in '95 i had a custom bike made and toured the us on it for nine months. i specified 1x8. never had any problems, like unshipping chain, or wanted more gears. i think i initially had a 13-28x39 8-speed xtr freewheel and when it wore out i bought a 7-speed 12-32x38. i now run 1x1.

i honestly don't understand why just about everybody that is not actually in a race would prefer something more than a 1x10 or 1x11.