Originally Posted by
FrozenK
People started going 1x for the same reason people started going 2x : cassettes are providing better range. When cassettes got to be 11-36 a 2x system became viable range-wise and 10spd meant the gaps weren't that bad. Front shifting is better with a double. People also started to realize that, for the most part, they didn't need the range a triple provides.
When SRAM came with the 10-42 11 speed cassette a 1x system became viable (a 30t paired with a 10-42 cassette gives you about the same range as a 39/26 with an 11-36 cassette) and you lose the front derailleur entirely. Now people have realized that they don't even need as much range as with a double.
Cost wise, I don't agree that demand for 1x is what is keeping prices high. Demand for 1x systems is the reason why SRAM started making lower end 1x parts.
Demand or not, the willingness to pay is what keeps the price up. I find it hard to believe an 11 speed cassette costs 2 times as much to produce as a 9 speed cassette. Seeing as my center ring is already 30 tooth, if I have not bought a new bike by the time the rear needs to be replaced I will probably go 11.. But I went 3x9 because I don't see occasionally having to shift the front worth the $600 more for the upgrade to 2x10 on my bike (and for that $600 all that was different was the 2x10 and a remote cable for the fork lockout) , let alone the $3000 more for the lowest price bike in the line that has 1x11 available.
also speaking of the ranges, I find it interesting that KTM is going with 3x10 and 2x11 setups.