FBandito, thanks for your input. I’m currently riding a Schlitter Encore (triple 10sp). Up front I have a 50/39/30 and in the rear an 11/36. I actually use the triple, but almost never the granny 36 gear because I can drop to the 30t up front if I need it. Not owning a Cruz yet, I’m thinking things just don’t transfer over correct? Meaning due to the Cruz design, gearing is not necessarily apples to apples? So my thought is do I go with a 1X or a 2X? Cruze S40 I believe comes outfitted with the 42 up front and an 11/42 rear? They must have put a lot of thought into that configuration. I was thinking a 46t up front and 10/36 cassette? My terrain here in Florida is mostly flat with some bridges and overpasses. Thoughts?
A triple 10s is pretty nice. My v20 came with the triple Tiagra 4700 groupset but I gave the important bits to my friend whose wife now rides with him. I almost have enough to equip my commuter bike with a 2X 10s Tiagra, which I will do in the near future.
I could be quite wrong by missing something in my hard head, but I am not sure there is much difference in the gearing. Even though the BB is moving a bit, I don't think it is affecting power transfer much or at all, so going with similar gearing that you have on your Schlitter should be fine. Maybe tweak it a little up or down depending on where you will be physically in the near future. It would be interesting to know the pros and cons when comparing a 1X and 2X. The only thing I can think of that might concern me is if the gaps between the gears on the 12 speed put me too far out of my comfort zone. Now, rpms in the mid 80s are where I am at and occasionally get to 120 when the conditions are right. I don't do as much sprinting as before so my legs might complain more with those gaps. Keep in mind I am just speculating because I have not tried a 1X12 yet. If my legs could handle those gaps though, SIGN ME UP! I am all for losing the derailleur weight, shifter weight, the improved aerodynamics, and less stuff that could go wrong or need fixing at the most inopportune time.
I'm mostly on the flats too and kick around the idea of a 53 or even a 55 on the front with my 11/29. With a 10/36 I could probably live with a 50 on the front but doing so would probably be then end of my 70kph dreams hahaha. Depending on your top speed wishes a 46 might work though. A gear calculator will set you straight, or wait until someone here who knows more of what they are doing chimes in.
By the way, Schlitter looks like a nice bike. Are both of your wheels 700c?