[LITEPHIL]

I've been riding my 2021 Niner RKT and just love the bike but I'm looking at a second bike with a bit more travel. I had a Niner RIP but it was just so big and the slack head angle just killed my shoulder on the slower sections or technical climbs. I'm looking at the Trance Advance 27.5 but they are pretty hard to come by but there is a local shop that has a Trance X in a small. I really love the 29 inch wheels on the Niner but I want more suspension,but not something I need to wrestle around. I'm 5' 6" and 63 years old with bad shoulders. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[LITEPHIL]

I guess I'm wanting a lively feeling longer travel second bike.

 

[Skeeno]

The X is going to be much heavier with the meatier 29x2.4 tires and heavy Giant aluminum wheels. It's also 4* slacker than your RKT. It will probably be a drastic change in acceleration and handling.

The 27.5 Trance Advanced will have fairly light carbon wheels and will be more nimble feeling. HTA is 2.5* slacker, so it will still be flickable and playful but more stable than your current 69.5* of the RKT. I have a medium advanced and it weighed 29.5lbs with pedals.

I came from a Rift Zone with a 65.5 HTA and 29 wheels. It always felt sluggish to pedal, but super stable at high speeds. Swapped to the Trance and it's what I was looking for, better acceleration and pedaling efficiency with just a little less stability on high speed handling. If you are going to be bombing lots of steep downs, I'd say get the X and upgrade the wheelset. If you are more of an all around rider go with the 27.5 Advanced. The Advanced is for sure the best bang for your buck with component spec.

 

[LITEPHIL]

Thanks for your help. That's pretty much what I wanted to hear. Only problem is getting the Trance Advance but I keep checking the website and seems more and more bikes are coming available. Thanks!

 

[LITEPHIL]

Ended up with a Trance X 29 2 and love it!