2014 Giant Trance 27.5 2

[Big John]

People...Anyone running a 150 / 160 mm Front Fork on their Trance? Im busy planning a a.m build, and need to decide on a front fork, or is the 140mm standard setup, the dogs bollocks? The geometry seems spot on with a 140 on paper.

 

 

Craig

 

Running 160 up front - love it. Can't remember what it was like riding with the old fork anymore

[Craig Stubbs]

Thanks for the feedback gents. Yeah, its either going to be a 2015 SX (if I can get my hands on one), or a similar, self-build with a 2015 frame. My only concern is that with a 160 Pike Duel fork on place, you're looking at near on Downhill geometry, and if you spend most of the day with the bike in 140mm setting, then you loose a lot of the bump compliance of the fork. Ideally you just want to use the 140mm setting when climbing, and the fork fully open for the rest of the days trail riding. Decisions, decisions, decisions......

[Brawler]

Thanks for the feedback gents. Yeah, its either going to be a 2015 SX (if I can get my hands on one), or a similar, self-build with a 2015 frame. My only concern is that with a 160 Pike Duel fork on place, you're looking at near on Downhill geometry, and if you spend most of the day with the bike in 140mm setting, then you loose a lot of the bump compliance of the fork. Ideally you just want to use the 140mm setting when climbing, and the fork fully open for the rest of the days trail riding. Decisions, decisions, decisions......

Giant isn't bringing the 2015 sx to SA

[Craig Stubbs]

Giant isn't bringing the 2015 sx to SA

I'm begging, and possibly winning.

[Brawler]

I'm begging, and possibly winning.

 

Ah I see, they are usually willing to do special order items. If you are prepared to wait.

 

The 2015 Sx is super nice but I'd be tempted to build my own for that price.

[Craig Stubbs]

Ah I see, they are usually willing to do special order items. If you are prepared to wait.

 

The 2015 Sx is super nice but I'd be tempted to build my own for that price.

I hear you. Can pretty much match the price with Flow Ex's, Hope Hubs, XT / Hope 1x10, so it'll prob end up being a better build to go the DIY route.

[shakamara]

quick question, what is the possibility of converting the trance 2 x 10 to a 1 x 10 setup without having to change out the rear cassette and all the other things that may be required?

[GuyOnBike]

After having done two rides on my bike I thought its time to provide feedback on how my experience has been so far.

 

I used to ride a hardtail 26er and as I gradually became more involved in the sport (riding Tygerber Mountain Bike Trails and Tokai) I knew I wanted a soft tail bike so my journey began in search for a bike that I would like as much as the 26er.

 

Of course when I asked for advice there was peer pressure saying I should get a 29er, but I never really liked the way they looked and some (obvious) feedback suggested that the 29ers aren’t as agile as the 26ers. Nonetheless, I told myself I need to buy a 29er dual suspension so I searched…and searched…

 

Long story short - when I first saw the 2014 Giant Trance x2 earlier this year it was love at first sight. The all black matt finish with its peculiar shaped frame and wheel size. I did extensive researched and went into a few bike shops to look at the bike and decided this was the bike for me.

 

I needed up buying the 2014 Giant Trance x2 stock standard as specced with the intention of only upgrading any parts to it once I get to know it a bit more and when it is time.

 

As is - this bike is just plain AWESOME!     

 

I haven’t had this much fun on a bike in a while. It eats up trails and loves to race on descents - I’ve never felt so confident on a bike as the bike overall I think is very forgiving…just let her rip!

 

The only downside I have found is that it doesn’t fit on my buzz rack bike rack due to the frame design, so I secure it a bit differently than before.

 

If you can - buy this bike and try not to smile when you shred the trails!!

[Flowta]

quick question, what is the possibility of converting the trance 2 x 10 to a 1 x 10 setup without having to change out the rear cassette and all the other things that may be required?

 

 

for 1x10 you'll just need a chainring that's in  between the 2 that are on in 2x10, something like a 32 or 34 depending on you fitness.

 

The Rapide or Kitted narrow-wide ones are around R450. (you might also get away with a standard SS ring, because of the chain tensioner that the bike comes with)

 

You also already have a clutch derailleur.

 

If you want an extra wide 11-40 or 42 cassette, that's a bit more effort and cost.

[Hairy]

for 1x10 you'll just need a chainring that's in  between the 2 that are on in 2x10, something like a 32 or 34 depending on you fitness.

 

The Rapide or Kitted narrow-wide ones are around R450. (you might also get away with a standard SS ring, because of the chain tensioner that the bike comes with)

 

You also already have a clutch derailleur.

 

If you want an extra wide 11-40 or 42 cassette, that's a bit more effort and cost.

blah .... only fatties use 40 or 42t cassettes 

[Quantum Theory]

After having done two rides on my bike I thought its time to provide feedback on how my experience has been so far.

 

I used to ride a hardtail 26er and as I gradually became more involved in the sport (riding Tygerber Mountain Bike Trails and Tokai) I knew I wanted a soft tail bike so my journey began in search for a bike that I would like as much as the 26er.

 

Of course when I asked for advice there was peer pressure saying I should get a 29er, but I never really liked the way they looked and some (obvious) feedback suggested that the 29ers aren’t as agile as the 26ers. Nonetheless, I told myself I need to buy a 29er dual suspension so I searched…and searched…

 

Long story short - when I first saw the 2014 Giant Trance x2 earlier this year it was love at first sight. The all black matt finish with its peculiar shaped frame and wheel size. I did extensive researched and went into a few bike shops to look at the bike and decided this was the bike for me.

 

I needed up buying the 2014 Giant Trance x2 stock standard as specced with the intention of only upgrading any parts to it once I get to know it a bit more and when it is time.

 

As is - this bike is just plain AWESOME!     

 

I haven’t had this much fun on a bike in a while. It eats up trails and loves to race on descents - I’ve never felt so confident on a bike as the bike overall I think is very forgiving…just let her rip!

 

The only downside I have found is that it doesn’t fit on my buzz rack bike rack due to the frame design, so I secure it a bit differently than before.

 

If you can - buy this bike and try not to smile when you shred the trails!!

 

Only 2 rides?!

 

In a month, I've done 20 rides and about 400km's 

 

I've been breaking PR's on Strava every ride. The bike is so fast, that I ran out of talent a few times, in the first 2 weeks. I then learnt a few new skills from YouTube and I am definitely a better rider than I used to be. Also getting a lot fitter!

 

My Buzz Rack is also a bit short for the longer wheelbase on this bike, but I make it work.

[nolipoli]

I have just pushed "Go" on the 2015 Reign, and bidding farewell to the Trance in the process.

 

I always wanted the Trance SX, and seriously considered just upgrading my Trance, but it doesn't make sense next to the Reign.

 

Edit: Advert to follow for the Trance.

[GuyOnBike]

Only 2 rides?!

 

In a month, I've done 20 rides and about 400km's 

 

That's awesome! Unfortunately I do not have that much time at the moment...so just a weekend warrior.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

I have just pushed "Go" on the 2015 Reign, and bidding farewell to the Trance in the process.

 

I always wanted the Trance SX, and seriously considered just upgrading my Trance, but it doesn't make sense next to the Reign.

 

Edit: Advert to follow for the Trance.

I'll swap you my reign x.... For the new reign...

 

Edit! - YAAAAAAY! WELL DONE BRO!

[mazambaan]

With hindsight the only change I would have made to my '14 Trance purchase would have been to swap out the standard Nobby Nics to some with snakeskin sidewalls (tanks for the advice Capricorn) or another tougher tyre, particularly if going tubeless like I did and if prone to the odd red mist downhill moment.

 

My tyres that came with the bike never sealed properly as tubeless and always went soft and I suspect I have destroyed one with a bit of a kamakazi (for me) downhill. The standard Nobby Nic's have got the pappest sidewalls I have even felt in a tyre (maybe even a tube!)

[Catatonic_Joe]

With hindsight the only change I would have made to my '14 Trance purchase would have been to swap out the standard Nobby Nics to some with snakeskin sidewalls (tanks for the advice Capricorn) or another tougher tyre, particularly if going tubeless like I did and if prone to the odd red mist downhill moment.

 

My tyres that came with the bike never sealed properly as tubeless and always went soft and I suspect I have destroyed one with a bit of a kamakazi (for me) downhill. The standard Nobby Nic's have got the pappest sidewalls I have even felt in a tyre (maybe even a tube!)

 

Having the same issue with the Racing Ralphs that came on my Anthem. Just two months and I have to throw away the tyre.