Oddly works just fine without front derailleur, apart from getting dirty fingers of course, I am not finding I need granny ring on the road and off road don't need big chainring, small small works ok due to big spring and clutch on rear mech, not too slack at all. Probably wouldn't work with a 11-42 or similar without a longer rear mech. It's no big deal to move the chain when you go off the road, e.g. at a style or slalom footpath. I will use a front mech when I try triple chainrings though.That's lovely, I like the 2x without derailleur setup at the front, never thought of doing that. I have a super compact on the front of mine with a Surly single speed outer ring. What's the chain retention like on the inner ring like with that setup?