1x Road Bikes [Pros and Cons of 1x drivetrain Road Bikes]
 The Short Answer is: |
A 1x drivetrain refers to a single chainring and multiple sprockets on the rear cassette, with no front derailleur. It is a simpler and lighter setup than a traditional 2x or 3x drivetrain, but it may not be as efficient on the road. 1x drivetrains are more commonly used on gravel and off-road bikes, where simplicity and improved chain retention are more beneficial. Using a 1x drivetrain on a road bike allows for shorter chainstay lengths, which creates a more nimble and lively riding quality. |
Road bikes have traditionally featured two or three chainrings and a front derailleur, but in recent years, there has been a growing trend towards using a 1x drivetrain.
A 1x drivetrain refers to a single chainring and multiple sprockets on the rear cassette, with no front derailleur. This setup is simpler and lighter than a traditional 2x or 3x drivetrain, but it may not be as efficient on the road.
Despite this, many riders have converted to the 1x system in the past, with the use of chain catchers or after-market component solutions.
The number of mass-produced, dedicated 1x drivetrains available to consumers has grown in recent years, in line with the setup’s popularity.
In this article, we will explore the use of 1x Road Bikes, including the benefits and drawbacks of this setup.
Table of Contents
What Is a 1x Drivetrain?
A 1x drivetrain refers to a single chainring mounted to the crankset, with no front derailleur. This setup is simpler and lighter than a traditional 2x or 3x drivetrain, but it may not be as efficient on the road.
The use of 1x drivetrains on road bikes is a growing trend, with many riders converting to the 1x system in the past, with the use of chain catchers or after-market component solutions.
The number of mass-produced, dedicated 1x drivetrains available to consumers has grown in recent years, in line with the setup’s popularity.
Many 1x drivetrains are further refined in terms of chain retention, to stop the chain from falling off the single chainring or from slapping on the drive side chainstay whenever you ride over choppy terrain.
A 1x drivetrain is a compelling proposition if you favor simplicity, a slight weight saving, reduced maintenance, and improved chain retention.
Benefits of 1x Drivetrains on Road Bikes
1x drivetrains have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many riders converting to the 1x system in the past, with the use of chain catchers or after-market component solutions. The number of mass-produced, dedicated 1x drivetrains available to consumers has grown in recent years, in line with the setup’s popularity.
While 1x setups do have their advantages in certain scenarios, and new hub gear tech is a potential game-changer, a 1x revolution on road bikes is still a solution in search of a problem.
However, the use of 1x drivetrains on road bikes allows for shorter chainstay lengths, which creates a more nimble and lively riding quality and, on some bikes, lifts the front wheel over obstacles.
The advantages of a 1x drivetrain on road bikes include simplicity, better chain retention, less maintenance, improved clearance, and frame design.
The absence of a front derailleur mount frees up space, allowing for more complex suspension designs and kinematics on mountain bikes.
Simplified Shifting and Gearing
A 1x drivetrain is simpler to operate than a drivetrain with multiple chainrings because you don’t have to worry about shifting a front derailleur. The front derailleur shifter is also eliminated, as is the gear cable that would typically run between the shifter and front derailleur.
Most bikes with 1x drivetrains feature a wider-range cassette, which tends to have harder smallest cogs and an easier largest cog. This ensures you have an adequate range for climbing and descending, without the need for additional chainrings to add gearing.
The simplicity and effectiveness of a 1x drivetrain, which refers to a single front chainring with multiple sprockets and a rear derailleur, has many people converting their multi-chainring setups. With only one derailleur to shift, converting to a 1x drivetrain results in simpler, more efficient gearing.
You can maintain your gear range and also eliminate gearing overlap and redundancy. Another benefit is the reduced number of parts involved in the drivetrain, reducing the amount of weight in parts, as well as the number of parts that have to be maintained and replaced.
Weight Savings and Aerodynamic Advantages
Weight savings and aerodynamic advantages are two benefits of using a 1x drivetrain on a road bike. 1x drivetrains are generally lighter than 2x or 3x drivetrains because they forgo chainrings, front derailleurs, and corresponding cables.
The absence of a front derailleur mount frees up space, allowing for more complex suspension designs and kinematics on mountain bikes. The weight savings from using a 1x drivetrain can be significant, as it eliminates the need for a front derailleur, front shifter, shifter cable, and the extra chainring.
The heaviest components that you’re eliminating are the front derailleur and extra chainring. The mechanical simplicity of a 1x drivetrain also results in fewer parts that could fail while you’re out riding, making it a more reliable option.
A 1x drivetrain gains aerodynamic performance by eliminating the front derailleur, a front chainring, and a shifter. Some wind tunnel testing performed at 30mph suggests that a 1x drivetrain gains aerodynamic performance.
Reduced Maintenance and Cleaner Aesthetics
Reduced maintenance and cleaner aesthetics are two additional benefits of using a 1x drivetrain on a road bike. With only one derailleur to shift, converting to a 1x drivetrain results in simpler, more efficient gearing.
You can maintain your gear range and also eliminate gearing overlap and redundancy. Another benefit is the reduced number of parts involved in the drivetrain, reducing the amount of weight in parts, as well as the number of parts that have to be maintained and replaced.
The absence of a front derailleur mount frees up space, allowing for more complex suspension designs and kinematics on mountain bikes. The mechanical simplicity of a 1x drivetrain also results in fewer parts that could fail while you’re out riding, making it a more reliable option.
A 1x drivetrain also looks cleaner and more streamlined than a traditional 2x or 3x drivetrain, with fewer cables and components cluttering the front of the bike.
The absence of a front derailleur mount frees up space, allowing for more complex suspension designs and kinematics on mountain bikes. The cleaner aesthetics of a 1x drivetrain can be especially appealing to riders who value a minimalist look on their bikes.
Considerations When Choosing a 1x Road Bike
When choosing a 1x road bike, there are several considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it’s important to consider the terrain you’ll be riding on.
While 1x drivetrains are more commonly used on gravel and off-road bikes, they can also be suitable for road bikes, depending on the rider’s needs. Secondly, it’s important to consider the gear range you’ll need.
Most bikes with 1x drivetrains feature a wider-range cassette, which tends to have harder smallest cogs and an easier largest cog. This ensures you have an adequate range for climbing and descending, without the need for additional chainrings to add gearing.
Thirdly, it’s important to consider the weight savings and aerodynamic advantages of a 1x drivetrain. The absence of a front derailleur mount frees up space, allowing for more complex suspension designs and kinematics on mountain bikes.
The weight savings from using a 1x drivetrain can be significant, as it eliminates the need for a front derailleur, front shifter, shifter cable, and the extra chainring. Finally, it’s important to consider the reduced maintenance and cleaner aesthetics of a 1x drivetrain.
The mechanical simplicity of a 1x drivetrain results in fewer parts that could fail while you’re out riding, making it a more reliable option.
A 1x drivetrain also looks cleaner and more streamlined than a traditional 2x or 3x drivetrain, with fewer cables and components cluttering the front of the bike. Ultimately, the decision to use a 1x drivetrain on a road bike will depend on the rider’s individual needs and preferences.
Ideal Riding Conditions for 1x Road Bikes
Ideal riding conditions for 1x road bikes depend on the rider’s needs and preferences. While 1x drivetrains are more commonly used on gravel and off-road bikes, they can also be suitable for road bikes, depending on the terrain you’ll be riding on.
It’s generally a good idea to choose appropriate chainrings and gears for the conditions and your abilities. The gear range you’ll need is also an important consideration.
Most bikes with 1x drivetrains feature a wider-range cassette, which tends to have harder smallest cogs and an easier largest cog.
This ensures you have an adequate range for climbing and descending, without the need for additional chainrings to add gearing. Ultimately, the decision to use a 1x drivetrain on a road bike will depend on the rider’s individual needs and preferences.
Adapting to the 1x Riding Experience
Adapting to the 1x riding experience can take some time, especially if you’re used to a multi-chainring setup. For a beginner, there is no doubt that a 1x drivetrain is the easiest to use.
If you want to go faster, you go up a gear, if you need to go slower, you go down. In comparison, using a 2X or 3X drivetrain takes a little more practice.
To avoid cross-chaining, you’ll want to use the biggest cassette cogs with the smallest front chainrings, and the smallest cassette cogs with the biggest front chainrings. Adjustment time is also a consideration.
After many years of riding with a 2x (and even a triple on my road touring bike), it may take some time to adjust to a 1x drivetrain. However, our bodies and brains adapt surprisingly fast. It’s also important to consider the gear range you’ll need.
A good 1x setup is all about balancing the need for a wide range with the need for reasonable step spacing, and then positioning that range in the right place relative to the high and low gears ideal for the terrain you’ll be riding. Ultimately, adapting to the 1x riding experience will depend on the rider’s individual needs and preferences.
Maintenance and Care for 1x Drivetrains
Maintenance and care for 1x drivetrains are relatively easy compared to multi-chainring setups. 1x drivetrains are easy to maintain, largely due to the fact there is only one derailleur to adjust and keep in working order.
You don’t need to worry about installing or maintaining a front derailleur, and you don’t need to focus on trimming it in certain gear combinations when riding if the chain rubs on the inner cage plate.
Once you have learned the basics of installing a 1X drivetrain, there are a host of details to fine-tuning and maintaining it. Eventually, it will start making annoying clicking sounds or skipping out of the gear you select.
From the first day a new drivetrain is installed until it is recycled, pieces stretch, loosen, wear, and become bent. The troubleshooting guide below will take you through some common shifting issues, followed by their most likely causes and solutions.
It’s important to keep the chain clean and lubricated, as a dirty or dry chain can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the drivetrain. It’s also important to regularly check the chain for wear and replace it when necessary.
1x drivetrains require less maintenance and care than multi-chainring setups, making them a more reliable option for riders who want to spend more time riding and less time maintaining their bikes.
Pros and Cons of 1x Road Bikes
1x drivetrains have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many riders converting to the 1x system in the past, with the use of chain catchers or after-market component solutions.
The number of mass-produced, dedicated 1x drivetrains available to consumers has grown in recent years, in line with the setup’s popularity.
While 1x setups do have their advantages in certain scenarios, and new hub gear tech is a potential game-changer, a 1x revolution on road bikes is still a solution in search of a problem.
Pros:
- Simplified shifting and gearing: A 1x drivetrain is simpler to operate than a drivetrain with multiple chainrings because you don’t have to worry about shifting a front derailleur.
- Weight savings and aerodynamic advantages: 1x drivetrains are generally lighter than 2x or 3x drivetrains because they forgo chainrings, front derailleurs, and corresponding cables. A 1x drivetrain gains aerodynamic performance by eliminating the front derailleur, a front chainring, and a shifter.
- Reduced maintenance and cleaner aesthetics: The mechanical simplicity of a 1x drivetrain results in fewer parts that could fail while you’re out riding, making it a more reliable option. A 1x drivetrain also looks cleaner and more streamlined than a traditional 2x or 3x drivetrain, with fewer cables and components cluttering the front of the bike.
Cons:
- Limited gear range: While most bikes with 1x drivetrains feature a wider-range cassette, the gear range may not be suitable for all riders and terrains.
- Adjustment time: Adapting to the 1x riding experience can take some time, especially if you’re used to a multi-chainring setup.
- Chain retention: While 1x drivetrains use a clutch derailleur and run the chain at higher tension, the chain may still drop on rough terrain.
Ultimately, the decision to use a 1x drivetrain on a road bike will depend on the rider’s individual needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to 1x Road Bikes:
Is 1x OK for road bikes?
The use of 1x drivetrains on road bikes is a topic of debate among cyclists. Some riders find that 1x drivetrains are suitable for road bikes, while others believe that they are better suited for off-road and gravel bikes.
The suitability of 1x drivetrains for road bikes depends on the rider’s needs and preferences. A 1x drivetrain can simplify shifting and gearing, reduce weight, and improve aerodynamics and aesthetics.
However, a 1x drivetrain may have a limited gear range and require an adjustment period for riders used to multi-chainring setups. Ultimately, the decision to use a 1x drivetrain on a road bike will depend on the rider’s individual needs and preferences.
Are 1x bikes worth it?
Whether 1x bikes are worth it depends on the rider’s priorities, preferences, and riding conditions. 1x drivetrains are simpler to operate, lighter, and more aerodynamic than multi-chainring setups.
They also require less maintenance and look cleaner and more streamlined. However, 1x drivetrains may have a limited gear range and require an adjustment period for riders used to multi-chainring setups.
The suitability of 1x drivetrains for road bikes is a topic of debate among cyclists. Ultimately, the decision to use a 1x drivetrain on a road bike will depend on the rider’s individual needs and preferences.
Is 1x better than 2x?
Whether 1x or 2x drivetrains are better depends on the rider’s needs and preferences. 1x drivetrains are simpler to operate, lighter, and more aerodynamic than multi-chainring setups.
However, 1x drivetrains may have a limited gear range and require an adjustment period for riders used to multi-chainring setups. On the other hand, 2x drivetrains offer a wider gear range and smaller, more consistent steps between gears, making it easier to maintain your cadence.
They also tend to have better parts availability and are cheaper. Ultimately, the decision to use a 1x or 2x drivetrain will depend on the rider’s individual needs and preferences.
Are 1x bikes slower?
1x bikes are not necessarily slower than 2x bikes. While 1x drivetrains have half the number of gears of 2x drivetrains, they still have an adequate range for climbing and descending, without the need for additional chainrings to add gearing.
According to UK-based experts AeroCoach, switching to its ARC 1x aero chainrings can save between “between 1 to 4 watts at 30mph / 48kph”. Ultimately, the suitability of 1x drivetrains for road bikes depends on the rider’s needs and preferences.
Conclusion on 1x Road Bikes
In conclusion, the use of 1x drivetrains on road bikes has become increasingly popular in recent years. While 1x drivetrains have their advantages, such as simplified shifting and gearing, weight savings, and reduced maintenance, they also have their disadvantages, such as a limited gear range and an adjustment period for riders used to multi-chainring setups.
The suitability of 1x drivetrains for road bikes depends on the rider’s individual needs and preferences. As technology continues to evolve, 1x gearing may become more popular among road cyclists.
Ultimately, the decision to use a 1x drivetrain on a road bike will depend on the rider’s individual needs and preferences.
