1 x n drive trains are probably the most pragmatic, especially for commuting. My prime commuter and dirt road bike has a 36 t chain ring with 9 speed 12-36 cassette. Road bike has 39 t chain ring with 11-36 10 speed. For utility riding, with 32x622 tire, 39 t chain ring and 12-36 9 spd cassette - is about optimal drive train set up.