There are countless variables when shopping for a mountain bike, such as which brand, how much travel, what’s the latest technology, and how can you get the most for your money? We took those concerns into consideration when planning this shootout, and rounded up a handful of mid-travel trailbikes from leading manufacturers at their most popular price point: $2500.

The best part of this shootout was seeing what great bikes are available for $2500, but the toughest part was ranking them. Read on to see what separated the best from the rest.

 

 

The Haro Sonix Comp falls into Haro’s cross-country/trail category of bikes designed for technical singletrack, mild climbs and aggressive descents. There are three Sonix bikes in the line, ranging from $1630 to $2935. Our Comp test bike falls in the mid-level price point. Each Sonix frame utilizes Haro’s patented Virtual Link suspension system and has 4.7 inches of rear wheel travel.

 

The green Sonix Comp (Humboldt Green, officially) features a Fox Float shock, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes with Centerlock rotors, a Shimano XT Shadow rear derailleur, and 3.9-inch-travel Fox 32 FR fork. Mounted on the WTB SpeedDisc rims are Kenda’s 2.1-inch Small Block 8 tires, and the cockpit offers A Ritchey Comp riser bar and stem. The WTB Rocket V-Comp saddle has Kevlar trim and is supported by a Ritchey seatpost.

 

While Haro was developing the Sonix, they discovered what they believe to be the proper sag setup for the Virtual Link suspension: ten millimeters. No more, no less. Also, if you’re a rider in-between two sizes, Haro recommends going with the larger frame. This is because raising the seat dramatically increases the effective top tube length (because of the slack seat tube angle). When the effective top tube length is increased that much, it throws the balance of the bike off by forcing the rider to sit too far over the rear wheel.

 

The 25-inch-wide handlebar and thick WTB grips give a cramped feel to the Sonix’s cockpit. The bike has 4.7 inches of rear wheel travel and a 3.9-inch-travel Fox Shox fork. The fork spec, combined with its 100-millimeter stem, conveys a strong forward weight bias and speaks to the bike’s traditional cross-country feel.
 
CLIMBING AND TRACTION

Thanks to the Haro’s Virtual Link suspension, a rider won’t notice any unwanted suspension movement while spinning along. Out-of-the-saddle acceleration is also impressive. The Haro is equipped with a Fox Float R shock, but doesn’t have the common ProPedal feature. Setting up the shock with Haro’s recommended ten millimeters of sag made for a firm ride, and more than likely contributed to its efficient acceleration. We mentioned before how the Sonix has a cross-country race feel. The Kenda Small Block 8 tires drive this point home, as their turf-shoe-like knobbies roll fast, but don’t have the bite for aggressive trail riding. If you ride primarily slick rock or extreme hardpack trails, the Small Blocks will suffice. If your trails are more dynamic, then throw on a Kenda Nevegal up front.

 

We really enjoyed how the Haro’s rear suspension soaked up hits as we were cruising rolling hills. However, we had a hard time achieving a balanced suspension feel between the 3.9-inch-travel fork and the firm 4.7-inch-travel rear end. We were able to tune the shock for plush travel, but on technical terrain we found ourselves overriding the fork’s capabilities. Descending at speed once again presented problems for the low-profile Kenda Small Block tires. Our best results came when running 28psi, giving the tiny knobbies more contact with the trail. The Haro’s 71-degree, 100-millimeter stem and 23.6-inch-long top tube made for quick steering and hampered the Haro’s descending capabilities. The front end of the bike didn’t seem to meld with the capabilities of the Virtual Link suspension.

 

The Haro Sonix was the first bike we’ve tested in 2009 with Shimano’s M575 hydraulic disc brakes. The levers were easily adjusted to the desired reach; however, the grips are on the bulky side and kept some riders from being able to set up their brakes for one-finger braking. The M757 brakes proved reliable, and riders didn’t notice any negative effects of the brakes firming up the rear suspension. When coming into technical sections at speed, it’s important to brake early so you can roll through the terrain and let the suspension do its thing. When getting into the binders, the already short-travel fork had noticeable dive, further compromising some of the descending capabilities of the Sonix.

 

Most noticeably, the Sonix Comp had some spec choices that hurt the bike’s overall performance. A 4.7-inch fork, more aggressive tire tread, and a wider handlebar would greatly improve the bike’s all-mountain handling. It should also be noted that the Shimano brakes and shifters are limited in how they can be configured at the grip.

 

The Haro Sonix Comp is a bike for the rider looking for a traditional cross-country cockpit, but with nearly five inches of rear wheel travel. If you’re a rider who frequents flowy singletrack, you’ll love how the Sonix Comp carries speed and carves hard-packed terrain.

 

HARO SONIX COMP
Price   $2395
Country of origin   Taiwan
Weight   29.3 pounds
Hotline   (800) 289-4276
Frame tested   18"
Bottom bracket height   12.5"
Chainstay length   16.3"
Top tube length   23.6"
Head tube angle   71°
Seat tube angle   73.5°
Standover height   31"
Wheelbase   42.5"
Suspension travel (front)   3.9"
Suspension travel (rear)   4.7"
Frame material   Aluminum
Fork   Fox Shox 32F R
Shock   Fox Float R
Rims   WTB SpeedDisc XC
Tires   Kenda Small Block 8 2.1"
Hubs   Shimano 535 Centerlock
Brakes   Shimano M575 hydraulic
Crankset   Truvativ Fire-X
Handlebar   Ritchey Comp Riser (25" wide)
Shifters   Shimano Deore RapidFire
Rear derailleur   Shimano XT Shadow
Chainrings   Truvativ Fire-X 22/32/42
Cassette   Shimano SLX 11-34T
Pedals   Shimano M520

 

Fisher’s HiFi can be described as a quintessential trailbike. It has 4.7 inches of front and rear travel, proven RockShox and Fox suspension, and Avid Juicy 3 hydraulic disc brakes. What makes the HiFi unique among this group of trailbikes is Fisher’s G2 geometry. What is G2 Geometry? It started out as a project to improve the slow-speed handling of Fisher bikes. They believed their existing Genesis Geometry already excelled in climbing, descending and handling at speed. Where they wanted to improve was in tight singletrack and on technical climbs. The G2 tackled this challenge by increasing the amount of fork offset. This reduced the amount of trail to make the bike steer quicker without changing the rest of its handling characteristics. About a year ago, the HiFi won our $1500 shootout. Does it have what it takes to repeat?

 

The Fisher HiFi has the lightest full-suspension frame in the entire Fisher line. The RockShox Recon 351 Air fork features the custom G2 46-millimeter offset and 4.7 inches of travel. The aluminum HiFi frame has co-molded carbon fiber seat stays, a linkage-activated shock mount, and custom-tuned Fox RP2 shock. We’ve raved about Bontrager’s Rhythm wheels in the past, and the HiFi features the Duster wheelset, utilizing the same 28-milllimeter wide rims.

 

Gary Fisher introduced the HiFi in 2007, and the original bike was very well received, but they were still looking for a way to wring out even more performance from the bike. The focus turned to improving the overall stiffness. Fisher was able to increase the front-to-rear stiffness of the bike by a claimed 12 percent. This is attributed to the shapely down and top tubes with big intersections at the head tube and bottom bracket.
 
FIT AND FEEL

Hopping aboard the Fisher HiFi Plus instantly tells you the best attributes of cross-country and all-mountain bikes were melded together for this bike. The Bontrager cockpit components were a hit with every rider, and the comfortable handlebar width and bend put riders in an upright relaxed position. It’s worth mentioning that most found the HiFi Plus the sharpest-looking bike of the bunch, too.

 

The HiFi Plus has a very natural and comfortable feel in the saddle. There is no wasted energy when putting down the power on this bike. The HiFi is equipped with a Fox Float RP2 shock with the ProPedal feature. The HiFi pedals so well we didn’t really need the ProPedal option; however, we used it on extended climbs. On technical singletrack climbs we opted to leave the ProPedal off, and appreciated the additional traction. We had a love-hate relationship with the Bontrager XDX 2.2-inch tires. We loved how the low tread rolled smoothly, but the lack of side knobs hurt cornering performance.

 

The beauty of today’s trailbikes in the ballpark of five inches of travel is their ability to handle all kinds of terrain. The HiFi Plus is a snappy accelerator, and the balanced suspension makes maneuvering rock gardens, rain ruts and tight corners nearly effortless. On flowy singletrack, the HiFi has a classic cross-country bike feel, meaning the bike can take whatever the trail throws your in direction, but its limitations will be obvious, so you won’t find yourself riding over your head. The type of terrain you ride most frequently largely determines tire preference. The Bontrager XDX tires worked well on hardpack trails but were easily over-ridden on our favorite loops. If you ride a lot of hardpack terrain, these tires will suit you well. If your trails vary in makeup, we suggest swapping the XDX front tire with a 2.25-inch Bontrager Jones XR.

 

The air-sprung RockShox Recon 351 fork is easy to set up by following the suggested air pressure chart on the left fork leg. The Motion Control damping features a lockout adjuster atop the right fork leg, but we only used this feature on extended fire road climbs. The 4.7-inch-travel Recon has supple performance from the first ride to the last; however, more than one crewer commented on how the rear suspension firms up under braking. The best way to remedy this is to brake early and before technical sections, letting the advanced suspension do what it does best.

 

The HiFi Plus exceeded our expectations in nearly every aspect; however, when head to head with other top brands, the firming of the rear end under braking was evident. The HiFi deserves a 34-tooth cassette instead of the stock 11-32-tooth range. These factors, combined with limiting tires, were just enough to put a slight chink in the HiFi’s armor.

 

Fisher did their homework and created an excellent all-around trailbike. The HiFi Plus is perfect for epic rides and spending a lot of time in the saddle. It may be the least expensive of the bunch, but that is not reflected in its on-trail performance.

 

FISHER HIFI PLUS
Price   $2310
Country of origin   Taiwan
Weight   29.7 pounds
Hotline   (920) 478-2191
Frame tested   Medium (17.5")
Bottom bracket height   12.8"
Chainstay length   16.5"
Top tube length   23.4"
Head tube angle   69°
Seat tube angle   72°
Standover height   29"
Wheelbase   43.5"
Suspension travel (front)   4.7"
Suspension travel (rear)   4.7"
Frame material Aluminum
Fork   RockShox Recon 351
Shock   Fox Float RP2
Rims   Bontrager Duster
Tires   Bontrager XDX 2.2"
Hubs   Shimano M525
Brakes   Avid Juicy 3
Crankset   Shimano M532-L
Handlebar   Bontrager Race OS Riser (25" wide)
Shifters   Shimano Deore
Rear derailleur   Shimano Shadow XT
Chainrings   Shimano Deore (44/32/22)
Cassette   SRAM PG950 (11-32)
Pedals   Shimano M505

 

 

Over the years, the Stumpjumper FSR has won its share of shootouts and received plenty of praise in the pages of MBA. For 2009, the Specialized Stumpjumper FSR line has eight models, including a couple of 29ers and three with carbon fiber frames. Last month. we reviewed the top-of-the-line S-Works Stumpjumper FSR Carbon ($7700), and now we throw a leg over its $2500 sibling.

 

The Stumpy FSR Comp has 4.7 inches of front and rear travel. However, unlike the flagship S-Works models featuring Specialized’s own suspension components, the Comp’s suspension duties are handled by Fox’s Float 120 RL fork and custom Triad shock. The cockpit features an array of Specialized products, such as their XC low-rise handlebar, 90-millimeter stem, and their thin, lock-on grips. The Stumpy Comp is built with Custom Avid Elixir R SL brakes with alloy backed organic pads and Specialized’s own Direct Mount front derailleur hanger (DMD). We’ve had good results with Specialized’s 2Bliss (tubeless ready) S-Works The Captain tires on a variety of bikes. So, we were happy to see the new 2.2-inch version on the front wheel and the two-inch width on the rear.

 

DID YOU KNOW?

The Stumpjumper FSR was the first bike Specialized completely developed together with other components as a “system.” They focused on the interface where components connect together and were able to cut weight and increase strength and stiffness. Specialized says the Stumpy FSR Comp frame is actually lighter than the Epic cross-country race frame of just a few years ago.

 

The Stumpy Comp inspires you to push your riding boundaries from the first time on the bike. More than one rider described the cockpit positioning as “perfect,” especially for extended climbs and high-speed descents, and the sloped top-tube enhanced the bike’s handling on technical trails. The Specialized stem has an eight-degree rise, so we used only one spacer underneath the stem to help balance our weight over the front of the 4.7-inch-travel fork. The thin lock-on grips have been a longtime favorite; however, a wider handlebar would be appreciated. If you ride tight singletrack trails lined with trees, the stock 25-inch-wide handlebar will be adequate.

 

Under power, the Stumpy Comp is snappy and responsive. The relatively lightweight 27-pound setup is noticeable when grinding up steep hills. The Fox Triad shock has three positions: open, ProPedal and lockout. We experienced virtually no unwanted suspension movement while climbing in the saddle with the ProPedal employed; however, on low-speed technical climbs, the additional traction available with the ProPedal turned off makes a notable difference. The S-Works Captain tires have a raised center tread, keeping rolling resistance to a minimum, while the crisp shifts of the trustworthy SRAM X.7 shifters and X.9 rear derailleur kept the drivetrain humming. And even after hours of climbing in the saddle, we were impressed with the comfortable cockpit.
      
DESCENDING AND TECHNICAL RIDING

Specialized includes a sag measurement device for the Fox shock. Be sure to use this so you can get the most performance out of the FSR suspension. You’ll also want to use a tape measure to calculate ten millimeters of fork sag. These are the first steps to balancing the suspension for the front and the rear of the bike.

 

The Stumpy Comp flat-out rips going downhill. The low, 27-inch standover height and balanced suspension make the bike disappear beneath you, transferring your focus to the trail features ahead.

 

The 68.5-degree head angle makes for precise and predictable steering, and the S-Works Captain 2.2 front tire has a nice side knob bite for a trailbike tire. The FSR suspension keeps the rear end active should you need to cool your jets on rocky terrain or brake late into a whooped-out corner. From the handlebar to the rear wheel, the Stumpy is balanced. This is a bike you can flick around and attack with on any terrain. Only when the suspension nearly bottomed did we notice a little flex in the rear end of the frame

 

The custom DT Swiss wheels feel really light, but we never dinged a rim on our extremely rocky and technical cross-country trails. Thanks to the 13-inch bottom bracket, supple suspension and slack head angle, this bike rails corners like a dual slalom bike.

 

It is really difficult to find flaws in a bike that does everything so well, but here goes! We feel bikes in the ballpark of five inches of travel handle best with 26-inch-wide (or wider) handlebars. This is ideal for open singletrack and flowy trails, not those surrounded by trees just inches from your handlebar. The Fox Triad shock’s ProPedal lever can easily be knocked out of position, locking out the shock. This happened a few times while flipping the shock from “open” to ProPedal while riding.

 

The Specialized Stumpy FSR Comp is a complete trailbike package. It comes in at a respectably light weight, has a time-tested suspension design, and geometry that’s spot on whether grinding along in the granny gear or swooping through your favorite trails at top speed. Riders of all ages will love the Stumpy’s acceleration and appreciate its dialed suspension performance. Trailbikes have come a long way since the original Stumpjumper 25 years ago, but the Stumpjumper remains at the forefront of the category.

 

SPECIALIZED STUMPJUMPER FSR COMP
Price   $2500
Country of origin   Taiwan
Weight   27.4 pounds
Hotline   (877) 808-8154
Frame tested   Medium
Bottom bracket height   13"
Chainstay length   16.5"
Top tube length   22.25"
Head tube angle   68.5°
Seat tube angle   71°
Standover height   27"
Wheelbase   43.8"
Suspension travel (front)   4.7"
Suspension travel (rear)   4.7"
Frame material   Aluminum
Fork   Fox Float 120 RL
Shock   Fox Triad
Rims   DT Swiss X420SL
Tires   S-Works The Captain 2.2" (F), S-Works The Captain 2"
Hubs   Specialized Hi Lo disc (f), Shimano M525 S
Brakes   Custom Avid Elixir R SL
Crankset   Shimano FC-M542
Handlebar   Specialized XC low rise (25" wide)
Shifters   SRAM X.7
Rear derailleur   SRAM X.9
Chainrings   Shimano FC-M542 22/32/42
Cassette   Shimano HG61 11-34T
Pedals   Shimano M520

 

 

 

In a time of some pretty funky suspension designs, the basic single-pivot frame is a rare but welcomed sight. People often get caught up in the hype of the latest suspension designs and overlook the durable single-pivot. The Heckler frame isn’t flashy, but it won’t creak or come loose and is as durable as a hammer.

 

The Santa Cruz Blur LT2 is a super popular trailbike featuring Virtual Pivot Point suspension, and has received a lot of praise for its handling capabilities. You won’t be able to throw a leg over a Blur LT for less than $3000; however, the new Heckler shares the geometry and can be yours out-the-door for $2700.

 

The Heckler matches its 5.9 inches of rear wheel travel with a 5.5-inch-travel RockShox Revelation 426 fork with a standard quick-release axle. This Heckler has SRAM’s fingerprints all over it, from the RockShox fork to the SRAM X.9 rear derailleur, Avid Juicy Five brakes and Truvativ Stylo cranks. The Fox Float RP23 shock features ProPedal damping, which is activated by flipping the blue lever. A Race Face handlebar, stem and seatpost round out the cockpit componentry.

 

DID YOU KNOW?

It’s been said that the Heckler name comes from a short-lived beer company in Lake Tahoe, California, called Heckler Brau, named after its owner. In a roundabout way, Santa Cruz Bicycles president Rob Roskopp knew “Mr. Heckler” (a friend of a friend type of thing). At some point, someone went drinking with someone else, and someone decided it would be a good idea to name the bike “Heckler.” Therefore, it shouldn’t surprise you that the Heckler frame has a bottle opener at the rear dropout.

 

In the saddle, the Heckler feels as sturdy as saddling up a pit bull. The short, 21.5-inch top tube and 70-millimeter long stem are perfect for aggressive riding. With practically six inches of travel, the Heckler can blur the lines between trailbikes and all-mountain designs. On more than one occasion, our calves made contact with the swingarm.
 
CLIMBING AND TRACTION

The single-pivot Heckler with Fox Float RP23 shock scoots along impressively for a six-inch design. The 2.35 Kenda Nevegal tires are the most versatile tires on the market and are a nice touch on any bike. Their ramped knobs and aggressive tread pattern roll smoothly and hook up ridiculously well. Uphills are when you’ll feel the short cockpit and stem. The efficient suspension soaks up trail obstacles and encourages you to take more challenging lines while climbing. Extended climbs are best in the saddle. If you do find yourself standing and hammering, you’ll want to lock out the Revelation fork; otherwise, it will be mush underneath you. The SRAM X.7 shifters offer crisp and reliable gear changes and are easily maneuvered around the Avid Juicy Five brakes for customizing your cockpit configuration. The leggy Heckler climbs better than its hefty appearance suggests, and hides its weight well.

 

One of the most underrated and misunderstood features of suspension is the negative spring. The RockShox Revelation 426 fork features their Dual Air spring, with the positive pressure valve atop the left fork leg and the negative on the bottom of the same fork leg. The key to getting supple small bump absorption with an air spring is the negative pressure. You’ll want to run about five to eight psi more in the negative than the positive. Speed up the rebound a little more than normal and prepare to bomb the most technical cross-country trails you can find. As the short cockpit and stem make longer climbs more of a chore, those same traits improve stability and handling on descents. The Avid Juicy Five brakes are excellent mid-price stoppers because of their reliable feel and modulation. The Heckler’s seven-inch front rotor is a good spec choice, because with nearly six inches of travel, you’ll be flying down the most challenging trails.

 

Setting 25-percent sag in the shock and following the RockShox fork recommended air pressure chart tunes the Heckler for maximum suspension performance. The plush suspension and Kenda Nevegal tires allow capable pilots to flick down the trail and change direction at will. The stable descending capabilities truly inspire you to push yourself and grow as a rider.

 

The fact that we repeatedly rubbed our calves on the swingarm put a damper on longer rides. It is possible to make a conscious effort to eliminate the leg and frame contact, but for most riders this would be a deal-breaker. Also, the Heckler doesn’t come with pedals, so you will have to add the cost of pedals to this bike’s out-the-door price.

 

We don’t know how Santa Cruz does it. They’ve packed a ton of value and components into this Heckler package. From the Dual Air RockShox Revelation fork to the Fox Float RP23 shock and Shimano XT hubs, this Heckler oozes performance. Although it may be too much bike for riders looking for a traditional trailbike, the Heckler fulfills the need for a simple, reliable and high-performance all-mountain ascender and descender.

 

SANTA CRUZ HECKLER
Price   $2700
Country of origin   Taiwan
Weight   32 pounds
Hotline   (831) 459-7560
Frame tested   Medium
Bottom bracket height   13.5"
Chainstay length   17.1"
Top tube length   21.5"
Head tube angle   69°
Seat tube angle   72°
Standover height   30"
Wheelbase   42.7"
Suspension travel (front)   5.5"
Suspension travel (rear)   5.9"
Frame material   Aluminum
Fork   RockShox Revelation 426
Shock   Fox Float RP23
Rims   Mavic 321
Tires   Kenda Nevegal 2.35"
Hubs   Shimano XT
Brakes    Avid Juicy Five
Crankset    Truvativ Stylo
Handlebar   Bontrager Race OS Riser (25" wide)
Shifters   SRAM X.7
Rear derailleur   SRAM X.9
Chainrings    Truvativ Stylo 22/32/42
Cassette   SRAM PG950 11-34T
Pedals   None (weighed with Shimano 520)

 

 

 

Giant’s Trance X trailbikes are designed for agile climbing and aggressive descending. Featuring Giant’s Maestro suspension, the Trance X has five inches of rear wheel travel and is available in five models ranging in price from the $5700 Trance X0 to the $1500 Trance X4.

 

The first thing you’ll notice on the Trance X2 is its bread-and-butter Maestro suspension using the Fox Float RP2 shock. Then your eye quickly moves to the Fox Shox 32F 120RL fork with 4.7 inches of travel and the 15QR (15-millimeter) thru-axle. Giant was intent on spec’ing the new trailbike fork on the Trance X2, so to hit their desired production cost they decided to make their own front hub to accept the 15QR axle. Braking duties are handled by custom Hayes Stroker Trail stoppers with a seven-inch front rotor and a six-inch rear rotor. A Race Face Evolve XC handlebar, stem and seat post, plus a WTB Devo saddle, make up the cockpit components. The WTB LaserDisc Trail hoops are mounted with Kenda Nevegal 2.1-inch tires, which get rolling when you put down the power with Race Face Deus XC cranks.

 

In 2007, Giant introduced the 4.2-inch-travel Trance. Giant claims their 2009 frame is 13.75-percent stiffer than the original, 8.6 ounces lighter, and has a full five inches of rear wheel travel.

 

The Trance X2 positions the rider in a comfortable trail riding position with excellent weight placement over the front of the bike. The 29-inch standover height, WTB Devo saddle, 26-inch-wide Race Face handlebar and 90-millimeter Race Face Evolve stem create a comfortable environment for spending hours in the saddle.

 

Giant recommends setting up the shock with approximately 25-percent sag, and Fox suggest setting the sag from 20 to 25 percent of total fork travel for their 32F 120RL model. Making these setup adjustments will put you in the ballpark for optimum suspension performance.

Aboard the Trance, you will appreciate how the rear end remains active for optimum traction, yet efficiently propels you forward. When climbing, you’ll have a hard time convincing yourself you’re riding a five-inch-travel bike. How technical the climb’s terrain was determined whether we utilized the ProPedal feature on the Fox shock. For loose, extremely technical ascents, riding with the ProPedal in the off position provided improved rear wheel traction. However, when a trail’s makeup was largely hardpack, opting for the additional pedaling platform was the way to go.

 

It’s no secret why Kenda Nevegal tires are spec’d on so many trailbikes; they’re incredibly versatile, and grip like mad on a wide range of terrain.

 

The Trance X2 is an impressive climber, but when the trail turns downward this Giant truly shines. The precise steering of the Fox 32F and 15QR axle give you confidence to hit ruts, rocky terrain and moderate drops with gusto often reserved for gravity-specific builds. With the Fox shock in the open setting, the rear end quietly soaked up trail chatter and kept a tight bond between the rear wheel and the dirt. The balanced suspension and trustworthy traction of the Kenda Nevegal tires inspire you to challenge yourself on each descent. On average, we ran between 28 and 30psi in the 2.1-inch Nevegals. You may not believe the Trance X2 has five inches of travel on the climbs, but you’ll be convinced as you plunge through terrain with precision you hadn’t thought possible aboard a bike equipped with a triple chainring.

The Hayes Stroker Trail brakes have a lever that takes some getting used to. However, they are easily adjusted to your desired reach from the handlebar. After a couple of rides that featured screaming descents, the Strokers were burned in and felt better than any set we’ve ridden to date.

 

The Trance X2 has a comfortable cockpit during extended stints in the saddle. The Giant branded lock-on grips were sturdy, but have hard plastic fasteners about 3/8 of an inch thick on each side. This will bug you during descents as you try to get the widest grip possible on the handlebar. Luckily, replacing the grips with ODI or Lizard Skins Lock-On grips is a low-cost modification that can make a big difference.

 

From the first ride to the last, the wrecking crew was impressed with how the Giant Trance X2 precisely navigated every section of trail. The plush suspension will keep you grounded as you drive forward during grueling ascents, and, on the flipside, it will wow you with its accurate handling and stable suspension. The X2 is built up with a spot-on cockpit setup and component spec. However, its most impressive attribute is that you simply set up the bike and go. This isn’t just a capable trailbike; it’s great at everything.

 

GIANT TRANCE X2
Price   $2800
Country of origin   Taiwan
Weight   28.2 pounds
Hotline   (805) 267-4600
Frame tested   Medium
Bottom bracket height   13"
Chainstay length   17"
Top tube length   22.2"
Head tube angle   69°
Seat tube angle   73.5°
Standover height   29"
Wheelbase   43.5"
Suspension travel (front)   4.7"
Suspension travel (rear)   5"
Frame material   Aluminum
Fork   Fox 32F 120 RL
Shock   Fox Float RP2
Rims   WTB LaserDisc Trail
Tires   Kenda Nevegal 2.1"
Hubs   Giant Tracker Sealed (f), WTB Laser Disc Lite
Brakes   Hayes Stroker Trail Custom
Crankset   Race Face Deus XC
Handlebar   Race Face Evolve XC low rise (26" wide)
Shifters   Shimano XT RapidFire
Rear derailleur   Shimano XT Shadow
Chainrings   Race Face Deus XC, 22/32/44
Cassette   SRAM PG-980 11-34T
Pedals   Crank Brothers Smarty

 

The most interesting aspect of the $2500 shootout was exploring how different brands equipped bikes with components they found to be ideal for today’s trailbike. Riders, however, are the ones who will be rejoicing at the quality and performance packed into bikes in this price range.

 

Each of the shootout bikes made strong statements and showcased their capabilities on a wide variety of terrain. However, as there can be only one “Highlander,” this shootout can have only one winner. And, the top performer clearly rose to the occasion during testing.

 

The Giant Trance X2 is the most capable and versatile trailbike of the group. We put down numerous laps on every bike, but no matter how technical or smooth the terrain, the Giant consistently bested the field. It should be noted that it’s also the most expensive bike of the group at $2800. However, for this price you get Fox’s 32F fork and 15QR axle, Hayes Stroker Trail brakes, plus Race Face cockpit components and crankset. The 15QR fork is an ideal mate for the Trance’s five inches of rear wheel travel. We rarely found ourselves riding over our head when descending on the Trance. Before we had time to question a line choice, we were already through the rough section and focused on the trail ahead. Whether climbing in the saddle or over the front of the bike at speed, the Trance feels stable with clear-cut handling qualities.

 

The biggest compliment is that at the end of epic rides we still felt fresh. The Trance X2 is an ideal bike for the trail rider who never shies away from the most difficult line, whether going uphill or down.

 

The Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp ($2500) was indisputably the most fun bike to ride in this shootout! The geometry is ideal for ripping downhill, and since it was the lightest bike of the group, riders could find another gear and power it up the most technical climbs. The Stumpy gets up to speed after only a couple of cranks and clutches the ground in corners better than any bike in the shootout. The Stumpy’s FRS suspension is second to none when it comes to tracking variable terrain, and Fox’s Float 120 fork with the DT Swiss 10-millimeter axle is noticeably firmer than those with standard quick-release axles.

 

Where the Stumpy falls short of the Giant is in rear wheel travel and the precision of the Fox fork’s 15QR axle. The Giant may be a tad heavier, but the bike’s overall performance hides any noticeable weight difference.

 

The Stumpy Comp radiates an exciting trail riding experience as it gracefully flows through cross-country singletrack. The Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp packs incredible performance into the $2500 price point. It is a perfect fit for a rider pursuing a bike that can handle technical descents and climb with a lightweight, cross-country bike feel.

 

THIRD PLACE—HIGH FIDELITY PERFORMANCE

It wasn’t easy to put the Fisher HiFi ($2310) in third place, as it rarely squabbled and did everything asked of it. The HiFi responds instantly to input at the pedals, easily gets up to speed, and the cockpit perfectly positions riders to be in the saddle for all-day journeys. We’re fans of the G2 geometry, as its precise navigation of tight switchbacks at speed was evident. Unfortunately, a few of its attributes were hard for us to look past. The rear suspension firmed under braking, which caused the rear end to skip on steep, loose descents. The Bontrager XDX tires aren’t versatile enough to hold firm on loose terrain and lack side knob bite for cornering. The rear cassette has a 32-tooth cog instead of a 34-tooth. The HiFi is a tad heavier than the Giant and Specialized, and doesn’t conquer technical declines in elevation with the ease and supple suspension feel either.

 

Although we feel the Fisher might not be able to tackle technical downhill like the top two bikes in this shootout, its comfortable cockpit componentry absolutely captures the essence of trail riding.

 

FOURTH PLACE—NO HECKLING PLEASE

 

The Heckler ($2700) was the best descender in the shootout. Its supple front and rear suspension swallowed up rocky terrain like a boa constrictor unhinging its jaw to eat a wildebeest. The Dual Air Sprung RockShox Revelation fork is an absolute treat to ride, while the Kenda 2.35-inch Nevegal tires have so much bite they tempt to you take chances in corners and brake less. The Heckler’s weight was an issue in this shootout, but not its demise, because spot-on geometry and suspension performance can often make a bike’s weight an afterthought. The deal-breaker for most riders was the constant rubbing of their calves on the 6.5-inch-wide swingarm.

At the end of the day, the Heckler is just what the doctor ordered for aggressive riders who want a reliable, no-nonsense, all-mountain rig that they can climb to the top of any cross-country trail, and beat the tar out of on the descent.

 

FIFTH PLACE—NOT-SO SUPER SONIX

The Haro Sonix ($2395) was a tough bike to figure out. We liked the performance of the Virtual Link suspension, both pedaling and sucking up terrain features, but the front end of the bike is where the majority of our handling issues arose. We found the bend of the 25-inch-wide Ritchey handlebar awkward, plus the grips and brake levers have a confined feel with little room for rearrangement between the brakes and shifters.

 

In a head-to-head shootout, the Haro wasn’t up to snuff when it came to descending technical terrain, it was sluggish on uphills, and lacked traction when compared to the bikes that captured the top spots. The Haro’s 71-degree, 100-millimeter stem, 23.6-inch-long top tube and Kenda’s Small Block 8 tires hurt its versatility on challenging trails. However, the best thing we can say about the Sonix is how much room for improvement there is for a frame with a proven suspension design. Simply updating the bike with a wider handlebar, longer travel fork, a tad shorter stem and a tire with a more versatile tread pattern would breathe new life into the Sonix and its trail adaptability.