best 1X11 rear derailleur Di2 solution-cross/gravel

[gordosburritos]

Ok so question for the mechanically inclined members of the hive mind. Going to build up a cross bike with some additional clearance for gravel riding off season with hills (norcal). The primary "job" of the bike is as a race bike.

I am going to build it 1X11 Di2 and already have the Shimano r785 shifters. My question is in regards to the rear derailleur and ability to accept a wider cassette for off season use. From what I have read I can use an XT (M8050) or XTR (m9050) and these will play nice with the r785 shifters (although have no experience with this). I could also use an ultegra (6870) with a wolftooth RoadLink (this solution may have decreased chain retention given no clutch).

So what is the preferred solution? anyone have experience making this choice recently? I mostly ride SS and am venturing back into gears with my most recent experience being DA 7800 so haven't really kept up on what the "right" answer is. thanks!

[.RJ]

If the clutch RD is an option, that's going to be the best choice. Not having it is not that important until things get muddy, and then you arent able to ride at all.

[sandyrs]

I would use a mountain derailleur so that you have a clutch. I think that's a pretty common setup though I don't have di2 myself.

[ptourkin]

Here's an interesting way to do it: CX1 crankset, Di2 hydro shifters, XT rear.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRojWWojjmi/?taken-by=velohangar

[geordanh]

I am putting together the following this week, will post pics and let you know how it goes!

TRP hylex with di2 climbing shifter mod (these brakes brake better than sram, lighter than shimano)
Sprint shifters on bars
Xt rear derailleur
Cx1 42t chain ring
10-42 1150 cassette


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dougefresh]

the r785 shifter to m8050 or m9050 derailleur works. a gal on our club team runs this on her Kona, it works flawlessly.