The Trance is a HOT bike, I will say. For an all out XC bike, 4" of travel is a bit more than most would recommend, but I have to say the Trance doesn't pedal like most 4" bikes. I believe thats a Reba on the Trance? In any case, the fork it comes with has Motion Control as I recall which is a nice setup (finally had a chance to use it!) and offers plush in the rough, and a stable platform on the climbs.

The area I had to test the bike was pretty limited, but I liked what I saw in the bike, and it felt solid off of some 2-3' drops and getting a bit of air here and there. I think I would definately edge it into the "trailbike" category due to weight and geometry to some extent, but I can see where it would also be XC ready, though maybe not at the higher levels of competition as much.

Jon