Gravel Bike - Bars and Gearing

[kingpin75s]

Originally Posted by Clancy

For what it’s worth, everyone loves 1X set-ups and yes they have advantages. But I’ve found through riding 1X set-ups, lots of trial and error and too much time spent on Seldon Brown’s gear calculator site that a sub compact gives me the best range with fewer gaps and overlaps. I really hated the big jumps on the 1X, made it hard to get in a rhythm, especially climbing. I have the White Industries crank in a 30/46 and switch back and forth between a 32 or a 36 cassette. Very sweet set-up.

Not that the OP asked, but I am in agreement with Clancy on this. The bikes I run 1x on are mountain bikes and fat bikes, generally. I prefer a MD/sub-compact/94bcd double as well for gravel bikes or the White Industries VBC setups. Just something to keep in mind depending on how you feel about 1x for this type of riding once you get rolling.