Yes, it's my baby and it deserves its own entry. My brand new Giant Trance X1!
Back in May, I started my search for a new full suspension bike. Although I loved the Giant Warp DS1, it's too large and heavy for me. However, it showed me how a different bike can make the same trail feel differently. I loved its grippy tires and full suspension. Although it's heavy, it made me climb better because of the tires. The full suspension gave me a better control over obstacles.
I did my research and went to the bike shop. As soon as I opened the door, 3 beautiful bikes greeted me. They were displayed almost perpendicularly to the door, so they caught my attention immediately. They were the Giant Trance X0, X1 and X2. The anodized finish is eye catching. The simple clean look makes them stand out from other bikes. Originally I had my eyes set on the Santa Cruz Juliana and Specialized Safire, but my curiosity was peeked by the X1 (the prettiest among the bunch).
After talking to the staff at the bike shop, I was disappointed to learn that the Juliana wouldn't be available unless I pay a deposit for them to order it. The deposit is not refundable if I changed my mind. They're the only Santa Cruz dealer within 30 miles, so I had to cross the Juliana off my list. The Safire was not in stock either.
Therefore, I turned my attention to the Trance X. They let me try the silver X0 first. As I was test riding it in the back empty parking lot (which has lots of bumpy spots and holes), I said to myself "So, this is what a $3,400 bike feels like..." Everything was very responsive, the bike felt light and plush.
Luckily, they had an X2 demo bike that I could take to the trail for a day. Here it was at Stoney Creek.
The black X2 was such a joy. It climbed like a goat and the Maestro suspension was great. It felt very stable during decends. I also made the long steep hill that had been killing me since last year! In the Pines (single track), I had a little difficulty handling the bike, because the handle bar is very wide on the Trance X models and the bike was a size medium, which was too big for me. Although they switched the stem to the shortest one in store, the bike still felt big. Other than that, I had so much fun with the X2 that day and didn't want to end the ride!
While I looooved the X2, I wanted to be sure before making the final decision. Therefore, I demo'd the Specialized Epic.
It was almost as sweet as the X2. I was able to make the hills without any difficulties. It was more nimble in the Pines, because of the narrower handlebar and it was the right size for me (small). However, I liked the overall feel of the X2. It just seemed to be a better match. With the right size, I'm sure it'll be as good as the Epic on sigle tracks.
When they handed me the X1 at the bike shop, I couldn't believe it was really mine. I've dreamed about it, read about it and finally it was in my hands. The shop did a good job fitting the bike for me. We shortened the handlebar and stem and put on a new saddle. It looked so good that I wanted to sleep with it.
After hitting the trail with the X1, I was so happy to find out that it did outperform the Epic after the adjustments. It's very stable, handles like a dream, climbs with ease and very cushy to ride. It enables me to ride better and faster. Since I ride alone, it also makes me feel safer.
The only thing I can say is: I love love love this bike!!!