While doing my extensive research and testing I found that 1x drivetrains have advantages like easier gear changing, less weight, and it gives you more room for other essential bike upgrades on your handlebars. I’ve made this article simply to share my experience and my opinions about it. Therefore, improving mountain bikes for speed and downhill riding requires adapting to 1x drivetrains. Everything else is just about how you prefer to use that skill. The teeth are made with every other tooth being wide so that the chain fits tightly. Nowadays, all of them come with 1x drivetrains, especially since Sram and Shimano introduced one by to their cheaper drivetrain ranges. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. That simplicity outmatches everything else in terms of importance and benefit when going downhill. Seems quite straight forward at first but it’s far away from being simple. The easiest way to measure chain wear is with a chain checker tool that all bike shops will have. Sram’s cranksets are compatible with boost and non-boost frames. The average rider needs to account for al, The other one would be something like a good all around bike. This, as well, was a major problem some time ago. By signing up you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. In my opinion, Sram shifters and derailleurs are more durable and easier to maintain, on the other side, Shimano usually shifts better for the same price. Doesn’t seem like a big difference but it’s quite a lot in high gears. This is closely related to the one-by trend in recent years. There are different kinds of riders. In my opinion, out of all mountain bike types, except hardtails, trail bikes lose the most with the 1x drivetrain just because most of us expect them to do everything, even ride well on the road to the trail and back. This way you’ll be able to make informed decisions when upgrading cassettes or buying new bikes in the future. It’s a bit different these days since you can have a. It’s not that you can’t have both dropper post lever and a shifter on the same side, but it’s much easier to use when it’s in the position where shifter used to be. No surprise that our mountain bikes are the most technologically advanced on the market. As far as conversions to 1x go, I’ve tried pretty much everything that’s relevant on the market. Lower teeth range from the lowest to the highest gear will result in either not having the easiest climbing gears or stroking out on a fast downhill and level ground. On the other hand, if you are a casual XC rider that uses this bike only for Cross country, you can enjoy far more with the simplicity of one by drivetrain. My top choice would be NX Eagle 11-50 12-speed cassette. The biggest problem was the cassettes. While low weight isn’t that important for most casual riders, it is actually a crucial thing for technical rides. Normally this groupset comprises of front and rear derailleurs, shifters, chainset, bottom bracket, chain, cassette and brakes. Why would they limit their bikes to 1x? Not only that but geometry improvements go so far that bikes from different brands today feel much different to ride than they ever did before. For those who want to stick with 11-speed 1x systems in order to keep their derailleur, shifter, and chain, Shimano offers high-quality cassettes in XT and SLX series. I find this happening quite rare these days. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Whether you're shopping for your first hardtail or it's time for that downhill bike of your dreams, Bicycle Warehouse has the perfect mountain bike for you! They’ve made this very simple by making chainline difference with their direct mount chainrings. Most brands offer two bike models for enduro racing. One by drivetrain takes less space and with less complication, as a frame designer you are able to improve other things around it. The mountain bike drivetrain are not that complicated once you have a basic understanding of the components and how they work. Find a dealer. It’s way more important to ride your bike regularly than having a flashy bike that stays in the basement. You will still lose a bit on either side of the gear range but if your legs are strong it becomes quite irrelevant. Bicycle manufacturers are creating frames specifically designed for 1x drivetrains. Same as in any other sport, some rely more on technique, some on efficiency, some on strength, and so on…. The important thing to do is always fit derailleur with a shifter from the same brand. One-by drivetrains are generally more expensive. Therefore, improving mountain bikes for speed and downhill riding requires adapting to 1x drivetrains. SunRace CSMX80 11-speed cassette with 11-50 range. This video will show you the components needed to build a 1 x 10 drivetrain for a mountain bike and give tips on the build. Although, the rear mech isn’t as durable as it should be. Shimano dubs this drivetrain as 'part of a dedicated mountain bike groupset', in fact their website says it will handle the “rigors of teenage trail riding and continue to perform with minimal maintenance”, we’re a little confused by the teenage reference but it’s clear this is a groupset designed to take some hard labour and still work in tough conditions and not cost the earth. Cross country trails, like classic trail riding, feature a great variety of climbing sections as well as sections where you can use high speed. This, as well, was a major problem some time ago. Same goes for any other upgrade you wish to have there. Before going any further, it makes a lot of sense to get a really good understanding of how the gears on your mountain bike actually work. The mountain bike drivetrains consist of a couple of components, with each of these playing an important role in the overall bike design. 3x uses even bigger chainrings so that is a big plus on the side of clearance. Components. They offer the simplest solutions and the least complications for adapting chainline. The average rider needs to account for all of these things in order to choose a bike that will not only fit their style and capabilities but allow them to have the most fun they can have. I’ve gathered some information about what people think of one by drivetrains. Other manufacturers which I mentioned developed parts to make this system work but either with a lower range cassette or much lower quality and durability. Subscribe to our free newsletter and stay up-to-date with the latest from If you need more range though, you might consider going for a GX Eagle 12-speed cassette which has a 10-50 gear ratio. As some people say; “everyone is a downhill rider, they just don’t know it yet”. And if you can actually benefit from that lowered weight. Mountain Bike Reviews Forum A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. For example, the recent appearance of reinvented Top Fuel by Trek started a new era in trail/XC capable full suspension bikes that other brands are starting to follow as well. All in all, each setup has its good and bad sides and without trying it you can’t really know. For me, every other position means that I need to loosen the grip on my handles in order to use my dropper. And more importantly, you may not use some moves properly and efficiently. However, brands that do manufacture chains often have some systems in place to make them work better with their cassettes. You will have to put more effort and that means losing more energy to overcome specific trail parts. Some human powered vehicles, both historical and modern, employ direct drive. As much as I like one by drivetrains, I wouldn’t say this makes you particularly stronger by itself. It always comes down to learning and gaining skill. Frames are also improved by shorter chainstays for better performance. Believe me, I’ve been there quite a few times. While maintaining a decent amount of versatility. Since this 1x drivetrain trend appeared once already, this time we should be wondering if every brand managed to surpass those already mentioned technological barriers. Well, for a start, we are able to produce and fit much larger cassettes in the back than we used to before. These are mostly claims and concerns which I have the necessity to clarify. Shifting performance is a bit subjective. Especially if you consider that a worn-out chain wears out the cassette much faster. Because of the chain line not being straight on 1x drivetrains, older and “cheaper” cassettes used to drop gears when pedaling backward. The first thing you may hear is that you can’t climb at all with a single chainring. Don’t know about others but I live in a city where there are hills and long straight roads so I need both, low and high gears. That one I linked comes with a Boost chainring which is the most common choice these days. While this might have been true some time ago, today not so much. Simplicity doesn’t seem important at first but unless you are really skilled with proper shifting and that requires a lot, and I mean a lot of experience with the same bike, you will have much more fun without a front derailleur. Preferably from the same series as well. However, they started migrating towards more technical trail riding and became similar to enduro bikes. The crankset is what the bicycle pedals attach to and are what your legs spin in circles as you pedal. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. However, this comes at a price of increased wear of drivetrain components, unwanted gear changing, sometimes limited gear range, and chain drops on “cheaper” drivetrain chainrings. How are things different this time? Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! All rights reserved. This was kind of mandatory back then because we didn’t have clutch derailleurs and specifically developed narrow-wide single chainrings. There are a number of advantages to 1x drivetrains. Also, the chainrings are not as expensive as they used to be. Let us know in the comment section which drivetrain you have for your mountain bike. 1x drivetrains also require a bit more strength and endurance. All-mountain bikes are built for a range of demanding terrain and technical descents. Components of mountain bike groupsets. They still hold that position for anyone that’s not too much into freeride or downhill riding. Losing the left shifter means you get more space for any other important upgrade. It is that simple. With a clean chain and drivetrain, your shifting will be smoother and your bike will work better. As I mentioned at the beginning, 1x drivetrains offer simplicity and low weight. It’s a bit different these days since you can have a 12-speed cassette in the back by Sram NX for around $100. You don’t want your chain getting stuck or drop down by not shifting on time or shifting poorly on technical parts, and that actually happens a lot when you are focusing on what’s in front of you. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The most important would be your skill level. Apart from things I already mentioned like weight saving, simplicity, and lower gear ratio, there are some common claims and concerns about switching to 1x drivetrain. Specific to SRAM's 1x12-speed Eagle mountain drivetrain X-actuation for super-precise shifting across wide-range gearing along with up to 5 gears per shift throw New mechanism creates a smoother and more precise shifting system with exceptional reliability Aluminum trigger lever and updated internal mechanism provide crisp feel and precise shifts Not integrated with brake lever to allow use with … Maybe that won’t be the problem for someone with larger hands but I like to keep my riding safe and comfortable. 5 Easy Steps, How to Change a Bike Chain Without a Chain Tool. It rivals all those budget cassettes in price and beats them in quality. When I say upgrades, you should take it with a pinch of salt because not all manufacturers were able to produce high gear and high range cassettes that work properly. Most … As a matter of fact, I’ve never even seen this happen on any properly set up Sram 1×12 setup, and I’ve only had it happen twice on a bit older 1×10 XT from Shimano. These used to come with 2x drivetrain unless there is a wide range 1×12 setup from Sram. These bikes are usually expected to do everything, especially everyday riding and 2x will always do better in that scenario. Having a single chainring at the crank means it will have to carry the load by itself. Shop SRAM Mountain Bike Components. The biggest problems you will face is adapting everything to your frame since the chainline is kind of a big deal with 1x drivetrains. I haven’t had the opportunity to test everything on the market but I have experience with the more common setups. Unsurprisingly, this comes at the cost of increased wear over time. Considering everything, only spending a lot of time on your bike can make you a better rider. Bike Magazine has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. Not even all of these brands are doing everything perfectly when it comes to 1x drivetrains, a part of Sram of course who kind of sets the standard and invents new stuff regarding one by drivetrains moving forward. You can usually find one manufactured specifically for your hub brand or even model. Shop the best selection of mountain bike drivetrain at Backcountry.com, where you'll find premium outdoor gear and clothing and experts to guide you through selection. Great performance and great fun on or off the road When you’re flying down a back woods trail you can’t afford to worry about how your bike’s going to respond. For example, I’m pretty active on my dropper post. That way the chain stays tight on the front chainring. Especially with high range 12-speed cassettes. Especially if you make a mistake, there is less chance to get stuck on something and injure yourself. Your information has been successfully processed! They are run by local mountain bikers, I’m including a few bigger ones for the US and UK, but do a quick search on Facebook to find one in your local area. On modern mountain bikes, the crankset consists of the crank arms, chainrings (the front cogs) and the axle that connects the two crank arms together. There is one other amazing invention for one by setup and that would be narrow-wide chainrings I mentioned above. Drivetrain; BOX Components Box 3 Prime 9 Drivetrain . That is of course if, like me, you don’t have a specific bike for this purpose alone. I personally love, There is a valid concern for some people and that would be the cost. However, it is your responsibility to put in the time to look at the information and study these drivetrains. It’s usually a 50/50 rivalry between Sram and Shimano. Simply put: Easier to understand and use - with only the right hand gear shifter used to shift up or down gears riders can focus on enjoying their ride rather than fretting about the complexity of their gears. Reviews. I personally love Sram NX 1×12 on my all around bike because it is affordable with amazing 1x performance. Here, innovations are not limited to only the highest-end MTB models. The second iteration of an industry first, TLD colab handlebars and cranks, plus new X01 DH colors, Made in British Columbia, just like Whistler, the North Shore and Japadog. My favorite choice is always and forever the same XX1 Eagle 12-speed chain. To keep it simple, I would always recommend sticking to Sram for conversions. This is a kind of controversial category in my opinion, because if we are talking about actual racing then 99% of the time you will be better off with two by drivetrain. It’s all very subjective and we should try and adjust the components with our skills and limitations. The drivetrain can be seen as the engine room of any mountain bike. For Sram’s cassettes with 10 teeth smallest cog, you will need an XD driver freehub body. Thank you for signing up. Trek is the world leader in mountain bike technology. Since new technologies let us use single chainrings for most rides they have taken the opportunity to have more freedom with frame design. These bikes used to use 2x drivetrains most of the time because they excel at long distance trails and climb very well so you will need that gear choice to stay in your comfort zone. Since chains are the first to wear out, I like to invest a bit into a good durable chain. Tubeless Valve Stem Leaking Won’t Stop; How to fix? However, Sram is still my preference for lower end groupset because of lower price and weight. How mountain bike gears work. Brands that make cassettes but do not make chains, usually fit equally with every major chain brand like Shimano, Sram or KMC. Better ground clearance at the front chainring can be a valid point. 1x Drivetrain Upgrade On Our Kid’s Mountain Bike We converted a 2×10 drivetrain to a 1x set-up on Tyge’s bike with a non-boost hub. 24 Inch Mountain Bikes, Heren Vrouwen Carbon Steel Fiets, 30-Speed Drivetrain Alle Terrein Mountainbike met Dual Disc Rem,27Vitesses,Cyan 6 Spoke: Amazon.nl In addition, any bending of a derailleur or its hanger causes even more problems than usual. These cookies do not store any personal information. Most 1x systems used to limit the potential of this type of bike, however, nowadays it can be made into a viable setup. For people who are new to this kind of thing, a clutch is a stop mechanism on your derailleur which prevents it from moving forward and slackening the chain. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. I’ve decided to start about downhill for a reason. Someone might claim that using and increasing your strength by riding 1x will make you a better rider. The part of the frame where the front derailleur used to be attached is not only stronger now but allows for a better rear suspension mounting and position. I’ve felt that lots of newer riders seem to blindly follow the trends and then limiting themselves without even realizing it. Wheels MFG Bottom Brackets. For me, this was easy because I’m working as a bicycle mechanic and therefore I have the opportunity to test pretty much everything that exists. By my estimate, the wear is not that drastic as some mountain bikers claim. Simplicity and low weight are really good things to have on your bike when your intent is to either have fun or race professionally. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The whole drivetrain technology improved a lot to enable these upgrades. The same case about limitations as in trail riding can be made here as well. Enduro bikes are most people’s favorites, including myself. Recommended Parts And Tips For 1x Drivetrain Conversion. These used to come with 2x drivetrain unless there is a wide range 1×12 setup from Sram. Unfortunately, technology wasn’t up to the task to sufficiently replace the gear deficit of a single chainring. Well, back then it ended up being just an unjustified trend. The other thing is, strength will make you more capable but it alone won’t make you a better rider. The expanded Eagle ecosystem offers more range than ever before. My first reaction to this was to ask a question is it a justified trend or did marketers just did their thing to sell us something new, and more expensive… again. I use 32 teeth mostly and that’s significantly smaller chainring than 36 teeth that’s usually found on 2x setups. While lower gear range is perfectly fine for a specific type of trail, it lacks in versatility. It has become impossible to ignore the rise of the electric bike in all areas of cycling. Mountain Bike Drivetrain Reviews. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. There’s a lot of them that specialize in mountain biking. 11-speed cassettes were really expensive and properly working 12-speed ones didn’t exist. There is a trendy preference of 1x drivetrains over a now more traditional 2x setup in recent years. If you do this wrong then you won’t be able to adjust high gears properly and your chain will wear out quickly. Modern mountain bikes have one, two or three, with the latest trend being the fewer the better. Mountain Bike Review's list of drivetrain for user reviews, editorial reviews, bike deals, used bikes and more - mtbr.com Electric Mountain Bikes / Mountain E-Bikes. Shimano Expands List of Microspline Licensees, SRAM’s New Expanded GX Eagle Group One-Ups Shimano, Shimano Introduces Deore 12-Speed & Wide-Range 10- & 11-speed, Tested: Archer Components D1X Trail Electronic Shifting, Shimano Mic Drops SRAM With XT, SLX 12-speed Groups, SRAM Introduces Stuff in Different Colors, The Late Shift: Shimano XTR M9100 Reviewed, Tested: e*thirteen TRS Plus Bash-Only Chainguide | $50, e*thirteen Introduces 12-speed Upgrade Kit, Fresh Produce: SunRace's 11 to 50-Tooth Drivetrain, Versus: Hope Tech vs. We design our mountain bike components so they do what you want them to do instantly. Copyright © A360 Media LLC 2020. If that’s the case, then you need to be able to have all the gear choices for different types of riding. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Dub cranksets require Dub bottom brackets as well. Maak een keuze uit ons aanbod cranks, kettingbladen, cassettes, kettingen en nog veel meer om de pedalen altijd soepel te laten ronddraien. Most people I asked about if they feel the geometry improvements said that this tremendously improved riding efficiency. You can easily end up using a lot of your strength and energy with a single chainring but casual riding is all about fun, not endurance.
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