Posts
27
Joined
6/16/2017
Location
Tucson, AZ
US
Edited Date/Time
6/24/2017 10:19am
Hi Gents,
Just sold my dirt bike, leaving the world of motocross and wanted to get into MTB with my buddies who did the same. Just moved to AZ and wanted to explore the trails along with some possible jumps/drops in the mix. Buddy said if I can afford it go to a full suspension setup. I went to the local bike shop here and the guy recommended something with a 140mm and a few other confusing things I tried to understand. He suggested either a Giant Trance 2 or Trance 3 27.5, not sure if he was just saying this or actually trying to help me but seemed genuine. With my military discount I can get the Trance 2 for $2000 and the Trance 3 for $1500, the reviews online are mixed about both bikes. Desperately in need of some guidance on a good bike I don't I can grow into and but also not have to switch out components/upgrade right off the bat. I would ideally like something that felt like throwing around my MX bike. I appreciate all the help and newb question. Thanks!
Zach
Just sold my dirt bike, leaving the world of motocross and wanted to get into MTB with my buddies who did the same. Just moved to AZ and wanted to explore the trails along with some possible jumps/drops in the mix. Buddy said if I can afford it go to a full suspension setup. I went to the local bike shop here and the guy recommended something with a 140mm and a few other confusing things I tried to understand. He suggested either a Giant Trance 2 or Trance 3 27.5, not sure if he was just saying this or actually trying to help me but seemed genuine. With my military discount I can get the Trance 2 for $2000 and the Trance 3 for $1500, the reviews online are mixed about both bikes. Desperately in need of some guidance on a good bike I don't I can grow into and but also not have to switch out components/upgrade right off the bat. I would ideally like something that felt like throwing around my MX bike. I appreciate all the help and newb question. Thanks!
Zach
Good question, and an overwhelming one. As a newer rider, the options are dizzying. Your moto background makes this question a bit more interesting.
How tall are you? What is your budget? Sounds like you get a military discount with Giant eh?
The Trance is a good platform with no glaring flaws. I would go for the most bike you can afford, especially with your background, as my guess is you will quickly progress and be pushing components in ways most newer riders don't do.
Riding in Arizona is such that a full suspension bike is a "must". If you really want to nerd out, I suggest taking a look at Vital's Test Sessions as they were run in the Tuscon (I believe) area last year. Its a great way to objectively evaluate options you may have.
The Reign platform is also something to consider (Giant's longer travel trail bike), especially if you want to gravitate (pun intended) toward the downhill side of things. Desert terrain is such that a bit more travel can be a big plus - especially when it comes to hammering through rocky terrain, and actually preserve components such as wheels a bit longer.
In the end, all the manufacturers make great product these days, with very few "don't ride that" options out there. Good luck!
http://www.vitalmtb.com/features/2017-Vital-MTB-Trail-Bike-Test-Session…
What type of bikes are your buddies riding? What trails do plan to ride most often?
I only know a little more than it sounds like you do, but I can offer some advice from an MXer's perspective:
-Giant makes great bikes. My buddy has one (a Trance, in fact if I am not mistaken.)
-I prefer a little more wheel travel for the jumps (this is likely the 140mm measurement the bike shop mentioned to you.) It makes the bike feel more like a motorcycle and also makes it easier to achieve a plush setup, at the expense of a little pedaling efficiency. Not a big deal for me, as I won't be racing a bicycle and I don't care if I'm only getting 98% of my pedal stroke. I prefer big bump compliance and a cushier feel. My next MTB will have 160mm in the rear and 170 in the front. A similar model from Giant would be the Reign. Take a look and see what you think!
-I realize with more time on the bicycle that I should have purchased a larger frame the last time around. Longer rides are a bummer when you are cramped up on the thing. If you are between sizes, seriously consider the larger one.
-Most brands (Giant included) seem to sell the same bike with different component groups. The difference between the $1500 Trance and the $2000 Trance is just the brakes, shifters, etc. The usual benefit of the more expensive ones is less weight. Gauge for yourself if you'll be serious enough to care about the difference.
Good luck!
I don't know anything about the Yari fork, but otherwise I'd say the spec on the Remedy 7 is pretty decent.
Have fun out there!
So a few questions as far as gear, I don't want to be that guy all decked out like a pro, just comfortable. What do you guys recommend for gear? So far I have the following:
Five Ten Freeriders
Good Stance Training Socks
Troy Lee Skyline Shorts (with Chamois) and Fox Ranger Shorts
Troy Lee A1 Helmet
Camelbak backpack
Do I wear a jersey? All the ones I saw looked little lame as far as just the weekend warrior MTB'er, t-shirt you guys recommend? etc. And do I wear gloves? Guessing my moto gloves will due. Thanks for answering all my questions!
As far as gloves, it's up to you. Whatever is most comfortable. Seems like every plant/rock in Tucson is out to get you, so I'd suggest them. Your moto gloves are a-okay.
It'd be wise to avoid the Tucson heat in the middle of the day. Early rides will be the best. Brap brappp!
Check this website for some recommended loops though. They also have a phone app that can be handy on the trail.
https://www.mtbproject.com/directory/8007022/tucson?search=1&type=area&…
I've heard the Fantasy Island trails are a good place to start: https://www.mtbproject.com/directory/8012403/fantasy-island
TORCA is an organization worth joining: http://torca.org/ They host a fun event in October as well.
And with it being in the 90s as soon as the sun comes up right now, a trip to Flagstaff is a good choice.
Also, I'd be willing to bet there's some killer MTB areas south of you in Sierra Vista. It's a bit cooler there than Tucson and it's much closer than Flagstaff.
Any recommendations for trails that way. Should have my bike Thursday, got weekend off, was just gonna wake my happy as up at 5am to go do an hour or so of getting acquainted with her.
This link will get you in the ballpark suspension wise.
+1 for using 3M Mastic tape in areas that your chain will contact. It's amazing stuff for MTB riders.
You'll also want to determine if she's already setup tubeless. If not, the conversion is pretty painless and you should definitely make it happen. Every plant is out to stab you or your tires in Tucson and tubeless sealant will give you a fighting chance.
Oh, and always carry your spares: tube and the tools to change it (in case sealant is not enough and you slash the tire) and a tubeless repair kit, some first-aid, food and water (staying on top of nutrition and hydration is key to enjoy your ride: eat something - no need to go super fancy with bars and gels, although clif bars are soooo good - every 45 mins/hour or so, and keep drinking. Otherwise after a while you'll feel quite bad) and other things that you'll start deeming essential once you learn the ropes a little bit more.
Having said that, if you already knew that sorry for the repetition and the long post, and enjoy the ride!
mtb is awesome
To carry on the advice of others:
- Suspension set up makes a difference, if the shop hasn't helped you set this up go back and get them to do so.
- Saddle height is the same. If in doubt use the LeMond 109% rule as a starting point, and work from there.
- Given it's a Boost 148 bike; check where your rear foot heals rub, and place scuff guards/tape/whatever over this place to prevent wearing through the paint and metal
- keep your pivots tight and will greased, the current Remedy's are known to be a bit noisy when not maintained
- Avoid high pressure washing, low pressure hoses and rags are your best bet, or for dust a dry wipe down is best
- Keep an eye on your dropper post cable over time, contamination in there will cause the lever to feel hard and horrible to actuate. As with your gear cabling when it starts to feel hard to push and sluggish replace.
- If you think there's the possibility of falling, wear knee guards! There's two main points of contact when you fall, hands and knees, best to cover them both. Doesn't have to be much, but anything helps preventing skin being removed..
For the future:
- Consider switching to a single front ring setup, as your moto background will likely mean your riding style gets a bit more 'wild'. 2x setups are great for range, but the fact the front 2 rings are designed to shift means less chain retention. 1x setups don't have this problem, and the upgrade to a 10speed e13 TRS+ cassette will also allow an almost equal range to what you currently have.
- Also consider a chain guide if this is the case.
- Deore brakes are actually surprisingly good, but if you start to find yourself really pushing your braking limits then brakes like XT/XTR or 4-piston brakes like Sram's Guide or Code brakes will offer better power. Rotor size is also a consideration here, with 200mm front / 180 rear a common choice.
I hope this helps, enjoy getting out on the pedals!
https://www.mtbproject.com/search?q=Sierra%20Vista%2C%20AZ
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