1 x 10 set up

[downhillingdemon]

Has anyone got any experience of running a 10 speed cassette on a MTB? I'm seriously considering going to a 1x10 set up but it's so costly at the moment, want to be sure before I commit!

[bob_summers]

you think that's costly... i'm just pricing up replacing a worn-out campag 11 drivetrain. horrific!

from what i've read, 1 or 2x10 seems to make a lot of sense (unless i've been blinded by marketing!), whereas i haven't really noticed any benefit of going from ten cogs to eleven on the road.

[JohnBarleycorn]

Surely thats nine cogs too many ?

Or should I not bring my unhealthy fixed gear obsession to this thread ?

[downhillingdemon]

Cheers Bob, seems most comment re: 10 speed is very positive. I struggle to change chainrings because of my bad thumb, so would be beneficial to loose the shifter if possible. Less maintenance is always a good thing and for DH I don't need a huge gear as the gravity does a lot of the work.

Surely thats nine cogs too many ?

Or should I not bring my unhealthy fixed gear obsession to this thread ?

You may have the legs to pedal up the Malverns in a single gear, but I can guarantee I never will!

[fredrikw]

I've only heard good things about the 10sp systems out there, apart from the price running 1x10 makes a lot of sense actually, even for XC and marathon racing. Something I'd definitely consider when it's time to switch up the derailleurs on my bike.

Getting extra cogs is generally a good idea, both if you aim at increasing the range or having smaller steps between gears, both makes a lot of sense from a performance point of view.

[GY Jon]

9 gears made sense, although I got by on 7 and 8 just fine, extra gears after that are just silly. I'm on 10 speed Campag and the chains don't last, the chainrings are made of (hopefully vegan, but never asked) cheese and a bit of British road filth and the indexing goes random . So there's a bad thing about 10 speed, another bad thing is that I've just realised I'm an old git, bug'r

[bob_summers]

having smaller steps between gears ... makes a lot of sense from a performance point of view.

that's why i felt 11v was a bit excessive for me - i find myself shifting two cogs where i'd usually shift one!

personally i haven't noticed much difference in durability from 9v Jon, although there is certainly a sting in the wallet when it's time to replace. at least there's no need for the extortionate "11v only" chain tool....

that said, i'll certainly replace my MTB stuff with 10v when i have to - not sure if i could lose a chainring though...

[philthy builder]

9 gears made sense, although I got by on 7 and 8 just fine, extra gears after that are just silly. I'm on 10 speed Campag and the chains don't last, the chainrings are made of (hopefully vegan, but never asked) cheese and a bit of British road filth and the indexing goes random . So there's a bad thing about 10 speed, another bad thing is that I've just realised I'm an old git, bug'r

Its not about what works or what we need anymore its all about slick marketing and fashion.Im an old git too when it comes to chainsets and gears and hate thin weak chains that break and whoever thought of those crappy hollowtech bracket axles where the crank is held on with two small bolts deserves f**kin with the sharp end of one.I was advised to check the tension of the cranks before each ride!WTF I never once checked the old tapered one and had no problems at all.Same for chains ,if a bike has a shimano or sram chain
fitted,take it off and chuck it in the bin,the only ones that work are KMC.Sorry if that turned into a rant!

[fredrikw]

yeah, there will always be those opposing progress

as long as we see the pro's conquering the alps and grueling TT's with the same equipment we're talking about I think we can safely assume they'll be sturdy enough for us mortals

[vCLaW]

as long as we see the pro's conquering the alps and grueling TT's with the same equipment we're talking about I think we can safely assume they'll be sturdy enough for us mortals

Those pro cyclists who have pro mechanics to maintain it, and replace the chain after each race...

[philthy builder]

as long as we see the pro's conquering the alps and grueling TT's with the same equipment we're talking about I think we can safely assume they'll be sturdy enough for us mortals

Those pro cyclists who have pro mechanics to maintain it, and replace the chain after each race...

Thats right,replace everything after each race ,or replace it before use with what the pro cyclist chooses rather than that which his sponsors are told to promote as this years fashion for us mortals.

[GY Jon]

The revolution starts here! We shall march on Campag, Shimano and SRAM and demand kit that works, kit that lasts, death to carbon fibre, arise fellow cyclists of steel!

[fredrikw]

You don't need a pro mechanic to maintain and keep a drive train in good shape, not even pro skills, just some common sense. Conservatism never leads to progress, but if you're happy with that I say stick with what you have. For us who's always looking at increasing our experience and performance, new inventions are more than welcome.

[bob_summers]

stick with what you have

while it's still supported

[fredrikw]

stick with what you have

while it's still supported

yeah, that's the best way of dealing with conservative reactionaries, no support!