I wanted to share my journey into the 1x world. As no doubt some of you have considered, and even done, when changing from triple front rings you always consider how you can, or are going to, make it to the top of the hills. Most of us can, although I’m not a strong peddler, make it in the middle ring (in most places).
1x9 gives great chain security, simplification and weight savings. In choosing a 1 x 9 set up, most of us starting out hug onto our little security middle ring and go for a 32t. (Actually not having to change front rings frees the mind, opens up my focus on the ride and you turn to attacking ups a little more when there’s no granny safety net.)
1 x 9 is very good with one little drawback, it’s easy to pedal out in top gear on a FS bike.
Solution for me, 1 x 10 Sram XX. The 11-36 cassette really opens the door, well it did for me. I can now run a 34t up front, and in 34t x 36rear I am the same gearing as a 32t x 34 – sweet. I can climb the same and now I have a higher top gear and speed. An improvement in versatility. I know some stronger guys already run 34t+ already, but with XX you can go up to 36t at the front and so on.
XX is more money yes, but the 10 speeds broadens the scoop. (and keeps the hope of simplicity alive)
How does XX run? Well to me it’s like comparing cable actuated disc brakes to hydraulic disc brakes. The shift is quick and accurate. It’s very quiet and precise. Under load is where it shines big time, you can be mashing up a hill and click down a gear and the change is silent and importantly instantaneous. Amazing! It really can make for a fluid ride. It really is new and nothing compares to it.
I’ve ridden, like most, X7, X9, X0 and XT and XTR etc, but the shifting in XX is an improvement on all of these.
Expensive, maybe. However, when I ride my other bike the positives stand out loud and clear now, I will now change this to XX at the rear at least. You get use to how good XX is and there’s no coming back. Its like, you get use to hydraulic disc brakes....
I now (see, I’m rationalising) don’t think it’s all that expensive because it’s an important facet of your bike, the drive train. It is really a matter of how well you want the drive train to function for you.
Some thoughts for you guys, especially those contemplating the next 1 x 9 build, do yourself a favour, go 1 x 10 and go up a gear on the front and go smoother and go faster!
Cheers.
1x9 gives great chain security, simplification and weight savings. In choosing a 1 x 9 set up, most of us starting out hug onto our little security middle ring and go for a 32t. (Actually not having to change front rings frees the mind, opens up my focus on the ride and you turn to attacking ups a little more when there’s no granny safety net.)
1 x 9 is very good with one little drawback, it’s easy to pedal out in top gear on a FS bike.
Solution for me, 1 x 10 Sram XX. The 11-36 cassette really opens the door, well it did for me. I can now run a 34t up front, and in 34t x 36rear I am the same gearing as a 32t x 34 – sweet. I can climb the same and now I have a higher top gear and speed. An improvement in versatility. I know some stronger guys already run 34t+ already, but with XX you can go up to 36t at the front and so on.
XX is more money yes, but the 10 speeds broadens the scoop. (and keeps the hope of simplicity alive)
How does XX run? Well to me it’s like comparing cable actuated disc brakes to hydraulic disc brakes. The shift is quick and accurate. It’s very quiet and precise. Under load is where it shines big time, you can be mashing up a hill and click down a gear and the change is silent and importantly instantaneous. Amazing! It really can make for a fluid ride. It really is new and nothing compares to it.
I’ve ridden, like most, X7, X9, X0 and XT and XTR etc, but the shifting in XX is an improvement on all of these.
Expensive, maybe. However, when I ride my other bike the positives stand out loud and clear now, I will now change this to XX at the rear at least. You get use to how good XX is and there’s no coming back. Its like, you get use to hydraulic disc brakes....
I now (see, I’m rationalising) don’t think it’s all that expensive because it’s an important facet of your bike, the drive train. It is really a matter of how well you want the drive train to function for you.
Some thoughts for you guys, especially those contemplating the next 1 x 9 build, do yourself a favour, go 1 x 10 and go up a gear on the front and go smoother and go faster!
Cheers.
). I find it gives me more control in the mud too, as I am more focused but I understand that if your are XCing a lot of mud, this might get a little harder after 3 hours or so. 
