Do you notice extreme negative views of none retrobikers when you say you are trying to work with an older bike?

[retrobiker273891]

I rode onespeeds exclusively for a year. The way I made myself stick to it was to take all bikes with gears apart, it was my only option. It is surprisingly liberating to never worry about the proper gear. You just bike. I found it really conducive to getting into the flow state on a trail. Leg and lung strength increased a lot as well. However, since I got my geared bike rolling again, I've barely touched it. The gears are just too easy

1x is one by aka single chainring, not one speed.

 

[retrobiker273891]

Fwiw, I've put 9x1 on all my bikes (summer roadie, audax/commuter and rando). Was a die-hard triple fan before that.
Also found it very liberating. You don't tend to switch gears that often, but they are there when you need them. 7x1 will work almost as well imho, but I've got some nice hills around me.

Well for me it was interesting to note that when I ran my 2x setup through a gear calculator and noticed that the usable speeds, none repeated and none usable ones, it came to only 13 usable gears anyway. On the other hand it would be extremely difficult or expensive to get the super low gearing I seek currently with 1x so 2x is most suited for me at the moment even if 1x is more efficient technically.

 

[bikeworkshop]

Gear choice depends on
Landscape,
loads,
riding position,
Fitness level
Bike style
Personality
...and let's not forget Fashion!

 

[monkfish]

I ran 1 x drivetrains back in 94. Never liked front mechs. Yes I had terrible chain lines for the easy gears but living round Suffolk I mostly live in the top 3 or 4 gears.

 

[corpuschain]

Well for me it was interesting to note that when I ran my 2x setup through a gear calculator and noticed that the usable speeds, none repeated and none usable ones, it came to only 13 usable gears anyway. On the other hand it would be extremely difficult or expensive to get the super low gearing I seek currently with 1x so 2x is most suited for me at the moment even if 1x is more efficient technically.

I have a 3x setup on my XC bike, but I removed the outer ring to save weight and improve ground clearance. I almost never ride this bike on the road, so it was not very useful. There is a downside of course, which is that I can accidentally shift into empty space and derail my chain, but I'm usually careful enough to avoid it!

 

[Twozaskars]

I have a 3x setup on my XC bike, but I removed the outer ring to save weight and improve ground clearance. I almost never ride this bike on the road, so it was not very useful. There is a downside of course, which is that I can accidentally shift into empty space and derail my chain, but I'm usually careful enough to avoid it!

That's what these are for

 

[bikeworkshop]

View attachment 890832

That's what these are for

... although sometimes they don't go "all the way".
Might also be possible to set the shifter on 2/3 so there's no shift beyond that middle ring.

 

[Twozaskars]

... although sometimes they don't go "all the way".

Fair enough, but these do;

 

[bikeworkshop]

Fair enough, but these do;View attachment 890841

You looking at me?

 

[Woz]

Gear choice depends on
Landscape,
loads,
riding position,
Fitness level
Bike style
Personality
...and let's not forget Fashion!

+ Tyre.