Bike and fit advice on Giant Trance 4

[Butterbean]

So I am looking to get hold of a dual sus and have the chance to work out a deal for a giant trance 4


Two questions - how suited to XC is the trance bearing in mind I am no race snake, and a bit of bike weight won't do much with my 115kgs...

Secondly, I am 1.8m tall with longer legs and shorter torso... I usually ride large frame bikes but my axis large frame does feel quite large... I know giant sizes are normally a bit big, so how would I fair on the medium? Or should I not chance it at all?

Thanks!

Edited November 9, 2018 by Joss Turner

[Headshot]

Look online at the Giant size/fit charts to get an idea of the size you should run. A shorter stem could be used to get the bars a bit closer if necessary.

 

It depends on what you mean by "XC". Lap races round a track or marathon events?  If I'm not mistaken, the T4 is the lower spec model and is probably reasonably heavy. Its not ideal for either of those but will certainly work if you want it to. 

 

Post a pic of the bike if you can.

[PhilipV]

Don't get a medium. I'm 1.86 and riding a XL Trance.

 

Trance is a trail Bike. It wants to be ridden hard downhill, and will get you uphill. But if you having XC or marathon racing tendencies, then it's not the bike for you.

That being said, I gladly ride my Trance on stage races, but I'm cruising then with no delusions of grandeur.

[Grease_Monkey]

Don't get a medium. I'm 1.86 and riding a XL Trance.

 

Trance is a trail Bike. It wants to be ridden hard downhill, and will get you uphill. But if you having XC or marathon racing tendencies, then it's not the bike for you.

That being said, I gladly ride my Trance on stage races, but I'm cruising then with no delusions of grandeur.

I agree here. I had a medium Trance 2 a while back at 1.78m and it was very small, you are no doubt a large.

 

As for XC marathon stuff, the Trance will handle it comfortably but you are not gonna be winning races - there are more efficient bikes out there. I would say if your primary focus is gonna be marathon/xc, and you want to focus on getting faster and better at that - get an Anthem. However, if you are just out there to have fun - get a Trance - it is one of the most versatile bikes out there.

Edited November 9, 2018 by Grease_Monkey

[Adr!@n]

I'm 1.85 and on a Large 2017 Trance with a 35mm stem and I think I could do an XL as well but I like the L. Not the most rewarding ride if you're doing 100km days, but it's not too bad. I think it depends on how you build it up.

[Butterbean]

Thanks, I've decided to go with a large anthem instead!

[ThePubSA]

1.89 usually ride xl .. was cramped on a large trance .. but only on long rides it was nippy and throw about on the downs . 

[DJR]

Thanks, I've decided to go with a large anthem instead!

Good choice. Trance is a fantastic bike, and will do long marathons, but it is not ideal for that. Anthem much better suited, and still pretty capable in the single track.

[Butterbean]

Good choice. Trance is a fantastic bike, and will do long marathons, but it is not ideal for that. Anthem much better suited, and still pretty capable in the single track.

Yeah, I knew the trance would always be a compromise and would be a purchase of convenience instead of correct purpose.

 

The anthem will be way better suited to my riding needs.