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 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.