Which XC dual suspension bike for under $3K?

what sort of riding are you planning on doing? don't think you can really go wrong if you stick with one of the major brands. there is a review of the Trance X2 on the bike radar site. i would look at the specialized camber as well. i recently bought a specialized fsr xc which i'm really happy with. got it for under $2000 which was even better. check out bikeexchange to see if there's any deals going around.

xc riding mainly on single tracks & a bit of competition. Something which is a good all round bike and can handle medium sized drop offs and not too heavy.

Your probably on the right track with the trance.
I use mine for everything. Ive got the 2008 model. For trail riding I run a 2.35 high roller and 2.35 larsen and I can tackle most things sydneys trails have to offer. If i want to go racing i simply strap a little lighter rubber on stiffen up the suspension and away I go. I race xc with wsmtb and have completed the full fling and angry doctor as well as some 24 hour races in teams. I definately feel its the rider not the bike that is stopping me from going faster. Saying that though The giant america team are using the anthem 29er for super d and all mountain races. Ive got my eye on one a s well. But ill still keep the trance for the rough stuff.

I have a 2010 Trance and have been very happy with it. For me I had a couple of bikes in mind, all comfortable bikes from reasonably major brands that had good support from the shop I bought it from (that's important, you want to know you can go back and see them with any issues, even just to change the set-up slightly), and then it just came down to the best deal.

The Trance is not a race bike but then again even doing a 100km event on it is relatively comfortable compared to a bike that is set up more for racing. It handles the Dam with ease, Red Hill without any issue and it's plenty fast enough when the trail allows. I second spudatm that it's me that is holding the bike back no the other way around.

There are great dually's around for $3K and they will all be spec'd pretty well at that price but if you do decide on the Trance then I am sure that you will not be disappointed at all.

Get a trance and you will never look back. I got a 2010 x2 and every time i ride it, i love it a bit more!! I also use it for everything including decent drops and jumps. It takes it all in its stride..

Good luck

thanks heaps for your comments, hopefully on a x2 in the next couple of months

I considered both the Media One Twenty 800D, Trance X2 and the Trance X3 and chose the 800D mainly because I could get it cheaper than the X2 and X3 but it also has lock out front and back (X3 only front), 30 speed and slightly better components than the X3. The 800D seemed more closely matched to the X2 which was more money again. So IMHO the 800D was better value for money given my budget (as close to $2K as I could get). They are all good options. Go for a ride and see if you like one over another. Media is also stocked at Pedal Plus St Ives and Mona Vale.

[image:14680 size=inline]

http://nobmob.com/node/14680 if it hasn't sold already.

I ride 'em
I rate 'em
I reckon they are worth checking out

Ive been told if your racing the short club races and are keeping up that higher speed, you want a 4" travel bike like the Giant Anthem. For the enduros you want something a little more comfortable and 5" Travel Like the Giant Trance. Giant also offer a life time warranty on there frames. Not many brands offer this.

Have a look at www.whytebikes.com.

They seem to have lots of tests & write-ups in the UK mags and they are available here now apparently although I haven't seen them in store yet. The T120 looks like the model in the same category as the Trance. The front & rear maxle and oversized headset look to me to be the key differentiating features.