Is going to a single front sprocket worth it?

Triathlon Forum
1

Hi,
Older rider here. I’m looking into getting back into cycling. Right now my Cervelo R5 has just 10 speed dura ace components.

I’m looking for some opinions on if it’s worth it to change over to a single up front. Climbing gears are a high priority. I currently have a 34 tooth on my rear cassette.

I’m not a powerful rider so having truly aggressive gears of high speeds isn’t necessary. I’m doing good if I ride at 22-25 mph throughout bike rides when in condition.

I assume this will be kind of costly changing over.

Is it worth it???

Thank you.

2

In this case no, def not.

Single speed is good for MTB with super wide cassette or TT with medical aero gains

3

22-25 what? Kmh or mph? Is that your average ride speed? If I had a 35-40kmh average I’d switch to a single in a heartbeat!

4

Quick answer - “No”

You could just convert to a single speed with a bit of hacking - guessing this is an older bike, with the kit you mention, and it’s set up to work optimally with a 2 Chainring set up on the front.

5

Thanks I wouldn’t want to do some hacking on my R5. While an older bike still very nice.

6

Hi,
22-25mph when in condition.

7

Trying to wrap my head around someone who averages 25mph but needs a 34t for climbing. Must live in the Himalayas.

8

I live in Indiana so it’s fine for me here. Flat as a pancake.
But if you have climbs and hills you would want 2x.

9

This paragraph doesn’t make sense. Let’s define “not powerful” with some numbers. What’s your ftp in watts / kg?

10

22 - 25 over a bike ride

Not averaging 25.

Huge difference especially if it is with a group of riders

25 behind a group for a few miles is easy

Lugging 200 lb rider and a 20 lb bike up even a moderate hill may very well require a 34 or even 36 or 38 if you don’t have a lot of power

I can completely relate and I can hold 240 watts for over 2 hours in the aero position.

Still can’t comfortably go up moderate hills in a smallish cog

11

Tom,
Thanks for responding. I’m not a gear head. I am an average rider. I mentioned getting back on the bike and being a rider of 59. I’m not focused on top end speed. I am wanting why bike to be best geared for hills.

That being said will moving to a single sprocket with a huge cassette on the back going to be worth it.
Thank you

12

As everyone said above, there’s no good reason to switch to 1x in the hills. It is absolutely a compromise. If your ftp is over ~3 watts/kg… It can work, though…but, it’s still a compromise.

I just found your description of your ride paces (22 - 25mph) to be more consistent with a stronger than average rider…not a weaker one.