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A place to ask bicycle repair questions, and for bike shop monkeys to share advanced non commercial wrenching resources (no YouTube self promotion). This is only for repair related topics.

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why aren't there any 2x5 groupsets? (slrpnk.net)

submitted 1 month ago by vomitaur@slrpnk.net to c/bikewrench@lemmy.world

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As a novice, I come seeking wisdom.

I have an old Rockhopper that I'm looking to strip down to the frame and rebuild into a commuter. I've been learning a lot about gearing and all that, and have been researching parts. I see that there are a lot of 1x10 groupsets and a very small number of 2x9, but nothing really with a lower number of gears on the cassette.

To my untrained mind, a 1x10 would introduce more stress and flex on the chain than a 2x5 would, especially while riding on the extremes. And, with a 2x5 setup, you could (probably?) have better ratios - I'm thinking it should be possible to set it up in a way where one chainring is better suited for climbing, and the other for higher speeds.

Yet, I don't see any 2x5 or even 2x7 sets out there. What am I missing?

Another question: would it even be feasible to custom-build my own drivetrain with a 5-gear cassette, to use with 2 rings on the front, and if so, how complicated would it be?

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[–] jrwperformance@lemmy.world 6 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Theres a benefit gained from ditching the front derailer. One-by systems use a narrow wide chainring on the crank to better hold the chain. Paired up with a clutch in the derailer, you'll never have the chain come off in rough riding.

I'm a large (6'4" and 280lbs) and pretty powerful rider and my 12 speed Sram/Shimano systems hold up very well.

[–] JayleneSlide@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

12-speed generally can't fit in an old bike spaced at 135mm OLD + QR rear fork ends. There might be an HG-11 hub such as the Halo Retro that might do the trick, but that's getting into bike arcana and some dark spells.

[–] jrwperformance@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

The 12 speed was mostly an example to say it's a durable system. I also have a Resto-Modded Schwinn road bike from the 80's with a modern 11 speed Shimano set up.

[–] JayleneSlide@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

Restomod, you say? I have such a nerd-boner for modernizing old school bikes. Tell us more! Can we see a pic?

I was given an 83 Rodriguez last summer, and the last of the parts for that rebuild arrived yesterday. So excited for that build. I just need to figure out which beer goes with the build.