One-by drivetrains simplify shifting but drop chains and wear quickly if neglected. I have no patience for flimsy parts that leave you stranded on a trail. To avoid a walk-home, you need to prioritize drivetrain care and preventative maintenance before your cassette teeth start looking like sharks' teeth.
Reliability on rough terrain comes down to how you handle chain retention and your general maintenance habits. If you are not meticulous about your gear, you are just waiting for a catastrophic slip. For those running these setups, what specific upkeep keeps your one-by drivetrain reliable on rough trails?