I just did a quick conversion project on my commuter to turn it into a 1x9. I realized that I was absolutely never shifting off the middle ring, and I could benefit from having a bash guard / chain guard, if only to protect my pants. Most of all though, I am a chronic tinkerer, and I just had to take something apart. The highlights of my current setup are:

2005 Schwinn Mesa
Deore LX hubs w/ Sun Rhyno Lite rims
Deore LX 11-34 9-spd cassette
Truvativ ISOflow 1.0 SS crankset
Forte Campus pedals
Planet Bike Speedez fenders
Rock Shox Dart 3 fork w/ remote lockout
Deore brake/shift lever (right side); Deore brake lever (left side)
GT Brahma handlebars
Terry Fly Gel saddle
Axiom Journey rear rack
Axiom Typhoon panniers