MTBeer Posted December 12, 2019 Posted December 12, 2019 I disagree..... A Trance will handle anything AND be fun, an Anthem 'can' handle just about anything but won't be as fun. The OP says he rides bikes for fun. OP, don't get a race bike. Get something with some grunt. er, uhm, isn't that exactly what i said?
Jewbacca Posted December 12, 2019 Posted December 12, 2019 er, uhm, isn't that exactly what i said? It looked to me like you were advocating the OP gets an Anthem with a dropper. If I was incorrect then I apologise.
GiantTjop Posted December 12, 2019 Posted December 12, 2019 Have to agree! On my second one know- what a machine. I've ridden one with a 120mm on the front - such a fun bike Anthem with a dropper can handle just about anything. Trance is more fun, but not necessary.
ChrisF Posted December 12, 2019 Posted December 12, 2019 my 2c sent ... and a zero value zim 2cents at that .... I have some young friend that shred trails on their hardtails. I did TWO trails on the hardtail and got a dual suspension bike for the trails, and kept a hard tail for commuting. There are much more experienced riders than myself on the Hub that can debate the real pro's and con's of each .... I am a weekend trail rider, feeling like a Rampage champ if my rear wheel clears a small jump .... thus please see my limited input in context. SIZE - please make sure to buy the correct size bike !!! These things are darned expensive, and once you have the wrong size bike you are in for some serious school fees ... MUCH cheaper to take your existing bike to a professional bike fitter in your area (Wester Cape that would be Irma - https://irmfit.co.za/services/ ) From this you will a MUCH better idea of what to look out for size wize on your next purchase !!! A repeat visit, to set up the new bike, is very cheap. TWIN LOCKOUT - for ME an absolute MUST HAVE ! Being able to select between three different suspension setting while riding, without taking your hands off the bars, is just awesome !! Many of the hardcore riders laugh at this .... each to their own. For us middle aged guys these gadgets helps. "BRAND" - I absolutely LOVE my SCOT Spark 940 That said, do your homework. Find out what brand is supported in your neck of the woods. Nothing worse than the best bike, and you have to wait a few weeks for some obscure part ..... Should add I have had NO issues with parts for the SCOTT. I did have issues with parts for the TREK though ... to add to a previous poster - BUILD YOUR OWN BIKE - incredibly rewarding !! It is easy enough, but the first few builds obviously will include school fees .... so dont assume it will work out cheaper. Though you CAN end with a better specification bike ...... Here is a link to a strip and rebuild (could just as easily have re-built the parts onto a different frame) ... literally childs play - https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/181779-mongoose-rebuild-project/page-1?hl=momsen
porqui Posted December 12, 2019 Posted December 12, 2019 Default is always Giant Trance - has always been for the type of riding you would like to do. Totally go with what RobertWhitehead says Don't rushBeware of salesmenBuy the RIGHT size 2nd hand is also a great option and there are a myriad of guys here on lehub that will help out looking at 2nd hand bikes
TyronLab Posted December 12, 2019 Posted December 12, 2019 Lets get down to the root cause of why everyone and their aunts recommends a Trance... Just look at it: Not that I have any preference towards green bikes
ChrisF Posted December 13, 2019 Posted December 13, 2019 Lets get down to the root cause of why everyone and their aunts recommends a Trance... Just look at it: Not that I have any preference towards green bikes As a SCOTT rider I so want to comment .... Then again .... in our group of 5 ... THREE Giant riders ...
thebob Posted December 13, 2019 Posted December 13, 2019 Trance 29 all the way. Have been riding and enjoying mine since Feb this year with zero issues. It pedals really well, climbs like a goat and descends like a demon. It gives me the biggest smile when I am riding it because it is just so much fun! The only thing I would change out the box is swapping the rear tyre to something faster rolling (like a Rekon or Forekaster). The Trance 29 1 would sneak into your budget if you ask the dealer for a discount. Comes with Fox Elite spec suspension components and carbon wheels. No other bike comes close to that spec for the money, even a Canyon (after import duties etc). I'm happy with an alloy frame, not sure if you are a carbon junkie or not, if so the Trance 29 Advanced 1 will also be within budget with a discount. I came from a Trek Fuel EX and a Scott Spark, so have experience with some of the bikes you are looking at. Both are really good bikes.The Fuel EX is (IMO) priced for the brand name, so spec isn't great for the money. The sizing is also a little bit strange, so if you go that route, you must demo one to get the correct size or school fees will be levied, ask me how I know. The Spark is a bulked up XC racer and is excellent if you want all out efficiency instead of fun. It is a lot more nervous on the descents than the Trek and the Giant, but still very capable. I know ChrisF is a massive Twinloc fan, me not so much. Ended up taking it off the fork and just using it for the shock. It does need more maintenance and can get stuck if you do not keep on top of it. Waited two weeks for Scott SA to get mine working, mate of mine struggled for a month to get his working after taking it in. Having said that, they are all awesome bikes. If you get the correct size and spend some time getting the suspension pressures and settings dialed, you will be happy regardless. Let us know what you end up going for! Don't discount the second hand market either. Seeing some nice bikes in the classifieds at the moment!
Dave Fair Posted December 13, 2019 Posted December 13, 2019 I've been riding a 2019 Trance 2 29er since October - and I have never enjoyed riding as much in my life. The bike is amazing quality, and ride feel. Climbing is brilliant, but takes some getting used to in tight switchbacks. Descending is just flippin awesome - point it and let go. It forgives all my bad decisions and lack of talent!
Geared Posted December 13, 2019 Author Posted December 13, 2019 well the giant just moved way up the list. I found one yesterday a giant trance 1 2019 (orange) for a goodish deal 50k (new) the 2020 version being over budget at closer to 70k, size large (I am 1.8ish 5ft 11/ 6ft) Just need to figure out how to load a pic. Seems to come with all the bells and whistles. weighed in at 13.1kg when I was there. trance 2 2020 was closer to 46k and the trance 3 2020 a much more appealing 39k still need to get some more prices on the Norco Optic suggested earlier, and checked out the trek EX5 to EX8 as well this am.
RobertWhitehead Posted December 13, 2019 Posted December 13, 2019 Have you had a look at the folks at BM? They have a very wide variety and the prices are quite good. https://bikemarket.co.za/shop/bicycles/mountain-bikes/giant-trance-pro-1-l-bm3446/ - Nice looking piece of kit This is a very decent piece of kit: https://bikemarket.co.za/shop/bicycles/mountain-bikes/ellsworth-epiphany-l-bm3420/ Then if you want what is referred to as "a slap noodle" with sooo much travel: https://bikemarket.co.za/shop/bicycles/mountain-bikes/evil-following-l-bm3529/ What I enjoy about the BM shop is that you have a 100 Large frame (currently on their website) bikes to choose from and the guys are clued up about all things bike.
Geared Posted December 13, 2019 Author Posted December 13, 2019 Have you had a look at the folks at BM? They have a very wide variety and the prices are quite good. https://bikemarket.co.za/shop/bicycles/mountain-bikes/giant-trance-pro-1-l-bm3446/ - Nice looking piece of kit This is a very decent piece of kit: https://bikemarket.co.za/shop/bicycles/mountain-bikes/ellsworth-epiphany-l-bm3420/ Then if you want what is referred to as "a slap noodle" with sooo much travel: https://bikemarket.co.za/shop/bicycles/mountain-bikes/evil-following-l-bm3529/ What I enjoy about the BM shop is that you have a 100 Large frame (currently on their website) bikes to choose from and the guys are clued up about all things bike. this is so helpful, I never even knew it existed some great prices and range shew
nonky Posted December 13, 2019 Posted December 13, 2019 What about something local? https://www.pygaindustries.com/product/stage-max/#frame https://www.pygaindustries.com/product/hyrax/#frameset Pyga will build you a bike with the EXACT spec you want - every owner I know absolutely LOVES their bike.
ChrisF Posted December 13, 2019 Posted December 13, 2019 Shops are moving 2019 stock .... remember 2020 stock arived some time ago already ! So if you want a brand new bike, in last year's colour scheme .... BIG savings to be had. THIS is what I would buy : https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/scott/products/scott-spark-940-2019
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted December 13, 2019 Posted December 13, 2019 well the giant just moved way up the list. I found one yesterday a giant trance 1 2019 (orange) for a goodish deal 50k (new) the 2020 version being over budget at closer to 70k, size large (I am 1.8ish 5ft 11/ 6ft) Just need to figure out how to load a pic. Seems to come with all the bells and whistles. weighed in at 13.1kg when I was there. trance 2 2020 was closer to 46k and the trance 3 2020 a much more appealing 39k still need to get some more prices on the Norco Optic suggested earlier, and checked out the trek EX5 to EX8 as well this am.Buy it (the 2019 trance 1 @50k). Large is the right size for you on the trance, I'm on a large reign at exactly the same height as you and wouldn't consider a medium at any price.
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