I run a CX bike as one of my touring/bikepacking rigs. Right now gearing is 48-32 up front and 11-32 on the rear. I had a 11-36 cassette on it too but went with 11-32 after it wore down...probably could have gotten a 11-40 cassette to work with a derailleur extender. I live in a mountainous area and it works just fine for me, YMMV on that though.