[MENTION=442179]Carbonated[/MENTION]: I cannot think of any reason 1x would Not work on the road except for people who pushed performance. A 1x system with 11 usable gears isn't that different than a 2x8 or 2x9 ... a few fewer options but unless you are hitting headwinds or chasing a paceline, the 1x should suffice.

I did some group rides with a couple guys on 1x systems. one guy on a CX bike was working pretty hard (or actually spinning really fast) because his chain ring was 46T and the group was all on 50-34 or 53-36 .... the other guy had a 1x Synapse and I guess the chain ring was bigger because he did alright ... though he moved up to a Cervelo S3 for group rides.

I have a 48-38-28 triple with a 14-34 on my touring bike and that is too low for road use for me .... I spend almost all my time in the top few cogs and coast on even slight downhills. It works, but it is not optimal. However if I were riding off-road I bet it would be fine.

Basically, there will be compromises with the 1x and only you can decide if they cramp your style.

I have since stopped doing group rides so I could probably move to 1x .... not any reason I would, because my legs, lungs, and heart are all so weak finding the right ratio can make a big difference. If you have the fitness you could make a 1x work quite well, I'd bet.

(I am trying to say, "Sorry for coming off like a Richard in the second post and thanks for being such a gentleman," without ever admitting I ever do anything wrong at all, ever. )