Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 18,426
Likes: 6,746
From: ,location, location
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Had a 1x7 and it sucked, went to a 1x9 and it is better but probably 1x10 and 11 are the more practical options these days so you can run a larger cassette in the end though I wouldn't put the money towards a wally mart style bike. Just get a bike that is more practical for your riding or just ride this bike as is.
It was not designed to work super well it was designed to be a low initial cost bike. That is probably why you are unhappy. going to 1X is not going to really make it better.