just keep riding
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Milledgeville, Georgia
Posts: 13,560
Bikes: 2018 Black Mountain Cycles MCD,2017 Advocate Cycles Seldom Seen Drop Bar, 2017 Niner Jet 9 Alloy, 2015 Zukas custom road, 2003 KHS Milano Tandem, 1986 Nishiki Cadence rigid MTB, 1980ish Fuji S-12S
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The full blown 1x11 SRAM setup is a great option if you can afford it. Good cheaper options exist, though, with some compromises. I am running a Race Face Narrow-Wide 30T ring with a 10 speed SRAM cassette modified with a One-Up 42T cog and it works well on my hardtail MTB with a Shimano XT Plus RD. The combination of the narrow-wide chainring and the clutch type RD effectively prevent chain drop without the need for a chain catcher device.
Since Shimano 10 speed RDs are not compatible with their road shifters, SRAM would be the better option for CX. I think a 38T or 40T Narrow-Wide chainring paired with an 11-36 cassette and X.9 Type 2 RD would make a great setup that would be very resistant to dropping a chain.