Full Suspension MTB Suggestions

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Delphinus

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#2211477 5-Apr-2019 20:12

Batman:
Delphinus: Popped into Evo cycles today to have another look at the options. They also suggested a Giant Trance 2. It's on sale so a bit cheaper, but I'd prefer the more versatile bike long term. Salesperson rattled off some differences in suspension setup, but what real world difference does that make?

If you are asking this question, no difference.

Ok, look at it another way. What is the difference to someone who knows? For my education. How does that relate to the styles of riding each one is more suitable for?

Both are 29ER, the Trance was the 29 version.

Batman

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#2211481 5-Apr-2019 20:20

ok sure, what are you comparing the 29er trance 2 with?

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#2211482 5-Apr-2019 20:23

1101:
Batman: I'd be very cautious buying second hand full suspension bikes. There are a lot of linkages and seals to break. Yes aggressive riders can put a lot of stress into these bits. Or if they were poorly looked after there are a lot of bits to repair. But if you know what you're doing then I'd have no issues with second hand.
A lot of people buy mtn bikes and almost never use them , then sell them . My used bike was only ridden off road a few times before I bought it (he had no car so couldnt easily get to the tracks, rich school kid) . My friend bought a full sus bike that had never been off road . New is allways nice, its just a matter of money :-)

Yes if they bought it and has not trashed it or had a dunk in the river, then yes buy!

Delphinus

611 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2211488 5-Apr-2019 20:42

Batman:
ok sure, what are you comparing the 29er trance 2 with?

Thanks, appreciated.

https://www.evolutioncycles.co.nz/Product/277560/2019-giant-trance-29er-2

https://www.evolutioncycles.co.nz/Product/265573/2019-trek-fuel-ex-8-29

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#2211500 5-Apr-2019 21:36

I have not ridden these bikes so I can't say how they compare in real life, but you should try them out to find out.

In terms of the suspension, they are both proprietary and are probably as good as each other. You see when your rear suspension compresses, everything becomes as complex as rocket science, if not more complicated. When the rear suspension compresses, the rear triangle shifts diagonally upwards. It is not linear, not exponential, but completely differently at different points of compression. Ideally you want the rear wheel to be very sensitive to small bumps, good at absorbing big bumps and very resistant to pedalling (otherwise you will feel like a bouncy castle), and if you jump off 3 storey buildings, to get very hard at the ends of the travel so as not to bottom out. If you are a pro you will notice all these things.

BUT - they work different on different terrain so there is really no one is better than the other. One will probably suit a certain terrain more than another but that's as far as you go. I think (not completely sure) that the Trek rear triangle is more detached from the front of the bike (it has at least 2 more linkages) so it's called a full floater (fully floating rear triangle) so it is more independent.

You see, when you brake the rear brake, the angular momentum will pull the bike back, as well as lock up the rear triangle such that the rear suspension is no longer functioning properly. One of the Trek's extra linkage is so separate the rear brake from the rear suspension's actions so that braking does not lock up the rear suspension.

It sounds better! But that doesn't make Trek sell 10X more bikes than others. Why? Probably you don't actually notice it. But I ride a Trek knowing that it has that "feature". But my Trek is one that is more for downhill stability. But it is such that it goes uphill better than my hard tail bike (my front suspension is able to shorten for me to pedal uphill, and stretch out and hold its length and not throw me over the bars when going down). But hey I'm biased coz I bought a Trek and not a Giant. But I'd have no problems riding a Giant.

Front suspension - both bikes have the same low end good suspension. Which means they are ok. The role of the front suspension is - absorb all the little bumps and big bumps on the road. Resist the bouncy castle movement when you pedal the bike (not nearly as noticable as the rear suspension - triangle - linkages - pivots mechanism). When the bike points downhill, not to sink down and make your weight sink forwards, causing a tendency for you to fly over the handlebars and land on your head. I'd say it will do the first well, the second less well, and the third least well, based on the model of fork.

THat's fine because it's not a downhill bike. And if you know what you're doing, can compensate by shifting your weight appropriately.

But - from what I can see from the numbers

The Trek is better pedalling fast on level ground, the Trance is harder to pedal steep uphill, slightly harder work on flats, but the Trance is easier when it is steeper downhill.

Delphinus

611 posts

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#2211502 5-Apr-2019 21:43

Awesome, thanks Batman. Really appreciate the info, very interesting.

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#2211503 5-Apr-2019 21:44

Edited previous post

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pipe60

127 posts

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#2211604 6-Apr-2019 09:10

Depending on timing i would suggest you hire a bike at one of the bike parts alot of them have Giant trance 1 and 2 for hire.

Keep an eye out for any demo days as well.

Would also consider a 2nd hand bike if u know somebody who could help u look at one.

2 Examples

https://www.trademe.co.nz/sports/cycling/mountain-bikes/full-suspension/listing-2010762089.htm?rsqid=bee84af6efcf4121beb62d727fcb4d94

https://www.trademe.co.nz/sports/cycling/mountain-bikes/full-suspension/listing-2007159557.htm?rsqid=932b592bfd934f78817fb4a478e8e8aa

Delphinus

611 posts

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#2213693 9-Apr-2019 14:42

Thanks for all your help everyone. Ended up getting the Trek Fuel EX 8 for $3547. Sales customer service at Torpedo 7 was useless, got it from EVO who were very good to deal with, and price matched the T7 special. Should arrive end of this week hopefully. Cannot wait!

Handsomedan

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#2213713 9-Apr-2019 15:15

Delphinus: Thanks for all your help everyone. Ended up getting the Trek Fuel EX 8 for $3547. Sales customer service at Torpedo 7 was useless, got it from EVO who were very good to deal with, and price matched the T7 special. Should arrive end of this week hopefully. Cannot wait!

Having recently bought from Evo, I can honestly say they are the best bunch of people to deal with...my local store (whilst large) has a bunch of knowledgeable and friendly staff, who make it feel like a bike shop from the 80's...actual people who ride bikes and care about you and your specific needs...not just sales targets.

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