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

mudslinger
mudslinger Posts: 237
edited March 2008 in MTB buying advice
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
Winter commuter: Planet X London Road
Winter road bike/commuter: Specialized Langster
Best road bike: Planet X RTD90
MTBs: Giant XTC 650B / On-One C456 singlespeed
TT bike: Planet X Stealth

Comments

  • dunker
    dunker Posts: 1,456
    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
  • 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
    mudslinger Posts: 237
    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.
    Winter commuter: Planet X London Road
    Winter road bike/commuter: Specialized Langster
    Best road bike: Planet X RTD90
    MTBs: Giant XTC 650B / On-One C456 singlespeed
    TT bike: Planet X Stealth
  • BOYDIE
    BOYDIE Posts: 528
    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
    BlackSpur Posts: 4,228
    I think the Reign would be overkill for XC - look at the Trance X if you want something slightly tougher.
    "Melancholy is incompatible with bicycling." ~James E. Starrs
  • mudslinger
    mudslinger Posts: 237
    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 :D
    Winter commuter: Planet X London Road
    Winter road bike/commuter: Specialized Langster
    Best road bike: Planet X RTD90
    MTBs: Giant XTC 650B / On-One C456 singlespeed
    TT bike: Planet X Stealth
  • 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