Why did we focus on simplicity and functionality?
Bicycle drivetrains are constantly evolving and following various trends. Adding more cogs to the rear cassette and reducing chainrings on the crankset has accelerated in recent years. And perhaps not everyone knows that this concept is not such a great innovation after all…
Surely there are people here who remember the wild end of the 90s and the DIY adjustments of drivetrains in MTBs. Back then, you would remove the front derailleur to have one chainring up front from road bike groups or switch from three-chainring setups to two-chainring ones. It was a bit of work! In the past, drivetrains were limited to 6, 7, or 8 speeds at the rear. Today, that number has increased to an impressive 13. A lot has changed over the years.
Above all, simplicity.
Taking this opportunity, we want to explain the rationale behind a single-chainring setup, not from the perspective of a sporty riding style, but from the perspective of an everyday, recreational bike user.
Single-speed drivetrains
Above all, simplicity. When we get rid of the front derailleur, we eliminate an element that can break down. There’s no issue with chain crossing, so we don’t hear any “grinding” when we accidentally align the extreme chainrings on the crankset and cassette. It’s also less likely for the chain to drop during gear changes. An additional bonus is the reduced weight of the entire drivetrain.
Current 11- or 12-speed drivetrains, paired with a well-matched front chainring, offer a very wide range of gear options. If the bike isn’t intended for road racing, where narrow gear ratios are more appropriate, then a two-chainring setup seems unnecessary. This can be easily observed by comparing drivetrains on the website https://www.gear-calculator.com.
Of course, there are individuals for whom the gear range of a single-speed drivetrain may not be sufficient. They often come from the road cycling world or enjoy pushing the speedometer above 50 km/h on descents. In the case of steep climbs, cassettes with the largest cog at 511 also solve the problem excellently.
At Koloride, we’ve prepared quite a few proposals for drivetrain groups for you.
Old habits persist, and many things can be done in the workshop by combining the capabilities of current components, such as the Mullet SRAM with an MTB cassette 10-52T.
Interested? Here’s a description of drivetrain groups proposed by Koloride:
Shimano GRX 12 series ST-RX820 The Shimano GRX 12 series 600 is designed for cyclists who want to explore gravel trails. With its solid construction, clutch mechanism in the derailleur, and durable materials, this drivetrain provides not only precision but also reliability in challenging conditions. An excellent choice for gravel riding enthusiasts. Included: RD-RX822-SGS derailleur with a 12-speed SHIMANO MTB 10–51T cassette.
Shimano GRX 12 series ST-RX610
Ergonomic parameters tailored for off-road riding, optimized gear options, a quiet and stable drivetrain system. In short: reliability. This gear set is dedicated to cyclists who want to explore both nearby and distant worlds. It stands out significantly compared to the competition. Included: RD-RX822-SGS derailleur with a 12-speed MTB 10–51T cassette.
Shimano GRX 817 1x11s Di2
A drivetrain set that redefines riding comfort in varied terrain. A proposal for those planning to explore the world on a bike. Its competitive advantage lies in ergonomics tailored for off-road riding, optimized gear options, a sturdy drivetrain system with a clutch mechanism in the rear derailleur. The Di2 system brings the comfort and reliability of electronic gear shifting to the gravel world.
Shimano SLX SL-M7100
A reliable cycling gear group that combines high-quality construction with excellent functionality. Designed for cyclists’ comfort and freedom, it performs well during day-long trips and casual rides after work. It utilizes solutions found in higher-end models while remaining at an accessible price point.
Shimano Deore XT M8100
The Shimano Deore XT group is an undisputed legend trusted by generations of cyclists worldwide. Reliable derailleurs, excellent brakes, intuitive maintenance. High-quality gear that you can rely on in any situation, regardless of the type of terrain.
Drivetrain Groups: SRAM
SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS 12s
This is the answer to the needs of modern cyclists. Intuitive wireless gear shifting, innovative derailleurs, AXS connectivity, and improved hydraulic disc brakes. This drivetrain is easy to use yet rich in features. The 1×12 gear range combined with the XPRL 10-44 cassette allows for riding in any conditions.
SRAM Apex XPLR 12s
A drivetrain that allows you to focus on what’s most important – the joy of riding. Intuitive and easy to use. The wide 1×12 gear range is suitable for gravel riding, bike adventures, casual rides, and everything related to adventure. Additionally, the XPLR derailleur version offers a wide range of gearing from 11 to 44 gears.
SRAM Apex AXS XPLR 12s
Apex definitely knows how to provide a comfortable ride. The new wireless SRAM XPLR AXS drivetrains, specializing in 1x, aim for the optimal gear ratio. The 11-44T cassette and compatible derailleur guarantee a wide range of gears both during climbs and fast rides on smooth surfaces.
For your reminder, here are the drivetrain groups with the GATES Carbon Drive belt:
Alfine 8
The eight-speed Shimano Alfine hub paired with the Gates belt is a set designed for efficient city commuting, daily rides to work, and weekend trips to the forest. You will love this equipment for its ease of use, infrequent servicing, and cleanliness of the system.
Alfine 11
The eleven-speed Alfine hub combined with the Gates belt has all the advantages of an urban drivetrain while also performing exceptionally well off-road. Due to its durability and maintenance-free operation, it is often installed on expedition bikes. A perfectly versatile solution!
Alfine 11 Di2
Add the Alfine 11 Di2 hub to the set with the Gates belt, and it becomes magic. The perfect combination of all the benefits of a belt drive with the electronically controlled Di2 drivetrain allows for precise and lightning-fast gear changes. Love at first ride!
