Mountain Biking - Is a Giant 2011 Trance X3 good for my needs?

Hi everyone,

I have mountain biked before, though I definitely consider myself to be in the beginner category. I just moved to a new place with lots of trails within close proximity, so I want to get a new bike that I will ride on trails, do some uphill, and some down hill. In addition, I might take the bike maybe once a year during the summer to Mammoth to ride some trails there.

I just started looking at a Giant 2011 Trance X3 priced at about $1,599 at my local bike shop.

1. Based on how I described using the bike, does anyone have any opinions on this bike?
2. Can anyone recommend any other bikes I should consider in this same price range?

Thanks!

The price range you are working with provides a ton of solid options. If the LBS is one that you will lean on for support and advice in the future, you might want to go with the Giant. For a bit of bargaining, I would ask them to throw in a Camelback or shorts and gloves to sweeten the deal. They are dropping @$500 as its a 2011, but hey, they need the space! I like to bargain for everything.

I like the Scott name. You can get a solid HT or even a F/S Scott in that price range. Is there an REI or a Scott retailer in your area?

Check out a BMC. I just bought a TE-01 hardtail w/ full XO. $ is much but they have less expensive in that range.
I do semi-aggressive riding, no jumps, or trickery and hardtails are excellent for this. FS has always seemed so dis-connected to me.