Giant Trance 3 (08) vs Specialized FSR XC Pro (07)

mudslinger

Hi all,

I have back problems so want to change from HT to FS. I am buying the bike through my company & don't want to spend more than £1k.

I want a lightish bike as getting up the hills is important to me & for commuting to work. I ride XC style (South Downs) sometimes aggressively plus I am 13.5st so want something fairly tough. My parents live not too far from Llandegla so will be planning on riding there every so often.

I am considering this years Giant Trance 3 & have found a site doing it for £895 plus £15 delivery. I know there are good deals on 06 & 07 models with Pauls Cycles but I prefer this years frame because its lighter & the shock is more accesible.

Evans have a 07 FSR XC Pro for £999 so I'm also considering this.

Obviously I will be trying them out but any views on the above 2 bikes or any other bike in that category is much appreciated.

Thanks

dunker

if i was looking for a full sus around £1k this would be on the shortlist,

focus superbud
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.a ... Bud%202008
£999

jon prothero

I think I would get more of an all mountain bike if you have a bad back because of the more comfortable upright postion. I think if the trance might fall into this area. An XC Bike will be better at getting up the hills but a light one not going to be as tough .

mudslinger

That Superbud does look very good but I'm a bit wary as I don't know if I would be able to try one. A few guys on this forum have bought them & rate them very highly but it seems a bit risky.

A LBS has said they would sell me an 07 Giant Reign 1 for £1250. Sounds a great deal but I'm not sure if that is really what I want & need.

BOYDIE

Hi m8,

I was in almost the exact same position as you, it was between a specialized fsr pro and a trance two,the trance wins hands down it dosent bob when you pedal and it is lighter than the Specialized.Ive been riding mine for around a week now and it feels like a lot more travel than 4inch!Considering that the trance frame and shock costs £799 alone,it amazes me that Giant can spec the bike's to such a high level,and considering the trance 3 shares the same frame with the rest of the range says a lot.The Specialized is still a good bike but the Trance feels more like an all mountain rig,but still rides like an XC bike,I came from a Stumpjumper Hardtail to this Trance two and ive not looked back.It just makes me feel like a better rider....

BlackSpur

I think the Reign would be overkill for XC - look at the Trance X if you want something slightly tougher.

mudslinger

Thanks Boydie.

I think the Trance sounds ideal. Need to find a LBS that stocks them then take it for a ride. Then the difficult bit - convince the wife that I need a new bike

chilledsandwich

If you're buying it on cycle to work scheme it has to be done on RRP so dealer offers don't matter. Go with whoever offers the best service