At $2300 MSRP, you get what you pay for. Ride the bike Stock to start and upgrade components if they brake or the mood suits you. I also test rode the Trance Advanced but at $4k was out of my price range. But you can feel a difference between the Trance Advanced and Trance 3 especially climbing hills. I think swapping out components over time will help with some of this but also just getting my endurance levels up. I'm a believer in improving the "motor" first. The Bike second:
Pros Frame Geomtry feels great. Comes Stock with a dropper post and Maxxis 2.4" Tubeless High Rollers 2. MSRP is $2300 for 2018 Trance 3.
2.6" tubeless ready tires can be installed. Rear derailuer does have a clutch which is nice. Trance 3 comes with a Stock front fender that bolts to the front fork. For the price I paid, there is room to upgrade components which I will do a little at a time but for now will ride the Bike as it came Stock and it got me out on a FS bike riding some more aggressive terrain. It's an affordable way to get on a FS bike without braking the bank.
Cons Would be nice to have a lockout on the rear suspension for climbing hills but at this price point, the Rockshox Deluxe R works fine for the trails/terrain I ride. I do suggest swapping out the front tire for a 2.6". Save the 2.4" for a rear replacement. That's my first upgrade to do. But I prefer running wider tires as I also ride a Scott Fat Jon and like the feel of wider tires.
Best buy out there IMO, great performing bike that rides like a dream. Left me money in my pocket for other things which is always a plus. No regrets. Wheels could be a bit lighter but for only $2k, you have to scrimp somewhere.
Overall after 500 miles and half a season I love this bike. I went from a full suspension top line Fuji Outland Pro to this and I've never looked back. I did fold the cassette after 250miles and pop the front bake lever piston rod out but they were quickly replaced and upgraded. The bars were too wide resulting in some tree collision wrecks due to me being not used to width. The bike is very agile and responds well. Unless you are planning on dropping $3500 you will be hard pressed to find a bike to compete with this one.
Pros Great buy for the money, quality components, light and sturdy aluminum frame, bar is plenty wide for tuning. Suspension is super efficient and tough. I lose much less torque to pedaling then my old bike.
Cons No through axel on the rear, paint is easily scratched, inner chainring rubbed frame before modifying.
As my first foray into the full suspension mountain bike world, I could not have asked for a better piece of kit. Mine was modified from stock, with a larger fork, upgraded crankset, and a few other bits and bobs, but all told, I think I would have chosen this bike from the start. It has been a blast to ride on the trails and I'm REALLY looking forward to putting some miles on it next year.
Pros Full suspension, light frame, strong, quality build, stays planted when suspension is properly set up.
Cons Play in the rear bearings for the shock means replacing the ENTIRE suspension pieces. Kind of overkill if you ask me.
I love it, so far. Not only is it a very capable trail bike, but I have turned faster lap times on XC courses on it than with my Anthem. Buy it!
Pros More agile than my Anthem 29er and floats over obstacles more easily. The shorter chain stays enhance turning in the tight stuff and lofting the wheel more easily as well. Confidence inspiring on downhills with the bike feeling like an extension of the rider rather than sitting atop of it.
Cons Keeping the front wheel planted on climbs requires attention. The seat wiggles slightly and the dealer states that Giant techs indicate it is by design with the dropper seat post . It was disconcerting at first. Getting used to the riding position resulting from the handlebar rise takes some getting used to. May swap them out later.
If you're looking in the low $2k range, this is the way to go. It's tough, reasonably priced, and very versatile.
Pros An extremely versatile whip. Great balance between the durability and strength of all-mountain and light weight of cross-country rigs. A very good introduction to full-suspension riding.
Cons Heavy. Not much way around it. (Though for a low- to mid-range full-suspension rig, it's definitely not bad.) Not a fan of the stock tires.
Pros This bike handles great over everthing I've thrown at it, from large roots, rocks,steep down hills, g-outs, 12' drop offs, and even some steep dirt jump pump rythem sections.
You get some real high quality components for a good price. Great bike for someone who is just starting, you will go outside of your comfort zone on the trails if you ride this bike.
Pros 5" of travel, decent weight, bike sits good and is comfortable, great brakes, makes climbs seem easy
Cons switched to the kenda small block's, changed the stem and handlebars to stronger azonic shorty stem and azonic world force bar. grips could be a little better too.
I don't wish to condemn this model as all I've ever read about it is positive. But the one I bought is a lemon - maybe made on a Monday morning or Friday afternoon. I have always bought Trek in th past and in coparison they have always been bomb proof - my next bike will be a Trek and I'm afraid I'll never go near a Giant ever again.
Pros I liked everything about this bike until about 2 weeks after purchasing it when it's particular problems first started to show.
Cons Both wheels ( I can only guess it is the rims) continually destroy tubes - the tubes ALWAYS tear open in exactly the same spot(where the valve joins the tube) and can't be repaired. I've tried replacing the rim-tapes, altering pressures, buying different brand tubes from different shops, not screwing down the circular valve nut, etc). Eventually I took it back to the bike shop but they just said they'd never heard of this problem and suggested maybe my pump was faulty (!!). I've had maybe 2 dozen tubes blow out - sometimes they last 2-3 days, sometimes a week or 3. I've ridden for 10 years (I'm a daily commuter) and have never had a problem like this. In desperation I'm probably going to have to replace both rims and hope that that works unless someone can suggest something I haven't tried yet. This bike has cost me approx $200 in tubes over the 12 months I've owned it and if I replace the rims it will cost me a lot more. I'd like to sell it but don't want to pass the problem on to someone else.
This bike rocks! This is my first full suspension bike but all I can say is it rides great, handles like a dream and crushes climbs. Made a few minor upgrades but comes with great components...stock Kenda Nevegal tires rule! Maestro suspension is sick! Overall awesome bike!
bought as a 09" close-out. great bike in this price range. had a Specialized FSRxc Pro and this bike is hands down better in ride and overall feel. Suspension is killer.
Pros Rides Great! 5" of travel, nice geometry, great components for the price..
At $2300 MSRP, you get what you pay for. Ride the bike Stock to start and upgrade components if they brake or the mood suits you. I also test rode the Trance Advanced but at $4k was out of my price range. But you can feel a difference between the Trance Advanced and Trance 3 especially climbing hills. I think swapping out components over time will help with some of this but also just getting my endurance levels up. I'm a believer in improving the "motor" first. The Bike second:
Pros
Frame Geomtry feels great. Comes Stock with a dropper post and Maxxis 2.4" Tubeless High Rollers 2. MSRP is $2300 for 2018 Trance 3.
2.6" tubeless ready tires can be installed. Rear derailuer does have a clutch which is nice. Trance 3 comes with a Stock front fender that bolts to the front fork. For the price I paid, there is room to upgrade components which I will do a little at a time but for now will ride the Bike as it came Stock and it got me out on a FS bike riding some more aggressive terrain. It's an affordable way to get on a FS bike without braking the bank.
Cons
| ThankWould be nice to have a lockout on the rear suspension for climbing hills but at this price point, the Rockshox Deluxe R works fine for the trails/terrain I ride. I do suggest swapping out the front tire for a 2.6". Save the 2.4" for a rear replacement. That's my first upgrade to do. But I prefer running wider tires as I also ride a Scott Fat Jon and like the feel of wider tires.
would recommend to anyone who wanted a multi use bike, that didn't cost the price of a new car
Pros
multi use, holds up to my abuse,
Cons
| ThankI have found no issues
Trance X2 29er review
Best buy out there IMO, great performing bike that rides like a dream. Left me money in my pocket for other things which is always a plus. No regrets. Wheels could be a bit lighter but for only $2k, you have to scrimp somewhere.
Pros
| Thankvalue
ride
maestro
overall I love this bike is an awesome bike to own.
Pros
an excellent bike for the price. the a great on cross country trails it handles super fast and smooth
Cons
| Thankthe handlebars a bit wider than I'm used to. on technical courses a bit sluggish.
Swap the tires for different terrain. 2.35 kenda nevegal & 2.2 forte tsali
Pros
| ThankLove it
Overall after 500 miles and half a season I love this bike. I went from a full suspension top line Fuji Outland Pro to this and I've never looked back. I did fold the cassette after 250miles and pop the front bake lever piston rod out but they were quickly replaced and upgraded. The bars were too wide resulting in some tree collision wrecks due to me being not used to width. The bike is very agile and responds well. Unless you are planning on dropping $3500 you will be hard pressed to find a bike to compete with this one.
Pros
Great buy for the money, quality components, light and sturdy aluminum frame, bar is plenty wide for tuning. Suspension is super efficient and tough. I lose much less torque to pedaling then my old bike.
Cons
| ThankNo through axel on the rear, paint is easily scratched, inner chainring rubbed frame before modifying.
Get a great bike that has handled xc riding like a lightweight and the Downieville downhill like a pro (with me riding maybe quasi-semi-kinda-pro.
Pros
Great frame and suspension. Rolls really well and still corners like a trance.
Cons
| ThankGet rid of the brakes and the seat. I swapped out for a WTB to seat and some Hope M4 brakes. Now it is almost perfect.
I bought the 2013 Trance X 29er 0. Fantastic bike! Fast, compliant, sure footed. This bike is great!
Pros
Great design, equipment package, rolls effortlessly, maestro suspension
Cons
| ThankNot sure about the dropper post
Awesome well rounded bike that will take up, down and around.
Pros
Handles everything the mountain can throw at you with ease
Cons
| ThankBrakes get a little spongy
As my first foray into the full suspension mountain bike world, I could not have asked for a better piece of kit. Mine was modified from stock, with a larger fork, upgraded crankset, and a few other bits and bobs, but all told, I think I would have chosen this bike from the start. It has been a blast to ride on the trails and I'm REALLY looking forward to putting some miles on it next year.
Pros
Full suspension, light frame, strong, quality build, stays planted when suspension is properly set up.
Cons
| ThankPlay in the rear bearings for the shock means replacing the ENTIRE suspension pieces. Kind of overkill if you ask me.
I love it, so far. Not only is it a very capable trail bike, but I have turned faster lap times on XC courses on it than with my Anthem. Buy it!
Pros
More agile than my Anthem 29er and floats over obstacles more easily. The shorter chain stays enhance turning in the tight stuff and lofting the wheel more easily as well. Confidence inspiring on downhills with the bike feeling like an extension of the rider rather than sitting atop of it.
Cons
| ThankKeeping the front wheel planted on climbs requires attention. The seat wiggles slightly and the dealer states that Giant techs indicate it is by design with the dropper seat post . It was disconcerting at first. Getting used to the riding position resulting from the handlebar rise takes some getting used to. May swap them out later.
If you're looking in the low $2k range, this is the way to go. It's tough, reasonably priced, and very versatile.
Pros
An extremely versatile whip. Great balance between the durability and strength of all-mountain and light weight of cross-country rigs. A very good introduction to full-suspension riding.
Cons
| ThankHeavy. Not much way around it. (Though for a low- to mid-range full-suspension rig, it's definitely not bad.) Not a fan of the stock tires.
Highly...
Pros
This bike handles great over everthing I've thrown at it, from large roots, rocks,steep down hills, g-outs, 12' drop offs, and even some steep dirt jump pump rythem sections.
Cons
| ThankHaven't really found any...
I would definitely recommend this for someone getting into mtb'n or weekend warriors not willing to drop 3k for a full sus bike.
Pros
Cant beat this bike for the $$
Climbs like a goat and super nimble for those tricky, root/rock sections
Cons
| ThankGrips suck, get new peddles asap. Brakes are not the most responsive.
You get some real high quality components for a good price. Great bike for someone who is just starting, you will go outside of your comfort zone on the trails if you ride this bike.
Pros
5" of travel, decent weight, bike sits good and is comfortable, great brakes, makes climbs seem easy
Cons
| Thankswitched to the kenda small block's, changed the stem and handlebars to stronger azonic shorty stem and azonic world force bar. grips could be a little better too.
| ThankI don't wish to condemn this model as all I've ever read about it is positive. But the one I bought is a lemon - maybe made on a Monday morning or Friday afternoon. I have always bought Trek in th past and in coparison they have always been bomb proof - my next bike will be a Trek and I'm afraid I'll never go near a Giant ever again.
Pros
I liked everything about this bike until about 2 weeks after purchasing it when it's particular problems first started to show.
Cons
| ThankBoth wheels ( I can only guess it is the rims) continually destroy tubes - the tubes ALWAYS tear open in exactly the same spot(where the valve joins the tube) and can't be repaired. I've tried replacing the rim-tapes, altering pressures, buying different brand tubes from different shops, not screwing down the circular valve nut, etc). Eventually I took it back to the bike shop but they just said they'd never heard of this problem and suggested maybe my pump was faulty (!!). I've had maybe 2 dozen tubes blow out - sometimes they last 2-3 days, sometimes a week or 3. I've ridden for 10 years (I'm a daily commuter) and have never had a problem like this. In desperation I'm probably going to have to replace both rims and hope that that works unless someone can suggest something I haven't tried yet. This bike has cost me approx $200 in tubes over the 12 months I've owned it and if I replace the rims it will cost me a lot more. I'd like to sell it but don't want to pass the problem on to someone else.
If you into all day, all mountain type riding this bike is for you.
Pros
Awesome suspension design that just works. Great Spec for price.
Cons
| ThankI was not a fan of the 120mm fork so i upgraded to the 140mm upon purchase. Giant must have felt the same as they moved to the 140mm for 2011
This bike rocks! This is my first full suspension bike but all I can say is it rides great, handles like a dream and crushes climbs. Made a few minor upgrades but comes with great components...stock Kenda Nevegal tires rule! Maestro suspension is sick! Overall awesome bike!
Pros
Handles great, lightweight, durable.
Cons
| ThankNothing yet!
bought as a 09" close-out. great bike in this price range. had a Specialized FSRxc Pro and this bike is hands down better in ride and overall feel. Suspension is killer.
Pros
Rides Great! 5" of travel, nice geometry, great components for the price..
Cons
| Thanknone so far