this post was submitted on 18 Apr 2025
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why aren't there any 2x5 groupsets? (slrpnk.net)
submitted 3 months ago by vomitaur@slrpnk.net to c/bikewrench@lemmy.world
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As a novice, I come seeking wisdom.

I have an old Rockhopper that I'm looking to strip down to the frame and rebuild into a commuter. I've been learning a lot about gearing and all that, and have been researching parts. I see that there are a lot of 1x10 groupsets and a very small number of 2x9, but nothing really with a lower number of gears on the cassette.

To my untrained mind, a 1x10 would introduce more stress and flex on the chain than a 2x5 would, especially while riding on the extremes. And, with a 2x5 setup, you could (probably?) have better ratios - I'm thinking it should be possible to set it up in a way where one chainring is better suited for climbing, and the other for higher speeds.

Yet, I don't see any 2x5 or even 2x7 sets out there. What am I missing?

Another question: would it even be feasible to custom-build my own drivetrain with a 5-gear cassette, to use with 2 rings on the front, and if so, how complicated would it be?

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[–] vomitaur@slrpnk.net 2 points 3 months ago

thanks for the extra extra. I've been cycling for my whole life, and have always done the basic maintenance myself. only recently have i felt like tackling the stuff i used to leave to the LBS.

it's got 135mm, so i'm sure i can fit a 9-speed cassette, i've been biasing more and more to a 1x9 since reading your other comment - the end goal of this rebuild is a commuter, and my route is fairly flat and asphalt, so I don't need a lot of range in the gearing. what's currently on it is a 3x7, and I'm in the middle ring most of the time as well.

thanks again, i'll check those resources out