What is the best choice between the single chainring and the double chainring for your next gravel bike? What are the advantages and disadvantages of both systems? Which one best suits your riding style? Let’s explore together how you should equip your gravel bike.
Single or double chainrings, differences in weight and price?
The weight is an important criterion on a gravel bike. It will partly determine the riding sensations, especially during accelerations and ascents. However, this criterion remains less crucial than on a road bike where performance is more sought after.
Price is also a key factor when choosing your next gravel bike. Sometimes, one might need to compromise on the groupset to get better wheels, or vice versa.
In both these aspects, opting for a single-chainring gravel bike comes out as the winner. The absence of a front derailleur, associated cables, and housings allows for a weight saving of around 100 grams.
Similarly, in terms of price, a gravel bike equipped with a double-chainring setup will be slightly more expensive than the same bike with a single chainring. The price difference is around a hundred euros.
Considering these two arguments, even though the single-chainring setup has the advantage, the difference is not significant enough to favor one system over the other.
What are the differences in gear ratios between single and double chainring setups?
Single chainring setup:
40 x 11 = 8.02m, equivalent to 45.7 km/h at a cadence of 95 rpm
40 x 42 = 2.10m, equivalent to 10.0 km/h at a cadence of 80 rpm
Double chainring setup:
46 x 11 = 9.23m, equivalent to 52.6 km/h at a cadence of 95 rpm
30 x 34 = 1.95m, equivalent to 9.3 km/h at a cadence of 80 rpm
These figures clearly show that the double chainring setup allows for comfortable riding, both at high and low speeds. The single chainring setup is more limited in its extreme speeds. You’ll need to spin faster on descents to maintain a high speed. Conversely, you’ll need to exert more force on steeper climbs.
Beyond the minimum and maximum gear ratios, the double setup has the advantage of having less gap between each of its 22 speeds. Typically, a single chainring groupset will come with an 11-42 cassette compared to an 11-34 cassette for a double. Since the range of gears is larger in a single chainring setup, the gap between each cog is also greater. The double setup’s advantage also lies in its gear progression, which is very useful on flat or paved sections.
Single or double chainring gravel bikes, what are the differences in use?
Beyond all theoretical points, when it comes to choosing your gravel bike, what matters most is the terrain. What are the differences in terms of ergonomics when using a 1×11 groupset compared to a 2×11 groupset?
The single chainring setup has a clear advantage off-road. When the terrain is varied or technical, and pace changes are frequent, it’s better to focus on a single gear lever. There’s no risk of cross-chaining or chain drop when shifting between chainrings. The rider can concentrate fully on handling the bike. Similar to cross-country mountain biking, where all riders use single chainring setups, one can sweep through the entire cassette without hesitation. It’s an unparalleled comfort in use.
How to equip your next gravel bike?
The single chainring setup is designed for off-road gravel riding. If you spend most of your time on trails, singletracks, fire roads, and other paths, you’ll have greater enjoyment riding with a single chainring. The absence of a front derailleur and the reduced risk of chain drops will allow you to have fun on the most challenging sections.
Conversely, if you’re looking for a gravel bike that can do it all, serving both as a road bike and occasionally as a trail bike, then prioritize the double chainring setup. Similarly, for bikepacking, the gear ratios will be better suited to your needs. You’ll be able to ride fast on the road and continue where the road ends.
