i'm putting together a cx bike with 1x8 gearing. mostly so i could get it on the road/trails sooner then later and i have a limited budget.

i have an older 13-26 8sp. cassette and plan to use a standard shimano crank. i'm wondering what single ring should i put on for now? i actually have biopace(i know, i know) 48t and 38t rings and was possibly thinking of using one of those. but could also pickup another size inexpensively if that would be better but what size?

anyone else running a similar 1x7/8/9 setup?

1x9, 42t front, 13-28 rear. 42t would probably all you need, but this depends on the course.

1x9, 42t front, 13-28 rear. 42t would probably all you need, but this depends on the course.

it's not quite for a course. right now it's to be used to ride to the trailhead, do a loop and ride home. there is a bit of extended climbing though. maybe the 38 is what i'll put/try.

it's not quite for a course. right now it's to be used to ride to the trailhead, do a loop and ride home. there is a bit of extended climbing though. maybe the 38 is what i'll put/try.

43x 13/28, works for me for knocking around the neighbourhood, haven't tried racing it yet.

For trails, I'd go with a 38. For racing I use a 42.

go 11-28 or 11-30 with the 42 or so. they still sell these 2 cassettes and get a med or short cage XT rear mech from that era (can still find NOS) a great and reliable set up.

go 11-28 or 11-30 with the 42 or so. they still sell these 2 cassettes and get a med or short cage XT rear mech from that era (can still find NOS) a great and reliable set up.

I agree. pick-up an 11-28 Sram (CHEAP) and use a 42. I like the 11-30 too, but they are a little more difficult to find in anything but XT (around $50). A 42x11 is good for around 48kph at 95rpm; less than 60 rpm in a 42x28 and you are better off running.
I run friction so my rear mech doesn't matter (I use a short cage 9 speed Dura-ace and it works flawlessly).