The areas I ride don't have significant downhills but does have some super short climbing. It's a little bit more than I want for my 32-18 single speed.
So for me, changing over would mean fewer dabs uphill. I don't care about downhill since my entire motivation to ride off road is for the dog. She's fast but it's abusive to run too long and fast so I cruise her speed on the easy part.
My idea for a conversion at about $200
-snail brand 30t chainring off eBay for about $12
-11-42 Sunshine cassette off eBay for about $40
- 10 speed Zee shifter, Jenson, $22
- XT Rd, Jenson $65
-10 speed chain, Jenson, $15
I have a brand new set of cables and housing already.
The Santa Cruz Chameleon deraileur hanger is the best option for my frame, unfortunately it's $50, so that is part of the price. If you don't need that, the conversion is even cheaper