smitho
Likes Bikes and Dirt
It sounds like the Trance is really the middle ground you are after. The Anthem is more cross-country oriented (think wearing Lycra and going fast uphill for fun), and the Reign is the “Enduro/Gravity/Downhill” (think baggy shorts, grinding to the top of hell’s with the fun starting with the descent) oriented bike in the range. The trance falls between the two, what Giant calls a “trail bike”. Basically a do-it-all Swiss Army knife bike.
Also, don’t confine yourself to Giant. It used to be the case that they were much better value than other brands, but not so much any more. There’s more brands like YT, Commencal, Intense etc which are selling direct to consumer in Australia and as a consequence represent pretty good value. Check out the Commencal Meta Trail in particular, they have some 2018 and 2019 models in your price range.
Also, don’t confine yourself to Giant. It used to be the case that they were much better value than other brands, but not so much any more. There’s more brands like YT, Commencal, Intense etc which are selling direct to consumer in Australia and as a consequence represent pretty good value. Check out the Commencal Meta Trail in particular, they have some 2018 and 2019 models in your price range.