I thought new models of bikes supposed to be same or better spec.

[Raymond Lin]

The saddle, front mech, Crank, rims, tires, stem, seat post, Handle Bar and most noticeably the FORKS ! From a Recon to a Tora ???

Giant has taken a step back this year, the old Trance 3 has now better parts than a Trance 2 in some respect.

Old current 2007 Giant Trance 3 Spec.

WEIGHT 13.5kg/29.7lb
FRAME ALUXX butted aluminium, Maestro suspension system, 4.2†travel
FORK RockShox Recon 327 air, 100mm travel
REAR SHOCK Fox Float R
HANDLE BAR Easton EA30
STEM Easton EA50
SEATPOST Easton EA50
SADDLE WTB Rocket V Comp
PEDALS N/A
SHIFTERS Shimano Deore 27 speed
FRONT MECH Shimano LX
REAR MECH Shimano LX
BRAKES Hayes Sole
BRAKE LEVER Hayes Sole
CASSETTE SRAM PG950 11-34
CHAIN Shimano HG 73
CRANKS RaceFace Ride XC 22/32/44
BB RaceFace SRX ISIS
RIMS Mavic XM 117
HUBS Formula disc
SPOKES Stainless steel
TYRES Hutchinson Bulldog Airlight wire, 26x2.1"

Now they are going to replace it with this

FRAME ALUXX aluminium Maestro suspension system 4.2''/106mm travel
FORK RockShox Tora 289 100mm travel
SHOCK Fox Float R
HANDLEBAR GIANT Comp aluminium low rise
STEM GIANT Comp aluminium
SEAT POST Aluminium
SADDLE WTB Rocket V
PEDALS N/A
SHIFTERS Shimano DEORE 27 speed RapidFire Plus shifters
FRONT MECH Shimano DEORE
REAR MECH Shimano LX top normal
BRAKES Avid Juicy 3 160mm rotors
BRAKE LEVER Avid
CASSETTE SRAM PG950 11-34
CHAIN Shimano HG73
CRANKS TruVativ 5D 44/32/22
BOTTOM BRACKET TruVativ Power Spline
RIMS Alex DP-17
HUBS Formula
SPOKES Stainless steel
TYRES Kenda Blue Groove/Nevegal 26x2.0''

 

[semi-pro waster]

Are they of comparable price? It may be that due to prevailing exchange rates Giant have cut back on the specifications or it may be a basic restructure of the range. Normally you'd be correct though and most models will improve on the previous years even if it is just cosmetically.

 

[#Chri5#]

Interesting change on the forks - air to a coil which is a bit heavier.

I'd say the change away from the Bulldogs is a good one - they are lethal in the mud.

Don't know about the Alex rims but XM117s are bottom of the range Mavic

What's the spec on new model Trance 2?

Hang on, now I look at the pricing / spec's on http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/ I see what Giant are up to.

My Trance 2 was RRP'd at around £1600, the 2007 Trance 2 is £1349. Hence the 07 '2' gets Recon forks. The new Trance 1 is about the same as the old Trance 2 - Reba's, RF Evolve XC chainset, HFX9 brakes etc.

The Trance Zero 2007 is £2599 which is a bit of a jump over the Trance 1 from this year IIRC.

Then you have the drool worther Trance Advance with the carbon frame for £4499 Or frame only at £1,999.

 

[Duradrum]

Then you have the drool worther Trance Advance with the carbon frame for £4499 Or frame only at £1,999.

AKA more money than sense or a pro mtb'er!

 

[Jonny ///M]

Hmmmmmso they ditch easton bars and replace with startd oem bars.....replace lx with deore........the brakes are better though.....juicy 3's compared to soles.

 

[Raymond Lin]

Looks like the Trance 3 is now the Trance 2 spec then, but even so taking the LX front mech down to a Deore seem like a bad move to me. Which makes last year's bike a bargain really, considering you can get it £350 off in most places at the moment for the same frame, better parts, and i prefer the old paint job.