All Things Bikes and Tacos! (...and every vehicle imaginable)

Santa Cruz

 

Never kiss-n-tell.

...enjoy your rides!

 

Thank you to everyone who replied to my post yesterday, I truly appreciate it and well... I did it.
Went the full suspension route and got a 2020 Giant Trans3 29er and took her for a ride immediately after buying it with the employees at the shop I bought it haha
Can't wait to progress in the sport.

 

Well done, super fun bike. Now get out there and pedal, explore, and have fun!

 

A ebike would be very hard to manage bikepacking. Where would you charge it?

On the other hand a Salsa Beargrease makes a sweet bikepacking rig-

 

best advice yet. Demo demo demo, or borrow borrow borrow. Try hardtails, try full squish, try 27.5, try 29er, etc etc.

In the absence of legit ride tests, that Trance 3 29er is a REALLY slick do-most-things bike for the money. Don't let the shorter travel fool you, as that Maestro suspension is the real deal. That's my worthless choice from just the options you listed. However, I sincerely recommend demoing as much as humanly possible. Nobody here or even at the shops is ever going to know what you would personally enjoy most or be more comfortable riding.

Also, don't get stuck on the medium size thing. Your height isn't the only factor to consider when sizing a frame and setting up a cockpit. With full squish bikes, I suspect some brands may actually have a "Large" frame that still fits you. For example, I'm 5'9.5" and all of my hardtails are medium, but my full squish Ibis Mojo3 is a size large. The medium Mojo3 felt way too small for me. (I know this makes the decision process even harder, but properly sizing and fitting a bike is probably THE most important factor in your entire purchase process).

Edit: I see now that you bought the Trance. EXCELLENT choice in my opinion. I've demo'd the Trance29 twice this year and may replace my full squish with it at some point. Now... GO RIDE YOUR BIKE AND HAVE FUN! Congratulations.

 

Funny little update. I started an MTB guide company here in Knoxville!

www.knoxoutdoortours.com

 

I might have to hit you up sometime. Never been mountain biking up in Tennessee. I'll definitely check out your website!

@InfernoChalupa @stronghammer

 

yeah what Wes said, but I can't view your site at work right now because it's not protected...

 

Come on up. We can play trucks at Windrock one day and ride MTB the next

 

ah yes, I love signing up for an early grave.

 

Yep, I think the DST ride reaper has arrived

Regardless of E-bike or no, if you're jamming along to a bluetooth speaker...I hope your chain snaps and your post ride beer is warm.

Bikepacking is all about weight management. Adding 10+pounds to your frame is counter productive. Also, what happens when the battery dies?

Sweet! Is this the logo you were gonna try and have me make up? Could still do some simple one color "slaps" if you wanted.

 

OK, that's just badass. Good luck with the business!

 

RL is fun, its gonna surprise you your first time.

 

Anyone looking for a Dakine DLX tailgate pad?

 

Send me a PM. I have a For Sale thread and some pictures if you're interested

 

Bikepack !


Air 9




Steel Jamis Renegade



Salsa Beargrease

 

I wanted to like this, but the crocs strapped to your seatbag was too much. But then I liked it anyways because bikes are rad. Just thought you should know.

 

Congrats buddy!! This has been something I've been mulling over for a while as well, but I'd like to wait until the "permanent" move. I'd love to hang out again and learn from your experience one day.
Best of luck! Let me know if/how I can support.