SINGLE OR DOUBLE?

Campag’s Ekar only comes in a 1x13 format, but both SRAM and Shimano offer lower-range double-chainring options for off-road drop-bar action. As our testing showed, single rings are definitely the most simple systems to operate as you’ve just got one shifter controlling a sequential run up and down the gears (unless you use Di2/ AXS electric versions, in which case you’ve got the option of two shifters).

There’s also no front mech grind or stubbornness to change under power either and, during this test, we experienced a lot more skip and noise issues with the Shimano double setup compared to either SRAM or Campagnolo. Chain-retention tooth tech and clutch mech security meant we very rarely had chain-drop issues with the single-ring setups. Just one chainring also gives more chain clearance for dirty tyres compared to a front mech setup, and it looks neater too.

Even allowing for overlap between different gear combos, a 2x10 setup gives more and closerspaced gear options than a 1x13 setup. That means a smoother spin and smaller gaps, particularly as the terrain ramps up steeper. Depending on ratios, you can also rig it for lower or higher gear extremes. While Campagnolo has deliberately targeted a low weight on Ekar, large cassettes and more complicated clutch mechs offset missing front mechs, while a second smaller chainring means there’s very little difference between double and single-ring setups of the same level of Shimano and SRAM groups.