Why I Got A New Value Mountain Bike...

My brand new value mountain bike is here - the Giant Trance-X 3! Win a $500 voucher to Competitive Cyclist by telling me what you would spend the money on. Use code PUNTER15 at checkout to get 15% off your first purchase on any bike gear here (restrictions apply) 👉 bit.ly/3fFWOGz
Grab your Merch here 👉 bit.ly/PunterStore
All these products I've put on the bike are below on Competitive Cyclist:
Shimano Deore 👉 bit.ly/2RIQZQH
Kenda Hellkat Tires 👉 bit.ly/3feewCc
OneUp Components Dropper Post 👉 bit.ly/3viRnUO
Shimano Metallic Disc Brake Pads 👉 bit.ly/34ekqNs
OneUp Components Grips 👉 bit.ly/3wuebRt
Follow me on Instagram too: @paulthepunter
/ paulthepunter
Connect with me on Strava: / strava
Thanks to my sponsors Giant Bicycles, Shimano, Kenda, Lazar and OneUp Components!
🚲 Check Out Bike Details Below:
Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 👉 bit.ly/GiantTranceXPunter
Giant Trance X 👉 bit.ly/TranceXAluPunter
Support me on Patreon: bit.ly/PaulthePunterPatreon

[@VanCan]

Can I have your old bike? And that shirt looks nice too, I’ll take that. And your house. Give me everything you have.

[@honkytonk4465]

Sounds humble

[@the_canadian_angler_445]

perfectly reasonable

[@TeamCykelhold]

Not giving away the house is just rude.

[@josh_on_bikes]

I don't see why not

[@a.k2156]

I guess that leaves me his new bike, oh well cant win em all

[@bluebulletb6317]

“Value” is key.

[@iangoulding1420]

With the 500$ I would totally kit my bike out since it’s taken a couple years of abuse and could definitely use some love!

[@jeremybrown3429]

$500 would go along way in improving my sons’ bikes and making them more trail worthy!

[@iwontreplybacklol7481]

Lol,. there are hubs that cost $500...

[@shaneweldon]

I'd definitely start with upgrading my brakes and tyres and get an EDC Lite!

[@joeyhochgesang1391]

Between a busted dropper, a bent derailleur cage, and a bald rear tire, i could find a way to use $500!

[@The_RC_Dude]

How did you band the dropper? I've heard of a few people who bent their saddle rails a little bit on really hard landings, but how did you manage to bend a dropper post when riding? Or was it more of a "put it on the workstand, didn't tighten the clamp all the way, bike fell and the dropper is bent" thing?

[@joeyhochgesang1391]

It came pre-bent from the previous user. He must have wrecked and bent the insertion post backward. The paint is scraped off on the back of the dropper from where it rubs. The whole post is very loose as well, and rattles and creaks all over the place.

[@tones1242]

Thanks for the build rundown Paul! With that lovely voucher I'd upgrade the brakes on my hardtail, for sure.

[@CoolBikeVidBro]

Great video! Crazy the bike shortage that we currently have, building up a Trek Fuel EX 9.9 and even the used market is sparse. Thanks for your videos!

[@charliecannon7909]

I just blew my rear shock, and I’m a student in Asheville. I just want to buy that marzochi bomber coil it looks cool!!

[@Mikesonbikes]

Yo I'm in black mountain what stroke , length, and mount was your shock?

[@charliecannon7909]

@@Mikesonbikes new specialized enduro so whatever that is

[@dylanlauro8591]

I would buy a new helmet, some kneepads and then put the rest of the money towards a new bike. (I'm currently on a 1997 schiwinn moab)

[@lesterfalcon1350]

Hey, 2000 Moab 3 rider here (Only the frame, bars and post are original)

[@dylanlauro8591]

@@lesterfalcon1350 Wow. I haven’t put any upgrades on mine except a new front tire. Did you put a 1x drivetrain?

[@lesterfalcon1350]

@@dylanlauro8591 with the 9 on the back! It would fix my need to find a top pull, low bracket Deore LX 3x9 replacement,

[@lesterfalcon1350]

Bikes been through about 4 generations of bottom brackets, and the integrated headset replacement had a bunch of shoptechs scratching their heads as they put one together out of several different parts about 8 years back.

[@beege4481]

My first mtb is exactly this one 2021 model. I changed the bar with higher rise from 15mm (stock) to 30mm, and a shorter bar stem. Also, changed my derailleur from Sx to Gx. Bought the Wolf tooth headset kit. Set my air right and dampening values on my suspension. And that’s all I did on my bike. Went to the trail, took my first 2 trail tracks (ever…. Because why not) which are Expert and advanced. Bike was great soaking all the bumps from roots rocks drops whatever an expert track has. Went home gone through the bike, didn’t break or bend anything. Great Value bike!

[@aussietrailbuilders6290]

Awesome video! Love the trances!

[@REGNARTS00]

That sum would perfectly enough for me to get the code rsc brakes.

[@kyleslater5245]

I’d eventually do that but I’d wait till the shimano’s failed as I like shimano better... I just accidentally ended up with 3 bikes with code rs and a bleed kit for them

[@liamreeve2715]

I would get new breaks or a new rear weel as I ruined my back weel on fort William world-cup track and can’t adote to get a new weel right now

[@thee173t]

Always great to have the loaner bike ready. Never know when you can convince someone to go ride with ya.

[@dustinklassen8982]

I have the Trance X 3. After watching this I definitely want to try metallic brake pads and I wouldn’t mind getting a longer dropper post. Really happy with this bike. I have chromag pedals and the one up edc stored in the one up pump along with a drivetrain swap to Srams NX group. Looking forward to more videos with this bike!

[@zackgriffiths7870]

I’ve just bought a second hand bike im only young so I dont really have the money to fix it up so that 500 would really mean a lot

[@user-ml3ei6zy6n]

I would spend my 500 dollars on a tool set to help fix my friends’ mechanical issues

[@fillfreakin2245]

I'll be your friend!

[@tsalesto]

A hammer or a mallet?

[@9foosa]

I would finish out my mobile bike repair setup. It never fails that somebody either in the parking lot or on the trail needs help with a mechanical issue, and I always try to help out.

[@michiganstate149]

A set of Mezcal/Barzo tires, Clif Bloks, some XT M8100 chains, XT brake pads, XT 8100 cassette, Honey stinger gels, some new T handles, wire/housing cutters and last but not least, an absolute black oval chainring!

[@danmcdonald1159]

I'd use the money to finally fix my old bike that I've been riding for years that's been completely battered and bruised by the great British weather and it would mean a lot to me as at the moment I keep crashing because everything on it is falling apart 😂

[@LRF49]

I would buy the following with the voucher: -POC Race Spin helmet - kneepads - elbowpads - Vittoria Mezcal pair of tires

[@finnlikesplanes7110]

should've said kenda lmao

[@timmontanus4311]

Exact same except the tires

[@pholai2756]

My buddies took me mountain biking for the first time this year and I have fell in love with the sport. With the $500 i would use that money towards buying a new bike since I dont own one. The bike used market is insane rn!

[@mbuczek4564]

Great video. I just got a giant fathom 29 2. With 500. I’d upgrade brakes and get a mud guard and some more cycling specific shorts and jerseys. Keep making great videos.

[@davisa3882]

now go real value and do a 26" trance x2 from 2011 :D

[@jackmcandle6955]

I’m back in love with my ‘09 x1 for xc trails and short blasts after work

[@Jaysee2164]

I love mountain biking but dam I still find it crazy how “value bike” is a $1-3k bike 😐

[@MB-jz3uu]

Just get a hardtail.

[@Jaysee2164]

@@MB-jz3uu I already do but I should upgrade because I probably shouldn’t be sending it on a XC hardtail. Even tho I see people with fs bikes that avoid the smallest gaps

[@krissv3ctor512]

@@Jaysee2164 I mean you don't really need an fs period. something like an enduro hardtail balances capability with price.

[@PatinaMisfit]

Value and cost ain't the same thing.

[@misaelhallett9213]

It’s because the best bikes are like 9k so in terms of mountain bikes, that is pretty cheap.

[@ethanward3866]

Total apparel upgrade!! Been needing some new riding gear for years.

[@lemonizer7000]

One Up 180mm and EDC tool set up with the threadless carrier are on the top of my list for my Trance 2 29er. Then more tools.

[@Socalmoto11]

With $500, I would get the five ten pros and a set of Code Rs (sorry Shimano)!

[@RustedGST]

You cant go wrong with the codes, they are great ive had them for a yearvwith no problem

[@maxkaufel4715]

@@RustedGST same had them for one and a half years. Had to bleed them once (wasn’t 100% necessary but they felt fresh after that). I can’t understand why people hate on sram brakes that much. Power is on point and lever feel is also pretty good ( don’t get what people mean when they say srams feel spongy). And the best part they are reliable and just work without doing anything. Even the pads last forever

[@blakeowen5832]

Man that dropper post wish I could at least afford one of them! That’s all I need lol.

[@ronaldvanderveen9148]

Just get a job and you can buy one

[@cooperdouglas3747]

You can get decent ones for like 120 bucks. Not to expensive.

[@blakeowen5832]

@@ronaldvanderveen9148 lol I like the way you think

[@ronaldvanderveen9148]

@@blakeowen5832 just ask people if you can mow their grass for some money.

[@blakeowen5832]

@@ronaldvanderveen9148 that’s Actually what I’m doing right now LOL

[@dylanandtannertryyoutube7466]

Thanks for the great vids. I would use the 500 to upgrade the drive train on my Trek Roscoe 6. We took a road trip to Bentonville AK and I bent my derailleur.

[@Madammosya]

Sweet this will help me build my first mtb trail bike

[@danielbohmer7917]

500 dollars would be the exact amount I needed to buy myself my first mtb that would be so helpful because I have been saving up money for about three years now😶🚲. That would put a masive smile on my face.

[@dirtbikesandstuff6469]

Hope you get it soon😀

[@danielbohmer7917]

@@dirtbikesandstuff6469 Thanks

[@chetcoyote89]

yeah 3 grand that sounds so value

[@shrimpfriedrice494]

Value doesn't mean cheap.

[@chetcoyote89]

@rowan settle down on the philosophy lesson lol

[@shrimpfriedrice494]

@@chetcoyote89 Its really not that deep

[@chetcoyote89]

I was joking lol

[@ajmuffinstuff1]

I had a compound right arm fracture back in August (2 plates, dozen screws). I'm finally healing enough to ride and would love to fix/replace bars and brakes, dropper lever too. Ye olde cockpit rebuild! Keep putting out "real videos" for fellow punters!

[@Triaxtremec]

Keep up the great videos! Appreciate the opportunity, I'd get some OneUp pedals, bars, and EDC tool. Also been eying some kinda tires and I can't seem to find them locally.

[@edwin7150]

with 500$, i would get some schwalbe magic mary’s to replace my current worn out ones, and a new mech that is compatible with 50t so that i can finally use that high cog! Love your videos paul, thanks!

[@fastdreams]

Cool vid, looking forward to ride and comparison video. For 500 I could do a lot of upgrades to my inexpensive Gravity fsx boost monster eagle (what a silly, long name). Maybe trickle down some of the take off gravity parts to my old motobecane fantom 29er.

[@carsonrader7246]

I would spend the money on some nice aluminum flat pedals and shoes, or put the money towards the SRAM GX Eagle AXS Upgrade Kit. I also think it would be cool to spend the money towards helping one of my friends upgrade their mountain bike. It is really cool that you want to help people get into the sport of mountain biking, keep it up Paul!

[@tomaspov]

me and my friends are building some trails as a project in our local woods, so I would spend it on trail building tools and camera gear/a drone to get some nice edits and shots, but since I´m not a U.S. resident I can only wish everyone good luck!

[@AdrianWhite]

@Paul The Punter, getting the right spec parts sounded like a right rigmarole!

[@michaelcunninghamthe5th157]

Hey Paul, I can completely understand, and you have to do what is best for you, I'm just sorry to see you go. as someone who has seen a few friends leave the sport, that doesn't stop me from being friends with them, it just changes the relationship. You do what makes you feel good, and I'll say good luck to you, no matter what you are doing! But don't be a stranger! 👍👍

[@casestudymtb]

Super cool! Paul, liason to the noob. Not sure if my rock climbing friend factored into the decision to do fresh introductions but she literally moved to Squamish a few weeks ago and went for her first ride the other day. I can't imagine she got into any proper trails though so she probably hasn't *technically* disqualified herself from first trail Introductions. You should reach out to her, I think her insta is still in your inbox from 4 months ago or whenever I sent it to you the first time! Looking forward to the introductions series, with or without Victoria haha.

[@chrisfyb]

First purchase would def be a longer dropper! On a 150mm currently and it's rather tall. And a sweet sweet pair of OneUp bars too!

[@MrDrAitch]

Great vid Paul. If I had the $500 voucher I would definitely upgrade the fork on my bike. I have a Polygon Siskiu D5 so it's still riding on the coil SR Suntour fork, it definitely needs an air fork up front.

[@barrypetrachenko2975]

Our neighbours have started to mountain bike with our family this spring and while I have already gifted them some new rubber, grips and other parts from my shop bin there are a few things they need to keep their stoke flowing (i.e. Her bike is pretty dialed now, his is quite good considering it is a Kona Stinky). Hope you can help!

[@ianthompson9653]

I would freshen up my 2018 Giant Trance 2! I’d do a 180mm dropper, 170 cranks, new tires and a suspension service!

[@Matt-S.]

Sweet upgrades. The new EDC doesn't require you to thread your steerer, just throwing that out there ;) keep up the great vids!

[@manuspike]

Great video for us diy mtb fans. Thanks.

[@oisinofl5446]

I would use the cash to get a dropper post for my mtb and upgrade my drivetrain since my chainring is now narrow narrow instead of narrow wide, get some knee pads and see what else I could get in budget

[@All_the_bikes_are_cool]

210mm dropper from oneup and Shimano Saint 170mm crankset - last two pieces of my dream build bike :)

[@joelod.4763]

This was a great video, and I love how you made a great value bike. I would spend the Cash on drivetrain parts to replace the worn out stuff and buy parts for a new wheel build so I could have a rim that’s not cracked.

[@supergsx99]

Hey Paul! Love the video. What I would do is finally get a full face and get some Kenda Hellkats. Thank uou

[@rpiian]

Nice! This makes a lot of sense having new riders on your channel! For my $500, I would buy myself some nice brakes 🥵💨

[@fillfreakin2245]

My bike's a 2015 Trance 3 (with upgraded fork since then). Hopefully I get to test ride the newer model this year if they have demo days again. Looking forward to see how the newer ones feel on my local trails. Of course, you can't really buy new bikes right now so upgrades will be good for this year.

[@dudedarnell]

Brake upgrade! Or drivechain! Or some sick wireless cockpit setup!

[@miken8244]

I would use it to upgrade my own loaner bike so that people I take out can learn/enjoy the trails that much more!

[@bbeisler]

Paul, while I was lucky enough to get a new bike this year my gear is getting pretty old so I would love to get some new knee pads, bib shammies, gloves, and probably some new jerseys.

[@ezekielojinaga856]

I have been riding a hardtail for a couple months now, and am starting to go on black trails, it is just not a pleasurable experience on a hardtail since I like to go fast with almost no braking. I have ridden my dad's full suspension and it feels great. I am currently saving up to build my own enduro bike for my birthday, 500 bucks would go a long way for my dream bike build.

[@aaronturner999]

I would refresh with Kenda tires and update PPE for the new season (pads, helmet, kit).

[@singletracktrucker]

Paul! Great video as always! 500 bucks would go a great ways in buying some better protection for my wife and son this season!

[@rokosmua4637]

I would get some protective gear like knee and elbow pads and I would also upgrade the brakes on my hardtail.

[@joshdasgupta1185]

I would upgrade a few componets on my bike and my brother's bike. Probably get the Shimano Deore Groupset you keep suggesting.

[@arzosahsothy]

I have a 90s specialized Hardrock I want to update a bit for road and gravel. 500 could get me some drop bars, controls, and maybe a saddle that isn't a torture device.

[@rrolleman4879]

500 clams would go toward pads (for me and the brakes) and a few tools to help maintain my and my friends' bikes.

[@derekjarman1638]

I would try those sweet Kenda tires and stock up on spares for both our bikes!

[@ish474]

I have just done this with a kona Big honzo. I bought the low spec bike because it was all that was available. Then upgraded my Enduro bike and handed down the better stuff to the hardtail. Then sold off my new takeoff stuff. Between the pile of parts I already had and then the new part limitations I kept having to buy more and more little stuff to make it all work. I hate the I spec v and I spec 2 compatability issues.

[@chrisgreen5000]

Good stuff Paul. I've been riding my 2014 Giant Trance 1 since it was new. Love my Giant! If I won the $500 I would buy some new front forks. My originals have seen better days.

[@jreavis78]

I'd definitely upgrade my tires--those Kendra tiress look great.

[@MTBR68]

Paul great video. I would upgrade both of sons bike to tubeless tires.

[@alyx680]

Welp followed all 3, I would use the money to help finish building my Wife and Daughters bike! I've been rebuilding an old Capra that I bought for parts but they both shoed a keen interest so I am setting aside my project to help get them on the trail! I mean who wouldn't want to ride with their wife and daughter!?

[@milesforster9717]

I love mountain biking and my dad does to. His fork is very old and doesn’t compress with the money I’d be able to buy or repair his fork so we can ride more challenging stuff🤙

[@chrisatkins2607]

$500? New tires and one of those sweet 1 up dropper posts! Great video.

[@tedeshleman]

I would love to upgrade a few things on my Giant Trance 29 like you did above. What are your thoughts on swapping out the handlebars with the higher rise bars from OneUp?

[@landrydonagh]

I would spend it on a dropper post, getting tired or stopping and lowering my seat lol. I would also get some tools that I'm missing.

[@Undrafted4]

Getting a downtube guard, bash guard and chian guide would help me enjoy trailing much better, not to mention getting a better dropper with longer travel will be a great birthday gift to myself too. Just celebrating today. 👍

[@joerozen]

Hi Paul! I would probably upgrade the brakes on my Giant Trance X 29 2, and add some new pedals! Or maybe even put the voucher towards a new rear shock? Lots of options for an already great bike :-)

[@sgzip]

I had a bit of a rapid unplanned dismount on the weekend (true story!), so would use the prize to repair and replace damaged gear, helmet etc.

[@dand1523]

I'm picturing some Shimano 4 piston brakes, a oneup edc pump, and some new tires (Kenda Hellcat Pro Enduro Casing if available)

[@elijahschulz3749]

Definitely need a new casset, new saddle (mine is bent in half right now) new pedals, suspension service kit as i would really like to start serviceing them myself and a good couple nick nacks like new chain guide

[@andy9gaming707]

Buy a stem some pedals, a chainguide and maybe new bars and grips.That what I would spend my money on.And the edc tool if its available.

[@raivkka4313]

500, refresh the drive train for sure, couple new tires, shock oil, pads and grips.

[@crispycheese7492]

I actually just got a 2021 Giant Trance 27.5 about 2 months ago and I’ve been dying to get some new part on it but haven’t gotten the money to do so. 500 bucks would for sure help get my bike looking fresh!

[@kevinpadilla4546]

Definitely buy replacement rims for my 29” stumpjumper specialize. They are in real need of replacement.

[@tombergman3904]

I'd spend the $500 on a bleed kit for my brakes and Reverb seatpost. As well as some additional tools like a torque wrench set, sealant, and cleaning supplies. Any money left over would be used on a new pair of shorts and gloves. probably some extra brake pads too.

[@ANDY-ui8jf]

I hope to purchase a new set of brakes with the 500 bux good luck all !

[@spencercathey5968]

I would spend the money on building up a set of tools so I can keep me bike running during my freshman year of college next year. Love the vids Paul!

[@fishrideandski4910]

this video just get better and better

[@2_Commenter]

Paul! Love the channel homie. I would buy a bunch of stuff I’m missing in my setup. Downhill helmet, one up pump, etc, etc. 🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@florianquehl5689]

Hey Paul, I just got into mountain biking and bought myself an enduro bike. With the 500$ Id buy some riding and protective gear as well as some bike specific tools like a floor pump or a cassette tool.

[@maxreadmtb4598]

I would spend $500 on a new deore groupset for my bike. The video you posted where you helped out your buddy Chris was got me looking at groupsets and the deore was a really good value for money.

[@redwings713]

I’d get some packs for bikepacking as well as some more tools for maintenance.

[@melwestlake8539]

I need a couple new saddles and maybe some knee pads. Of course I could find more to buy!!

[@kadolagesse894]

Some quality cranks (Shimano) and tyres that can hold me in flat corners 👌

[@markt8262]

I was able to get a RM Growler 20 a few weeks ago. Definitely a value bike. I would used the $500 to upgrade parts so it could compete against the higher trim levels of the Growler.

[@ThePman113]

I'd get new wheels for my gravel bike. Good stuff Paul.

[@Alex-dm1ws]

Definitely would use it to buy pedals and tires, traction of any kind (foot or tire) would definitely improve my experience haha.

[@tygastfield613]

Great video Paul! If I got the $500, I would upgrade my rear shock with one that can be locked out.

[@louiescott5055]

With the 500$ I’d start to fix up my Whyte g160 Rs 2016 it’s a seriously capable bike but it’s in fairly dire need of a new axle ( it’s rounded and slightly bent), new rear rim (its toast from over riding), a new bottom bracket and a new saddle as it’s only just usable I’d probably also invest in a Tftuned shock and fork service kit to get my suspension as plush as it can be as it hasn’t been serviced for a few years now. And there’s definitely a few shot bearings in my frame and hubs aswell which could do with being sorted. Thanks for the awesome opportunity Paul, Louie

[@theokayestmtber7877]

With $500 I'd get a set of cushcore (haven't gone tubeless yet), possibly a new set of tires & apparel because you gotta look good on the trail!