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.
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.
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
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.