I know there are people a lot smarter than me on this and I'd prefer (if possible) to get some feedback from places other than ST.

Anyone with an opinion on moving to a 1x11 for a race like IMFL?

Pros, cons other?

If that set up works for your normal riding.......Florida has only one real hill (bridge) and only reason for the need for a small ring would be if the winds pick ups. When I did it in 2013, we had a tail wind for last 20 miles, never needed the small ring, a 1x11 would have been perfect

You can do the math to see if works for you but I do not see much more benefits running 1x11 at IMFL than most other courses. I do not recall ever having mine in the small chain ring at IMTX and IMFL is much flatter. Yes you do have the bridge but I would use it to stand up and pedal to stretch out the glutes and back.

I am all for more simple setups, removing the front derailleur leaves you with one less thing to break.

If you look at the numbers, then the 1x setups have essentially the same gearing range available as most 2x setups. The gaps in gears will be bigger though if you try to set it up with the same range.

I'm anxious for 1x12 road and then ditching the front derailleur forever.

I think it could be a good idea.

While not a 1 x 11 option, in the past I had often advocated for running compact cranks with a 50 on front for flat courses (for a lot of triathletes) so that they wouldn't have to shift the front ring at any point.

Generally speaking, IMO long course triathletes are notoriously overgeared, including the pros.

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I think it could be a good idea.

While not a 1 x 11 option, in the past I had often advocated for running compact cranks with a 50 on front for flat courses (for a lot of triathletes) so that they wouldn't have to shift the front ring at any point.

Generally speaking, IMO long course triathletes are notoriously overgeared, including the pros.

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that's what i did at IMTX and IMAZ. compact carbon and never touched the front.

Tri bikes have a small ring???

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Tri bikes have a small ring???

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Having done imwi, yes, yes they do.

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Tri bikes have a small ring???

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He is alive.

Hince lives in TX and is doing IMFL...may be able to ride a fixie

Funny thing is that this is for the wife who can knock out a sub 5:20 im bike.

I only do my ironman races on trikes against cjo.

These responses help a bunch. Thanks all

Thank goodness for the small ring on Chemin Duplessis!

I think I broke my small ring at Ironman Canada this year!!

Gesh these thread always make me feel like a ***** on the bike. Two times I've done IMTX and not sure I've ever even touched my big ring. I have some weak ass legs. Keeping 90rpm in the big ring is beyond me. I just spin nice and easy in the small ring

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Tri bikes have a small ring???

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I thought you died! It appears your old friends lied to me.

Old being the key word...

I live in FL and i have never used my small ring, even on bridges. Today's century ride had 4 bridges and we crossed each one twice.

Died in a triathlon sense. I did start running again about 6 weeks ago though. Don't really see myself on the bike or in the pool anytime soon.

Still wouldn't use the small ring though.....

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Died in a triathlon sense. I did start running again about 6 weeks ago though. Don't really see myself on the bike or in the pool anytime soon.

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I have zero desire right now to get on the trainer and still too warm to run. Guess spending all that time on the bike makes you not want to look at it for a while.