dictated to by the manufacturers. I always try to be open minded about new technology but in all areas of manufacture we are being forced to change designs. Replacement components become impossible to find . I have a couple of lovely bikes but they are now just redundant technology!
Hi Julie, really enjoying the videos! 👍 Saw you were riding your Camino in Murcia a while back, I’m headed there next year - if you could recommend any routes I’d be really grateful!
@@tomdevlin9442 ok Tom . I am really busy until after Whitsun but have a few ideas plus possibly could contact someone who may have some ideas. I really don’t mind doing this for you. Please could you give me a reminder after the Whitsun school holiday . Cheers take care
Please don't overlook the mullet setup 1x's (GRX), 10-51 cassette with 40t chainring gives you a lot of range. 10t with 40t gives enough speed for all my road downhill's (I don't have the balls to do 30+ mph on UK gravel tracks!) and the 51t will climb anything.
I run a 2x setup swapping between gravel and road wheelsets. 1x just doesnt offer a big enough gear range for how I use my gravel bike when we are away in the camper van.
2x is definetly better but after breaking my front sti shifter twice, i'll try a mullet 1x now, sucks because you lose top speed, but not being delusional i know im only reaching those 70+ km\h speeds on big descents anyway
