1×11? Just marketing right?

Well… No, I don’t think it is. That is probably where I could leave it (and claim the shortest review ever) but I can justify this conclusion.

First, the set up. As I blogged at the weekend I’ve finally gone Shimano 1×11. After kid wrangling all weekend I’ve managed to get out for a decent ride today and I have to confess, I was a bit nervous – “would I spin out?”… “Would I be able to climb?”… “Will I miss the granny ring?”

The answers were no, yes and oddly no. I did find myself ‘lazy spinning’ quite a lot which is the best way I can describe suddenly realising I should shift up and dig in some more. I suspect getting my cadence right is going to take practice BUT at no point in the 19 miles did I sob at my rash purchase.

The XT shifters are flawless – crisp gear changes with the lightest flick of the finger and as for the Blackspire 34t – solid as the proverbial rock – no chatter, no jumps. That chain was not going anywhere and it got a spanking down “Marbles” just to be sure.

I’ve read much on the SLX vs XT kit debate and I agree – I don’t think there is much of a difference in performance. But they are just a tiny bit quicker to shift and a tiny bit smoother. And as for the SLX vs XT brakes, again I think the feedback and reassurance of the bite is just that little bit better. For those reasons alone I’m glad I upgraded.

So I can conclude 1×11 is great – it’s not just marketing hype. I’ve a long way to go in terms of learning to use the gears I’ve got but I see no downside for me and the way I ride.

It’s all gone a bit XT

Yes I am cautious. In fact you could say I’m a luddite. You could call me a lot of things but that’s beside the point. However, true to form after a lengthy procrastination I have finally decided to go 1×11.

Thankfully my trusty 2×10 has lasted since I bought my Bandit with only minor maintenance so I’ve got nothing to moan about really but I’ve reached the time when a replacement was required. Shortly the Bandit will be on it’s way up to see Tom@TamedEarth for some TLC. UPDATE: Dave – sorry, I touched your frame…

Bye bye 2×10

I’ve gone for a Blackspire 34t front and 11/42 rear with a new XT medium cage rear mech and XT shifter. I’m also taking the opportunity to slap some new XT brakes on – something else that’s been weighing on my mind – particularly after last year’s brake-maggedon in Morzine. I will also be replacing the inappropriate rotor I have on my front wheel (Chris fail there…)

 

The end result – nice…

 
But… 1×11… is this a good idea? I mean, I’ve always liked 2×10. I like having a granny gear. I like the act of shifting up when heading down and shifting down when heading up. I like all of that stuff.

How will I cope without a granny ring? I guess it’s just time to MTFU…