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Gravel Gearing
So my CX/Gravel bike currently has 1x with a 44 up front and 11-28 (11 sp) in the rear. I was thinking of converting it back to 2x with a 50/34 up front for Gravel, but honestly I am not sure I am gaining/losing much by keeping it 1x year round. I'd keep the 1x for CX season as it seems not having a front mech to muck up is better. My only two Gravel races on calendar so far for 2019 are the Almonzo 100 and Gravel Worlds. No clue on the Almonzo, but Gravel Worlds will be about 75 miles and 6-7,000 feet of punchy rollers. Most my local gravel riding is rolling terrain with a few punchy, short climbs mixed in. Any thoughts?
I have the front derailleur still so my only cost is a new chain and crankset which can be had for a reasonably low price since I am not a Ultegra/DA snob. 105/used is good enough.
I have the front derailleur still so my only cost is a new chain and crankset which can be had for a reasonably low price since I am not a Ultegra/DA snob. 105/used is good enough.
Comments
ETA - I read a Carmichael book when I bought my first bike and it said to ride at 90-100 rpms. I've ridden at 90-93 rpm for 90% of my riding ever since. Not sure if that is right, but at this point that's my natural cadence.
So I'd suggest going to a 2x setup, but if you're cheap and lazy (like I am), know that can get away with leaving it. It just might not be optimal.
Honestly there are some hills I ride with gravel where I actually use 34/34 and I'd miss that. Probably wouldn't need it if I just lost weight.
My upcoming gravel bike will either be 50/34 or 48/32 with 11-34 (or 11-32) and 40mm tires.
Moving to 1x might limit you with that kind of climbing at Worlds.
1. Panaracer Gravel King 700 x 38C; or
2. WTB Riddlers 700 x 37C (currently on there)
If you need more gear range, I'd start with a wider range cassette on your current setup, provided your rear derailleur has the capacity for it. You can probably find something pretty cheap. That is, of course, assuming that you don't mind the baggage of larger jumps in gear ratio from cog-to-cog.
My initial impression is that a single ring 11-28 is not a very wide range. I could get away with that for road riding here in Tampa, because there aren't any hills at all. But some gravel courses can be brutal with hills. I did one in Michigan with 52/36 chainrings and 11-27 cassette, and it wasn't enough - I was barely making it up some of the climbs. I later did a similar race with 52/36 and 11-32 and was much happier. To do single ring, I'd probably need a wide 11-42 or similar.
MY PATREON!
Of course, when I finally drop that 20lbs (ha) all these climbs will be easy and I'll swap out my front single speed ring for a 55T!
As an aside, I like that I talk about seasons and racing when the reality is I will ultimately spend most the year riding on my trainer and only maybe participate in a handful of events. Oh well, my bike collection doubled this past year and is at least starting to approach respectable.
Two-by cross bike with 46x34, and an 11-28 in the back. Tires 38 or 40x700.
One-by drop-bar MTB, 11-42 cassette, 38t in the front. Tires 42x700 up to 2.1".
If you're on hilly terrain, two-by will be a lot friendlier. Gravel worlds, anything in Iowa, Kansas, or Oklahoma, I'm running 2x. Building up some Ti this coming year for that specific purpose and converting the cross bike to SS. I'm a lightweight and the 34 small ring works well for me on courses with 7-12,000 ft of climbing. 46x30 is actually a pretty popular combo around here.