13 speed SRAM gravel specific electronic group set

[Katana]

Is it just me or others do feel that do we actually need a 13 speed group set? It’s a good thing that Gillette stopped at 5 blade cartridges at least for the time being😂 Considering varying levels of gradient and conditions one wonders practically speaking is there actually a need for 13 speed groupset? Or maybe it’s just a ploy for companies to upsell?

 

[Mike Ayling]

Is it just me or others do feel that do we actually need a 13 speed group set? It’s a good thing that Gillette stopped at 5 blade cartridges at least for the time being😂 Considering varying levels of gradient and conditions one wonders practically speaking is there actually a need for 13 speed groupset? Or maybe it’s just a ploy for companies to upsell?

Well Rohloff IGH is 14 speed and the bottom bracket gear box, I forget the name is 18 speed.

 

[almostvegancyclist]

It's 1x13 so that's what, equivalent to 2x8 or 2x9? I ride 2x11 and use all but 2 gears (big-big, small-small), so 20 gears. I don't feel like it's excessively many but 2x10 (18 useable gears) would be fine too. So to answer the question, 13 gears is not a lot, it's just that it's all in the rear cassette. Remind me what the point of that was?

 

[Beebo]

It does seem a bit silly.
What is the theoretical limit? There is only so much space between the hub and frame.
How narrow can chains get? The other issue is the huge difference in chain length from gear 1-13. Especially with the massive dinner plate granny gear on some MTBs.
I presume you could go to 15 but would the components be too delicate for general use.

My first proper bike in the 80s was 1x5. Then I upgraded to an MTB in 90s with 3x7. Today I don’t need anymore than 2x10.

And I still use a twin blade razor!

 

[Katana]

It does seem a bit silly.
What is the theoretical limit? There is only so much space between the hub and frame.
How narrow can chains get? The other issue is the huge difference in chain length from gear 1-13. Especially with the massive dinner plate granny gear on some MTBs.
I presume you could go to 15 but would the components be too delicate for general use.

My first proper bike in the 80s was 1x5. Then I upgraded to an MTB in 90s with 3x7. Today I don’t need anymore than 2x10.

And I still use a twin blade razor!

Couldn’t agree more with you on that buddy. Although I moved to Quattro razor while back😆