Anyone have any experience with a 2x1? Never have really ridden XC before, but I went for a ride today and enjoyed it. I realized I didn't even touch the rear shifter for the entire ride, just the front. So I decided to take off a front ring and 8 of the back cogs, and ended up with this. Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://i51.tinypic.com/j0jgxf.jpgIt seems to be working fine. It skipped once, but I just took a few links out of the chain and now it's smooth. I was initially worried about never having a perfect chainline, but it's still better than 7 out of 9 gear combos before...
So, thoughts? Opinions? And again, any experience?
An update, for anyone that cares (I personally think this shit is awesome).
After working out a few kinks, like a bent derailleur cage and some play in the spacers, this set up is working PERFECT.
Here's the final set up, although I might go to a smaller rear cog (again), and I might take a few links out of the chain (again). Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://i51.tinypic.com/ifnytz.jpgUnsecure image, only https images allowed: http://i53.tinypic.com/xfe1d1.jpg
I've never tried SS but this seems interesting. So what's the benefit of the front gears vs the rear?
S
Two dramatically different gears, simple set up and tuning, and cost (for me).
I personally did it because this bike is low budget and I could do it with parts laying around the house. It's a lot nicer for me to have two gears that consistently work than a whole slew of gears, most of which I don't use, and some which skip.
i run the 2x1 set up. i dont have a front derailer as the aim is to have 1 SS bike for on road commuting then manually switch the chain over to the smaller ring and presto! SS trail bike! a shimano alfine takes care of tensioning duties. should really get a pic of it up.
I ran a Paul's Melvin on the rear with a Paul's hub. 18t rear White Industries Trials freewheel. 46/34 front. Was really quite nice.
I prefer riding a singlespeed, but don't have the time to have the fitness to always ride singlespeed. 2x1 works like a charm for that purpose.
Long term too the system is pretty low maitence as well. Chainrings last longer than cassettes, and being you aren't constantly shifting with this setup the shift quality isn't as much of a concern so even when the rings start to be a bit worn out you really don't care much.