It ‘s rare to host a rider of Jeff Lenosky’s stature in our neck of the woods. When we heard that the Giant Bikes/Mavic pro rider was coming to Vermont for the Kingdom Trails stop on the Triple Crown Enduro circuit, we jumped at the opportunity to catch up with him. Jeff is known for impressive stage-show displays of his trials riding prowess and world record setting bunny hop. What you might not know is that Lenosky is a proficient xc/enduro competitor, a family man, consummate pro, and an all around nice guy.
After the Enduro Jeff and I caught up for a few laps at the Burke Bike Park where he demonstrated his Giant Trance’s full range of potential.
Giant Trance Advanced 27.5
Shock: X Fusion O2 RLX
Fork: X Fusion Vengance HLR 150mm
Handlebar: Pro Components Tharsus
Stem: Pro Components Tharsus
Seatpost: Giant Contact Switch
Saddle: Fizik
Cranks: Shimano XTR with MRP 33tooth Ring and Stages Power Meter
Brakes: Shimano XTR Trail 180mm front and rear
Shifter: Shimano XTR
Chainguide: MRP 1X
Pedals: Shimano XTRTrail
Hubs: Mavic Crossmax Enduro Wheel Tire System
Tires: Crossmax Charge 2.4 front Crossmax Roam rear 2.2
According to Giant Bikes “the composite Trance Advanced 27.5 is light, agile, and born to go fast on technical trails. Developed with input from Giant’s champion enduro pros, the Advanced-grade composite frame is engineered specifically for 27.5, the ideal wheel size for all-around trail capabilities. With 5.5 inches of smooth Maestro rear suspension, as well as an OverDrive 2 steerer tube and PowerCore bottom bracket for steering and pedaling stiffness, it’s an all-around trail slayer that climbs as well as it descends.”
MTBVT: That’s a stealth looking bike you have there. Tell us a bit about it.
Jeff: It’s a 27.5 inch wheeled bike from Giant. It’s agile it is yet it still rolls fast similar to my 29er. It’s a great bike that really allows me to feel confident on the trail.”
MTBVT: What makes this bike unique?
Jeff: It has an internally routed Giant Contact Switch post which really gives the bike a clean look. I like the blacked out graphics and the yellow Crossmax Enduro Wheels, probably one of the best looking bikes I’ve owned.
MTBVT: No doubt!
MTBVT: Jeff, we’ve seen you in Vermont a lot over the past couple years. What brings you up?
Jeff: I’ve been coming the past few years for the NEMBA Fest but this time I’m up for the Kingdom Enduro. It seems like the perfect time of year time to be here!
MTBVT: Any favorite loops at Kingdom Trails?
Jeff: I love upper and lower J-Bar. Ripping those trails on my Trance is soooooo fun, it feels a little rowdy but nothing too crazy.
MTBVT: Any plans to return in the near future?
Jeff: I finish out the season with some enduros up North and then do some warm weather trials demos in Florida and California.
MTBVT: Tough life! See you next year at NEMBA Fest. Thanks again for your time Jeff!
To check out a Giant Trance for yourself visit our friends over at Village Sports in Lyndonville or Skiershop in Stowe.
But wait there’s more! Check out more from our visit with Jeff in the Mavic Crossmax Enduro demo with Knight Ide.
