Originally Posted by
Atlas Shrugged
How about the myth that 3X drivetrains have any relevance in modern cycling since the availability of wide range 2X systems. I am presently running on my 11sp adventure bike 46-30 by 11-40 and can easily accommodate up to a 44 without any modifications. Indexing works perfect and still running the convenience of brifters.
The reason why I haven't gone back to 2x from 3x is that with a 46-30 crankset you'll need a 11-46 cassette to get as low as with my 22-34-44 and 11-34 cassette. The gear jumps with a cassette like that are just nasty for road use. Frankly even 11-42 was starting to feel a bit much when I tried out 1x for touring.
Sure, I could use a 24-38 mtb double, but then I'd lose high end entirely. Maybe with a 13-speed cassette time will be ripe for me to give up the triple. But I'd much rather take a 11-speed 11-34 cassette and a GRX triple combined with hydraulic brakes. That would have so much range and so tight spacings.