The new Trance X range contains multiple offerings, from superlight composite frame builds to aluminum frame models, with added suspension travel and even greater adjustability compared to the previous generation. Most models come with 29-inch wheels front and rear, with the ability to change to a 27.5-inch rear for a mixed-wheel setup. The longer-travel SX models come with the smaller 27.5-inch rear wheel for optimal performance on the most rugged terrain.
All Trance X models now have added rear travel over the previous generation thanks to an updated Maestro suspension system. The Trance X Advanced and Trance X series go from 135mm to 140mm, paired with a 150mm fork up front. The longer-travel SX series, including the Trance Advanced SX and Trance X SX, place greater focus on descending with 145mm of rear travel and a 160mm fork.
The frame is equipped with two, three-position flip chips for the ultimate in versatility and adjustability. The rear flip chip, located on the Maestro rocker arm, lets you adjust frame geometry and fine-tune handling for riding style and terrain. A second flip chip at the headset makes it easy to fine-tune your cockpit, offering 10mm (-5mm, 0mm or +5mm) of adjustment without having to swap your stem.
Several reviews highlighted the impressive ride quality and adjustable geometry. Flow Mountain Bike tested the Trance X Advanced and called it a “near-perfect trail bike” with Tech Editor Wil Barrett referring to the new model as “Giant’s best trail bike yet.”
“Plain and simple, the Giant Trance X is just a really good trail bike,” Barrett wrote. “Rather than being a shrunken-down enduro brawler, as we often see in this travel bracket, the Trance X exudes a well-rounded demeanor that makes it a properly versatile all-rounder. It’s sprightly and energetic, with the Maestro platform delivering an efficient pedaling performance that helps to maximize power transfer.”
Barrett was particularly impressed by the new Maestro 3 suspension platform, writing, “What I love about the updated Maestro suspension design is how it manages its efficiency while remaining active on rougher and more technical trails. Even when you’re really putting the power down there is plenty of rear wheel grip available.”
In an extensive review, Pink Bike Tech Editor Henry Quinney highlighted how well the Trance X Advanced both climbs and descends. Pedaling uphill, Quinney wrote, “The Trance offers excellent tracking while climbing, all while being efficient and being able to handle surges in power.” And on the way back down, he added, “Whether plumbing along seated traverses, turning on a dime, or pointing and shooting through rough and committing chop, the Trance is well executed and composed. Everything about the platform is consistent, easy and settled.”
Quinney included the Trance X Advanced among trail bikes that "somehow feel pure in their remit," adding, "Bikes such as the Trance feel like they’re about being the absolute best at riding singletrack and natural tech terrain, all while doing so with efficiency and balance."
Concluding his review, Quinney called the Trance X Advanced "both extreme and extremely sensible."
"The suspension does a fantastic job with the 140mm on offer, combining grip and support that could make longer travel bikes blush," he wrote. "The damped support will let riders push hard, and the geometry is proportioned, adjustable, and balanced enough to keep up. Its features and sheer performance represent everything a rider could want."
The new range also includes several updates aimed at expanding trail-riding capabilities, including new Giant TRX WheelSystems featuring Wide Guard technology for added rim strength and protection that allows riders to forgo using heavy tire inserts. All models also feature integrated down tube storage along with attachment points under the top tube for additional storage solutions.
Among his first impressions of the new design, Mountain Bike Action Assistant Editor Tyler Ryan called the Trance X Advanced an “all-mountain trail slayer.”
“The Trance X’s lightweight frame and carbon wheels, combined with the Maestro suspension design, gave it a lively and efficient nature,” Ryan wrote. “The acceleration is snappy, and we never felt inclined to flip the climb switch on the Float X shock, even on steep and steady fire roads. Whether we were out of the saddle and hammering on the pedals or meandering up mellow singletrack, the Maestro suspension remained active and compliant to give us loads of grip, yet we felt like there was a supportive platform at the sag zone that kept the bike efficient and eager to tackle climbs.”
For more, check out the links below for full reviews. And for all the details on the full new Trance X range, click here.
Flow Mountain Bike (Australia)