Whoever buys a mountain bike today can almost despair. In addition to the area of use, there are numerous questions to answer about wheel size, suspension travel and gearing. Shimano is now offering help in deciding between 1x and 2x cranks: the "Drivetrain Advisor" allows you to find out in simple steps which drivetrain suits which rider.

Sram: 2x is history

At Sram, the motto is clear: the front derailleur is history, the mountain bike of today and tomorrow is equipped with just one chainring and therefore without a front derailleur. The US shifting giant praises this dogma with some conviction and even broadcast a video in 2016 that looked like a eulogy to the front derailleur.

Shimano: 1x and 2x have their place

A different campaign is now underway at Shimano: It is the rider who decides what is good for them and suits their use. The Japanese shifting giant is riding with a website under this motto. The "Drivetrain Advisor" is particularly attractive and easy to use. Here, mountain bikers are asked about their preferences in terms of trails, preferred riding gear, fitness and other points such as uphill or downhill orientation. At the end of the survey, this guide gives a clear recommendation as to whether a double or single crank is the right choice.

Ride says: In times of numerous bike types, suspension travel, wheel sizes, hub widths and other innovations such as new installation dimensions for shocks, a clear statement and recommendation - as well as a differentiated view - from the market leader in terms of gearing is quite beneficial and refreshing.

http://drivetrainadvice.shimano.com/global/de