Giant Trance 29 vs Scott Spark

[thebob]

Right, so I’m a little obsessed with the new Giant Trance 29er. Read plenty reviews and studied all the info I can get my info on regarding the two bikes. I’m liking my upgraded Spark very much, but it isn’t the most playful bike out there. The Trance seems like a bit more of a hooligan based on the geometry, meaning can match the Spark’s XC leanings but will be more exciting on the downs and jumps. While the Spark seems to be a well rounded machine that can do anything pretty well. Anyone ridden both bikes who can give feedback on the differences?

Edited January 18, 2019 by the_bob

[PeterF]

You should change the title of your thread from "Anthem" to "Trance" two different bikes.

[thebob]

My bad!

[Me rida my bicycle]

Do you have the new Spark ie 2017^ with the Fox 34 or Pike? Coz that only differs with 0.7 degrees on head and seat angles and only 2 mm shorter reach can't imagine it being so much different to ride.

I have only rode the Trance and it felt sluggish with a ton and a half of pedal bob but the bike was not set up for me so could be little different if set up properly.

But if you have the new Spark I would not change it maybe ad some travel or go for some skills classes not saying your lacking just helps to have a different look at how you are riding.

Edited January 18, 2019 by Me rida my bicycle

[PeterF]

My bad!

[Iwan Kemp]

Hi,

 

I've ridden the Spark quite a bit. Currently the owner of the new Trance 29'er and my neighbor owns the Spark. In terms of comparing OUR bikes,

• he has narrower rims and more trail focused tyres on, my bike came std with wider rims (30mm internal) and DHF / DHR tyres which grip like its nobody's business, but are a bit slower to pedal to the top.
• His has rmote lock out, mine is analoqgue
• My bike came with DVO's Topaz shock that has a piggy back

 

Other than that they are both carbon frame, dropper posts, wide bars, 1x12, etc, etc.

 

If I could answer your question as short as possible. The Spark is closer to a stage / marathon type trail bike, where the Trance leans more toward being a proper all mountain bike. I've ridden the new alu Trance with a normal shock and even that one felt more like it wants to play than cover miles. It is still a good miles bike, just feels a bit more comfortable on rougher stuff. 

 

I'm sure either will be great, so best would be to ride a new Trance and then decide from there. 

[Iwan Kemp]

In summary: definitely maybe

[Rudii]

I will go for the Spark but that's only because I ride one myself.

 

Go to your LBS and try out both bikes to see how it fits you. This will help you greatly with the decision making process.

[Bos]

I was going to say, the Trance is a xc/marathon capable trailbike, and the Spark is a Trail capable marathon bike. 

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Do you have the new Spark ie 2017^ with the Fox 34 or Pike? Coz that only differs with 0.7 degrees on head and seat angles and only 2 mm shorter reach can't imagine it being so much different to ride.

I have only rode the Trance and it felt sluggish with a ton and a half of pedal bob but the bike was not set up for me so could be little different if set up properly.

But if you have the new Spark I would not change it maybe ad some travel or go for some skills classes not saying your lacking just helps to have a different look at how you are riding.

Sorry dude, you obviously don't know how small changes to geo and kinematics can change the way a bike rides and performs. 

 

Trance = hard hitting trail bike that acts as if it's got more travel than it has. A proper short-travel bruiser, like the Rocky Thunderbolt, Tranny Smuggler and other bikes that eke out the hooliganism despite the "lack" of travel. Happy to have long days in the saddle, but will pout more than a collie who hasn't been run for 4 days if that's all you do. Looks for trouble. Short legged AM bike. 

 

Spark = XCM / XCO bike with a bit more squish, happier to cover long distances instead of hanging with the cool kids. It'll do the tech stuff, but you'll need to be more clinical in your line choice instead of just letting it go. Long legged XC bike. 

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

I was going to say, the Trance is a xc/marathon capable trailbike, and the Spark is a Trail capable marathon bike. 

You said it better than me.

[Grease_Monkey]

I was going to say, the Trance is a xc/marathon capable trailbike, and the Spark is a Trail capable marathon bike.

Short and sweet but spot on.

 

If you want to ride trails and techy stuff with the ocassional long day go for the Trance, if you ride primarily long days with the ocassional tech then go for the Scott.

 

Both are great bikes and you won't go wrong with either, just choose according to your riding needs.

 

Personally I am drooling every time I see a pic of the new Trance. Ticks all the right boxes, incl not emptying your bank account. I owned the previous generation (2016) 27.5 version and I loved the bike. It hits alot harder than the travel suggests and is happy with longer days in the saddle. It's probably one of the most versatile bikes around.

 

Edit: I should add, Giant's warranty is second to none. Have heard of a few guys (even second owners) claiming without having to jump through hoops. PhilipV on the hub here recently claimed for his frame, which was approved in a few hours from notifying his LBS.

Edited January 18, 2019 by Grease_Monkey

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Short and sweet but spot on.

 

If you want to ride trails and texhy stuff with the ocassional long day go for the Trance, if you ride primarily long days with the ocassional tech then go for the Scott.

 

Both are great bikes and you won't go wrong with either, just choose according to your riding needs.

 

Personally I am drooling every time I see a pic of the new Trance. Ticks all the right boxes, incl not emptying your bank account. I owned the previous generation (2016) 27.5 version and I loved the bike. It hits alot harder than the travel suggests and is happy with longer days in the saddle. It's probably one of the most versatile bikes around.

Same. (Sorry, Penny! I still love you, my camo-coloured beauty!)

[Grease_Monkey]

Same. (Sorry, Penny! I still love you, my camo-coloured beauty!)

Cheating on Mary with Eli, coil fork replaced by an air fork, looking at new younger short travel bikes instead of Penny, what's happening Myles? Are we going to see you don some lycra on an XC bike soon?

[stefmeister]

Personally I am drooling every time I see a pic of the new Trance. Ticks all the right boxes, incl not emptying your bank account. 

If I could have the new trance 29 and a long travel 27.5 enduro monster I'd be as happy as a pig...

Edited January 18, 2019 by stefmeister

[thebob]

Seems the consensus is in line with what my thoughts are. That orange Trance 29 is calling my name hard ????????