went 1 x 9 today, that is, I just left it in the 27 chain ring with 11-34 cassett,
rode out to Dundas, up valley road, to Crooks Hollow and up to # 8 so there was some climbing, and until I rode at 35 KMH and over I didn't need the 42 chain ring. Coming home from Lynden, along Governors it was wind from the back and as I went faster to 45 or so, the 27 wasn't happening. Anyway I have a different attitude now for my 29"MTB, as it would be ok with just a 28 or 30 on the front, without changing out the 11-34.