Giant Trance X 29 2 vs Specialized Stumpjumper

[Kyle CT]

Hi Everyone,

I have narrowed down my search to the following 2x bikes new:

https://giant-bicycles.co.za/products/trance-x-29-2-metallic-black-black?available%20colours=metallic%20black%20%2F%20black&available%20sizes=s
 

https://www.specialized.com/za/en/stumpjumper-alloy/p/175253?color=300705-175253
 

I personally prefer the Giant in terms of the shocks and components.

Which would be better?

[Ruben Hechter]

23 minutes ago, Kyle CT said:

Hi Everyone,

I have narrowed down my search to the following 2x bikes new:

https://giant-bicycles.co.za/products/trance-x-29-2-metallic-black-black?available%20colours=metallic%20black%20%2F%20black&available%20sizes=s
 

https://www.specialized.com/za/en/stumpjumper-alloy/p/175253?color=300705-175253
 

I personally prefer the Giant in terms of the shocks and components.

Which would be better?

Between these two I would go for the Giant, BUT both bikes has SRAM SX which you should avoid. The Fork on both is also very entry level. I would rather spend a few rand more or look at other options with Shimano deore 12 spd at the same price

 

Giant Trance 29 2 seems like very good value

https://giant-bicycles.co.za/products/trance-29-2-metallic-black-black?available%20colours=metallic%20black%20%2F%20black&available%20sizes=s

 

I haven't ridden the New Merida one twenty, but it does look nice. 130mm front 120mm rear. The 600 model retails for R45 000 and you get shimano 12 spd groupset and much better suspension.

 

https://bike-addict.co.za/products/merida-one-twenty-600-2024

[Spafsack]

Kyle, I thought you looking for an XC, marathon, type bike? I would still look at carbon titans, used 1 or 2 year old XC bikes.

[Me rida my bicycle]

Out of those 2 definitely the Trance without a doubt 👌🏻

[JayLow]

This Titan is in another class compared to both of them:
https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/dual-suspensions/products/titan-cypher-120-limited-alloy-2023 

(and it's in your original budget)

[thebob]

He's looking for a trail bike, not an XC or down country bike. A Titan Skyrim should be in the list as well. Of the two, I'd probably go for the Giant myself

[Robbie Stewart]

Neither. 

The suspension package on these bikes are rubbish. And better suspension always trumps whatever groupset you have. 

I would opt for the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Alloy if you can spring the extra cash. I have one, and it is an absolute beast of a bike. In terms of suspension it comes with Fox 36 160mm up front and Fox Float X 150mm at the back. Yeah the SRAM NX groupset isn't the best, but you can upgrade that as time goes by. But for the money you get a very modern geo bike that is super customizable in terms of head set angles and BB height to get the perfect ride. As a bonus it also has downtube SWAT storage. 

https://www.specialized.com/za/en/stumpjumper-evo-comp-alloy/p/200529?color=336206-200529

But maybe I'm just biased.

[Robbie Stewart]

You could also opt for a Marin Rift Zone 2. I know some people riding them and they all rave about their bikes.

And don't stress the fork brand - Marzocchi is nothing but a renamed Fox 36

https://westdenecycles.co.za/product/marin-riftzone-2/

[thebob]

1 hour ago, Robbie Stewart said:

And don't stress the fork brand - Marzocchi is nothing but a renamed Fox 36
 

No. The Z2 is essentially a Fox 34 Rhythm with an open cartridge damper and 34mm stanchions. The Z1 is essentially a Fox 36 Rhythm. Yes, Fox owns and manufacturers Marzocchi suspension components and those forks are much better than an the Rockshox 35