'08 Trance or '08 Stumpjumper

[Fuunbags]

Greetings everyone.

I'm having a mid life crisis, My stomach is starting to bulge, I'm not done serious exercise for years, and my new years rezo is to get active / fit / trim.

My "style" of riding will I imagine be runs to the shops / pub ( yeah yeah, I'll cut the beer down slowly :p ), maybe a short commute, bush tracks near home. Hopefully some group MTB activity. Down hill is fine but I can't see my bum being launched of 8 foot ledges.

I was looking at two 2008 models and would like your opinion please.

First is Giant Trance X0 and the second is the Stumpjumper Not exactly sure which model but the equivalent to the X0. Pro or Expert?

I definitely want rear suspension by the way.

If you need anymore info just yell but can you blast me with pros / cons etc etc etc. Maybe it's components, maybe it warranty?

Thanks.

[mazonione]

i dont know bout the specialized but the giant is sweet. i think you usually get a lot more for your money with giant over specialized also. but if your spending $4000 on a bike to ride to the pub then choose the prettiest one! ; )

[spongebob]

Very similar bikes - both fantastic & can't go wrong with either. Big difference for me - Giant comes with Fox suspension , Stumpy comes with new specialised forks/shock on upper models which I am still a bit wary of [ still fox on entry level I think] .I have 3 Speshies in my garage & they all have fox front & rear - never a problem. Get some test riding in if you can. What it would come down to for me is after sales service / convenience / warrantee . If you have a dealer down the road who has a good reputation & will throw in a few extras , and the other brand means a long drive to somewhere that doesn't seem very helpful , I know which I would pick. Not sure about the Giant warrantee , but the Spesh is usually lifetime on frame with the first owner - I have had 1 frame claim and 1 drivetrain claim I can think of & both were handled quickly.
Giant historically offer a bit more 'bang for buck'.
As for components - its your first bike for a while so stick to more basic/entry models -you don't need the top price bling eg XTR vs XT .
Good luck.