Giant Trance X3 buying advice (now owner)

Here's the deal, never got on with my boardman team FS as the frame set up didn't give me any confidence at all when going downhill, great for singletrack etc but when the going got steep it just felt all wrong and nervous, especially when hitting something at speed.
I've tried a specialized camber in comp and elite form and whilst I love the looks, the giant trance x3 seems a better specified bike for the money and on a short ride apart from wanting wider bars it feels like a great bike.
I've read a load of reviews and feel fairly confident this is a very sorted allrounder, but before I pull the trigger on the credit card could any owners/riders provide some feedback on how they feel it performs in various conditions, especially on downhill technical stuff?
Cheers in advance.
I've tried a specialized camber in comp and elite form and whilst I love the looks, the giant trance x3 seems a better specified bike for the money and on a short ride apart from wanting wider bars it feels like a great bike.
I've read a load of reviews and feel fairly confident this is a very sorted allrounder, but before I pull the trigger on the credit card could any owners/riders provide some feedback on how they feel it performs in various conditions, especially on downhill technical stuff?
Cheers in advance.
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Posts
I think the Trance has been BOTY for 3 years on the bounce so I don't think you will be going wrong with your choice.
Trance rides really well but needs a shorter stem and wider bars to improve handling.
BB30 bottom bracket is stupid and expensive.
To be honest I think it would be better to upgrade your Camber rather than get a new but very similar bike.
I have done over 500 miles on it now, this includes trips to the Peaks, and lots of trail centre red routes and a black route.
Only modification has been an Easton Haven 711mm wide bar and some Token lock on grips.
What can I say other than this bike is amazing. Its handled everything Ive thrown at it.
I was 97 kg's when I got it, so no feather weight. Im now down to 85 kg's, still throw it about just as much, and it just takes it all in its stride.
If there was 1 weak point it would be the Avid Elixir 3 brakes. My rear brake has been so noisy, Ive rotated the pads numerous times, reseated the caliper etc. In the end I put some superstar pads in, but it still squals now and again.
Cheers
Andy
I think I've made my mind up on the giant, and will fit wider bars, thanks for the comments.
Giant Trance
Radon ZR 27.5 Race
Btwin Alur700
Merida CX500
Giant Trance X3 2011
Also I'm enjoying the LBS experience so far, glad I didn't just use them and buy online.
Giant Trance
Radon ZR 27.5 Race
Btwin Alur700
Merida CX500
If you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay and what year model is it. Thanks
JC
Specialized Elite Allez with 105
Rockrider 8.1 : )
Giant Trance
Radon ZR 27.5 Race
Btwin Alur700
Merida CX500
JC
Specialized Elite Allez with 105
Rockrider 8.1 : )
Giant Trance
Radon ZR 27.5 Race
Btwin Alur700
Merida CX500
JC
Specialized Elite Allez with 105
Rockrider 8.1 : )
Anything over 120mm will invalidate the warranty (I asked Giant when I had mine) but it does ride well with 140mm up front, wouldn't go to 150mm though.
http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/giant-tr ... 78482.html
?
Giant Trance
Radon ZR 27.5 Race
Btwin Alur700
Merida CX500
I can see me changing the bars and stem soon enough, and going to swap the nobby nics for high rollers, although I doubt she will see too much action over the winter.
Now, time to sell the boardman FS, can't decide whether to sell her whole or break her....
Giant Trance
Radon ZR 27.5 Race
Btwin Alur700
Merida CX500
Only downside/gripes is that the 3 x 10 set up seems pointless, would have preferred 2 x 10, and there is an annoying amount of chain slap.
Giant Trance
Radon ZR 27.5 Race
Btwin Alur700
Merida CX500
Boardman Comp 29er 2013
Whyte T129s 2014 viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=12965414&p=18823801&hilit=whyte+t129s#p18823801
Road Scott speedster s50 2011
Giant Trance
Radon ZR 27.5 Race
Btwin Alur700
Merida CX500
Giant Trance
Radon ZR 27.5 Race
Btwin Alur700
Merida CX500
Giant Trance
Radon ZR 27.5 Race
Btwin Alur700
Merida CX500
No, you can trap them behind conventionl BB's, can't use with pressfit without ISCG tabs obviously!
retired 9.6kg Carrera Kraken
The Carrera Hardtail combined thread - come on all you Carrera's!
The Sons Scott Genius RC20 build
The only place I know with the 2011 is Chain reaction?
Does anyone have any thoughts or recommendations?
if you already have decent parts to put on though then get the cheapest version and upgrade.
Giant Trance
Radon ZR 27.5 Race
Btwin Alur700
Merida CX500