SRAM just unveiled a single chainring groupo for cyclocross, following on their successful MTB single-ring option. Interesting mention in this article that the triathlon market might be next: http://www.cyclingnews.com/...by-cyclo-cross-group
I took a quick look at the gearing, and it looks like you could run a 46 tooth chainring and an 11-32 cassette, and you'd have a pretty good gear range for nearly all circumstances except downhill with a tailwind: about the equivalent of 34-24 for the low end and a 53-13 for the top. Maybe not big enough for the real hammers, but more than enough for us mere mortals.
So, what do folks think? Would you go with a single chainring setup like that, and shed all the extra weight and hassle of a front derailleur and double rings? Of course, your SRM's and Quarq's would have to go, too. I might do it.
I took a quick look at the gearing, and it looks like you could run a 46 tooth chainring and an 11-32 cassette, and you'd have a pretty good gear range for nearly all circumstances except downhill with a tailwind: about the equivalent of 34-24 for the low end and a 53-13 for the top. Maybe not big enough for the real hammers, but more than enough for us mere mortals.
So, what do folks think? Would you go with a single chainring setup like that, and shed all the extra weight and hassle of a front derailleur and double rings? Of course, your SRM's and Quarq's would have to go, too. I might do it.