The cycling world has seen numerous drivetrain innovations over the years, but few have made as big an impact as the 1x (pronounced “one-by”) road gearing system. Traditionally, road bikes have relied on 2x (double chainring) setups, offering a wide range of gears for climbing and sprinting. However, the rise of 1x drivetrains—borrowed from mountain biking—has challenged this norm, offering a simpler, lighter, and more reliable alternative.
A 1x drivetrain uses a single chainring at the front paired with a wide-range cassette at the rear, eliminating the need for a front derailleur and shifter. This setup simplifies shifting, reduces weight, and minimizes maintenance.
Single Chainring – Typically narrow-wide tooth design to prevent chain drops.
Wide-Range Cassette – Often 10-50T or similar to compensate for the lack of multiple chainrings.
Clutch Rear Derailleur – Reduces chain slap and improves chain retention.
No Front Derailleur – Eliminates complexity and potential mechanical issues.
No front derailleur means fewer adjustments and less cable wear.
No chain rub since there’s only one chainring.
Easier to clean and service.
Removing the front derailleur, shifter, and extra chainring saves 200-400g.
Ideal for weight-conscious riders and racers.
Narrow-wide chainrings and clutch derailleurs prevent drops.
Great for gravel, cyclocross, and rough roads where bumps can dislodge the chain.
Fewer cables and components make the bike look sleeker.
More space for larger tires, aerodynamic designs, and internal routing.
Shifting is simpler and quicker since you only deal with the rear cassette.
No need to cross-chain or worry about front shifts.
A 2x setup (e.g., 50/34T with 11-34T cassette) offers more gear combinations.
1x may have bigger jumps between gears, making cadence control harder for road purists.
A 1x system with a 42T chainring and 10-42T cassette may lack the high-end gearing for fast group rides or descents.
Sprinters and racers might prefer a 50/11T combo for maximum speed.
Steep climbs may require a very low gear, forcing riders to use extremely large cassettes (e.g., 10-52T).
Long, flat rides may feel less efficient due to fewer gear options.
Gravel bikes benefit from simplicity and chain retention on rough terrain.
Wide-range cassettes (e.g., 10-50T) provide enough low gears for climbs.
Quick shifts and reliability are crucial in muddy, fast-paced races.
No front derailleur means one less thing to go wrong.
Less maintenance is ideal for daily riders.
Cleaner look and fewer mechanical issues.
If you don’t need ultra-high speeds, 1x offers plenty of range.
Great for hilly routes where climbing gears matter more than top-end speed.
Road racers needing tight gear spacing.
Fast group riders who rely on high-speed cadence.
Tourers who need ultra-wide gear ranges for loaded bikes.
Wide-range cassettes (10-42T, 10-50T).
Hydraulic & mechanical options available.
Clutch derailleurs for better chain retention.
11-speed & 12-speed options (10-45T, 10-51T).
Smooth shifting and gravel-specific design.
13-speed gravel groupset (9-36T to 9-42T cassettes).
Lightweight and high-performance.
Budget-friendly 10-speed (11-48T cassette).
Great for commuters and entry-level builds.
Flat terrain: 44T-50T
Mixed terrain: 40T-44T
Hilly/gravel: 38T-42T
10-42T (good for moderate hills)
10-50T (best for steep climbs)
SRAM, Shimano GRX, or Shimano MTB derailleurs work well.
Ensures better chain retention (e.g., Wolftooth, Praxis, SRAM).
Shorter chain than a 2x system (no need for big-big capacity).
The 1x drivetrain is a game-changer for riders who value simplicity, reliability, and low maintenance. While it may not be perfect for competitive road racers, it’s an excellent choice for gravel, cyclocross, commuting, and recreational riding.
✅ Choose 1x if: You want less maintenance, ride mixed terrain, or prioritize clean aesthetics.
❌ Stick with 2x if: You need tight gear spacing, ride fast group rides, or require ultra-wide gear ranges.
As drivetrain technology improves, 1x road gearing will only get better—making it a compelling option for more cyclists.
