Dunne says 13-speed electronic tech finally fixes 1x road racing failures

In 2018, Conor Dunne and his Aqua Blue Sport teammates embarked on a radical shift, committing to SRAM Force 1 11-speed mechanical groupsets for the entire season. While the theory promised aerodynamic gains and weight reduction, the mechanical reality fell short. Without a front derailleur, the 11-speed cassette created massive gear jumps that disrupted a rider's physiological rhythm. During high-intensity racing, finding a comfortable cadence became impossible, leaving athletes physically compromised when the peloton surged.

Mechanical lag and cadence gaps

The original 1x setup suffered from two critical biomechanical flaws: excessive gear spacing and slow shifting. On steep climbs, the 9-32t cassette forced riders to navigate "hurt locker" scenarios where no gear felt appropriate for their oxygen uptake. Transitioning from high-speed descents to sharp inclines required shifting through the entire cassette manually, a sluggish process compared to the instantaneous jump of a front derailleur. In the professional peloton, these lost seconds equate to wasted joules and lost wheels.

Electronic evolution to 13-speed

Modern technology has bridged the gap. The move to SRAM Red AXS and Shimano electronic platforms has replaced clunky mechanical cables with lightning-fast wireless signals. Most importantly, the leap to 13 speeds—specifically the SRAM Force XPLR AXS drivetrain—addresses the cadence issue. The extra sprockets allow for tighter ratios in the middle of the block while maintaining a wide range for climbing. Enhanced clutch technology in the rear derailleur now ensures chain security that was previously a major liability.

Final verdict on 1x road adoption

Seven years later, the verdict has shifted from skepticism to endorsement. While the 2018 version was "not ready," the current 13-speed electronic ecosystem offers the simplicity of a single ring without the metabolic cost of awkward gear jumps. For both professional racing and casual road cycling, the reliability and simplified cognitive load make modern 1x a superior choice for many terrains.