ive got a trance 2 and am going to put a pike on it but cant decide whether to go 150 or 160. I feel the same bout the shock and i might change to a monarch plus or float x
Honestly, I'd go for the 160. A couple of times I've used the lower Talas setting, it makes a difference, but mostly I just leave it in the 160 setting. It doesn't adversely affect climbing to me but the hills I ride aren't that steep. The 0 deg 50mm stem compensates for the extra suspension travel. I guess it would just come down to your local terrain and what kind of riding you prefer. A Pike is on my wish list as well. I bet your bike is gonna look totally bada$$ with the all black Pike.
Really liking it. Maybe a little under gunned in the shock department but overall far beyond my skills on a bike. Stable but responsive, climbs well, descends even better. Given me a lot of confidence to hit things I would never have on my old anthem. The Trance 1 is better spec'ed in the drivetrain and brake dept. but I preferred the better wheel set and 34 CTD Talas. Happy with my decision.