1x vs 2x for road bike

[M_Six]

Hi All,

I'm looking at grabbing a casual road bike (as opposed to my two dedicated roadies) for quick jaunts or local cruising. Basically I want a bike that I can jump on wearing shorts, tee shirt, and sandals and pedal around the 'hood for 30 minutes or so. Or maybe haul up to the local bike trail for an easy ride with friends. I originally wanted a Trek FX 4 Disc with a 1x11 drive train, but it's backordered and the LBS says I'll be lucky to see it by August if ever. However, they have an FX 3 Disc in my size in stock that I could buy now. The two bikes are essentially identical except for the drive trains. The FX 4 has a 42T sprocket up front and an 11x51 (11-speed) in the rear. The FX 3 has a 46/30 up front and an 11x36 (9-speed) in the rear. My only reason for the 1x was the simplicity of it plus the somewhat cleaner appearance. But I'm not sure those reasons outweigh the issue of waiting months or longer for the 1x. Any thoughts on 1x11 as opposed to a standard 2x9? I have one riding friend who has a 1x11 gravel rig and hates it. He thinks I should go with the 2x9. I'm starting to lean that way.

[Feddersen]

The gear parts of the 1x11 are better than those of the 2x9 so I would go for the 1x11. Also since it will just be a casual bike it will be simpler to self service.

However if you could get 2x11 Deore or better gears I'd go with that any day.

[strohw]

Obviously you're not going to wait months for a bike. A 2x9 is fine for your use regardless if the drive group set is a tier higher. Also, if you mean local trail as in a rail trail then OK but if you mean a cross country trail you'll probably want to move into one of their lower tier mountain bikes instead. Something like a Marlin 8.

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by Feddersen

The gear parts of the 1x11 are better than those of the 2x9 so I would go for the 1x11. Also since it will just be a casual bike it will be simpler to self service.

However if you could get 2x11 Deore or better gears I'd go with that any day.

If both were available right now, that'd be my move. But waiting for months sucks, and it might not be that big of a deal. And if/when the bike market returns to normal, I figure I can always upgrade.

Originally Posted by strohw

Obviously you're not going to wait months for a bike. A 2x9 is fine for your use regardless if the drive group set is a tier higher. Also, if you mean local trail as in a rail trail then OK but if you mean a cross country trail you'll probably want to move into one of their lower tier mountain bikes instead. Something like a Marlin 8.

Definitely a paved rails-to-trail situation. I have a Marlin 6 now and don't ride it much because it's overkill for the rail trail and not very comfortable. I'll be selling that bike.

[chassis]

Do you have something to ride now? Wait for the 1x. If not, get the 2x.

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by chassis

Do you have something to ride now? Wait for the 1x. If not, get the 2x.

I have my dedicated road bikes, but they're not the same animal. I can't just jump on them and go. Special shoes (clipless pedals), usual riding gear, etc. My big fear is that August will come and go and I still won't have a simple cruising bike. And the dealer said he isn't even sure Trek is making the 1x version any longer. I'm thinking I'll grab the 2x and if the 1x suddenly becomes available for immediate delivery, I can always sell the 2x if it isn't working out.

[M_Six]

Got the 2x FX3 today. They're transferring the rack, pedals, mounts, and sensors from the Marlin to the FX3, so I'll have it to ride in a few days. Now I need to sell the Marlin.

[chassis]

Congrats. Are you a dedicated Trek person? Or did you consider Specialized, Cannondale or other brands? Why/why not?

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by chassis

Congrats. Are you a dedicated Trek person? Or did you consider Specialized, Cannondale or other brands? Why/why not?

Only bike shop in the area is a Trek shop. And I like the Trek stuff so far. No complaints. I now own 5 Trek bikes, although I'll be selling the Marlin.