Why the Front Derailleur is Still Better (on MTB)

My wife has a 3x with twist shifters. I ride it once or twice a year to test or when my bike’s no available. Even though it’s quite low end it is pretty fun and when adjusted right shifts nicely.

This is definitely a hot take

Designed in USA. Made in China. - LOL Do they really need a sticker for that? Pretty much understood these days ;)

I rode 3x for 30years. It is what I learned on and got proficient at. Having the extra shifter on my handlebar was normal, I have never been fussy about what's on my handlebar in fact even with old school 600mm and less bars on my bike with all the shifters was just how it was. Modern wide bars still feel awkward for me. My current bike is a 2x, Shimano, of course and I love it. As a life Shimano guy, I hope they keep making the 2x.

I've got a 2x on my full-sus carbon bike. Oddly, its an electronic shimano di2 system, so (supposedly) maintains as straight a chain as possible by itself. Never had a problem with dropped chains even on big drops and jumps. It runs pretty smooth, but I still prefer the 1x on my hardtail... simpler and cleaner cockpit

Good persuasive argument in favor of the 3x, Seth. Now then, this reminds me of the Drama-the-trail-dog video. Oscar seems like the real trail dog. Talk about ubiquitous when you're on a bike! Have you considered doing a video on Oscar as a trail dog? It'd be a good way to revisit Drama as the legacy he has been. Just a thought. Carry on. You're a great role model.

I have an '06 Cannondale Prophet that I converted to 2x and installed an aluminum bash guard in place of the gigantic chainring. This was sort of a happy medium or say... Sort of a mediator between the curmudgeons and the modern day 1x advocate. 😁

I think cheaper bikes should have 2x. Easier to get it quiet without rubbing. Lighter. And nobody needs a 44 chainring on a mountain bike.

neet never thought of it that way

Good points! My main trail bike is a 1x and I'd never convert it to 3x, but I cut my mountain bike teeth in the 90's on a 3x so I really don't have a problem with the complexity. In fact, I recently picked up an XC hardtail from about 2006 that's a 3x9 and have no plans to change it. It shifts fine and the range is great.

Michael Newman

Great info. I'll keep my 3by a little longer

hey, Seth when you were explaining the 3 by in your shop I saw a full suspension with a 3 by a Rock Shox back shock me guessing it's probably going to be another flip bike so getting ready for another video.

Rly happy with the patreon seth. Was a little conspicuous when first subscribing but so far I’m blown away. Keep up the good work.