Should you run a 1x set-up on your road bike?

An increasing number of bikes now use 1x (pronounced one-by) drivetrains, which essentially means the bike has a single chainring with no front derailleur. It's a topic that divides opinion when it comes to using 1x on drop bar bikes, particularly dedicated road bikes. Is it the right choice for you?

A few years ago, a single chainring gear system for anything other than a mountain bike or cyclo-cross bike would have been unthinkable, but people are now embracing a 1x setup for commuting, gravel bikes, time trialling and increasingly, road bikes. Lets go through the pros and cons of running 1x and what cycling disciplines it's most suitable for...

It's generally a good idea for gear ratios to be fairly closely spaced, and the unquestioned way to get a wide range of gears on road bikes has been to have at least two chainrings. However, you can now have relatively closely-spaced gear ratios with just one chainring. 

1x drivetrains use a single chainring, which saves the cost and complexity of a double chainring and eliminates the front derailleur and front shifter. This should give you one less thing to think about as you ride. 

This isn't new technology. SRAM pioneered the use of 1x systems, initially for mountain bikes, then on cyclo-cross bikes, and now gravel bikes and road bikes. All versions of Force, Rival and Apex are available in 1x configurations (with a single chainring instead of a double).

The advantages of a 1x drivetrain 

1x drivetrains are used across cycling disciplines, so the advantages vary depending on the terrain and specific riding style. 

1. Simplicity and reduced weight

A 1x drivetrain eliminates the need for a front mech, front shifter and multiple chainrings, which simplifies the bike's set-up with one less component to fail. It also reduces the weight. 

Gearing also becomes simpler, as you only need to think about shifting up and down the cassette, making it easier to operate.

2. Better chain retention

The teeth on 1x chainrings alternately engage with the links of the chain to reduce the chances of the chain coming off, even on rough terrain, which should provide a more secure and reliable set-up.

As well as better chain retention, the chances of dropping the chain are further reduced due to the lack of a front mech, eliminating the chances of it getting stuck or misaligned during shifting. 

Without a front mech, a 1x system is also quieter due to the chain not rubbing on the front mech plates. 

> Are the benefits of 1x outweighed by the disadvantages? We asked, you answered

3. Less maintenance

There's no front mech or front shifter, less chainrings and one less gear cable to look after, meaning there are fewer potential points of failure. There are therefore, fewer parts that can get damaged or require adjustment, resulting in less maintenance. 

4. Improved clearance and frame design 

With only one chainring and a lack of front mech, there is increased clearance around the bottom bracket area, which is beneficial particularly for off-road riding where debris can easily get caught in and around the drivetrain. 

As a result of this improved clearance, frame geometry can be optimised depending on the cycling discipline, allowing for increased tyre clearance and greater frame stiffness. 

5. Improved aerodynamics? 

Many time triallists are opting for a 1x set-up for simplified shifting, but also the claimed aerodynamic benefits. A 1x drivetrain simplifies the front end of the bike by eliminating the front mech and multiple chainrings, and when combined with an aero frame, a good time trial position and aero wheels, is claimed to provide a minute aerodynamic advantage. 

The disadvantages of a 1x drivetrain

As with the advantages of a 1x drivetrain, the disadvantages also depend on the cycling discipline, riding style, terrain and individual preferences. 

1. Limited gear range 

Modern 1x drivetrains offer a wide-range cassette, but the gearing range may not be as extensive as a 2x set-up. Whilst the easiest gear on a 1x set-up may get you up nearly anything, you may not progress up the hill as quickly, and then may find yourself running out of gears on long, fast descents. 

When riding only on tarmac, up long and steep climbs, riders may find that a 1x system is limiting. 

2. Big jumps between gears 

As a result of the wide-ranging cassette, there can be some bigger jumps in gear ratios between each rear cog. It can therefore be difficult to keep your rhythm when changing from one gear to the next. 

> All the gear? Check out the gearing choices of the pros at the Tour de France

3. Increased wear of components 

Due to the 1x drivetrain only using a single chainring, it tends to wear out more quickly than a 2x drivetrain, where the wear can be distributed across the chainrings. 

The chain and cassette may also wear more quickly due to an increased surface area of contact with a wider casette and large rear cogs. 

4. Less efficient 'angled' chainline

The chaincould run at a more extreme angle for longer periods of time in a 1x set-up compared to 2x, where a straighter chainline can be achieved by dropping into the small ring when the chain is too high up the cassette. The 1x set-up may result in a less efficient power transfer and increased friction if riding at the upper or lower extremes of the cassette for extended periods. 

5. Compatibility issues 

It may be difficult to upgrade certain bikes to a 1x drivetrain as it doesn't fit on all bike frames, particularly older models. 

You may need to upgrade other components on the bike as well, such as the shifters and rear hub, which adds to the overall cost. 

> Check out the best gravel bikes 2023 

So, what are 1x drivetrains suitable for? 

It appears that 1x drivetrains offer a great general purpose set-up, but it comes down to what you use your bike for as to whether a 1x drivetrain is the best option for you. 

Single-chainring systems are now almost universal on mountain bikes and cyclo-cross bikes, and used on many gravel bikes due to their simplicity, reduced chances of dropping the chain and improved clearance, with the wide gear range allowing riders to tackle climbs and descents. 

A 1x system is also suitable for commuting and city riding when the terrain is relatively flat and predictable. It's simple to operate and there is a reduced need for maintenance, making it a convenient option. 

Another cycling discipline 1x is suitable for is time trialling on relatively flat courses. The reduced chances of dropping the chain/having a mechanical and the simplicity of changing gears make it a practical choice. 

Finally, 1x drivetrains are being seen more and more on road bikes in general, as well as on the pro's bikes at races. For example, Roglic chose a Cervélo R5 fitted with a single chainring up front and a dinnerplate cassette at the back for the 2023 Giro d’Italia mountain time trial, and we can expect to see more of this from other World Tour riders soon. 

> Primož Roglič gears up for decisive – and monstrous – Giro d’Italia mountain time trial by using gravel groupset… and specialist bike change mechanic

Overall, it is important to consider the terrain and the specific requirements of your riding style when deciding if a 1x drivetrain is best for you. 

The bikes 

Let's have a look at some of the best bikes we've reviewed with 1x drivetrains in recent years... 

Road bikes

Vielo R+1 Alto Classified - £6,999

The Vielo R+1 Alto Classified is the British company's newest bike which was found to be a fast, fun and comfortable road bike that exploits the clean lines of a 1x with the gear ratios of a 2x. 

Read our full review here.

3T Strada frameset - £3,700 

This bike has radical looks but the Strada is a fast, comfortable and exciting aero race bike that works brilliantly.

Read our full review here. 

Gravel bikes 

Ribble Gravel 725 2023 - £2,099

Part of Ribble's new gravel-specific range, this bike has great geometry for all kinds of gravel riding and has that lovely steel 'zing'. 

Read our full review here. 

Orro Terra C Ekar 1x - £3599.99

This Orro Terra C Ekar has a 13-tooth cassette and is a great bike for those who want speed off the beaten track, and it'll happily carry your gear for longer adventures.

Read our full review here. 

Canyon Grail AL 7 eTap - £2,249

For someone looking to get into gravel cycling and wanting a bike that will serve them for a long time, the Canyon Grail AL 7 eTap is an excellent option. 

Read our full review here. 

Forme Monsal 1 - £1679,99

This is the brand's top of the range aluminium alloy gravel bike and one of the most comfortable and fun gravel bikes for the money.

Read our full review here. 

Commuting bikes 

Giant Escape 0 Disc - £899

This bike offers great comfort, quality braking, good gears and bags of all-round practicality – Giant shows there's life in the hybrid yet. 

Read our full review here. 

What are your thoughts on 1x drivetrains? Let us know in the comments section below.