Trance 3 upgrades

JJJJNR

I purchased a 2015 trance 3 last year and would like to do some upgades now before the summer as ill be doing one or two enduros.

I've already done the handle bars and stem (800mm, 50mm) and am really happy with the results, bike it so much more snappier, also upgraded the tyres to high roller 2s, not sure I want to go full tubeless so am just doing the rear for the moment.

I'd like to go to a 1x drive, which would cost about 180 euro for a 1 x 10, or 300+ for an XT 1 x 11, is it worth the extra for the extra cog?

The biggest issue I have with the bike is there is no lockout on the shock, so climbing is difficult, and adds time and energy consumption to the climb. I'm trying to find a decent shock and not sure what to go for, it measures 200mm eye to eye, but on chainreaction there are different spec shocks, which I have no idea about. Anyone have an idea what shock to go for, I'm about 120kg and 6' 5. So am looking for a decent one.

Heres an example of a fox shock, 200 in length, but my bike is not mentioned

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/fox-suspension-float-ctd-rear-shock-2014/rp-prod126594

Robwhelan

I wouldn't bother switching to a 1 x 10 or a 1 x 11 at this time. Much better stuff to be spending your money on. I'd use the groupset you have until it needs replacing and then decide on going 1 x.

A dropper post would probably be the best money spent on an upgrade. After that I would look at wheels, really basic and heavy as standard on the trance 3. The lads in expert cycles could build you a great custom set.

After that I would then look at suspension. You need to get a shock that suits the specific frame in terms of not just eye to eye length but also stroke and then tune. Best bet on that front would be to talk to Giant Dublin on what they would recommend for the trance or one of the UK suspension companies (Mojo, TFtuned).

All the best with it. I've just finished building up a bike from a 2014 trance frame and it's flipping great

benneca1

If you go dropper best to go 1 X at same time as is amazing how often you hit wrong lever if there are two. Stick a Blackspire cog expander on it. I set my Reign up like that didn't cost a kings ransom and is fine. I love it especially on pedally trails where you need to let up the saddle to get a bit of power and drop it fast for the roots and rocks.
I agree with robwhelan dropper should be your first upgrade amazing difference

benneca1

If you go dropper best to go 1 X at same time as is amazing how often you hit wrong lever if there are two. Stick a Blackspire cog expander on it. I set my Reign up like that didn't cost a kings ransom and is fine. I love it especially on pedally trails where you need to let up the saddle to get a bit of power and drop it fast for the roots and rocks.
I agree with robwhelan dropper should be your first upgrade amazing difference

Tenzor07

A 1x conversion just means putting a single ring up front, you can probably pick up a narrow wide for around €35, just remove the front mech and shifter, though you may miss the granny ring on a hard days climbing...

I was going to suggest a coil shock for someone of your size, however I don't think they are available for the Trance, you'd need a higher volume shock like this: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/rockshox-monarch-plus-rc3-rear-shock/rp-prod139338
With maximum pressure of 350psi... Pretty sure the one on the trance should only go to 230psi which would be for a rider of around 100kg

Or, just sell the trance and buy a bigger bike more suited to Enduro...

JBokeh

Your bike would be 7.875x2. I'm not sure how you go about selecting it on the chain reaction website,but it would be either of the bottom 2 on the list, and with the 51mm option

dermob

You should be able to convert your existing to 1 x 10, just add a narrow/wide chainring. superstar components do them for about £25. Your rear mech has a clutch so should work fine.

Best to go tubeless on front wheel, it will grip better.

Check out the various options for tuning your shock, maybe you need to put more air into it!

sometimes upgrading bikes doesnt really make sense financially, unless you can do it on the cheap!

Upgrading the wheels will prob make the biggest difference!

dermob

You should be able to convert your existing to 1 x 10, just add a narrow/wide chainring. superstar components do them for about £25. Your rear mech has a clutch so should work fine.

Best to go tubeless on front wheel, it will grip better.

Check out the various options for tuning your shock, maybe you need to put more air into it!

sometimes upgrading bikes doesnt really make sense financially, unless you can do it on the cheap!

Upgrading the wheels will prob make the biggest difference!

JJJJNR

Sorry should have mentioned I have a giant dropper post and wouldn't be without it, although I lost the stub screw that goes into the lever, when I swapped over to the new handle bars, my own worst enemy, finding that screw has been a total nightmare.. I am investing in a new shed for our bikes and the associated maintenance so I should get better.

What exactly do I need to buy to go 1x10, when you say narrow wide chain ring, will any do I seen 32T is the standard, would it be simple enough for me to add it, I have a halfords toolkit, do I need a giant / bike specific tool kit to change it.

This is where I want to be in a couple of months, minus the light, is the trance not an all mountain bike and suitable for enduro, I used to do carrick on my Giant XTC w/100mm travel inc stage 2.. hardcore arms after those spins.

JBokeh

You should be able to do it with just a set of allen keys, undo your current chainrings,Then you take off the front mech, bolt on the Narrow Wide, you may have to use spacers to get the chain line right, and maybe remove a couple of chain links. If you're lucky you'll get the chainrings off without having to take the crank off, but you may need to remove the pedal if you're riding flats.

Take off the shifter, I think they have the cables running in the frame, so you may need to wrestle with them to get the correct one out.

You will certainly need a narrow wide chainring, they grip the chain much better than a standard one, meaning it won't fall off on rough sections. Depending on your suspension and rear mech combo you may get chain growth, which could even knock it off a narrow wide, in which case you'll have to get a clutch mech for the rear

JBokeh

You should be able to do it with just a set of allen keys, undo your current chainrings,Then you take off the front mech, bolt on the Narrow Wide, you may have to use spacers to get the chain line right, and maybe remove a couple of chain links. If you're lucky you'll get the chainrings off without having to take the crank off, but you may need to remove the pedal if you're riding flats.

Take off the shifter, I think they have the cables running in the frame, so you may need to wrestle with them to get the correct one out.

You will certainly need a narrow wide chainring, they grip the chain much better than a standard one, meaning it won't fall off on rough sections. Depending on your suspension and rear mech combo you may get chain growth, which could even knock it off a narrow wide, in which case you'll have to get a clutch mech for the rear

JJJJNR

Sound, might leave it into the LBS if I've to do anything with the cranks, have some history with them.

These seem to be keenly priced, are oneup any use.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/oneup-components-narrow-wide-single-chainring/rp-prod141750

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/oneup-components-chain-guide/rp-prod141767

Also want to get a bash guard.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/blackspire-ring-god/rp-prod111982

maxamillius

one up components are grand. I run 1x10 on my hardtail without a bash so i wouldn't bother with one.

i would defo reccomend a dropper post, saves a lot of hassle on the tech trails.

Tubeless would be another good upgrade.

JJJJNR

Well I spent the morning yesterday messing about with different pressures on the shock ended up at 240 PSI, fully locked the rebound and it was really good at climbing, went around Ballinastoe on the 38T chainring only, which is a first, and got some climbing PB's. So going to get some decent wheels CRC stans with hope hubs seems to be the best available,at 550.