Is 1 x 11 the future?
So, it's clear enough that on road and tri bikes, the world is or has graduated to 11-cog rear systems (up from 10).
You see a few people now with 1 x 11 systems where the front is something like 52 and the rear is something like 11-38, which means you need a derailleur that can handle that....but I imagine there are several.
Simplification (no front derailleur) is an advantage, and I imagine there is a small weight advantage (lessened by the big rear cassette). But what are the disadvantages? I assume there are some gear gaps that you can't fill by switching both front and rear. What else? What do people think who have tried it?
We have enough bikes in the house that I try to keep as many of them on the same system as possible, and right now we have both 10 and 11 speed rears, so I've been thinking about this.
Is it equally useful for both road and tri bikes? Or better for one than the other?
Thanks!