As a novice, I come seeking wisdom.
I have an old Rockhopper that I’m looking to strip down to the frame and rebuild into a commuter. I’ve been learning a lot about gearing and all that, and have been researching parts. I see that there are a lot of 1x10 groupsets and a very small number of 2x9, but nothing really with a lower number of gears on the cassette.
To my untrained mind, a 1x10 would introduce more stress and flex on the chain than a 2x5 would, especially while riding on the extremes. And, with a 2x5 setup, you could (probably?) have better ratios - I’m thinking it should be possible to set it up in a way where one chainring is better suited for climbing, and the other for higher speeds.
Yet, I don’t see any 2x5 or even 2x7 sets out there. What am I missing?
Another question: would it even be feasible to custom-build my own drivetrain with a 5-gear cassette, to use with 2 rings on the front, and if so, how complicated would it be?
I debated editing my comment for some additional resources, but decided that a separate comment might be better.
If you’re just starting out wrenching on your own bikes, the late, great Sheldon Brown is a fount of knowledge and wisdom that we can all aspire to be: https://sheldonbrown.com/
Velo Orange is a great source for the intersection of retrogrouch and modern hotness to keep your old bike running: https://velo-orange.com/
Rivendell is the original retrogrouch bike company: https://www.rivbike.com/
Yellow Jersey for all your NOS needs (antediluvian website warning): https://www.yellowjersey.org/
Modern freewheels from one of my favorite LBS, which just happens to have a strong internet presence: https://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/index.php?category=1665
You’re going to have trouble finding chainrings for 5-speed. If you’re willing to deal with a reduced shifting experience, you can go with chainrings designed for single-speed. The ring is has teeth that are unprofiled, and there is no contour or shifting ramps. This is what I do with the middle ring on my 3x9 setups. Since I’m almost always in the middle ring, the beefier middle ring needs replacement far less. And secret pro-tip: monitor your chain wear, and replace your chain well before it reaches 100%. The rest of your drivetrain will last much, much longer.
If you have 130mm or 135mm spacing, check out Microshift Sword Black. Yes, it’s 9-speed, but you can get a proper gear range with that. Also, Shimano CUES Linkglide might have a combo that can work for your bike.
I love how much Velo Orange is getting mentioned in these comments. I built a gravel bike out of a Velo Orange Pass Hunter frame a little over a year ago.
But I used a Di2 group because that’s what I wanted. Blasphemy, I know.
Nah, no blasphemy in sight. I think Di2 is pretty amazing. Electronic shifting eliminates so many issues inherent to high gear count, cable-actuated shifting. It’s not for me and the way I ride, but the reasons for its popularity are plain as day.
Edit to add: built up a 1st gen disc Pass Hunter, which I very stupidly sold because I didn’t ride it for a year. Live and learn.
Heh. I converted my CAAD12 to Di2 last year, but then I bought a used Supersix Evo that again has mechanical shifting (albeit with hydraulic disc brakes, not rim brakes like my CAAD12). I miss the electronic shifting, though I will admit that group does work pretty well. But the Di2 is still better, and I miss the buttons in the hood for controlling the computer. I intend to upgrade that bike to Di2, maybe over the winter.
No regrets on my gravel bike, but I also haven’t taken it on any tours.
What bag is that?
The bag is a Carradice Nelson Longflap, mounted on a Bagman QR Expedition rack. In that pic, it’s about 12 years old and is now 22 years old. Still going strong. The transverse saddle bag is my preferred carry method for everything other than self-supported loaded touring.
The longflap aspect of the bag lets you do some ridiculous stuff.
thanks for the extra extra. I’ve been cycling for my whole life, and have always done the basic maintenance myself. only recently have i felt like tackling the stuff i used to leave to the LBS.
it’s got 135mm, so i’m sure i can fit a 9-speed cassette, i’ve been biasing more and more to a 1x9 since reading your other comment - the end goal of this rebuild is a commuter, and my route is fairly flat and asphalt, so I don’t need a lot of range in the gearing. what’s currently on it is a 3x7, and I’m in the middle ring most of the time as well.
thanks again, i’ll check those resources out