thanks for the responses guys, the only thing im worried about if i were to do a 1x9 with a 42 ring would be spinning out going down hills..would i lose much if anything by doing the single 42 ring? it would also be possible for me to drop down to a 39 for the small ring if i kept it as a double. i have just always liked the idea if a 1x9 and 42x 11-32 gives a great range..