SRAM 1x VS 2x Drivetrain (What’s Best for Road Cycling?)
Channel: Cam Nicholls
Date: 2019-03-27

Channel Subscription: https://bit.ly/2Vfd4mO 

FREE Webinar Video Training for Road Cyclists: https://bit.ly/2WOfiN3
FREE eBook (5-Step Training Guide for Road Cyclists): https://bit.ly/2Ts6BWF 

SRAM 1x was built on my criterium road bike (CHAPTER2 Rere) and forms part of a major review I am going on all areas of the road bike. This review is not sponsored, however, SRAM Australia did provide the 1X system as a fair rate, in return for this review, 

SRAM released 1x drive chains for mountain bikes back in 2012. They have slowly migrated across to cyclocross, and in 2017, road cycling. In fact, you can now get a 1x system on the new SRAM AXS eTap. 

While SRAM 1x is now available across all of SRAMs major groupstes, including Apex, Rival, Force, and now SRAM eTap AXS on a 12-speed cassette, in this versus battle I am comparing SRAM Force 1x to SRAM eTap 2x. I discuss the pros an cons of each system, discussing:

Weight 
Aerodynamics
Gear range
Gear variation
Aesthetics

Relating to the 1x system, I discuss the SRAM clutch derailleur and the wide tooth narrow tooth chainring and chain system. On my 1x is a 52 front chainring and an 11/32 rear. It has worked well for criterium racing and road cycling on hilly terrain. 

Ride/video references:

SRAM First Ride 1x: https://www.strava.com/activities/2235189967
Adelaide Ride 2x: https://www.strava.com/activities/2235189457
Last Ride, hill repeats 1x: https://www.strava.com/activities/2243598930 
GCN Video Gear Ratio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utw9NzIwhzw&t=259s