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.

DG wrote on 01/13/17 at 3:36pm:



Pros
-Exercise from weight of extra parts 
-Extra stops during your ride to rest when you are forced to put the chain back on again, and again
-Your able to wear your chain out faster when you decide that 22x11 feels really good on that particular climb

Cons
See above

You move slightly slower walking then 1x10
You move the same speed walking when 1x11
You move faster walking when using 1x12

Plus their is a lot less to go wrong when 1x

That said, Its still a free country.  Ride what feels good to you, but do it with Decals because they make you faster

My transition trans-am is a 2x10 and it is fast as $hit.  My Ellsworth Moment is a 3x9 converted to a 2x9 with a 34 tooth and it handles like a dream...   Not as fast  but what a sweet ride.

2x10 is really fast for me.  If my Ellsworth was a 2x10 I'd never ride the hard tail. 

sCvHeaVens wrote on 01/16/17 at 8:22pm:

Well there are some of us that like having a lower gear to climb and it really comes down to personal fitness.  My 17 Camber Pro could fit a 36t on the front if I wanted to but I find the 32t with 10-50 works for me both locally and in the mountains.    

Besides, I want a bail out gear AND short chain stays.  Which by the way are the tits on the new Camber 29ers!!

The other nice thing about the 1X10 or 1X11 is you generally get a little more clearance rolling over rocks and logs.

I rarely use the little gear in back... by the time I'm going fast enough there's a tree up ahead!