Just bought a Pronghorn LT frame with 6 inches of travel front and rear which I am planning to use as my main bike. This means that unlike my SS 96er and jump bike I will need gears.

I have transferred across most of the kit from my old Scott Strike which was set up mainly for XC using triple front ring and 9 speed rear block. The front triple is fairly worn and needs replacing. The front mech on the Scott was an e-type so not transferable.

I have the choice of replacing the front with a single, double or triple ring. The rear block is currently 9 speed but could be replaced with a 10 if required.

This gives me all the options. Most of the riding is local and not that challenging in terms of up hills but I also want to be able to ride to the top of the South Welsh trail centres and scream down like a hero.

Recommend configuration and kit please.

1×10 and a 11-36 with a narrow/wide and (not that you need one) a clutch mech.

would have thought a seasoned SSer would have no trouble getting to the top of a welsh trail centre on 1×9. I know I can get round any trail centre on 36/28 on my 2×8, only need the 22T ring for natural/longer rides. (i’m no SS whippet, more of an old greman shepard who’s had a few too many treats)

if you’re struggling, fit a 34T ring, you won’t spin out 34/11 at a trail centre unless you take the fireroad and NEED cake quick.

switching to 10speed will require a lot of new parts, going to single ring up front will require a chain device and possibly a new ring at most

What Reggie said
Fine for all hills big or small in South Wales

Come in wca, you no you need XX1 to compete around lordswood !
But failing that 1×10 with 11-36 in the back will be more than enough for your needs here and abroad (wales) 😀

1×10 and a 11-36 with a narrow/wide and (not that you need one) a clutch mech.

This, accept I’d opt for a hope top guide instead. Very minimal guide, but means you can run a standard chaining instead, thus is cheap in the long run.

Of course, it doesn’t have to be a hope guide, but they’re pretty.