I'm in a Trance

Red.Devil.Ghost

I have been looking at various bikes for the last couple of weeks (and reading a lot on here) and looking to buy my first proper full sus bike at the end of the month.

The main problem is there are just too many good choices out there. Its making the choice too difficult. And while my budget is not enough for absolute top spec, I still consider it a lot of money to be spending so I am keen to get it right.

After much reading and looking etc, I *think* I have got it down to a short list. The first, and most likely option at the moment is the 2011 Trance X4 (£1057). The second option is the 2012 Trance X4 (£1249). I wasn't going to go for a 2012 model but I can get around £240 worth of accessories, most of which I would probably have bought anyway. The final option is the 2011 Tranxe X Ltd (£1375), which is slightly more expensive. From this you can see my budget is around the 1000 - 1400 ish amount, but I think I would rather it closer to 1000 if possible.

Is the X Ltd worth the extra money? I know it uses a Fox fork and shock as opposed to Rock Shox and an own brand shock, but is the upgrade something I would notice and worth the extra money? Is there anything else worth considering? I have looked at the Canyon Nerve XC 5.0, (which hasn't been renewed for 2012 season?) as well as the Zesty 214. Of these, I'd prefer the Canyon. I really like the look of the 2011 Ghost AMR 5900, so if anyone knows where I can get that new for 1400 or less please let me know, as that would probably jump straight to the top of the list! More and more 2012 bikes are coming out so hopefully there should be some good bargains around for 2011 models. I'd rather get something in the sale, with the 2012 Trance X4 being the only one I'm considering of the new range simply because of the free stuff making it equivalent to sale prices. Is there anything normally at the £2000 mark that would fall in price all the way down to within my budget?

Thanks for any advice. I will be trying the bikes out for size etc before I buy one, but luckily I should have a week off at the start of Nov to get around and do that. Is there anywhere in the South East that will let you take their bikes out for a decent test? I'm not expecting a full mountain trail test but something better than the car park.

1mancity2

All the bikes you mention are good, you don't mention what type of riding you do?

You will notice a difference between fox rear shock and giants own brand although good not in the same league as fox.

Look on paulscycles.co.uk they have giants at good prices,

Trance X4 at £1099.99

Reign X2 at £1299.95 (brill!!)

Anthem X5 at £999.99

Depends on your riding style, anthem racey, trance xc/trail, reign trail/am

Red.Devil.Ghost

Cheers.

I don't really want a race orientated bike. I guess just trails, XC, general mountain riding. Maybe the Reign is worth looking at then. Probablya bit of everything except severe DH.

1mancity2

I had a Trance and it did everthing my reign does (look at the link on my signature) only the reign does it better.

Its heavier than the trance but can take a lot more abuse, mate has a trance x and he does what I do apart from the 5ft drop offs so if your not gonna do that sort of thing the trance is a brilliant all rounder, but I would always have the reign.

rockmonkeysc

Trance X LTD is worth the extra money for the better suspension. Trance is excellent for what you want. I would avoid the Reign X mentioned above, I have got one and it's awesome but a bit of a monster unless you are really going to ride it very hard. I had a Trance X3 and it was an excellent trail / XC bike. Definately recommend it.

1mancity2

As Rockmonkey says unless your gonna go big get the trance, but the reign is brill!!

Can you tell I love mine

rockmonkeysc

If you think the Reign is good try a Reign X. Climbs like a XC bike & descends like a freeride bike. I have got mine down to 31lb now so it's just the big tyres slowing things down.

bamba

RockmonkeySC wrote:

If you think the Reign is good try a Reign X. Climbs like a XC bike & descends like a freeride bike. I have got mine down to 31lb now so it's just the big tyres slowing things down.

what was its original weight and what parts have you changed to lighten it ?

Red.Devil.Ghost

http://www.steppenwolf-bikes.com/mountainbikes/

The 2012 bikes were put on the site, overnight. I'm considering the Taiga FS 120 or Tayma FS. Steppenwolf make most of theirs to order I believe, but I might get lucky and find a display 2011 bike at a discount somewhere.

I have seen these around for a while. Being in Germany at the moment makes it a tempting offer, and I don't have to pay the tax so the 1600 Taiga I can get for £1170 ish or the Tamya for £1100.

The spec list looks fairly similar to the Trance X4? What do people think of these bikes? Plus, Steppenwolf is a cool name for a bike and I can't imagine there are too many around in the UK.

rockmonkeysc

what was its original weight and what parts have you changed to lighten it ?

Was 33lb. Replaced the Truvative Ruktion cracnks with SLX double & bash which saved a pound. Changed the tyres, fitted a titanium rear spring, XT cassette & SLX rear mech & shifters. Also fitted a Mission Control damper in the forks which didn't save weight but improved the ride.

TNeBiker -
Don't just look at the spec. The Trance X frame has awesome rear suspension which pedals incredibally well plus the frame is nice & stiff. That's why it wins all the magazine budget trail bike tests. I had to sell mine to make room for my Reign X but as soon as I have the space (hopefully next year) I will be buying another Trance X, wouldn't even consider anything else.

Bishbosh10

I started off looking at the trance X4 and ended up with the ltd - best price point in the range I think.

Red.Devil.Ghost

There is a 2011 Steppenwolf Taiga FS 120 Pro display model near me. After making enquiries, I should be able to get it for 1700 Euros, minus tax so I should be looking at around £1200 which is not bad, for a normally £1650 bike.

I'm still undecided. I like the Trance, particularly the X Ltd, but I like the Steppenwolf as well. Plus its in Germany so I don't need to worry about getting it over here. Damn this!

Red.Devil.Ghost

Damn it. I have also found the Cannondale RZ One Twenty 2 for Eur 1699 which means I can get it for about £1250. That's a good price for a £2000 bike.

There really is too much choice.

rockmonkeysc

I tried the RZ120 before buying my Trance, nowhere near as good. Rear suspension really needed the pro-pedal on when climbing & the steering felt kind of dead.
Get a test ride on one, there is a good reason why you don't see many out on the trails.

Red.Devil.Ghost

That's good to know, cheers.

Red.Devil.Ghost

That's good to know, cheers.

The Spiderman

For the same money as the LTD you could get the X3 from here.

http://www.ashcycles.com/site/giant-trance-x3-2011