VPP vs DW/Maestro

[AKWL]

I'm looking at a new bike. The fantastic LBS owner lent me his personal Blur LTc for a full test ride. It is a great bike. It was outclimbing and descending my existing 4-bar bike, despite being setup just a tad too small for me.
But, I couldn't help feeling that the suspension was a bit wooden/dead.

I know there's a general negative sentiment to the VPP here, but not sure why.

The LBS is a Santa Cruz/Giant Dealer, but doesn't have a Trance available to demo. Anybody have experience with both the Blur LTc and the Trance? what are the major differences in terms of ride characteristics?

Thanks

[marshalolson]

I Anybody have experience with both the Blur LTc and the Trance? what are the major differences in terms of ride characteristics?

Thanks

the giant is way way way better

[AKWL]

Care to elaborate?
Is it a geometry thing? What is it about the giant that is better? I have done a few very quick spins on a buddy's Reign and it felt kind of the same to me (although he weighs a bit more than me, which would not have helped.)

[AKWL]

Marshal,
Didn't you have a Trance with 150mm Revelation and declare it close to perfect?
Just trying to remember.
Thanks

[Particle]

I don't think it's something you can categorize one suspension versus another really. So much of it is due to individual bike design. I demoed an original Nomad years ago and HATED it, I couldn't stand the chain tensioning under power, weird feeling. But a few years later I demoed an SS on the same trail and fell in love with it. Totally different trail feel on that bike, and same VPP suspension.

I've ridden a Reign X and it was a super good bike. Didn't do any real climbing on it so I can't comment on that, but the Giant felt similarly comfortable to me as my SS.

[cpj.slc]

I think Particle is right, total personal preference. I heard rave reviews about the 575, so I demoed one and hated the way it rode so I got a RFX. People geek out way too much on the latest and greatest suspension design and which one is the best. VPP wouldn't be on so many bikes if it wasn't a pretty good way to move a back wheel in a mostly vertical path. If it feels good to you go for it.

[Arty50]

I don't think it's something you can categorize one suspension versus another really. So much of it is due to individual bike design. I demoed an original Nomad years ago and HATED it, I couldn't stand the chain tensioning under power, weird feeling. But a few years later I demoed an SS on the same trail and fell in love with it. Totally different trail feel on that bike, and same VPP suspension.

Intense and Santa Cruz do VPP differently.

[AKWL]

Thanks for the comments. I recognize the personal preference thing. The LBS owner is a great rider and carries Giant and SC, so can freely choose either. He rides a Nomad and Blur LTC. last year he was on a Trance for XC, and didn't like the Blur LT because it was too heavy. The carbon one is lighter now. He likes the new Blur better for descending than the Trance.
Obviously the multitudes of riders who rave about their SCs cant ALL be wrong.
He's offered me another ride with a longer stem and lower shock pressure. We set it at my body weight for the first ride.
I guess I'm going to have to find a way to test out a Giant to make sure.

[ticketchecker]

It'll be a bit before I can compare but a shiny new Trance X0 frame just got dropped off by brown santa. After I strip the guts off my Blur and build it up I'll be able to comment.

For the record, I liked VPP. Just wanted something different.

[gunniride]

He's offered me another ride with a longer stem

:nonono2::nonono2::nonono2::nonono2::nonono2:

[Jack Burton]

Check Giants website for a demo day near enought to you as well, - my SO went to one in Folsom a few years ago and ordered the giant the next day.