(Sorry for the long post)

Since retiring from the Army 6 years ago I started riding more often, with a few guys in the neighborhood just trying to stay in shape. We usually ride 10 -15 miles a day most flat roads, some sidewalks when the road isn't safe. Some hills but not a lot. I started out on a 17 y/o Trek 4300 MTB then upgraded 2 1/2 years ago to a Cannondale Quick CX3. I've put about 3000 miles on the bike of far. I love the bike but hate the drivetrain. I want to upgrade the drivetrain and have been looking at the Shimano Deore. I was thinking of going from a 2X current to a 1X. When I ride I almost never change out of the top chainring in the front which is why I'm thinking of going with a 1X. This issue I'm having is that my current chainring in a 46/30 with a 11/34 Cassette. The largest chainring in the Doere line is the XT crankset in a 36T. Seems I would have to go to a GRX crankset just to go a 40T It seems my quest to upgrade to a 1X is futile. Can the GRX crankset be mixed with the MTB Deore cassette and Derailleur. Also I was trying to stick with a 1X11 so I wouldn't have to change my rear hub. I also thought about upgrading the bike, but it seems to me that nothing out there is going to be perfect for me unless I make some type of changes. Also I like having the shock on my CX to soak up the bumps from the rough roads and uneven sidewalks. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.