Is this any good? Giant Trance 3 - 2006

[arryb]

I've just been browsing full sus bikes following on from an earlier thread - I've managed to persuade my parents to chip in a bit for my birthday so as usual the budget has gone up

What are the general opinions on this?
linky

Looks like a lot of bike for the money - I'm not bothered that it's a 2006 model and 2009 bikes are coming out because there is a large discount involved - although it does beg the question of "why do they still have 2006 models that haven't sold?"

All help/advice greatly appreciated. Thanks, Arry.

[nervous]

I reckon that bike has a bit more discount in it yet.

[arryb]

nervous said:

I reckon that bike has a bit more discount in it yet.

I would obviously see what else I could get from that seeing as it is a 3 year old design....how much should I push for if I decide to go for this do you think?

[nervous]

personally, Id ask for a lot more. Its no cheaper than equivalent spec bikes that are newer. Youll also be taking it in the balls come re-sale time.

[arryb]

Are we talking £700 or £600 here? I've never really negotiated on the price of a bike before so any help greatly appreciated, thanks.

[Floor Tom]

Those brakes are rubbish, compaired to a Juicy 5 or a shimano Deore they are far worse. I'm confident you could pick up something better for the money. A hardtail in the sales at that price would have a very nice spec.

[WildCards]

Arry, if you'll fit a small (I'm 5' 8 & 3/4's and ride a 16" Meta4 FWIW) PC's are doing the 2007 Trance 3 for £599.99 or the 2008 Trance 3 for £729.95. Going by those prices i'd have to agree that the 06 one you've linked to is overpriced, £550-£600 would be more accurate maybe?

[arryb]

WildCards said:

Arry, if you'll fit a small (I'm 5' 8 & 3/4's and ride a 16" Meta4 FWIW) PC's are doing the 2007 Trance 3 for £599.99 or the 2008 Trance 3 for £729.95. Going by those prices i'd have to agree that the 06 one you've linked to is overpriced, £550-£600 would be more accurate maybe?

Thanks for your advice, most of the deals on there are for the small frame size so I think I need to get myself onto one and see what size I am which, hopefully, if I'm a small will open up the options. I also noted the 2006 Trance 3 doesn't say it has lockable front forks which would be quite handy and I know the 2008 model does....