i run a 1x9 setup, 36t in the front, on the trails I ride, i never had use for my 44t except for rare occassions and i never dropped down into the granny ring, i always was able to climb and whatever else with 32t in the middle so when i went with a 1 ring set up i chose 36 to give a little more top end and chose a 12-34 cassette to occomdate for the loss of granny gear, now it's perfect