I’ve got 1×11 on the Tripster, 36T oval with 11-42 cassette. It spins out at about 40Km/hr, so may get annoying if you do a lot of flatter stuff/road miles, but for mainly off road in the Lakes/Scotland, it’s great.
Road bike (non racing) I’ve gone sub compact 48.32 (Absolute Black oval) with an 11-30 cassette and this is also much better than standard road gears FOR ME in the Lakes. Most of my rides involve a couple of the passes, with very little flat and I can stay seated, and use the big ring far more than a 50/52. These are on a Shand Stooshie, so gravel capable and this 2×11 set-up would be spot on for anyone who doesn’t want to commit to 1x.
Yes, I get good deals on Absolute Black rings, but would happily buy them (and have) at full retail. I went for cheaper cranks to make the sums work.