I have a 3x9 setup. It's simple and was cheap which was a factor when I first chose it.
I lucked into a setup that worked well the first time and I have had no reason to change it since I don't use the bike enough to warrant spending money for a new drivetrain.

26x34 is my current low which is 20.71gi with my current tire size.
If i switched to a modern 11sp, I could use a 46/30 with 11-40 cassette for 20.43gi. It may need a wolftooth roadlink, or maybe just a longer b screw.