PHRANQUY's Comments

I've been using a 1x10 setup with SRAM x9 type 2 derailleur and a Woolftooth chainring for 3 years now without a chain drop. Don't like it, don't buy it, they are still making 2x drivetrains. Maybe I'm just a freak, but I haven't found a hill yet I could climb with my old 2x9 drivetrain that I can't climb with my 1x. I even had a Leonardi General Lee Cassette Adapter for a while (until I wore it out) but the only time I got into the 40t previously was long sustained climbs. I don't see myself personally needing more than a 40t, but I'm sure there are others that will welcome it.

And if you don't think it's innovation, just watch how much better full squish bikes will start riding in the near future.

If it's anything like going from a 2.25 to a 2.4 Ardent I wouldn't be surprised. The wider tread responds much differently, and you can use lower pressures due to the higher volume. Besides, why wouldn't you run a 2.4 if it fits? Weight? Worth the price to me.

Having run Maxxis Ardent's in a 29x2.4 on a Stan's Arch (not newer EX, but old Arch) as well as a Velocity Blunt 35 I can vouch for existing wider tire designs benefiting from the wider rim. I'll be unlacing my old wheels to take advantage of those benefits on both my mountain bikes this winter.

Have they been granted any patents for the "technology" yet though?

That's what I've been using the last season. Better/more usable ratios too.

The problems I've had have been from the derailleur going for a ride with the spokes, not from the chain dropping inside the spokes, although that happened once without damage luckily. I just wish my hanger would have broke so I didn't have to replace the derailleur.