Renton, this seems about right on mine, albeit for a 5’10” skinny bloke on a medium. I reckon you’ll find the sweet spot by lowering the stem around 50%. Just don’t cut until you have!

I’ve git 150 Pikes on my Trance and they’re great and, to me, represent a fair compromise between the 160s of the SX and the 140s of “normal” Trances. All black is good, too.

I like Easton Havens. I’ve just sold my 711 mm and gone to 740mm. Sorry! I’m sure there must be some deals on the 711s as Easton have now gone wider.

I’ve got a brand new one I bought, but no longer need it as I’ve gone 1X11 on my new build. It’s still packaged and has never even been out of the package. I paid a tenner posted, but I reckon that’s a bit steep, so how about £8 posted? Email in profile, if interested.

Renton, it’s early days as I’ve only ridden the bike twice since completing the build. Initially I found the shock a bit harsh, but I had not adjusted the air pressure from the previous owner or dialled it in at all. Now I have, it feels plusher. I’m very light, so I don’t think I’ll ever blow through all the travel. The main issue with it is the ridiculous placement of the rebound adjust dial. Last time I wanted to adjust it I used a twig as anything metal marks it. Crazy on such an expensive piece of kit.

I had contemplated removing the stickers to complete the stealth look. I’m only sorry the dropper doesn’t have a black finish like the Pikes.

Yes, he does seem a bit MTB insecure.

It’s perfect!

Black is the way to go…

I spotted the pinch bolt yesterday and thought it was a nice touch that the position of the shifter paddle can be altered. It only took me a week after building the bike to spot it…

My new hubs are definitely quieter than my old ones, but the trademark clicking is still there, which I find useful for alerting other riders or pedestrians as I approach them.

Red 1 was closed today.

I went through the same thing with my Trance X If kept the steerer long to start, with the bars high. The bike felt awful, so I swapped the spacers above the stem mid ride and the handling was transformed. I then cut the steerer accordingly. This was on a 26er carbon frame. If it helps, the steerer ended up 207mm long and the bike handled really well. I had an Easton Haven stem fitted.

Don’t think you need spacers on a 73mm shell. I certainly had none on my 26er Trance X.

Set up correctly it’s fine. It can be B screw sensitive, as well as chain length sensitive. I would recommend a RadR cage as this seems to smooth out a lot of the issues. I used an XT cassette, Hope T-Rex, RadR cage, Zee FR mech (although the RadR cage is longer than the Zee one, which is no bad thing), Raceface NW chainring and Saint shifter. Shifting was precise and reliable, with no chain drop on back pedalling. All in all a great setup.

The simplicity of 1X10 is compelling. You ditch weight, too. I found 32 teeth up front and 11-40 out back fine for everything, including the Alps. This was on a 26er Trance X.

I can sell you a very nice set of XT cranks that did 1X10 duties….. :-)

No worries! Nobeerinthefridge – if at work for a couple of hours, but will drop you some photos later today.

Perthmtb – I have those very bars, and they’re great, especially at that price. If you want to try a pair for less money, I no longer need mine. They have a slight scuff one end, but apart from that are in good nick. I’d sell them for £25 posted.

Reply as edit doesn’t allow access to the original post…

Can you move BB spacers and/or 2mm washers between the chainring and the spider?

I had something similar to this and fitting a new chain sorted it. Surely worth a go for a few quid?

Don’t worry, I’ve pressed the button anyway…

I promise to return the favour. Surely someone must have one?

There are some deals around at the moment. I got a set of Pro2 Evos / Flow EXs for £307.50 delivered from Freeborn Bikes. They were delivered quickly with no problems. You should get most of your outlay back selling your 26″ wheels, ending up with lovely new 650b wheels for very little.

Typical: acycles are out of stock of DHFs! Anyway, I’ve gone for DHF/DHR II combo, both 3C, Maxx terra, EXO and TR. Ooh, so many acronyms! I used nextdaytyres and the damage wasn’t too bad…

Many thanks for your help.

All the best,

Dom

Interesting discussion. My mate has also suggested Fox 36s, but I can’t find a bad word anywhere about the Pikes.

Looks like it’ll be a Lev Integra. It also just won What MTB’S group test.

KS Lev Integra from bike discount.de for 214 Euros. Tempting,

Ok. Good advice.

I think I’m liking the Lev Integra for my new build.

So… Where’s the best place to source one and how much travel will suit a medium Trance Advanced 650b frame?

Interesting reading. My old Giant dropper is still good, but I need a stealth version. Maybe I should make the modest choice and stick with Giant!

Nope, happy with hydraulic brakes! Maybe I’m thinking about the first generation Reverbs. How easy are stealth versions to set up?

I’m pretty sure the large is 20″ and the medium 18″ inch with Giants.

Good point about how to pay…

The forks are going on a Carbon Trance SX frame. It was originally specced with 160 forks, as opposed to the 140s of “normal” Trances. I feel 150mm will sit well and offer good climbing and descending.

Having said that, I’ve noticed some Fox34 150s in the sales section that will fit and save a few pounds.

Hmm, decisions….

Worth the wait, I reckon. Gives enough time for that 0% card to land…

I’m after 27.5 in 150mm flavour for a new build. I was tempted by Fox 34s, but the Pikes seem to get almost universal praise and at £440 delivered with pump etc. from Germany, represent great value.

Gone with Freeborn. £307 delivered with choice of hub colour and axle standard. Thanks again for the heads up. The build is on!

I’ll look into it. Thanks for the suggestion.

Excellent. Thank you!

Wicked Cycles is indeed cheap! Thanks, Antares!