i've got a 2010 Giant Transend-1 that i've been riding almost daily since oct 2010. it's pimped out with a nice saddle, nice pedals, awesome tires, rack, etc... this bike is my ride!

but where i should measure 12 inches on the chain, it's stretched out to 12⅛ inch.

i'm gonna upgrade to a wippermann 9SX 9 chain.

money is a factor, but this bike is my transportation. i'll treat it like i treated my cars, when i drove, and fix it smart; not cheap, not flash, just smart so i spend less in the long run. my primary concern is durability/price ratio; then weight.

now i'm wondering... should i replace the cassette (the XT M770 looks nice)? the chainrings? upgrade the whole chainset (the XT M771 looks nice)? what about the derailers? should i wait until i put the new chain on it?

other factors: i'm happy enough with the shifters (Shimano Deore Rapidfire 27speed). the gearing (from the highest to lowest gears) and 175mm crank length are good. on rare occasions it would sort of be nice to have a lower gear (going uphill) but otherwise there's nothing to complain about.

relevant specs:thanks...!