SRAM writes the Front Derailleur's Eulogy

[dev null]

Shimano 2X11 (24/34) will be on my next bike.  My son is currently on XT 1X10 (32 + 11/40) and he is loving it, but he only weighs 58kgs.

[raptor-22]

Xtr and xt are available as 3x systems. New

[Thor Buttox]

My conspiracy theory is they want to sell more chains more regularly... At R700 for the one I needed two weeks ago, I think it's true. My 3x9 lasted ages

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Xtr and xt are available as 3x systems. New

I stand corrected, then. 

[Jewbacca]

For straight out riding, I think 1x is fantastic but....

 

For something like an upcoming adventure race like Expedition Africa where you're riding 200km with a fully loaded back pack after 4 days of no sleep and continuous racing 22/36 is your friend.

 

In fact 22 everything is your friend even on the flats.

 

Don't be fooled into thinking that mountain bikes are solely used in Mountain Bike races.

[Plentipotential]

You you...Philistine

 

Then I won't tell you I'm still 3 x 9.

[splat]

Me - I love my FD.

 

snip snip

 

To each their own though - if simplicity/weight loss are your top factors than  1x12 it is for you.

That cassette must weigh a ton!

I doubt that any weight is saved on this drivetrain

[splat]

This one from bikeradar assuming 12 speed will be 10-50

 

http://cdn.mos.bikeradar.imdserve.com/images/news/2016/02/08/sram_1-12_range_2-1454979621239-1duc4v5gg63ib-960-540.jpg

I thought that the Shimano 11-42 cassette wasn't intended for a 2x setup?

[Baracuda]

Ja, but what's that cassette gonna cost? Like R7k? Pfftt!

 

On ze udder hand....I might score some second hand XX1 stuff for peanuts from the Lemmings running after the latest and greatest.   

 

Indeed, for one XX01 Beagle cassette, you could probably buy 8 front derailleurs.

I have a 1X10 system and seriously would not mind going back to 2X10 if I had all the bits.

Far easier, cheaper, less hassle. A front derailleur has never given me hassles, but suddenly they are the source of all our problems.

 

A bit like Windhoek Draft when craft beers came out. I never had a problem with it, now suddenly it is the source of all evil.

[dev null]

Indeed, for one XX01 Beagle cassette, you could probably buy 8 front derailleurs.

I have a 1X10 system and seriously would not mind going back to 2X10 if I had all the bits.

Far easier, cheaper, less hassle. A front derailleur has never given me hassles, but suddenly they are the source of all our problems.

 

A bit like Windhoek Draft when craft beers came out. I never had a problem with it, now suddenly it is the source of all evil.

 

 

Same here.  I currently have XTR (28/40) crank with XT FD on my 26er, and it has never given my any problems.

 

Same as people used to finish the Epic on aluminium 26ers, and now suddenly you NEED a carbon 29er (S-Works Epic if you are sponsored by your company) at the very least. But at least the bike retailers and manufacturers are smiling. 

[Edition 507]

Being totally happy with my 1x11 I don't think I would ever have a FD again. I often found that a sudden requirement to change the FD under load failed, or struggled with a lot of chain grind, whereas a rear shift is quick and precise and never fails.

Also the jump in gear ratio when shifting up or down on a front ring is massive and requires one or two gear changes at the rear to narrow the difference. So with a FD you can end up making 2 to 3 times more shifts than a 1x11 when switching rings. Also if you suddenly get caught out in the wrong gear, then one or two shifts at the back on a FD geared bike are not as substantial as one or two shifts at the back of a 1x11, so the 1x11 actually gives you a better chance.

Obviously there is a bigger jump in the ratio of the gears on a 1x11, but this is only a problem if you ride on the road where inclines and declines are gradual and subtle, but then you should rather get yourself a road bike.

[sometime]

Anyone care to guess what gearing the leaders of the Epic are running?

 

That's right 2 x 11

 

As Karl said - I like having the range, small steps in ratios (especially with DI2) and the weight penalty is 80g.

 

Don't write of FD's anytime soon

[shaper]

Run 1x1 (32x16) for fun, run 1x10 (34 x 11/40) for day races and general day to day riding, run 2x10 for stage races and will not change it.. happy with the FD and is never an issue no matter what the conditions.. mind you, I do all my own servicing, setup and maintenance

[Halfdoesyn]

One can only imagine what the chain line will be like on a 12 sprocket cassette.

 

Or are they making the spacing narrower?

[robsc]

 

 

A bit like Windhoek Draft when craft beers came out. I never had a problem with it, now suddenly it is the source of all evil.

 

I still dont have a problem with it !!

[Shebeen]

I do find it quite funny when SRAM are saying that the FD will die when they still make 8 speed stuff

 

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/za/en/sram-pg850-8-speed-mtb-cassette/rp-prod5212