Trance questions
 

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[Closed] Trance questions

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Looking at a 08 trance frame (4.2" travel) as I've heard good stuff about them but got a couple of questions.

how hard can I push it? would it cry if it saw jumps? not talking freeride drops or anything but could it handle a 4x track at a good speed? I can jump so there wouldn't be flat landings etc.
I presume I could take on british trail centres full pelt? (afan - whites level black run, cwmcarn has a real rocky stretch, golspie wildcat, etc)

Also, anyone have any idea how much front travel it can take? 130mm 08 revelations too much for it? (comes with 100mm forks normally). contacted giant about that but might get a quicker reply from you guys.


 
Posted : 19/03/2009 11:06 pm
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if you'r after a 5" bike why not oo at the trance X?


 
Posted : 19/03/2009 11:10 pm
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I have an 06 and it's been fine. I've kept the 100mm travel but i've heard of people running more with no issues.
I'm 16st + and i've never had any issues with the bike not being able to cope with what i've thrown at it.


 
Posted : 19/03/2009 11:12 pm
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most people i know run 130 revs or even pikes on trances
i have an X that i run with 130z1's but am swapping to 130 revs which probably have a shorter A to C height. i think the full bikes come with 120mm forks but i would happily run new revs or fox's at 140.(on an X)


 
Posted : 19/03/2009 11:19 pm
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thisisnotaspoon - I'm looking at getting the frame only and already have the rest of the bits which include 130mm rev's.
I want a good amount of travel on the front but enough to take the edge off at the back.

Am thinking about an orange 5 but have seen an alright deal on an 08 trance frame. frame/ float r / 2008 Rockshox Recon SL air 100mm for £350 or maybe less. I know I can keep the 100mm but I'd prefer some more.

I'm under 11 stone on a good day and have just read about others treating their frames to 3ft drops so think it'll handle what i'll throw at it.


 
Posted : 19/03/2009 11:22 pm
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ooooh, thanks MrSmith, 130 revs on the 4.2" trance frame? not the 5" frames? (just to confirm)


 
Posted : 19/03/2009 11:23 pm
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Get one - its an absolute weapon on singletrack.Run mine now with recon u turns,rides really nicely with 130mm & when they are wound down to 85mm it will climb the side of a house !!! Cha****ng of this parish has the same frame as me (trance 3) with revs on his & he rates it.Cracking bikes.Not sure if they are built for jumping but mine has so far taken everything I have thrown at it in its stride.My mates reckon I am quicker on it too,but don't know if they are just being polite !


 
Posted : 19/03/2009 11:30 pm
 mboy
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dirtbiker100, for the uses you describe you'd be using it for, the Trance would be perfect.

Trance's have a low BB, and a slightly steep head angle as standard. Putting a 130mm fork on remedies both of these traits. So with a longer fork, it's win win!

Also, for a 4" XC frame, the Trance's are remarkably strong/overbuilt for most uses. I've seen several raced as 4X bikes, plenty used for some DH messing about even, and a spot of dirt jumping! It's almost as if Giant designed a 4X race bike, then decided "well, we need to sell a few, so lets make some bigger sizes and make it into an XC bike"...


 
Posted : 19/03/2009 11:38 pm
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Right, expect to see some posts in classified this weekend of me trying to sell stuff to afford this frame!

my rev's are stuck at 130mm but hoping that won't be tooo big a problem


 
Posted : 19/03/2009 11:38 pm
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You won't regret it ! Run it with a nice shortish stem aswell (as I am sure you would for the riding you will be doing) mine came stock with a giant stem that was (& I kid you not) 375 miles long 😉


 
Posted : 19/03/2009 11:42 pm
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Ha that was actually another thing I was thinking about, but wouldn't put me off getting the frame. my current stem is 70mm i think, just sold my 90mm. you saying that has eased my thoughts there.

oh man, just read your post mboy. I really want this frame now.


 
Posted : 19/03/2009 11:46 pm
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70mm would be great,thats what I run,with some nice wide hussefelt bars,cracking.Its such an easy bike to ride fast - make sure you post some pics when its done !


 
Posted : 19/03/2009 11:51 pm
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This is making me regret the fact that i've sold my uturn revs today when i could have put them onto my Trance and sold the Fox 100mm ones it came with! Doh! Never thought about longer forks making the bottom bracket higher as that is about the only issue i have with the bike.


 
Posted : 19/03/2009 11:55 pm
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Good to read this guys, I've just got hold of some 454 Pikes to go on my 05 Trance.... can't wait 'til the weekend!


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 12:05 am
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f*** these lot on here with the Pitch group meet,how about a Trance love in ?????


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 12:15 am
 mboy
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f*** these lot on here with the Pitch group meet,how about a Trance love in ?????

Can we extend that to all Giant Maestro bikes... Owner of a Reign X here, which I tend to just refer to as "a Trance on Steroids" when people who don't know what it is ask me about it.


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 1:01 am
 Slap
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It's all good. That makes great reading for me as I've just bought a 2nd hand 06 Trance frame and have some 08 revs for the build. 🙂

My frame needs a new headset and I was looking at getting an FSA Orbit Z unless anyone has any other recommendations.

Any chance of a few pics as well?


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 6:13 am
 benz
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06 Trance, initially ran 120mm MX Pro's then swapped to 130mm Rev's. 80mm stem ideal for me.

Just do it. It's a perfect combo.


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 7:56 am
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@mboy - yeah of course,I think you'd be allowed in !!!!!
@slap - planning on taking some pics of mine as soon as I can find the lead for the camera !
So where would be the perfect place to spend a day with a gang of fellow Trance riders ? Wales ?


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 9:08 am
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i'm running 130mm fox float rl's on my 06 trance 2 (managed to get a brand new complete bike which was old stock a few weeks back) I've jumped it, dropped it, light dh, trail's etc etc, handles it all amazingly. Got it set-up just right now with hope mono mini's, maxxis highroller 2.35's etc.

You'll love the ride, the maestro linkage works amazingly too!

Hugh


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 10:15 am
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I run a set of Pace RC40 XCAM folks on my Trance and because they are adjustable between 100mm and 130mm I can set my bike up to the type of riding I'm doing.

If I'm out to have a quick blast about, nothing too technical, just XC whippet type stuff then I crank them down to 100mm but usually I leave them at 130mm.

They are fantastic bikes, since I've owned mine I've not even considered getting a new full-sus, it suits me just fine.

I might get it re-sprayed this year though as Giant do have a habit of producing some gopping paint jobs!

[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 10:23 am
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Mines running Marzocchi XC700s 90-130 on the 06 model. Usually set at about halfway. 130 downhill is fine. Hope internal headset works well.

[url=

for picture[/url]


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 10:36 am
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I had a 1st Generation Trance which I ran with 130mm up front - fantastic for chucking about the woods. I'm ~115kg and had no problems at all, including regular drops up to about 3'. Didn't climb brilliantly though, although I still got about fine. An adjustable fork would have been great (as has been previously mentioned).

I was so happy with the frame that I bought a new 08 one a couple of months ago. I'm running that with 100mm up front as I'm a lot more xc orientated nowadays (I also went up a size to the 21"), but it still wallops through singletrack with ease. I have no problems keeping up with my mates on their 5-6" bikes.

If anyone reading this fancies a well used 20" Trance frame at a bargain price, I'm about to sell the old one (just need to give it a clean).

I'd also be up for a Trance love-in, and I thought the paint jobs on the 06 models were ace!


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 10:50 am
 db
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Ooooo Trance love in?! New Trance X owner here can I have group hug too?

db


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 11:00 am
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No, Trance X owners are not allowed in this clique.

Having an extra inch is not big or clever.

😉


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 11:02 am
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As Shinsplints said, I have an '08 with 130mm Revs at the moment - and like it very much.

Yesterday I did half my ride at 100m and the rest at 120mm. Now at 100mm it's quite fast and confident, but with the forks wound out a bit it's much more fun - makes me drop off of little bits I'd normally roll, take more adventurous lines over obstacles, that sort of thing.

I had a 140mm Rev w/maxle for a bit, and 140mm did seem a bit too much travel tbh, so I've just picked up a Reba Team 120mm w/maxle to replace it.

Mostly ridden it down south - but did a loop of Dalby on it and it was perfectly suited. Also handled a big ride in the Dales very well.

At the price you're looking I'd say go for it, you're unlikely to be disappointed.


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 11:05 am
 hora
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sootyandjim, do it. I recently went down the powdercoat and new stickers route. You feel like you have a brand new (and special) frame 🙂


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 11:05 am
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Here's a snap of mine shortly after I got it, taken up on the Dales. Brilliant ride!

[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 11:07 am
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I had an original model year Trance. Like many others I swapped the fork out, in my case for an AM1 with Travel adjust. I found 130mm too long actually for most XC / trail stuff; but then again Marz are slightly longer axle to crown for a given travel than others anyway. Wound down to about 115-120mm it was fine. Then the fork went kaput and I swapped back to the stock 100mm Reba but moved the internal spacers to get it to 115mm and loved it.

I only swapped it out earlier this year for a Fuel Ex partly because I wanted a change and partly because the Trance I had was a bit heavy, particularly before they started hydroforming tubes and machining out the shock mounts, etc. The only reason i didn't get another was becuase I don't like the aesthetic of that pot-bellied down tube. I'm still sometimes a bit unsure I made the right choice....

As to the geometry / fork length question; I quizzed the Giant guys at MM a couple of years back why they continue to spec 100mm forks on these when everyone I knew swapped them out for longer, and their answer was that that was how it was designed, as a steep angled XC bike. The Trance X, which was just coming out was supposed to fill the niche that people were using their Trances for. Still doesn't quite fit right imho, I'd had said the Anthem was their XC bike but it's their choice and their marketing after all.

I'd wholeheartedly recommend at least a test ride on one.


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 11:11 am
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I have an 06/7 Trance with 130mm Pace RC41s. It's a great bike and I've never felt the need to change it. Perfect for trail centres (it was a blast at Afan last year) or just messing about in the woods. I always seem to reach my limit before the bike does!


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 11:49 am
 db
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sootyandjim - I will laugh at your poor little Trances as I ride over them aboard my X. Long live the Trance X!

😆


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 12:02 pm
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I will laugh at your poor little Trances as I ride over them aboard my X. Long live the Trance X!

If your Trance X is going then my Reign should get an invite too!

But one of my Maestro beauties would end up feeling left out if the other one went for a meet-ride anyway.


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 12:08 pm
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...do we let the shaven-legged Anthem riders in as well?


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 12:12 pm
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I've got an 05 trance2. While this particular frame is a little heavy, I haven't found anything newer yet that can match it. I still use the original Reba forks that came with the bike, but I've removed the travel spacer to make them 115mm.

My brother in law has a Reign, while the Trance is a weapon, the Reign is a full on attack helicopter.


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 12:16 pm
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So whens & wheres then ?


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 2:55 pm
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07 Trance with 130mm Revs on it,no need to wind them down as it climbs like a goat anyway,they're strong too....


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 3:32 pm
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[img] [/img]

[url= ]Trance in Brown[/url]

running 120mm Mx forms and quite happy with it 😉


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 4:12 pm
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trying again...
[img] http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/N0tZJWQT5v4EiZiZwAwfxg?feat=directlink [/img]

I do miss the preview button....


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 4:17 pm
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i wonder how much more frames would cost if they had a trendy name on them? i think people dismiss them too easily

people have brought last years ones from pauls cycles and flogged all the bits and replaced them with their better spec components from a hardtail, the frame usually ends up costing them a few hundred quid.


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 4:49 pm
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i think the new trances are not as strong as early ones. they are certainly alot lighter.

if you like to mess about on more serious riding i`d look for an early one.


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 4:49 pm
 hora
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[i]i wonder how much more frames would cost if they had a trendy name on them? i think people dismiss them too easily[/i]

Me for one. I umm'd arr'd over Ante's for ages. Just couldn't get my head round the paint jobs and lack of 'boutique'. Silly really as I had a Giant ATXF-890 ex-team hardtail with Indy's on that I absolutely loved.


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 5:20 pm
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i have a black ano X, with a bit of dust or mud you can't see the matt black logo. some of the paint/decals of the earlier ones were gopping.


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 5:43 pm
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" have a black ano X, "

me too, fell in love with the stealty look. Uber plush, uber fast, amazing pedalling. You could run a bigger fork for more slackness but drop all the headset spacers as i's quite high at the front by default.

Do check the size with a 70mm stem as the effective top tube on an 18" is a bit shorter than most and you may not like it.

I love mine


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 6:09 pm
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Ha ok well I've started to find stuff in the garage and put up in classified. By the end of this weekend I need to have convinced myself I have enough money to get this frame!

Can't wait at all now.


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 6:25 pm
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I'll have a trance (frame) for sale soon...


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 7:29 pm
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people have brought last years ones from pauls cycles and flogged all the bits and replaced them with their better spec components from a hardtail, the frame usually ends up costing them a few hundred quid.

Made a profit after selling some of the stuff that came on my Reign and my old 575 frame.

🙂


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 7:56 pm
 hora
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Solamanda (my sweet) if its a large I'll be (genuinely) interested.


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 8:05 pm
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It's a medium 18".


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 8:06 pm
 hora
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Mediums too small for a 6footer? Top tube <23"?


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 8:17 pm
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Got mine,as I think as did Cha****ng (who won't mind me saying) for an absolute steal.2008 Trance3 from no other than Mr Rob Warner ! LOL...so far its got a thomson seatpost & stem & different bars & grips.The standard Giant finishing kit is less than impressive tbh.The rest of the running gear is solid & will be upgraded as & when.Got a new fork in it as I said further up here & it has transformed the bike (another tip off from cha****ng !).When cash allows I will change the wheels & hubs to some hopes or fulcrums if I can find some,or trawl the classifieds.Its my only bike & I loves it. 😀 If you see me at the Dyfi give me a wave !


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 8:18 pm
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oh I just remembered, Chris Smith has the 2008 ano black Trance X as his winter slopestyle/freeride bike; it's got a Rolhoff back wheel and big forks. I've seen him with it in the quarry near Frome.

Assume it's pretty tough then.


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 8:18 pm
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I'm 6'1" - Tried a medium & it felt a bit small for me so went for a large,felt much better.....


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 8:21 pm
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Mines a large & I am 6ft 2.Feels just about perfectamundo.


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 8:23 pm
 hora
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a large it is then. Please keep alookout for me 🙂


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 8:25 pm
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@hora : http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GIANT-TRANCE-3-MOUNTAIN-BIKE_W0QQitemZ260377854402QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Bikes_GL?hash=item260377854402&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1688%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

You could do worse than get this ,like I did & swap out all the bits you dont want,flog them back on here (toras seem to fetch £60-£70 on here) & you are away !!!


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 8:27 pm
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😥
Soz Hora,just seen its an XL.


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 8:28 pm
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Mediums too small for a 6footer? Top tube <23"?

no. 6ft1 and i ride a medium, use a 90mm stem. 70 was too short. the large is a gate, fine if it's a full on xc bike for covering lots of miles but i only use mine for 25-30 mile rides around the surrey hills and the odd trail center visit.
as you know Mark there are lots of twisty trails round trees around here.


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 9:00 pm
 mboy
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solamanda - Member

I'll have a trance (frame) for sale soon...

LOL

Already been taken in by staff discount in the new job then... You'll be selling the Nicolai in no time at all! 😉


 
Posted : 20/03/2009 9:48 pm
 hora
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How long is the top tube on the medium? Could only find the Trance X's on giants website which is probably a slightly different design/length.


 
Posted : 21/03/2009 8:19 am
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any good Hora ? just appeared over there >>>>>>>>>

http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/fs-giant-trance-xo-frame-size-large-with-extras


 
Posted : 21/03/2009 8:23 am
 hora
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Too much for me. I'm looking at 250 with a £25 powdercoat ontop.


 
Posted : 21/03/2009 8:28 am
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Hora, [url= http://archive.giant-bicycles.com/uk/catalogue_popup.asp?sPageID=popup&popuptype=geometry-image&modelid=10225 ]this[/url] is mine. 23.2"

It's about right for me (6ft1) with a 40mm stem. Used it for 8,000ft+ climbing last weekend and it feels a good compromise for uphill with a good size for the downs.


 
Posted : 21/03/2009 8:29 am
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😥


 
Posted : 21/03/2009 8:49 am
 hora
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8,000+ of climbing? Where did you ride?

Those dimensions are spot on. The large does looks like a gate as MrSmith mentioned.

Its a medium.

Ps. apologies for the thread hijack 🙂


 
Posted : 21/03/2009 8:54 am
 AB
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Bought a new 2008 Trance 1 (4.2") and sold the Fox 100 RL's that came with it and have just taken delivery of a new pair of 100-130 U-Turn Air Revs.

Changing quite a few parts (Formula The One brakes, XT Cranks, Thomson Stem & Seatpost, Easton EA70 Bars, and Racing Ralphs) and it should build up to about 27lbs.

Looks perfect as an all day epic bike.


 
Posted : 21/03/2009 8:57 am
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How do the bearings hold up on Trances?
And do you reckon I'd be OK with a small 16" at 5'9" tall?


 
Posted : 21/03/2009 9:08 am
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Re large trances and "gateyness"

I disagree with Mr Smith

I'm 6ft1 and ride a large in preference to a medium

It's got masses of standover (if you're 6ft1) and the longer top tube means I can use a short stem for arsing about (I think that works really well for quick steering with a longer fork - I've had a shiver sc and a pike on mine) and still have a proper position, or put a longer stem on for ded long rides/climbs.

Course, aesthetics is something personal. This is a bad as mine ever got, gatewise:

[img] ?v=0[/img]


 
Posted : 21/03/2009 9:32 am
 hora
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scarydypants, totally understand. I never 'go' over 23.5TT though, just personal preference. I don't like feeling too stretched out. On the seat tube it can be whatever it wants though as long as there is ample standover and not a XC/roadie TT!


 
Posted : 21/03/2009 9:41 am
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Agree with the above,I am 6ft 2 & have a large,albeit the 2008 so different design frame.The curved top tube gives loads of standover & I still have a lot of post as thats the way I like to ride,particuarly if there is a lot of climbing,Not the best photo you will ever see but gives some idea of its "un gatelikeness"

[IMG] [/IMG]


 
Posted : 21/03/2009 9:48 am
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I think you need to try before you buy Hora.

I'm 5ft 9in (with 90mm stem) and I wouldn't mind an extra 10mm in the top tube on my medium.

Can't be hard to find someone with a medium or large Trance to sling your leg over.


 
Posted : 21/03/2009 10:01 am
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hora,I am in Shropshire if that helps.


 
Posted : 21/03/2009 10:04 am
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I'm 5'11" and definitely wouldn't want to go up to a large frame size considering the kind of riding I do.

If you just want to grind out the miles then I'm sure a large frame would be great for you but then you lose the 'chuckability' that Trance frames are renown for.

Hora - If you can get across to Sherwood one weekend I'll let you borrow my Trance.


 
Posted : 21/03/2009 10:07 am
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how much sol?


 
Posted : 21/03/2009 10:13 am
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the large has a 16.5 cm head tube so check if your forks will fit.


 
Posted : 21/03/2009 10:21 am
 hora
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Just measured my large Chameleon (I know its a hardtail/sag etc) but its 22.5 ctr-to-ctr (actual) and I use a 70mm stem and thats spot on for me. Have a spare 90mm stem.


 
Posted : 21/03/2009 10:31 am
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22.5 ctr-to-ctr (actual)

actual's not very helpful though - you need "virtual" or else use distance from saddle clamp to bar clamp


 
Posted : 21/03/2009 12:07 pm
 hora
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straight line from centre of seat post to centre of head tube? Approx same again.
Can use a King 1 1/8 headset on the Trance(4)? I might have found myself one 🙂

Seat post is a 30 so can shim out a 27.2 I reckon. Gawd I've got alot of spare Thomson kit' knocking about 😆


 
Posted : 21/03/2009 12:27 pm
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Ain't got a spare 90mm O/S Thomson stem you'd like to sell to me Hora ?


 
Posted : 21/03/2009 12:29 pm
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[url= http://www.santacruzbikes.co.uk/bicycles/geom/chameleon.html ]current model chameleon has "23.5 tt"[/url]


 
Posted : 21/03/2009 12:35 pm
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