I have a Salsa Casseroll singlespeed that I converted to 1x10 running sram rival. 48x 12/26 using the stock crankset and gear. I have never needed a lower ratio. I occasionally coast one one long hill, not because I couldn't spin with it, but just because I don't feel the need to kill myself on the commute.

I don't use any guards and haven't dropped a chain in several thousand miles. If I built another commuter tomorrow I would go 1x10 again. I put probably 6000 miles on my Las Cruces and never shifted into my small ring. I was running a 50 front ring with the same ratio 9-speed rear.

I've yet to take any pics of the casseroll.