The correct bike? The correct price?

Craig24

I've been looking to swap to a FS after riding more black trails and rocky sections. As my budget is low I've been looking out for bargains. I've found a standard, Giant Trance x2 2010 for £450. Is this a good price? And do you think this is a good all rounder type bike? I don't do huge jumps or anything, just after something which isn't going to be a lot worse up the hills than my Cannondale Trail SL and hopefully a bit better coming back down?

rockmonkeysc

Trance is very good and if it's in good condition then thats a fair price.Just don't expect it to make you vastly quicker. If anything it will probably be better up hill than your hardtail due to the extra traction on technical climbs.
What black trails are you riding? Trail grades have got a bit meaningless, some blacks are easier than some blues (Llandegla or Cannock black vs BPW blues for example).

Craig24

Just Llandegla and bits of Gisburn. I see other riders on the same trails on hardtails but just fancied a FS, hoping making the rocky descents a bit comfier. I might check it out see what condition its in.

kajjal

I tried FS and went back to a HT in the end. The FS was a great bike to ride , faster and smoother over the rough stuff but took too much of the feel of the trail away for me. If you want comfort it is the way to go just take it easy at first as the extra speed is deceptive and you will have a few slam the brakes on for corners moments until you get used to it.

Antm81

I had a 2009 Trance X1 before my current Trance (same frame I believe), very good bike and I sold the frame for more than half of the cost of the one you are looking at. So as said if itsin decent condition it sounds like a good deal.

Craig24

Thanks guys! Anything worth looking out for or asking when giving it the once over?

rockmonkeysc

The frame is solid as long as the bearings are fine. If you can, let the air out of the shock and fully compress by hand to feel for any notchyness in the bearings. Thy wiggling it side to side as well, it should be pretty stuff, any movement is a sign of worn bearings. The main thing to check is the forks, the old Fox F120 is not the most durable fork, look for wear on the stanchion anodising and make sure they feel really smooth when compressed and rebound in a controlled way. The shock is pretty solid.

Craig24

Thanks for that Rockmonkey

Craig24

Looks like I missed out on this one, wasn't quick enough. How does the Trek Fuel ex 6 2010 compare? I can't find many reviews for the ex 6, only the higher end models.

Antm81

Plenty of Trance's on eBay, some at very good prices.

rockmonkeysc

I would take the Trance over a Trek Fuel. The older Fuel was very much an xc bike, a bit dull to ride, not particularly stable and with weak chain stays. Also the shock is an odd size so replacing it won't be easy when it eventually dies.

Craig24

Cheers, will keep looking for a trance within budget then.

Craig24

Lots out there not many in my £500 budget except older X4 which I don't fancy.

Been offered this for £600

Giant trance x3 2012
fox rl 34 forks
fox rp 32 rear shock
crossmax st 2010 tubeless with maxis ardents
raceface next carbon bars
raceface evoke 50mm stem
xt crank
xt derailer
slx front mech
xt shifters
hope evo tech m4 with braided hoses
odi peaty lock on grips
charge spoon saddle
dmr v12 pedals

Sounds like a decent spec?

rockmonkeysc

Looks ok but if the forks are longer than 140mm then avoid it.

Craig24

Finally got myself a Giant Trance X3 2013, should have it Monday!