Santa Cruz Heckler 7 27.5 Large 2016 Vs Giant Trance 3 27.5 2017

[saahirahmad]

Hello Yall,

I had asked a question earlier about which mountain bike to buy and after yalls suggestions I decided to get the Giant Trance 3 27.5 2017, which is priced at $2100. But I just saw a deal with my local bike store on a Santa Cruz Heckler 7 27.5 2016. The heckler was priced at $2299, but the sale price is $1839. I have researched some about the Santa Cruz and not seen any negative comments about it. I have to make a decision by tomorrow. please help me out

[dan_3lliott]

I’ve ridden a heckler.  I loved it.  I’d say go with that, but then again, I’ve never tried a Trance.

[Aaron Chamberlain ✓ supporter]

It’s hard to say which is the better deal without knowing what components are on the Santa Cruz.

I’d probably stick with the Trance though as it has a more advanced suspension design.

[saahirahmad]

Aaron i totally understand what you’re saying. Im about to go check the bike today and ill update some of the components to give you a better idea about the heckler.

 

Thanx a ton

[Alvin Mullen]

Santa Cruz Bronson is more comparable to the Trance as far as suspension design goes.

[Dr Sweets]

You must decide what kind of rider you are, the kind of rider you want to be and what your tolerance is for maintenance that you’ll perform or pay someone to do. Lets say for the sake of this discussion that they both have the same basic component spec.

• The Giant will be a better pedaling bike with its more nuanced (complex) suspension. Whether this is something you will readily notice will depend your experience and skill level. It is more of a trail/XC rig and is overall more mild-mannered of your choices. The big downside to the Giant is that it will be more maintenance intensive  (more pivots) and will likely require return visits to your lbs to do so.
• The Heckler is a far stronger bike than the Giant. Bordering on bombproof. The most destructive rider I know who broke 3 Santa Cruz bikes (A Butcher and 2 Nomads) was finally warrantied a Heckler 7 and could not break it. It has a single pivot and is dumb simple to maintain. You could do this at home without much fuss. It may not pedal as well (more pedal kick back on square-edged hits), but it is the acme of single-pivot mountain bike design save the far more costly steeds from Orange. The Heckler is more trail/AM in design and will readily handle more rowdy rides.

My vote goes to the Heckler. It’s less costly, a great frame to build on, and a helluva lot of fun.

[Author]

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