WILL P’S GIANT TRANCE X1 £4,199

The Trance was in its element on an incredible trip to Madeira

The many creaks

I mentioned in my last update were found and rectified just in time for the Trance X1 to be packed up and taken off on another holiday. It turned out that the lower headset bearing, crown race, mainpivot axle, rear axle and stem-tosteerer interface had all formed a choir, making the bike sound like I’d ridden it much harder than I had. With everything cleaned and greased, we were off.

Rebuilding the steed in Funchal, Madeira, revealed that almost all had gone well on the flight. I say almost because both brake rotors had been bent – the front one so much it wouldn’t complete a full rotation. I managed to pull them back to a point where the rear one was about as straight as before and the front was barely catching, but they’ll both need replacing soon. The rear brake also needs a new set of pads – they went from ‘probably fine for several more weeks’ to howling like banshees even when I wasn’t braking, thanks to conditions being a little moist.

We managed to do a run of a trail that’s usually off-limits as it’s in a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was being used for the Trans Madeira enduro race, organised by our guides from Freeride Madeira Islands, who got us permission to ride it. I’m glad they did because it’s one of the best trails I’ve ever ridden!

This whole island seems to have riding everywhere you look, from steep, rocky and technical runs on the eastern side to long, flowy lines to the west. The dirt varies, too, but not so much as to cause tyre-choice issues – unless it’s wet. There’s a phenomenon on the western side known as ‘Madeira ice’ and several of our group found out the hard way how it got its name. Almost sandy when properly dry, the hardpack dirt becomes extremely slippery when wet. Bizarrely, it gets even slicker as it dries out, until it becomes grippy again when no moisture remains. If anyone can suggest tyres for that, I’m all ears!

The Trance took it all in its stride, its nimble ride character and small wheels meaning that I could get into all kinds of positions to get around, across and down things I probably should have looked at first, with no issues. Thanks to Rui and Flavio from Freeride Madeira for showing us some incredible trails!