2018 Giant Trance DREAM BUILD!!!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Let me know what you think and what questions you have about building up your own dream bike

[@mathblier]

Hi Jeff do you think it would be a good idea to put a 150mm fork for a 29 wheel on this bike?

[@JimmyRadloff]

Nice bike Jeff! I love that you ride what the common man can afford. A man of good character!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

JimmyRadloff it works great so why not??

[@davidmatheson7391]

Great vid...I picked up a used '13 Trance X0 few months ago and love it. The geometry is super comfortable.

[@brysonmartin5405]

Glad your liking the DVO Suspension Jeff!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Bryson Martin loving it. It’s honestly made me ride better, super stoked!

[@ThePedro8-25-78]

The outtakes were great!!

[@keeganhugo4120]

I have a giant trance 3 2018 and it’s awesome

[@mikeambrosio520]

Well done video man! Great bike..and awesome choice to review it at the overlook!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Mike Ambrosio thanks. I love the overlook

[@Lovtworide]

Great video, I just built my 2016 trance with dvo.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Lovtworide nice!!

[@jdogdaddy]

Flippin SUPER Sweet! I love this bike, and the colors are rad! I do have to say Jeff, you being able to ride whatever you want and have pretty much whatever component groups you want, you are keeping things real for the rest of use. Don't know if its my dream bike, but I am rockin' a carbon framed YT Capra w/ SRAM X1 drivetrain, and guide brakes. Its been alot of fun w/ 170m Rock Shox travel up front.

[@freddiesanke64]

Good and honest professional review.... Thank you.

[@meredithmcconvill296]

Oh hell yes! That Di2 goes out just once and lesson learned. 🙇‍♀️

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Meredith McConvill the worst right??

[@meredithmcconvill296]

Jeff Lenosky we still try to squeeze every bit out of that battery when all we need to do is plug it in. And it’s FREE. I’ll never understand.

[@ogroosterfish5319]

It's putting in the work like that, that is going to help build your channel bigger and better one vid at a time. Nice touch with the bloopers. 🙃 Keep up the good work, can't wait to see what's coming up.

[@michaelcraven1764]

Sick bike Jeff, I'm stoked with my trance, nice set up.

[@dimensionsofearth]

Love the clean build on the bike the DVO suspension is sweet and the under appreciated bash ring, nothing like a good bash ring!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

thanks!

[@JFRides]

I need to try some of those Vittoria tires. Sweet rig man!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

JF Rides you’ll love them

[@sapinva]

Most times these bike checks are a snooze. But different than most, you share some really useful info on why you chose what component. And... you have a magic bike :)

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Thanks!!

[@navarredr]

Beautiful bike! I'm on a 16 Anthem X 29er, which I'm very happy with. I would have bought the Trance, at the time, if they made a 29er version... which they still don't offer. That said, my next bike will probably be an all-mountain 29er... Santa Cruz HT LT or similar. Cheers!

[@Dieterbe]

Giant trance is a sweet bike !

[@bricecrum68]

The Deore XT brakes thing is a good idea

[@secfol5272]

i also replace may 140mm fork to 150mm.. a thumbs up..

[@RyanMarcyesOutdoors]

Awesome!!! Pretty Rad Whip, love the ending!!!! LOL Live-Life-Loud, Bro.!!!!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

You made it to the end!!

[@montoya727]

Have you ran the Vittoria Goma before? If so, what's your take on it? I have ran the Goma front and back for 2 years, but have yet to compare to the Martello. I'm not big on change unless it's convincing enough to do so.

[@Guineson]

I love my XT brakes, they have been very dependable and suits every need of mine. On my DH bike I almost bought XTs, but it weighs 50lbs so i thought the zees hoping they would handle it better lol (05 Norco shore) so far they have been pretty good too.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Guineson Zee are great bikes. I use them on my Trials bike.

[@Tony2x67]

That bike is so nice that UPS didn’t want to give it back - lol

[@lunchbagjones3068]

those ergons are a classic VA/NC thing, I'm by Carvin's Cove and everyone rides them (me included). Also all Shimano is perfect IMO. Love your videos Jeff!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Thanks, Carvin's is awesome! I love riding there.

[@alexthemtbr]

Electronic shifting must mean it’s an E-bike! Looks good man, setup looks dialed 🤘🏽

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Alex Chamberlin 😖😖😖😖

[@armentekerian5545]

Great Bike Check!

[@zanetaylor7]

The 160mm Fox 36 (44mm offset) is going on my 2019 trance 2 soon. What do you think about an angleset to slack it out beyond 66.5? Or a reach adjust headset? At 6 feet (32 inseam) I’m thinking about adding reach to the bike to bring it (slightly) closer to the stumpy Evo.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Zane Taylor I think a 65 degree Head angle is awesome so you can definitely slack that out

[@cecornwall]

Hello Zane, did you add 160 mm Fox 36 on to your Trance? And the angle set too? How's the ride now? Thanks!

[@zanetaylor7]

No angleset, but yes on 160mm 36 w grip 1. It’s amazing, I think it’s geometry sits just right w a volume spaced added. You can run a lil more sag than w 150. And it just eats up the trail. If I change anything, it will be to add in one half of a spacer back in. I used to have 2 extra over stock, but it was a little mushy. So I dropped to one of the added spacers. If I can saw a token in half and stick it inside, it will be perfect.

[@cecornwall]

Zane Taylor thank very much!

[@zanetaylor7]

I added a superdeluxe with the megneg aircan too. And tuned it w max positive spacers and a lot of negative chamber spacers. Sounds dumb but it performs like a coil. At the trestle park it’s an unbelievable combo. I let my buddy w a stock trance ride it and he literally couldn’t believe it. It’s about as good climbing, but is bottomless in the rear. Super plush off the top, and never bottoms out. The mid stroke is a joy. Retains just enough playfulness while eating up the choppiest of climbs. Couldn’t be happier. Don’t really feel like making it any slacker. Half a degree maybe but then it becomes less well rounded.

[@zanetaylor7]

Hey Jeff, how tall are you? I have a large trance 2 w/ fox 36 @160mm and a superdeluxe with megneg. It’s a monster. But I’m wondering about the xl.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Zane Taylor I’m 6’4” but the geometry on the 27.5 trance is really dated by today’s standards. The XL is ok if you’re 6’1” or so otherwise it’s pretty short

[@zanetaylor7]

Thanks Jeff! So the size up to XL for a 6’1 rider would provide a tad more modern reach/geometry to the dated trance platform?

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

@@zanetaylor7 That's what I'd recommend

[@madeyemoodey9633]

Nice build! Well at least my build has a couple things in common with yours. Mine is a Giant, it’s blue and I have the Elemnt Bolt. 😎 Ride on!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Madeye Moodey that’s a good start!

[@qltyctrl]

Awesome ride

[@jasongunter6461]

Sweet bike! Congrats! When are you riding back on the home trails.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Jason Gunter I’ll be back Monday!

[@jasongunter6461]

Jeff Lenosky that's a shame was hoping to see you on the trails

[@ichoosebadlines7267]

I liked the blooper reel at the end, nice build! I've been considering selling my 2016 Trance adv. 2 for a while now to put towards the 2018 advanced 0, but I'm worried that the change in geometry will feel weird. Do you notice any major differences from previous generations?

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

i noticed a big difference but I loved it. I definitely feel more "inside the bike" instead of sitting up high on top of it. The BB is lower so I had some pedal strikes at first but the confidence at speed makes up for it.

[@angbangis]

Hey Jeff is that a 140mm travel dvo in the rear? So 160mm front and 140 rear? Cheers!

[@lockonstrauss7714]

What size of the rear shock? Thanks

[@lockonstrauss7714]

Hi Jeff. Is the rear shock size 185x52.5 On your trance build ? Can we change this rear shock to 185x55? How much travel increase if we change it?thanks and cheers

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Ryan Louise this is a TOTAL guess but I think it would increase travel about 7.5mm or less it’s a 140 travel bike so it’s a little less than 3 to 1 stroke ratio. I’ve heard of people doing it but haven’t myself.

[@pvillaluna1]

Sweet ride!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

pvillaluna1 thanks!

[@adrianszostek6757]

Hey Jeff, sweet bike! I have a 2018 trance 2. Just wondering how you find the trance with the 160mm fork instead of the original 150mm? Dose it still climb as well? Dose it descend better? Any other insight's on the change? Cheers!

[@montoya727]

I'm not Jeff, but I have the same bike as you and can shed some light on your question. I put on a Fox 36 up front with 160mm travel. I noticed no difference in climbing, with the slightest exception of very steep, punchy climbs. Since it raked out the geo slightly and brought up the BB height, I could tell I was leaned back more, so to speak on those techy, steep sections. My solution that solved that problem immediately was scooting the saddle forward. That effectively brought my body forward and more center on the bike for those punchy and techy climbs, when I'm pedaling in the saddle of course. As you know, the bike is an outstanding climber. Bumping the fork up in size negligibly, if at all, changed that characteristic. I've rode plenty several hour rides with both forks with lots of elevation and I do not miss the 150. Now, for descents... Holy S#!# yes it made a big difference. The Trance, having a shorter wheelbase than most bikes in its class and year, is stable at speed going down, but not as stable as the others and is ever so slightly twitchy once you start getting some good speed going. Bumping to 160mm was the trick. It descends nice and stable at speed and with lots of confidence. I can no longer detect the twitchy-ness. To summarize, bumping up to 160mm will change your bike for the better. I recommend it to everyone that has a 2017 and up Trance. The Trance is such an underrated bike. I really think it is the epitomy of a do-it-all bike, especially with 10mm more travel up front. My one and only gripe about the bike, which is irrelevant to your question, is how short the seat tube is on the medium frame. I am forced to run an external dropper in order to get a 125mm travel post slammed into the seat tube down to the collar. I hope you found this helpful.

[@michaelflancia8472]

HI Jeff do you think installing a 170mm fork on my 2018 giant trance 1 will affect too much on handing?

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Michael Flancia I rode it like that for about a month it was a little slow handling but not too bad if you want to race in enduro and need the extra travel it’s pretty decent

[@michaelflancia8472]

Jeff Lenosky thanks for the input. Sweet bike man

[@mattdickey2454]

Hey Jeff, great video. Is it a 29 or 27.5?

[@IthacaDon]

Hi Jeff I just bought a Reign advanced 0 which is 33 lbs. Looking to replace my 2014 Ibis Ripley. How much does your Trance weigh? I ride in upstate NY with lots or roots and rocks. Looking for a bike that climbs well but can also descend.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Donal Fitterer I’m not positive but I can weigh it when I’m home next week. My guess would be about 30lbs

[@jmoutdoors2801]

Nice whip!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

JM Outdoors thanks dude

[@DrJorgeJuarez-Mx]

Awesome! !!

[@AndrewJMatthews]

Liked the video Jeff. Out of interest what wheels do you run with and what size rotors?

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Andrew Matthews this bike is a 27.5 and the rotors are 180 front and rear

[@scottmclerran1554]

Hey Jeff, I'm curious what length cranks do you run?

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

I run 175's some people go to 170 for ground clearance but I'm pretty tall so I don't want to go to short.

[@edwardpaul807]

Haha A Giant bike for a giant man

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

I think my bike is gonna be much better, because it's going to be mine :-D :-D :-D (Despite it's whole spec being much lower :-) ) Can't wait, only few days away, I hope

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

What are you getting?

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

Supporting home brand- Dartmoor Primal Pro 27,5 because of killer spec for the money and good size for my 6 feet 4" body . Although I have great respect for Giant, they're present in Poland for a long time now, good parts support and they are orginising events even here in Poland promoting MTB and cycling in general, love their policy.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Polish guy with hard to spell name ;-p can’t blame you for supporting the Poles! I’m Polish too

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

I always wonder how many of those Americans, that have polish sounding surnames are actually the kids or grandkids of polish II WW emigrants. Is this the case with You Jeff?

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Polish guy with hard to spell name ;-p my Great grandparents on both sides came over. My dads brother died in WW2. My moms parents grand parents came here and stayed near NYC and my dads Father was a coal miner in Pittsburgh PA

[@jlljr1968]

Jeff did you get it replaced after losing it through UPS?

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Joe Locke this is the bike that got lost. You can see lots of bumps and bruises if you look close.

[@MrBenjabin]

are you going to get the new topaz 2 from dvo? from what i read it will only be available for giant reign and trance 2018

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Doghead 007 I should be getting one super soon, I can’t believe how good the regular Topaz feels. The new one must be amazing

[@mikemazz11]

Jeff, what made you switch to Topaz? Choice or what your build came with? I have it on my Norco Torrent and now feel legit that your using it!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

I approached them and asked if they were interested in working with me. Fortunately they were!! I tried a couple bikes with it and it felt amazing which is why I approached them in the first place.

[@thomascoffey629]

Just checked out the Vittoria website. Light?!? You could use one of those Martellos as a boat anchor!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

The tires are 900 grams which is standard for the 2.35-2.5 reinforced sidewall category. That's just a nature of the game.

[@thomascoffey629]

Took another look Vittoria website. The Martello listed in three different places (DH, AM and Plus). The DH appears first and I didn't realize there were two more varieties hidden below. I thought you were riding 1480g DH tires!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Thomas Coffey omg no. That would be crazy!! I use them on my DH bike but that’s it.

[@jinavl]

hey Jeff keep up the great videos..ive got a 2018 canyon strive al and was curious on what bashguard is need for my bike..couldnt find any info on their website..any help would be greatly appreciated..thanks

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

It looks like that fram has mounts so you could run any guide, if you're running a small ring I'd suggest www.mrpbike.com/micro-xcg/ and if you're running a 30 tooth or bigger I use a www.mrpbike.com/xcg-v2/ Hope that info helps!

[@bobcat5496]

Yes man.

[@RideWithGravity]

I've ran those XT pedals forever! Loved them...until the Saint SPD. Now I'm a Saint SPD guy. Have you tried them?

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Horns High Mountain Biking no. Tell me about them!

[@RideWithGravity]

Jeff Lenosky | I swear I'm not trying to pimp my channel, but my latest video is a review of them. They feel much more stable in the super chunky stuff as well as the high speed corners. They're worth checking out.

[@lynguist]

I just cant accept the colorchoice ofbthe giant bikes. Otherwise i would be fairly tempted to get one. But the paintjobs are killin it for me. Fun video, thx!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

lynguist I hear what you’re saying but I kinda like this one. The frame set colors are ok

[@lynguist]

Jeff Lenosky i havent given up hope for the 2019 models yet ;)

[@jasoncapecod]

Jeff..Does the Elemnt let you down load trail systems?

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

I Haven't tried a trail system, but rides are super easy, you just save a route and upload it through the app.

[@jasoncapecod]

I'm looking to use something like trail forks , I hate having my iphone on my stem.. also will you be doing any group rides in the NJ area? Thanks for your help

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

where do you live? I'll definitely be doing a ride at JORBA fest, but I'm looking to do some stuff sooner.. check back here or my other channels to keep up to date. Where do you search for rides most often? Let me know the best way to spread the word.

[@jasoncapecod]

My buddy and I live in Rockland County..We mostly ride Ringwood and the new Sterling Forest trails..The Sterling trails are the real deal..A 7 mile ball busting loop!!! We are guys in our 50's that have taken to mountain biking like crack cocaine..

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

good to hear!

[@mravocadoman2999]

Are those 2 or 4 piston xt’s?

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

I have the 2 piston ones, I'll swith to 4 soon but I haven't had any issues with what I've got, I just want to check them out.

[@ryankenney1997]

11-32 chainring?

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

did I say that? 11-42 rear usually a 32 or 34 front

[@wpf312]

Jeff bucks the trends, he’s going back to 2x in front. I was confused at first too lol!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

I’m sorrrrryyy. You saw all the bloopers. lol

[@njkayaker]

Headley Overlook Mahlon?

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

nailed it!

[@jonienglish3231]

My Current Dream build is a 2008 KHS XC-204 for $50 bucks CAD 26er

[@benhurapilado3767]

SIR...WE DO NOT SEE THE WHOLE BIKE

[@np5220]

I'm so confused. The title says dream bike? Is this YOUR dream or my nightmare.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

nick pennetti why’s it your nightmare??

[@csalt5235]

Stands on its own 😵 wat kind of witchcraft is this.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

lol, my secrets revealed!

[@MT-THNDR207]

God damnit. No one knows the proper pronunciation. It's "deevo", not dee vee o.