Cracked frame, Options? Anthem vs Trance vs Frame?

[-cK-]

Okay so I have a 2013 Anthem X3 29er but after 15+K km the frame have had it, it would seem

 

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii13/wacza/Misc/Forum%20Posts/20141019_105926.jpg

 

So then a quick frantic pop in at the LBS to see what they have and to see what a frame replacement would set me back so that I can start doing the maths.  (Have an event on 1 Nov so not a nice surprise after a Sunday cruise )

 

On the frame replacement they will find out for me on Monday, but here is the thing.  I have a front shock on back order eta mid Nov and was planing on upgrading the brakes on my bike.  Doing the maths on that and guessing a frame will be what at least 10k I'm leaning to rather go for a new bike and cancel the front shock as it makes more sense as all the components will then be new and not have 15k km wear on them.

 

Thus the preliminary question Anthem vs Trance as I saw a Trance 29er on the floor for about 21k.  (But just realized I never checked the bloody frame size as the frame I have is an XL, guess I'll be heading back to the shop Monday )

 

The question still stands though whether I should consider going with the Trance should I be lucky enough the frame size is XL?  I know the Trance is more of a trail bike than a XC like the anthem.  Being in the West Coast my riding is predominately more XC terrain with gravel farm roads but I do, do some races which have single track etc and I do like to venture into the bushes here seeking out single track and something more challenging than just gravel roads so thus the question. 

 

I'm about 189cm and don't think I'll be going 27.5 either after riding the 29er so long now and considering my local terrain as well.

 

Was also given an option on a GT Sensor frame which was a XL but they could only give me a price on it in the week as well.

 

So any input to help me decide here what to do would help.

 

Thx

[Prince Albert Cycles]

Thought Giant has a lifelong warranty ?

Friend had his frame replaced free after 3 years .

[Motard660]

I have a Anthem and a Trans. The Anthem is a bit of a faster bike but o boy...is that Trans Comfortable!!!

 

Yes the 5" Travel on the Trans is making a difference! Trans handles for me better in Single Track and technical sections, but again the Anthem is definitely faster on normal district road and jeep tracks.

 

It all depends what you like. If you not worried about speed you will enjoy the Trans!

[Motard660]

Thought Giant has a lifelong warranty ?

Friend had his frame replaced free after 3 years .

 

One of my friends just replaced his Giant Frame that was more than 5 years old. 

It depends if you are the first owner of the bike.

 

Giant normally not sticky to replace their frames.

[Guest DieBees]

Thats a bad break. Giant will replace! I have no doubt about it.

 

I hope you will extend your search beyond the westcoast...

 

There is too few players in the market here so the pricing is mal to say the least.

[-cK-]

Was just informed of the Lifelong warranty by a friend of mine as well.  Yes I'm the first time owner.  Will go talk to the LBS when the owner is back on Monday to see whether I can do it through him and what the ETA/Hassle would be as I bought the bike in Cape Town.  Having to go to Cape Town to sort this out is time I don't have, but if it's a free frame and it's not gonna take to long might need to make time for it. 

 

I also think this was a weakpoint of the 2013 anthem's would much rather opt to get a revised model where the tube is thicker at that particular point as in the next years models.  Wonder if they would do that with a warranty replacement.

 

I'm still weighing all my options here as I said it was a frantic (more P!$$3D off) pop in at the LBS

 

[EDIT]

Spoke to the LBS owner and his immediate question to me was do I have my proof of purchase? So dug it up and all doc's relating to the purchase as the receipt is faded, but here is to good thoughts    Taking bike and everything in on Monday...

[Motard660]

They will replace with the latest model of frame. In your case either the 2014 or maybe even 2015 frame.

[Rocket-Boy]

Are you sure you need an XL frame?

Im 191cm and find a large fits me better than an XL does.

[MphatiPyga]

Also had an Anthem frame crack and went the Trance route. Best move ever, has made such a difference to my riding and riding enjoyment. Funny on the size thing though is I had a large Anthem but went with a medium Trance after testing on friends bikes, and I'm 184 which is in that grey zone on the Giant bike fit charge between large and medium. So at 189 I would say the XL could be to big for you Imho

[-cK-]

So far I was informed things look good for a warranty replacement, bike will be taken for a final inspection later this week. 

 

On the frame size I went XL on the advise of the bike shop where I bought the bike due to my height and length of my legs & arms (the oke took one look at me as I was checking out a Large frame bike and said nope you need to go XL, trust me). 

 

I'm conformable enough on the XL and learned to handle the bigger 29er in the tight twisty stuff as I jumped from a Large 26er which now just feels cramped and twitchy as hell   On a side note it also sounded like Giant is low on Large frames in any case, but all good on the other sizes...

[madbradd]

If you're lucky you'll get the anthem in the 2014 diamond black.... very schexxy.

 

If they're short on sizes try get a discount on an anthem advanced, or even a Santa Cruz as they're the same local agent.

[Reg Lizard]

Or you can contact the Giant agents, Dragons   Llewellyn Jooste Tel 0214616252.

[-cK-]

If you're lucky you'll get the anthem in the 2014 diamond black.... very schexxy.

 

  :drool: :drool:

[The MTBer]

Am also 1.91m and I ride the 29er Giant XTC hardtail, I have to say the XL is big but it is not that bad, never really tried a 29er in a Large. Bike shop also recommended that I should take the XL.

[Chris NewbyFraser]

Anthem 29'rs had a global problem with failures at that very joint. They responded by improving the depth of weld and joint. Although they claimed the problem was solved, failures continued. The new 650b frames have a different and better joint.

 

I moved from the 29'r Anthem to 27.5 Trance. Changed wheels to Mavic and brakes to XT. I now have a bike that is vastly more comfortable and predictable than the Anthem, seems to go as fast and looks different enough to satisfy my ego.

 

On sizing, I ride a medium of any bike except Giant, where I step down a size to get the best fit.. 

[-cK-]

We will see how the new frame holds up.  It's standing at the LBS just waiting on the rear shock that I had serviced as well...It looks so damn schexxy all in black now

 

Decided to treat myself a bit and ordered a set of XT brakes as well, basically I'm gonna end up with a "brand new" bike after this as the only components left on the bike from the original purchase will be the front crankset and rear shock.  Front shock is also on its way out as soon as the stock of the X-fusion comes in on back order.