2x10 vs 1x11 or 1x12

2x10 is cheaper, 10 speed chains wear out faster.

Unless your going DI2 Shimano, you need two shifters for 2x.

I see no need for a 2x system on a Mtb, all of my bikes are 1x most have a dropper and a chainguide

I've never owned a 2X10, but I demo'ed one a while back and liked it very much...better than the 3X9 I had at the time because I rarely used the little chain ring anyway. But I like to use the front shifter a lot because it's a bigger jump and I can adjust my gearing back and forth with fewer clicks; particularly on a trail with a lot of elevation change like RRT.  I now have a 1X11 and like it as well. What I like most is the weight savings from completely eliminating the front derailleur, shifter, and cabling. If the weight were the same, I'd personally chose the 2X10; I think it hits the sweet spot operationally for me. But with the weight savings I'd choose the 1x and do the extra shifting.

I know I'm not with the majority in my reasoning however.

I would say that unless you live in the mountains where you have steep long climbs, 1x or 2x is the way to go. That's just my opinion. I like a single speed at LNSP.

BBM

DG wrote on 01/13/17 at 5:24pm:


I would maybe agree with that statement if by "heavy climbs" you mean NC mountains... steep LONG climbs. For around here, I see no need for 3x.  For example, I think 1x is great for Sherman, LNSP, and nearly every other trail around here. I would like the 2x better for RRT and URE, and perhaps WWC. But it's all personal. Probably half the people on this forum would disagree with what I just said. (but half the people are just disagreeable  !)

That sounds like what BigBikeMike might be saying too.

Banjopickin wrote on 01/13/17 at 7:01pm:



Really can't argue the value/performance of the full XT group. Used to run 10 speed 1X setup with 11-36 in CLT, Dupont, and Pisgah on a 34lb bike. Difficult but not impossible.
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Banjopickin wrote on 01/13/17 at 8:59pm:


Long time i have been bought my bike! It seems yesterday

Enoch wrote on 01/13/17 at 9:41pm:


Glad to hear I am not the white fly.

2x's are more common in Europe.

Why do you need a big ring, unless you're on a road bike?

Today at 2:38am ?  Get some sleep man!  And open Fisher!!

I'll add my two cents....

The reason you had 3 rings before was to get the short and tall gear ratios you actually needed, now with 10+ gears in the back it's a lot easier to get a gear ratio that is short enough for most people's top speed and tall enough for steep climbs.

With that said for riders whom ride a good bit a 1X10 system is sufficient and I would say for 90% of people the 1x11 geared correctly is sufficient, then there is the 1x12 for beginners who can't make it up the green trail climbs.

The biggest issue with 1x11 is getting it sized correctly b/c a lot of bikes will only accept 30-34 rings due to chain stay clearance.  I ride a 34/11-42 and COULD go to a 36/11-42 but A) it doesn't fit and B) I've only found myself asking for a shorter gear a few times.   

Going back to what Jerry said - you need to find your preference... personally If I'm going to ride forest roads / gravel / anything I will consistently ride 20+MPH this is where the 1X setups lack and I will want a purpose built bike and a 3X setup.  For 99% of the riding I currently do (local trails & mountains) I'll never look back from my 1X setup.

I'm 225lbs and going to a 1X10 (32/11-36) sucked at first, but you will get used to it and it will make you a faster climber just like single speed will.