1x Road Musings

[saab2000]

Originally Posted by Baron Blubba

That's a really good idea. I like the old 52/42 chainring set ups. The gap between big and little is small enough that shifting betwixt them doesn't create a spin-out or bog down effect, it's very fluid. I bet 50/39 is similar.

The jump between the two front rings is nice. It's really fluid, unlike the 16-tooth difference between the 50 and a 34. I like it.

FWIW, I use an 11-28 cassette. So I'm sort of in a 1x for much of my rides with a small chainring when I need it. The 50x11 is almost identical to the old 53x12 and a 39x28 is smaller than I ever had when I raced! Now I wouldn't ride my old routes overseas with anything this big! A 34x28 at a minimum, preferably a 34x32 or even lower. #notgettingyounger

[DeBike]

My 1X is s 46 front, 11-40 12 speed rear. I live in flatland, while riding here with that gearing, I will never spin out on the 11 tooth, and use 46-40 only with a pretty strong headwind. It is about the perfect gearing for me:
11-13-15-17-19-21-23-25-28-32-36-40.
I am looking for a 5 arm, 44 tooth and 110 bcd, in silver.

[Fat Cat]

Originally Posted by Baron Blubba

That's a really good idea. I like the old 52/42 chainring set ups. The gap between big and little is small enough that shifting betwixt them doesn't create a spin-out or bog down effect, it's very fluid. I bet 50/39 is similar.

I have 50/39 12-25 on three bikes. Works just fine for a slug like me. The 50 also makes way more gears on the 9spd.usable. For me, of course. YMMV

[robertbb]

Originally Posted by DeBike

My 1X is s 46 front, 11-40 12 speed rear. I live in flatland, while riding here with that gearing, I will never spin out on the 11 tooth, and use 46-40 only with a pretty strong headwind. It is about the perfect gearing for me:
11-13-15-17-19-21-23-25-28-32-36-40.
I am looking for a 5 arm, 44 tooth and 110 bcd, in silver.

Who makes this 12 speed cassette? And how does it shift? (Are you using it with Shimano?)

This is a big gap in Shimano’s own 12sp lineup which currently goes 11-36 then 10-45.

[AngryScientist]

I started my formative road riding days on a fixed gear bike, and logged thousands of miles in hilly terrain on a fixie.

In that regard, my legs got used to being in the wrong (but only) gear pretty much all the time.

I like 1x for the road now, as long as the ultimate high/low range works for me. I don't really see a big deal with the gaps in the middle, as long as there is something close enough in there.

[benb]

Congrats on finding a use of the gold chain and cassette that’s tasteful. It looks pretty great with the yellow paint.

[Spdntrxi]

I solved my 1x woes by going classified on the all road bike. Absolutely love it, I either run a 50t or 46t on the front with their 11/40 12 speed cassette.

For the road it does not work for me. I need a 54t for my group rides and stay in my powerband.

[DeBike]

Originally Posted by robertbb

Who makes this 12 speed cassette? And how does it shift? (Are you using it with Shimano?)

This is a big gap in Shimano’s own 12sp lineup which currently goes 11-36 then 10-45.

Here is a link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/176323880257?var=475821926361

I am using it with 6400 bar end levers set in friction mode. Covers all 12 gears and shifts just fine. The rear derailleur is a long cage Shimano RD-592.

[Talrand]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

I started my formative road riding days on a fixed gear bike, and logged thousands of miles in hilly terrain on a fixie.

In that regard, my legs got used to being in the wrong (but only) gear pretty much all the time.

I like 1x for the road now, as long as the ultimate high/low range works for me. I don't really see a big deal with the gaps in the middle, as long as there is something close enough in there.

That's a nice looking drivetrain, what cassette is that? I've only seen 100% gold ones from no name brands, but don't suspect you'd put one on your bike.

[robertbb]

Originally Posted by DeBike

Here is a link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/176323880257?var=475821926361

I am using it with 6400 bar end levers set in friction mode. Covers all 12 gears and shifts just fine. The rear derailleur is a long cage Shimano RD-592.

Thank you for the link. Sunshine brand gets some iffy reviews…

[DeBike]

Originally Posted by robertbb

Thank you for the link. Sunshine brand gets some iffy reviews…

I have had numerous Sunshine cassettes, 8-12 speeds. I have had no issues with any of them. They are generally a bit heavier, but IME, they shift fine and are durable. I have used them with both friction and indexed shifting.
The only drawbacks purchasing from the link provided, slow shipping and no up to date tracking info provided. The lack that info had me concerned enough to contact the seller. The reply was simply that it had shipped, and be patient until it gets there, which it did in the time estimated.