[Alistair]

So, I want to do a "reverse" mullet on my hardtail.

It's currently running 1x11 Shimano, and I switch it to SS and back a few times every year (I race the summer dirt crit series in SS). Going to AXS would make this easier, as it's wireless. Plus, shiny new things and other very good reasons.

I'd like to run an XPLR rear derailleur and cassette - this bike never sees terrain that requires a 10-50 or wider cassette. A 10-44 is plenty of gear - if a ride needs more gear, I take my full suspension bike.

But, as far as I can tell, there are slim pickings for flat-top-compatible chainrings in Shimano 96 BCD (11 speed XT/SLX crank).

Did I miss a chainring option?
Or can I swap rear derailleur pulleys and run a Shimano 12s chain?
Or run a GX RD with Eagle chain and the XPLR cassette (will that work)?
Or something else?