Non Ebike MTB Gearing

[SRS]

I've been looking around to replace my Specialized Camber Evo MTB, great bike but it is now time to upgrade.

The trouble is that almost all of the bikes I fancy are now offered with a single front chainwheel only. My current, having two.

I rode today with a couple of mates that own single chainwheel bikes. Yep, both pushed up the big hills whilst my lower gear range allowed me to cycle to the top.

Anyone know what this trend is all about? Are these bike not for going up a mountain?

Have I got to pay more for a bike but actually receive less of a bike.

 

[soundwave]

with 11spd and the new 12spd coming out sram said they will no longer make front mec for mtb.

a 12 spd will give you 500% and 11spd 420% gear range.

 

[anotherkiwi]

with 11spd and the new 12spd coming out sram said they will no longer make front mec for mtb.

a 12 spd will give you 500% and 11spd 420% gear range.

And they cost more, what a surprise!

I would say that 14 speed 500+% range is the sweet spot. Rohloff does it in a hub, ideal with a mid-drive and you can do it all by yourself with a 2 x 7 derailleur and a hub motor.

 

[soundwave]

shimano 11spd not that expensive

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-xt-m8000-11-speed-cassette/rp-prod135828

 

[anotherkiwi]

2 x 7 will always have a better chain line that 1 x 11 or 1 x 12 unless the chain is 1/3 of the width

 

[soundwave]

less weight more money

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/speedplay-nanogram-zero-ti-road-pedals/rp-prod50103

 

[SRS]

with 11spd and the new 12spd coming out sram said they will no longer make front mec for mtb.
a 12 spd will give you 500% and 11spd 420% gear range.

So what range would my current 20 speed give me?

 

[soundwave]

you will have more range as have dual at the front but its more heavy than with a single at the front.

 

[SRS]

you will have more range as have dual at the front but its more heavy than with a single at the front.

But with a MTB, more range must be better for all round use. I dont understand why the trend for less range. I get the small benefit from slightly reduced weight.

Are these bikes best for the more level terrain

 

[soundwave]

more here.
https://wickwerks.com/single-front-chainring/

has its pros and cons but more range is better of course but just depends what you want the bike for.