Gravel Bike - 1 x or 2 x Groupset

[Johan1983]

Hi All

Im building myself a Gravel Bike

I will be riding on the Road and Gravel and do some Gravel Races

What Groupset to buy?

[Frosty]

From my experience:

2x with a compact cassette (closer ratios). I’m not a fan of the gear spacing on a 1x, and the weight penalty is immaterial to me by having another chain ring.

[Dappere]

3 minutes ago, Frosty said:

From my experience:

2x with a compact cassette (closer ratios). I’m not a fan of the gear spacing on a 1x, and the weight penalty is immaterial to me by having another chain ring.

+1
 

Having had both 1x and 2x on my gravel bike, I appreciate the flexibility the 2x offers. I had GRX Di2 2x on my bike, then switched to 1x before shortly reverting back to 2x.

For exclusive gravel riding, 1x worked extremely well. Most of the gravel rides I undertake include some tarmac, and on occasion, I would join a road ride too. The 2x setup allows me to have a larger chainring at the front for flatter gravel races/routes, while also providing a bailout gear for steep climbs – a versatility the 1x simply didn't offer.

[Jbr]

31 minutes ago, Johan1983 said:

Hi All

Im building myself a Gravel Bike

I will be riding on the Road and Gravel and do some Gravel Races

What Groupset to buy?

10-50 with a 1x46T chainring is the perfect rig for me.

[Underachiever]

26 minutes ago, Frosty said:

From my experience:

2x with a compact cassette (closer ratios). I’m not a fan of the gear spacing on a 1x, and the weight penalty is immaterial to me by having another chain ring.

A frustration is when to find a good 2x (shimano) groupset if you do a custom build, even 105 is not available - unless I look in the wrong places....  

[guidodg]

11 minutes ago, Jbr said:

10-50 with a 1x46T chainring is the perfect rig for me.

1x absolutely...

[RossTopher]

38 minutes ago, Underachiever said:

A frustration is when to find a good 2x (shimano) groupset if you do a custom build, even 105 is not available - unless I look in the wrong places....  

merlin has an incredible price on ultegra 2x hydraulic

[Jewbacca]

I think this is similar to 'what saddle should I buy' or 'which brakes are the best'.

Some people love their 1x, some love their 2x and they will justify and punt what they have using the reasons they have it.

I have a 2x system on my gravel bike. I like it. I had an old Cotic Escapade before which I ran 1x and thoroughly enjoyed that too.

Neither is better, both will do a job when set up with your preferences

[RossTopher]

i really dont think there is an ultimate winner between the two. if it comes down to what you can get your hands on and what groupset/shifting you prefer.

i did a build with a 105/grx mix - 2x11 (48/31 front and 11/36 back). ITS GREAT

i have another bike with sram apex 1x11 (44T up front and 11-42 back): ITS GREAT.

the 1x is now more of a dedicated road bike and both speed and climbing are not an issue.

what i have noticed is that the sram brake feel is streets ahead of the shimano

[Furbz]

having had both. really once you start riding its not the biggest issue.

its a ratios thing and if you are happy you are riding a cadence maybe a bit above or below what you normally would.

if that does not bother you then go for the 1x. its simple and looks great.

if cadence is a bug bear then go 2x 

[Frosty]

2 minutes ago, Furbz said:

having had both. really once you start riding its not the biggest issue.

its a ratios thing and if you are happy you are riding a cadence maybe a bit above or below what you normally would.

if that does not bother you then go for the 1x. its simple and looks great.

if cadence is a bug bear then go 2x 

100% - once out riding, it is what it is, just enjoy it.

Cadence is a thing for me; probably because my road riding is 80% of my total miles.
If I spent more time on a 1x, I'd probably not feel it as much.

[Johan1983]

1 hour ago, Jbr said:

10-50 with a 1x46T chainring is the perfect rig for me.

What Rear Derailleur do you have?

[Jbr]

Just now, Johan1983 said:

What Rear Derailleur do you have?

GX AXS with Rival hoods

[Johan1983]

1 hour ago, RossTopher said:

merlin has an incredible price on ultegra 2x hydraulic

They dont have stock

[Underachiever]

1 hour ago, RossTopher said:

i really dont think there is an ultimate winner between the two. if it comes down to what you can get your hands on and what groupset/shifting you prefer.

i did a build with a 105/grx mix - 2x11 (48/31 front and 11/36 back). ITS GREAT

i have another bike with sram apex 1x11 (44T up front and 11-42 back): ITS GREAT.

the 1x is now more of a dedicated road bike and both speed and climbing are not an issue.

what i have noticed is that the sram brake feel is streets ahead of the shimano

Can you please share your 105/grx mix details Ross?

[Mountain Goat]

X1 but only if you are using a AXS mullet configuration. Yes, you have bigger jumps in the gear spacing but you have the range and simplicity. 

 

Or if you use the new 12spd GRX x1 groupset. 

Edited January 15 by Mountain Goat