1x Mech to 1x Elec
2023 was a big year for my gravel bike. I fully overhauled the setup and the bike feels brand new.
In 2019 I bought Clay’s Moots Routt to start getting into Gravel and Cyclocross. Over the past four years I had tinkered with minor changes:
Adding a Wolftooth derailleur extender and a bigger cassette / chain for an increased gear range
Various cyclocross or gravel tires
Handlebar tape
Swapping 165mm Ultegra cranks w/ 172.5mm Dura-Ace cranks from one of my other bikes
This year I decided to do a bigger drive chain overhaul and go fully electronic. I have been super happy with the changes to make the Routt to a 1x Mullet setup. Super happy with the result and build out by Acme Bicycles Co.
Photo Credit: Scott Rettino
Ride Thoughts
Pros
Smooth riding - the combination of the new electronic gearing, bottom bracket, and freehub has the entire drive chain running smooth
Bigger range - the prior gearing left me struggling at each end of the spectrum e.g. gearing wasn’t big enough to go 25+ mph or small enough for more than 8% grade
Less cables - the electronic setup means I have a cleaner look w/ only brake line cables
Cons
Sensitive gearing - the range is so polarizing that slight adjustments mean I can’t fully shift into all gears. At Farmer’s Daughter this past year rough riding led to a limit screw coming loose and I was unable to shift into my smallest gear ratio halfway into the race
Tire clearance - I wasn’t expecting to get increased tire clearance with the changes I made, so this is generally a complaint that the frame still maxes out at 40mm tires
Battery removal - the derailleurs battery follows the typical SRAM clip-in, however it has an extra cage around it that is difficult to remove
Parts List
Drive chain
SRAM Rival 1 AXS Wide Power Meter Crankset - 172.5mm 12-Speed 40t 8-Bolt Direct Mount DUB Spindle Interface Black D1
SRAM ETAP/AXS BATTERY
AM BB DUB English/BSA (55mm Chainline) 68/73mm
Chain PC GX Eagle Solid Pin 126 links PowerLock Flowlink 12 speed
SRAM Rival eTap AXS HRD Shift/Brake Lever and Hydraulic Disc Caliper - Right/Rear, Flat Mount 20mm Offset, 1800mm Hose, Black, D1
SRAM Rival eTap AXS HRD Shift/Brake Lever and Hydraulic Disc Caliper - Left/Front, Flat Mount 20mm Offset, 950mm Hose, Black, D1
SRAM GX Eagle AXS Rear Derailleur - 12-Speed, Long Cage, 52t Max, Lunar
Wheels/Brakes
SRAM Rotor Centerline X Road 2 Piece CenterLock 160mm Black Rounded
SRAM GX Eagle XG-1275 Cassette - 12-Speed, 10-52t, Black, For XD Driver Body
Wolftooth Post Mount - Flatmount Adapters
Panaracer GravelKing SS Tire - 700 x 38 Tubeless Folding Black
SRAM XDR FREEHUB KIT SS 176/177
Handlebars
Enve Bar Tape 250cm, 3.0mm Grey
ENVE Composites SES AR Drop Handlebar - Integrated, Compact, 44/49cm, 31.8 Clamp, Black
Other
Power Pro Mirror Saddle blk 143 143mm
