1x vs 2x gravel drivetrain - which is better for Polish gravel roads?
Gravel, gravel, gravel – this word has been thrown around in all sorts of ways for several years now. But once you've ridden your first 500 kilometers on gravel, the real question begins: which drivetrain should you choose – 1x or 2x? And it's not just about the number of chainrings up front, but also about your riding style, terrain, budget, serviceability, and even your preference for simplicity.
In 2025, choice is no longer limited by equipment. Every manufacturer offers both 1x and 2x systems. The question is rather what makes sense on Polish gravel roads, with their variable surfaces, micro-climbs, and the mix of asphalt and forest tracks.
1x – it couldn’t be simpler, but will it be enough?
Single-speed drivetrains are now the standard on modern gravel bikes. For years, SRAM has focused exclusively on 1x in its XPLR groupsets, Campagnolo followed suit with the Ekar and Ekar GT, and Shimano has significantly expanded 1x12 in its latest GRX versions.
Why do people love it?
- No front derailleur = fewer things to break. No cable, no wire, no mud to catch on the cage.
- Clean cockpit and better line management - especially with dropper and internal routing.
- Cassettes with a range of 10-44T, 10-52T and even 10-51T (Shimano GRX) provide a really large range.
If you primarily ride gravel, don't race on the road, or hit 45 km/h in the peloton, 1x might be what you need. Especially since the "mullet" setup (road levers + MTB derailleur/cassette) works perfectly today and is supported by SRAM and Shimano.
Who do we recommend 1x to?
- For people riding in forests, gravel roads, singletrack.
- For riders who value reliability (bikepacking, expeditions).
- For everyone who wants less combinations and more driving.
Example groups:
- SRAM Apex XPLR AXS 1×12 – budget gravel automatic.
- Shimano GRX RX820 1×12 – wide range, Shadow+, robust.
- Campagnolo Ekar GT 1×13 – Italian minimalism with panache.
You might be interested in: Electronic Shifting for Gravel: SRAM AXS vs. Shimano Di2
2x – more gears, more control
Double-speed drivetrains aren't disappearing—quite the opposite. Shimano continues to heavily develop GRX in 2x12 versions (RX825 Di2), and even 2x11 in more affordable groupsets. Proponents say they offer greater precision, smaller jumps between gears, and better cadence control. And there's some truth to that.
Especially if you're riding on asphalt with elevation gain or covering longer distances with a heavy load. Changing the chainring allows you to adjust your cadence more quickly, and the 2x11 setup offers a longer range than many 10-52 cassettes.
A new feature is Synchronized Shift systems—whereby changing the front gear automatically selects the rear gear. This works surprisingly smoothly, especially with Di2 systems.
Who do we recommend 2x to?
- For people who ride in a group and need high speeds.
- For cyclists who value full cadence control.
- For those who travel long distances with heavy luggage.
Example groups:
- Shimano GRX RX825 Di2 2×12 - the pinnacle of integration and automation.
- Shimano GRX RX600 2×11 - a classic at a reasonable price.
- SRAM Rival AXS 2×12 - wireless road bike with gravel option.
https://bike.shimano.com/pl-PL/home.html
What about Poland?
Although gravel is a concept from overseas, the Polish reality fuels it in its own way. Here, it's not just perfectly packed gravel, but also forest tracks, field shortcuts, stretches of asphalt between towns, often surprising changes in the surface—and just as often... no surface at all.
Therefore, the choice between 1x and 2x largely depends on your daily route and riding style. If you ride for pleasure, don't count on watts, and don't mind a slightly firmer gear ratio on flat surfaces, 1x will be the natural choice. However, if your rides are longer, often combine tarmac with elevation, and you like to precisely adjust your riding rhythm, then 2x still has a lot to offer.
Summary - not "what's better?", but "what's better for you?"
Gravel riding isn't about having the most gears, the lightest drivetrain, or the best Strava charts. It's about having a bike that suits your riding style and feeling like everything is working as it should.
- 1x is the choice for those who like simplicity, peace of mind and reliability.
- 2x will be perfect for people who value precision, a wide range and a sporty character.
If you're still unsure what to choose, it's worth talking to someone who sets up these drivetrains daily, tests them, and knows what works in practice. You can drop by, try them on, see how the SRAM shifters click, how the GRX responds, and hear what separates modern electronics from an experienced mechanic.
Because regardless of your choice, a well-chosen drivetrain isn't just about the hardware. It's the beginning of a great ride.
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