Giant Announces an Updated Trance X 29 with More Travel

Aug 5, 2020
by Dan Roberts  
2021 Giant Trance X 29

Giant's Trance X takes their current Trance platform and adds more travel, bringing the rear up to 135mm paired with a 150mm fork. The aluminium trail bike also now includes geometry adjustability, something not so often seen with Giant bikes. A small flip chip on the rear of the rocker link gives the bike two settings for the rider to adjust based on their terrain and riding preference.

Details

Frame: Aluminium with composite rocker link
Wheel Size: 29"
Rear Travel: 135mm
Fork Travel: 150mm
Head Tube Angle: 65.5° (low)
Reach: 426mm - 510mm (low)
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Price: From $3,199 CAD or $2,300 USD
More info: giant-bicycles.com

2021 Giant Trance X 29

The Trance X 29 uses Giant's Maestro suspension system that uses two short links, one over the bottom bracket and a rocker link mounted on the seat tube. Tucked in at the back of the link is now a small flip chip that offers two settings, low and high, to the geometry. Giant claims that the low is best suited to steeper or faster terrain, with the slacker head angle and lower bottom bracket bringing more stability into the package.

The high is then said to be better for slower speed and more technical trails. The steeper head angle quickens up the steering and the raised bottom bracket gives more ground clearance when pedalling. The steepened seat tube angles also give a more upright pedalling position.

2021 Giant Trance X 29 Geometry

The Trance X comes in four sizes ranging from a 426mm reach up to 510mm, in the low chip position. In the high position the reach grows by around 8 - 9mm depending on the frame size and the BB gets 10mm higher, also changing the stack and standover of the bike. Head angle is 65.5° in the low setting and 66.2° in the high and the chainstay is 8mm longer, at 438mm, in the low position than high.

S and M sizes have 40mm stems, with L and XL having 50mm. The S size also uses shorter 165mm cranks, with the rest of the sizes using 170mm. Giant also deliver all their bikes tubeless ready, with only the sealant needing to be squirted into the tyre before riding.

2021 Giant Trance X 29
Trance X 29 1
2021 Giant Trance X 29
Trance X 29 2
2021 Giant Trance X 29
Trance X 29 3

Three models are available in the Trance X 29 range:

• Trance X 29 1: Shimano XT/SLX, Fox 36 Performance Elite & Float DPX2 Performance
• Trance X 29 2: Shimano SLX/MT500 series, Fox 36 Rhythm & Float DPS Performance – $3,000 USD or $3,799 CAD
• Trance X 29 3: SRAM SX/ Shimano MT400 series, RockShox 35 Gold RL & Fox Float DPS Performance – $2,300 USD or $3,199 CAD

Unfortunately, the top tier Trance X 29 1 is not available in the US or Canada.



Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Press Releases Trail Bikes Giant Giant Trance


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172 Comments
  • 72 1
 "Unfortunately, the top tier Trance X 29 1 is not available in the US or Canada."

WHY WTF
  • 9 1
 WHY? WTF? Are they not allowed to sell XT components in NA as a part of complete?
  • 3 2
 @nickmalysh: Yeah, that seems fishy
  • 17 1
 @nickmalysh: Typically Giant USA has a Carbon model around $4000+- instead of a $4000+- Alum 1 model. Maybe that's why we don't get the nicer spec Alum 1 model. Who knows.
  • 6 0
 Giant often do that : some versions aren't available in some countries. In Europe we sometimes don't have the top tier Reign or Trance 29
  • 22 0
 @OzarkBike: I think you've hit the nail on the head. In the US, Alum bikes have (until recently...thanks to the Ripmo AF) been looked down upon compared to carbon and the Giant Alum 1 price point has clashed with the bottom carbon model. My last 3 bikes have been Giant Alum 1 models, and I've brought them in from Australia (I travel back and forth). Typically, they have a great parts spec (XT, Fox Elite, Carbon wheels) and I like sticking it to my Yeti-riding buddies with my low-rent metal bikes.

Giant also sorely needs to get it's act together with marketing and presence.
  • 23 0
 @thefazz: I would like to see more high end Alum spec from Giant. Giant's alloy frames are really nice.
  • 3 1
 @thefazz: My last 2 giants (2019 reign and 2020 reign 29) were bottom of the line aluminum reign 2’s. I put the new parts from my 2020 AL reign on my 2018 carbon reign and sold it. Never again will I buy carbon after breaking a couple frames. AL everything
  • 42 0
 @OzarkBike: Smart--you'd make a fine product manager.
  • 5 51
flag ayanamishinji01 (Aug 5, 2020 at 10:14) (Below Threshold)
 Why would you buy a high spec giant, anyhow?
If you're looking for an entry level bike giant is okay but if you have money to spend there are a lot better bikes out there.
  • 17 0
 @ayanamishinji01:
Like what bikes in this price range are a huge improvement?
Have you ridden a maestro suspension?
  • 16 0
 @ayanamishinji01: you can get a carbon trance, with carbon wheels and top of the line suspension for $5,500. A similarly spec'd Ibis Ripley (with aluminum wheels) is $7,500.
  • 10 1
 kinda reminds of Volkswagen in North america, "lets not bring 65% of our vehicles to north america and just ignore the huge and awesome range the rest of the world has..."
  • 5 0
 @blakplastic: Have to agree here, lots of value in most of Giant’s bikes, and Maestro is a great platform for bikes that spend time being pedaled, read XC to Trail segments. My XC FS race bike is an Anthem 29 and for what it cost, it’s hard to beat...almost never use the lockout on it because of how efficiently it pedals. Also own a Ripley, similar pedaling efficiency with more travel, and I’d argue all around a more refined looking/feeling bike, but price tag reflects that too.
  • 4 4
 @Robbyc1979: I likewise will never buy carbon.
  • 4 0
 @dihanventer: Most car companies do that. US laws on crash safety, emissions and even things like headlight design, are different enough from the rest of the world that it adds a lot of expense to design them to be globally legal or redesign them for the US and then more expense to have them crash tested and each drivetrain version separately emission tested. Even Ford has many vehicles they don't sell in their own country. And Canada gets the same deal by proxy because their emissions laws track with the US laws and changes to make it easier to get all the US car models in Canada

Bicycle certification laws in comparison are so much simpler and more globally similar that bicycle companies can't use this excuse.
  • 1 0
 I can't find any model available in the uk
  • 1 1
 @giantbicycles: hire him and don't do stuff like not bringing lower end models of glory to poland only thetop model like you did around 2010. A price conscious market and you only offer the top model... That was smart...not.
  • 1 0
 @dihanventer: @dihanventer: Unless you buy the Atlas...which is made in the US and only sold in the US....Hmmmmm. Ok that is only one example. But you can't say VW ignores the US market. Ford announced recently that they will only make SUVs and a few sports cars in the very near future. Looks like VW has assessed their market demand well.
  • 2 3
 @Robbyc1979: you know aluminum cracks and breaks too? I've owned more frames than I can remember,,,steel, aluminum, scandium, carbon...cracked or snapped them all. Titanium is the only frame that didn't break while I owned it
  • 2 0
 @OzarkBike: Looks like you might of found yourself a sweet new job!
  • 3 0
 @ayanamishinji01: Giant is a good frame producer, especially lower end aluminum frames that perform just as good as the top spec tier
  • 1 3
 @blakplastic:
My last two bikes have been a reign 27.5 and more recently the reign 29 with the fox performance suspension.
I'm currently riding a 2020 specialized enduro comp, which costs less, has far worse components and is heavier.
It descends about 10x better and climbs a little better, too.

I understand why people would take to my comment negatively but it doesn't make it untrue.

I was originally sold on giant because of how inexpensive their builds are, but after riding other bikes it kinda makes sense.
  • 1 4
 @arrowheadrush:
I'm not saying all of the more "premium" bike brands are worth their prices, but with giant what you save is usually from the lack of RnD
  • 1 11
flag ayanamishinji01 (Aug 5, 2020 at 18:41) (Below Threshold)
 @blakplastic:
Well for the same price as a higher spec reign 29, you could get a lower spec slayer, enduro, capra or many others.

I mention those bikes specifically because I've been able to ride them (not own, however) and I'd take a lower spec model of any of those over a giant any day. I find the maestro is the worst climbing platform I've ever encountered, and when it comes to descending it's borderline unrideable without a coil. The linkage of the enduro (running a much worse shock) is 10x the climbing platform and unimaginably better in the descents.

I don't hate giants, if you're a beginner/intermediate rider and you have 3-4k to spend I don't think you can go wrong with giant. If you're an advanced rider who's willing to spend 5k+ I think you have much better options.
  • 2 1
 @lehott:
I agree, my aluminum reign 27.5 frame lasted me 3 years of abuse, outlasting every single component on the bike.

However, after replacing everything after it broke (the only parts that lasted were the dropper, bb and brakes) and completely overhauling the rims, drivetrain and upgrading the suspension it still rode worse than cheaper bikes my friends had.

The frame was absolutely bulletproof, though. I flatlanded a jump so hard I had bent my cranks and pedals yet the frame sustained no damage.
  • 1 1
 @giantbicycles: update the Reign 29 and SX 29 up by 10 mm each and make a Trance 27.5 X with 160/ 150. Make the old Trance 27.5140/130.
  • 4 3
 @thefazz: giant can’t wrap their minds around marketing, they do one of two things waste amazing already sponsored riders, or blow it completely eg. Eliot Jackson hardly being in photos or video, or launch of Cadex. I don’t often say cycling needs more marketing but when I do it’s because I’m talking about giant.
  • 1 0
 Looks like the X1 is missing from the Australian site too: www.giant-bicycles.com/au/showcase/trance-x-29
  • 3 0
 Besides the pricing issues mentioned already, there would be another issue with with bringing in the Trance X1 to the US... Most consumers in the US would rather buy a carbon frame with cheap components than a alloy frame with better spec.. I constantly tell people that the components are more important.. The main people that would buy the X1 would be people like myself that work at a shop and have limited funds because it would be an incredibly priced bike at EP... I currently have a Trance Advanced Pro 1 and love it... This new Trance X could be a good one bike for me...

@giantbicycles any consideration for a returning applicant? LOL
  • 2 0
 Bike companies want the consumer to “Pay the carbon tax” meaning they’ve now stopped offering an alloy frame with descent suspension and an XT build. You now have to bump up to a carbon frame to get said build.
  • 10 0
 @ayanamishinji01: you must have a very rare riding style since No actual professional mountain bike reviews agree with your Maestro assessment. It’s cool though you’ve very clearly moved past “beginner/intermediate rider” so your assessment valued, both me and your mom are so proud. :thumbs up:
  • 5 0
 @vinny4130: Agree with the rest of what your saying, but c'mon Giant struck solid gold with Eliot Jackson. The man is a household name and has outsized media presence and charisma.

His name and sponsor is right there at the front of our minds, bet collectively we couldn't recall the names of the 10 riders ranked around him or their sponsors...
  • 1 0
 @thefazz: I live in Tasmania and bought the Trance 29er 1 last July. Great spec.GX drive train, Fox Elite fork & shock, carbon wheels, brakes could be better etc. A few cheapo bits to get to the price point but overall I am happy. I have have been riding Alum bike again for a few years now. I did not see the spec I have on my in the US shops I visited last year. I may have missed them.
I may sell my bike now as this new bike is the type of bike I am looking at now. Had a look at a Yeti SB 130 in a shop in Launceston yesterday. Looks great and the guy in the shop said he rides one and I would never regret buying it. But at $11,500 AUD (US $8,500) I just can't talk myself into it.
  • 3 0
 @birddog69: I regreted buying one, too much rear flex, not enough tyre clearance, infinity switch coating and bearings needed replacing after 6 months, frame prone to damage near bottom bracket as a result of prividing space for a water bottle....failed in my view to live up to the hype.
  • 2 0
 @mobiller: Eliot Jackson is great, I've no idea why they make more of having such a talented guy on their roster.
  • 3 0
 @mobiller: giant is great a getting amazing riders but using them in the website and in ads is what I’m talking about.
  • 3 0
 @ayanamishinji01: hell yeah! Giant may be overrated, but all the Giant bikes I've owned I've enjoyed riding them. Hell I'm currently riding one!
  • 1 0
 @gonecoastal: which is fine by me, as i'm sure the carbon version of this bike will be reasonably priced, buuut where is it?
  • 4 0
 @lumpy873: YT appears to have no problem selling out their limited-run higher-spec aluminum alloy; or Commencal.
  • 1 0
 My guess is to protect higher-end product offerings.
  • 1 1
 @Straight6Rocks: have you seen the range they have globally ? www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/en.html

Check out the amarok aswell.
  • 2 0
 @ceecee: exactly.. which hopefully will show the big 3 that it's a viable option..
  • 1 0
 @DRODD: Thanks for the info. I have always thought that as one spends more money the gains become marginal. I ride for fun. That's it. So I will probably sell what I have but only spend a bit more, if any, for a bit more travel.
  • 1 3
 @Starsky686:
Well gee whiz, companies that are payed to review products might not want to outright say negative things about a product to damage company relations?
I'm sure your mom would be proud of you if you were smart enough to figure that one out.
  • 29 1
 I like Giant. No they're not boutique or out of the box, but they work and they work well. Kinda like the Honda Accord of bikes, right next to Trek.
  • 7 1
 Giant and Trek are definitely the Toyota and Honda of the bike world, but which is which? I tend to see Trek as slightly more enthusiast angled so maybe they are Honda.
  • 18 2
 @Rigidjunkie: Giant Trance is the Honda Accord and Giant Stance the Civic. Giant Reign is the Ridgeline. Trek Fuel Ex is the Toyota Corolla, Trek Remedy is the Toyota Camry, Trek Rail is the Toyota Prius haha
  • 6 0
 Hahaha nailed it! And, nice user name bro! @stumphumper92:
  • 33 2
 @Rigidjunkie: I come from a motorcycle world, so here's how I'd classify it:

Giant:Kawasaki- Makes objectively good bikes, but is a huge industrial concern for whom making bikes is a bit of an afterthought. Can make the occasional banger when they really try.

Trek:Honda- History of cool bikes and innovation, but have gotten a little stale. Ooze with quality and still make cohesive bikes that really work.

Specialized:Yamaha- Mainstream brand that's not afraid to try stuff, while maintaining a high level of quality. More hits than misses, and the bikes just work.

Cannondale:Suzuki- past greatness, but now just kind of washed up and stale. Can still make good bikes, but can't seem to come up with a proper hit, breakout product.
  • 4 0
 @roma258: that’s pretty damn accurate. Only thing I’d say about Cannondale is that the Scalpel could definitely be considered a hit. New redesign looks really interesting and just anecdotally there’s always a ton of them at my local XC races.

Oh and their road bikes are pretty top notch
  • 3 3
 ... and just like Trek and the brands who value profit over consumer usability, it off course gets a cheap press fit BB. It's the tell tale sign of a brand with no soul.
  • 2 0
 @DoubleCrownAddict: what like Yeti?
  • 1 0
 @BamaBiscuits: yeah the Scalpel definitely looks like a winner. Now if only Suzuki could wake up and do something, anything of interest. The new Katana is pretty sweet looking, but that's about it (I want a lighter, fuel injected modern DRZ400 and an upspec SV650 with good suspension/brakes that everyone's been begging for, going on about 20 years).
  • 1 0
 @roma258: I like it!
  • 2 0
 @StumpHumper45: Haha what're the chances?!
  • 2 0
 Giant makes all of treks bikes so...
  • 12 0
 This is rad. Always thought the trance 29 was a bit nerfed compared to its 27.5 counterpart. Thing should rip.
  • 8 0
 I had hoped the 27.5 Trance was going to get the same kind of update. But on the US website it shows a dumpster fire build on an old trance for 2021... *sigh*
  • 5 1
 27.5 is dead. Apparently. Remember, the 29er is the most capable of all wheel sizes......
  • 4 0
 @TreeBeak: Ive been waiting for an updated 27.5 trance for a while now. I wanna die
  • 4 0
 @chillrider199: Dont die dude. Too much riding to do. 27.5 will live on! Wink
  • 2 1
 @chillrider199 Giant don't seem to do more than one new frame a year. New Trance 27.5 next year maybe?
  • 3 1
 @PhillipJ: 30+ new models in Giants entire line up for 2021.
  • 5 0
 @PhillipJ: the 27.5 trance seemed to have a 3-year lifecycle and was due for renewal last year.

Instead, they had launched the 29 trance and all the 27.5 got was a parts and colour refresh, like it did every other year.

27.5 is fast becoming niche which isn’t the business of a big brand like Giant. They do big volume of established, low risk trends.

I love Giant as you know whatever you’re buying from them is current, reliable and damn good value for money, but I wouldn’t expect them to invest further in 27.5.

Maybe when mullets are established they’ll get in on that.
  • 2 0
 @OzarkBike: and how many new frames, not counting Liv?
  • 9 0
 Trance X 29 2 or Ripmo AF as the best value trail bike? Ripmo now comes with Deore for $3,200
  • 5 0
 My Dilemma exactly. Would love some riding impressions of this Trance X sooner then later..
  • 4 0
 Both seems like great options. Itll be interesting to see when the reviews of the Trance start coming in. Seems like the Trance will be the more pedal friendly option and the AF will be for crushing downhills.
  • 2 1
 @EllioMoose: I got a Ripmo AF and it's sick. If the AF is in your budget go for it!

As @artistformlyknowasdan comments "giant inseem required". I would only buy a Giant if I was 180cm tall on a medium or 188cm on a large. www.giant-bicycles.com/ca/reign-sx-29 for size reference chart. I'm 5'9" = 175cm and the medium Reigns and Trances feel way too big. Going from a 27.5 to the 29 AF already feels like getting a big bike and I bought medium when I fit either M or L.
  • 1 1
 I love Giant, but I give the edge to the Ripmo. The DVO suspension they spec is simply unbeatable. And the travel is a different league too. I think Giant would win the weight battle though.
  • 9 0
 Levy, Do you have one for test?
I recall you really liked the older model
  • 4 0
 @mikelevy you gotta tag him bro
  • 2 0
 @conman1395: I do!
  • 8 0
 Giants are amazing value for money in Canada, even better than the consumer direct brands in most cases.
  • 5 0
 Yup. I was sure I was getting a YT Jeffsy but the Reign 29 was better spec’d for the same price!
  • 9 0
 YES!!!
  • 2 2
 I hope they do a reign X next!!
  • 3 0
 @makripper: they've already got the new reign SX 29
  • 1 7
flag Jaybirdy (Aug 5, 2020 at 21:52) (Below Threshold)
 Giant.. On the way back to Walmart ;~p
  • 3 0
 @Jaybirdy:
Same as Specialized and Trek who are waaay Overpriced, comparatively.
  • 8 1
 Whoever gets the weight on these puppies is doing god's work.
  • 10 1
 @xphysnerd Giant are quite reluctant to give bike weights out, which is weird because they tend to be very competitive IME.
  • 4 0
 Flow mountain bike has a first ride review posted already.

flowmountainbike.com/tests/first-ride-review-2021-giant-trance-x-29-2

15kg for a medium. Although they mention the wheels are heavy
  • 10 0
 @Fishbag: I think 15kg/33lbs for a fully aluminum, 29er w/ lower end components is pretty reasonable.
  • 4 0
 @bforwil: yea that's not bad for the spec. lighter wheel set would make a big difference
  • 4 0
 @bforwil: For sure especially if it can take a beating.
  • 2 0
 @Fishbag: Shimano hubs will do that.
  • 3 4
 @arrowheadrush: When compared to the Ripmo AF, the price on the Trance would have to decrease from 3000 USD to like 2600 or 2700 USD to make the Trance more competitive. The Ripmo weighs a similar amount and comes with a very respectable wheelset and, arguably, a better suspension. I would rather see the Trance downgrade from slx to deore and give the bike a decent set of wheels.
  • 6 0
 @xphysnerd: Except for the Ripmo SLX build comes in at $4k, compared to $3K for the Trance. The full Deore build on the Ibis is still $200 more expensive than the Trance SLX build.

If you can say that DVO is *arguably* better than Fox, then they must be pretty close in terms of performance. If that's the case, your spending $1k more for a house brand alu wheels/hubs.

www.ibiscycles.com/bikes/ripmo-af
  • 1 0
 Under rated comment!
  • 1 0
 @xphysnerd: correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the ibis logo just rebranded stans units with glass hubs? Honestly their base wheelsets are what keeps me from buying completes from them
  • 1 1
 @bforwil: What I am actually saying, is SLX isn't worth the upgrade over Deore. I would bet that most people would prefer the Deore Ripmo AF over the SLX Trance X. I might consider the Trance X over the Ripmo, if the Trance X was able to drop a few hundred off their price, which would likely require a Deore spec.
  • 3 0
 @bforwil: My 2019 Trance 1 29er weighs in at 13.8 kilos with pedals. That's the same as my 2017 Scott Genius carbon.
  • 1 0
 I bought the Trance X 29 2 this weekend in XL. According to the shop scale, 33.8 pounds with cheap tester pedals installed and sealant in the tires. Pretty reasonable for its purpose.
  • 6 0
 For everyone complaining about st getting to short these are the bikes for you. Giant inseam required
  • 3 0
 I have the 2020 Pro 29 1 and have zero complaints. Only 130 mm travel but it plows through/up anything and I can still huck pretty much anything on the downs. Not sure why PB never includes Giant in any of their head to head comparisons. Are they not expensive or boutique enough???
  • 3 0
 I think having top spec'd MTB will be the new wave of trendy. I don't know when, but at some point the brands felt like aluminum didn't deserve a top to upper mid level spec. It is refreshing to see these bikes, great spec, available to the masses (price wise) and in a tried and trusted material.
Bravo Giant!
  • 2 0
 Bike looks perfect. I've been riding a 2014 trance for five years and love it. I wasn't completely sold on the the new trance 29 because I live in the mountains and don't really want to give up on travel. I have been looking at the reign, but its a bit slack for the climbs on my local trails. This new trance looks like a perfect balance. It's basically the bike I have now upgraded to 29 wheels and a steeper seat tube. I wish there was an xt build with a better fork (maybe pike). I will destroy the slx parts and replace them anyway. New wheels immediately though. Some DT or i9 hoops would make that bike sick.
  • 1 0
 I'm with you! I also have a 2014 Trance and upgraded the upgraded the suspension to a Pike and a Monarch Debonair RT3. Bike has been awesome. I wonder if the Trance X 29 1 will show up in the US soon. I'd be willing to spend a bit more for the better component spec.
  • 2 0
 Anyone compare the Trance X 29 3 to the YT Jeffsy Base 29? I ordered the YT but it won't arrive for another 6 weeks. Comparable price on the Trance X available next week. Seems like similar geometry and suspension and pretty basic components on each. Thoughts from anyone that knows?....
  • 2 0
 So this gets more travel and reign gets less travel? I don't understand who made that decision. Now you have bikes that on paper offer a different purpose but the gap between them is super small while on the same time there is a huge gap in between the reign and the glory. And I say this as someone who has ridden the current year Reign on 29. It's not bad but it rides like a trailbike.
  • 4 0
 wouldn't be surprised to see a Reign X come out soon
  • 2 0
 Watever spec, all I know is i want to try one of these bad boys! I currently ride a 2019 Trance 2 (27.5) and i found that the Trance 29 seemed a little low on the travel side of things but this seems to be just right! I might be wrong also about the regular spec 29. Maybe pinkbike could do a comparison of the 2?
  • 5 0
 I´d like to see the same update on the 27.5 trance.
  • 3 1
 They should increase the Reign SX to 180 front and 170 backs and the Reign 29 to 170/ 160. Then maybe have a Trance 27.5 X that’s 160/ 150 and the old 27.5 should go downtown to 140/130.
  • 2 0
 Just bought a 27.5 2021 trance. Feel like I’m shooting myself in the foot if I don’t return and try to get into this. Anyone have any advice?
  • 5 1
 Now to find one in stock.
  • 4 0
 In stock this week.
  • 3 0
 @OzarkBike: Many LBSs haven't been able to keep much in stock and supply chains are still pretty screwed up so I'll believe it when I see it.
  • 1 0
 @noapathy: the first US shipment is in! If your local dealer ordered early they may have it this week.
  • 6 0
 @noapathy: LBS near me has 3 mountain bikes in stock. Three. Only one is a Giant. And it's an e-bike.
  • 7 1
 @Fuzfast: "LBS near me has 3 mountain bikes in stock. Three. Only one is a Giant. And it's an e-bike."

Oh, so they really only have 2 mountain bikes in stock then.
  • 3 0
 My bike shop is building one now.
  • 1 0
 @Lotusoperandi: zing!
  • 1 1
 Basically what they've done is make another Reign 29... Giant needs to update the reign with increased rear travel. 160mm front paired with 145mm rear shouts trail - borderline all mtn bike to me... not enduro?!
  • 3 1
 They did... 2021 giant reign advanced 29 is 170mm fox 38 up front and 150 something in the back up from 140. But ride it before you hang on numbers, I didn't buy a 200mm glory this year because my 141mm reign has blown me away
  • 1 0
 @anotherstoneinthewoods:
Awesome News about the 2021 Reign,
At least Giant paid attention to the coming and existing trends with the long travel enduro 29 category... ????
  • 1 1
 @anotherstoneinthewoods:
Actually, I suggest you check again...
the new 2021 Giant Stock on the Giant-bicycles.com/us clearly shows that the Reign 29 bikes haven't changed and all three Reigns available all come with the 146mm rear travel and 160-170 front travel as they did with the 2020 stock, so unless you made one huge typo or released pressure in your rear shock there hasn't been a 141mm rear travel reign in 29 made available, Lmao...
  • 3 0
 @khandco: my bad, it appears both last years and this years are 146mm.

Must have been thinking about my 2019 27.5 which had more rear.

Have you ridden one yet? My 2020 feels like it has more travel than the 2019 did.

They both have replaced my 200mm Glory.

Super capable bikes
  • 1 0
 @anotherstoneinthewoods:
Yip, I've ridden one, the silver shiny finish lowest 2020 model, hundred percent agree they are super capable, fast straight liners, loads of grip and control, definitely a confidence inspiring bike... but being me, a 150 minimum is what I do go for if its gonna fall into enduro bike category.
  • 2 0
 Well crap. I just bought a 2021 trance 27.5. Should I return and jump to this??
  • 1 0
 I've been interested in the Norco Optic lines, but alum is no longer offered. 2021 Trance X–now with steep seat tube–is a good alternative.
  • 3 0
 Real shame the X 1 isn't in Canada. Wicked build.
  • 2 0
 Looks like an aftermarket opportunity to make top links with flip-chips.
  • 1 0
 I like that the low setting is at the top and the high setting is on the bottom.
  • 3 0
 170 cranks on an XL?
  • 4 2
 Hell yes, I'm no fan of pedal strikes.
  • 1 0
 I’m still waiting on the Giant Trance Gender, man Id like to ride one of them....pun intended
  • 2 0
 Is this a new frame or a new rocker in the existing Trance 29 frame?
  • 2 0
 Damn, this looks like it'll be a good one.
  • 9 12
 I know everyone seems to love steep seat tube angles, but imo it hurts the appeal of this bikes. This is a 135 mm trail/all mountain bike. A bike that you should be able to ride for extended period of time over traversing terrain. It's not a winch and plummet bike, where steep seat angle suits the purpose making the long travel suspension work on the climbs. I think 75-76 degree SA would hit the spot, making the bike more comfortable on the seated pedally section (and also fit better, the gap in top tube length between medium and large is massive).

Hate to rant, but I think Giant is so close to nailing the modern aggressive trail bike, Maestro is such a great pedaling platform, but the geo arms race is undermining what this bike could be.
  • 6 2
 The regular Trance 29 has a 74.5 STA, and would be more suitable to that type of terrain.
  • 4 1
 @arrowheadrush: Ditto the about the regular Trance 29. 74.5 ST angle for a 115mm 130mm bike that falls in the that XC Downcountry range.
  • 2 0
 Might not be that steep in practice per the recent PB article on STA.
  • 3 6
 @arrowheadrush: The regular Trance is indeed appealing, but I would argue that the Trance X, with 135 mm rear travel and 65.5 degree HA falls squarely in the trail bike category. Something between downcountry and enduro. So it should be a bike that does it all, not just make steep climbs somewhat more comfy.
  • 6 2
 It's a big world, but I'm betting mountain biking for most of involves riding up a mountain and then back down. Traversing flat ground comfortably is great, but given the choice I'd prefer my bike optimized for the bits where I'm breathing through my eyeballs.
  • 1 0
 I think you would have to try it to see how it feels. My GT Sensor has a reported 77 degree seat tube angle in high position and it feels efficient very, although I'm a Clydesdale for sure. Lap times vs last years 69HA/74SA 100mm travel bike are very close even though the bike has gained 3 pounds and I gained 20. My timed lap is lots of short up and downs and pretty twisty. Not sure how I feel about SX at $3200cad, but that looks like the perfect bike for me if the weight isn't too high. Might have to see if my LBS will get any of these.
  • 5 4
 @roma258: The reality is that the perfect bike for every situation doesn't exist. Reviewers pretty much universally complained about the Trance 29 STA being too slack. This Trance X changes that without removing the regular Trance 29 from the lineup for people who ride more rolling terrain and want that slacker STA.

Considering people used to always say, "just ram the seat forwards on the rails" when others would complain about slack STA, I suggest if you otherwise really like this bike that you could just ram the seat backwards to try to achieve your perfect seated position.
  • 6 1
 @jaredmh: Slide the seat all way back though and it bends the rails, forward causes no problems.

As far as reviewers, I'd like to see them take out a tape measure and angle finder more often.
  • 1 3
 @mobiller: Buy a seat with sturdier rails? Or, you know, just don't buy this specific bike. The industry trend is moving towards steeper STA. Giant is just trying to stay modern and relevant with this new release. Looks like a great bike if you ask me.
  • 3 0
 @DirkMcClerkin: amen brother. amen.
  • 1 0
 I guess I'll put my order on the new Reign on hold ...
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy Do you have one for test?
  • 1 3
 I'd simply like some updated geometry on the Trance Advanced Pro 29 -- the STA, in particular -- so that it compares more directly with the latest "downcountry" bikes.
  • 6 0
 I wonder though, because it looks about identical. Try getting a plumb line out and comparing it with bikes with advertised "76°" degree seat angles, I bet it's within a few mm's.

I suspect Giant may be losing out in the marketing department more so than the geometry department.
  • 6 1
 @50percentsure: Not to mention many companies out there fudge angles by a degree (at least) travel by 5-15mm, chainstays by 5-10mm, not to mention shit-tier QC so the end product always differs from the geo chart. If you lie on the charts a bit to appeal to the wannabe geometry geeks when in reality it's more conservative in person for test rides, maybe you get to drum up some extra attention from both ends?

Re: the normal trance - between that, this, and the reign, there's 3 29ers with 10-ish mm jumps in the lineup. Realistically, you can ride them up, down, and around very similar terrain. Almost seems like the OG trance 29er needs some lighter duty suspension, and the reign needed more travel to begin with.

Giant has always lost out in the marketing department. Whether it was backing the wrong horse (27.5), failing to advertise their warranties for being as good as they are, or hemorrhaging money into Liv product...it's always been a hot mess.
  • 5 0
 @parkourfan:

I agree. I heard of a certain company changing the HA of their bike from 68 to 67 and finally 66 in each seasons new geometry chart, but in reality nothing was modified. They were a smaller company with a carbon mold and definitely weren’t making a new one each season.
  • 2 5
 Nice to see a flip chip that makes a serious difference in the bikes geometry. I could see a bike like this being a quiver killer for me, though unfortunately Giant bikes have never had an emotional appeal for me.
  • 2 0
 Not sure why this comment was downvoted. Giant spent a lot of years being completely uninspiring. I used to feel the same way, but the Trance 29er convinced me otherwise. I could now see myself having a Trance Adv Pro 29 and a Trance X 29 in the stable.
  • 1 3
 "FXXK u, Giant." From a person who just has purchased REIGN 29 ADV.
  • 2 0
 Haha same. I'd much prefer this do-it-all geo over the Reign.
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