I run a 1x8. the bike is an 82 nishiki I turned into an english 3 speed look type of design

I am running a SRAM wide range cassete on the back (13-34??? forget exactly) and 39 on the front.

I moved the inner 39 ring to the outer ring....I got a better chain line that way.

I use a simple thumb shifter.

I have had no problems with dropping the chain....but it is used prettly calmly.

The only problem I had was that the 39 ring doesnt have the little peg to keep the chain from getting jammed between the outer ring and the crank....as i discovered once changing a rear tire.