Conor Dunne ditches skepticism as 13-speed 1x drivetrains transform road performance

In 2018, Conor Dunne and the Aqua Blue Sport team attempted a radical shift by racing exclusively on SRAM Force 1 11-speed mechanical groupsets. From a biomechanical perspective, the results were suboptimal. The narrow 11-gear range necessitated massive jumps between sprockets, particularly with the 9-32 cassette. These gaps forced riders into awkward, inefficient cadences that disrupted physiological rhythm during high-intensity efforts. The mechanical shifting was slow and clunky, often failing to meet the split-second demands of the professional peloton.

Evolution through 13-speed engineering

The landscape has shifted. The modern SRAM Force AXS 13-speed electronic system addresses the primary physiological barrier: the "cadence gap." By adding two extra cogs, engineers have smoothed the steps between gears, allowing athletes to maintain their optimal power-to-cadence ratio without searching for a middle ground that doesn't exist. The transition from mechanical cables to wireless electronic actuation further eliminates the latency that plagued the 2018 setup.

Solving the chain retention puzzle

Original 1x systems frequently suffered from dropped chains, a disaster for kinetic efficiency and safety. Modern iterations, such as the SRAM XPLR rear derailleur, utilize advanced clutch technology to maintain constant chain tension. This stability, paired with refined tooth profiles on the single chainring, creates a nearly foolproof system. Furthermore, removing the front derailleur allows for wider tire clearances—up to 35mm—without mechanical interference, improving damping and reducing rolling resistance on rough terrain like Paris-Roubaix.

Final verdict on movement efficiency

The 1x drivetrain is no longer a compromise. The simplicity of a single shifter reduces cognitive load during anaerobic stress, preventing cross-chaining and simplifying gear selection. While the 2018 version was a prototype for a future not yet arrived, the current 13-speed electronic ecosystem provides the precision required for elite road performance.