BBSHD 2014 Giant Trance 3 27.5 Build w/ Sharkpack

[Jackson]

Build List (prices include tax & shipping)

• Donor Bike: 2014 Giant Trance 3 27.5 Large Frame; 2x10 gearing (craigslist) $800
• BBSHD 100mm Kit $700
• Gearsensor $50
• Sharkpack 52V GA $550
• Luna Eclipse $100
• FSA BB30 to Threaded BB Conversion Adapter $20

Link to lots of build pics: https://goo.gl/photos/dN4vUje9GAnYkkD7A

Most challenging aspects of the build:

1. Press fitting the adapter was challenging since I used a DIY headset press and lining up the adapter bushings perfectly wast tough. Also needed to use the hacksaw to cut the part in two.
2. Hacksaw Moments
   • Needed to hacksaw frame tabs under the bottom bracket in order to fit the BBSHD. Note that the BBSHD is mounted very low and does not rotate up against the bottom tube because the frame tabs keep it from rotating.
   • Hacksawed the bottom bracket adapter to get the Luna Eclipse as close as possible to the frame to decrease the exaggerated chain line
   • Hacksawed various cable tabs that got in the way of the battery cradle
3. Fitting the Battery
   • Pre-build, I thought the triangle would fit a sharkpack in its normal orientation. It doesn't. I had to invert the battery and only use one allen bolt in the water bottle cage holes. Needed to allow the cradle to rotate so that I could remove the battery - the fit is ridiculously tight. To secure the cradle and battery from rotating, I use the two rubber feet that come with the cradle and use a velcro strap. The battery is very secure. Now I have the option of simply charging while the battery is on the bike or removing the battery by rotating the cradle.

Ride Report: I love this thing! With all of the hacksawing and scrounging around for parts, the build took the better part of 1.5 days. The local open space is about 3 miles away. On its maiden voyage - it was a hoot! Easily gets to 30mph, does wheelie's if there's no throttle discipline. Rides great on single track and on fire roads - BUT disaster set in on the back end of the ride. Coming down a 1/4 mile stretch of steep fireroad, went to change gears and heard a mangling of the chain. Yes - the rear derailleur got completely mangled and took a good scratch/dent in the chainstay. Had to rip the chain apart and remove the derailleur while on the trail. Time to get a new chain and derailleur - maybe a new cassette.

Aside from getting into an internally geared set-up, any suggestions on keeping the rear derailleur in one piece?

[Peter Halt]

I really like my Shimano Shadow Plus clutch rear derailleur. Chain keeps nice and tight. Most important is a straight chain line and try to not shift under load if you can help it.

[Jackson]

Thanks - I think I'm going to try the heavier duty (cheaper) 8-speed drive train route. The more reading I'm doing on this says that with the BBHSD - I probably only need 8 speeds (11-34) and will sacrifice weight for durability.

[gatto]

Jackson, thank you for this great information. I'm looking to do the sames thing on a 2013 Giant Trance. A few questions:
1) Why did your derailleur blow up? Anything to do with your install or maybe gear sensor fail.
2) Did you use the BBSHD fat tire kit 73-100mm (Fat) or extra Fat?

Thanks again!

[Jackson]

gatto - thanks. On your question - I'm not sure what happened with my rear derailleur. I suspect it was a bad chain line. I remedied the chain line issue by going to an 8 speed cassette and by putting one of the smaller cogs behind the biggest cog in the cassette (so I only have 7 usable cogs to use - which is all i need) - this pushed the cogs outward which improved the chainline. I also put the front derailleur back on to act as a chain guide on the luna eclipse. So far - it's worked out great. Another thing I did was re-orient the battery (instead of having it upside down) i was able to install it pretty securely by drilling another hole in the aluminum body of the battery cradle.

If you're intereted, I've posted some other observations regarding the bottom bracket on another thread

http://electricbike.com/forum/forum/builds/ebike-building-directions/18297-giant-2016-stance-2-bbhsd-some-machining-required

[Jackson]

Updated picture of 2014 Trance 3 with minor modifications: oriented battery in normal orientation and painted with decals to match frame; internal cable routing throughout (except for dropper post); matte black luna eclipse). Trying to keep it e-bike stealthy. Has been running strong for four months with 250+ miles of off-road riding. No issues - except I'm contemplating swapping out the 34t rear sprocket with a 42t sprocket.