I pulled the Rapid Rise off of one of my bikes. I definitely miss it. I did a 1x11 conversion on my 26" 2004 KHS Team Issue Softtail XC bike (with Schwalbe Kojak slicks).
I got a 46t Wide narrow chain ring in the middle position on the vintage XT v1 splined cranks.
I picked up a M7000 GS derailleur. Off label for an 11-51t cassette, but it worked. I wanted the mid cage for 26" wheels.
SRAM NX Gripshifter , also off label but works.
Wippermann 11s8 chain. 118 link (perfect length). Thank you online chain length calculator.
M5100 11-51t cassette. Moron this later.
I'm testing the limits of what will fit on this bike. Some compromise might be needed later, but for now bigger is better.
It all bolted right up. The cable anchor on the derailleur looked like it wanted to hit the giant cassette. But I chained it up , and set the limit screws, and B screw with no shifter installed. Everything cleared. It did require a trimming of the Jagwire Elite Link cable housing. So no going back now.
The single chain ring looks right in character for the stripped down XC racer frame. The derailleur isn't hanging down in the dirt.
But the all steel Deore "Death Star" cassette has got to go. 1lb.6oz. weight on this bike is a deal breaker.
So I found a Prestacycle PRO Gravel 11-42t billet cassette. Similar to some of the high end SRAM Stuff, but more in my budget (70th birthday present to myself) It also brings the M7000 derailleur in spec.
https://prestacycle.com/products/prestacycle-uniblock-pro-gravel-cassette-hg-11-speed This will give a more stealthy look to this mod and weigh about 1/3 as much (265g.). I've seen 0 reviews of this part.
I may have to swallow my aging pride and drop down a size or 2 on the chain ring. But that's in fashion now too.