Video: Giant's New Trance X Advanced Pro 29 - First Look

Sep 17, 2020
by Mike Levy  


Giant released their aluminum Trance X six weeks ago, and now you get to see the Trance X Advanced Pro 29, otherwise known as the fancy carbon fiber version that weighs less and costs more. It's 135mm of travel is paired with a 150mm fork, and Giant describes it as "One trail bike to do it all."

While the alloy versions start off as low as $2,300 USD, the three-model Advanced range begins at $4,300 USD for the Pro 2. The top-of-the-line version is the $8,500 USD Pro 0, pictured here, that comes with Giant's own carbon wheels, an XT drivetrain, and Fox's battery-powered Live Valve suspension.

Trance X Advanced Pro Details

• Travel: 135mm rear / 150mm front
• Wheel size: 29"
• Adjustable geometry
• New carbon fiber frame
• Maestro suspension system
• ISCG-05 chain guide tabs
• Weight: 30lb 5oz
• MSRP: $4,300 to $8,500 USD
www.giant-bicycles.com


photo
The Trance X Advanced Pro 29 0 comes with Fox's Live Valve suspension and Giant's own carbon wheels for $8,500 USD.


Frame Details

Giant has been manufacturing their own (and many other brands) frames since forever, and their newest offering is carbon from headtube to dropout, including its forged carbon rocker arm. It all adds up to less, with the Advanced Pro frame said to weigh 2,100-grams or 600-grams lighter than its aluminum brother.


photo
The new Trance X Advanced Pro frame is said to weigh 2,100-grams.
photo
Giant's clever noise-reducing measures.

photo
While the bottom link is aluminum, the rocker link is a forged carbon unit.
photo
Fox's Live Valve suspension uses sensors on the fork and near the rear axle.


Like many brands, there are a bunch of Transformer-sounding names to describe some of the Advanced Pro's features: OVERDRIVE, MEGADRIVE, and POWERCORE! It's all about creating a torsionally rigid frame, especially the 92mm wide bottom bracket shell and the surrounding area. That's also where you'll find a set of ISCG-05 tabs for a guide or guard, as well as enough room for a 29" x 2.5" rear tire.


photo
The dual-link Maestro system delivers 135mm of travel on the latest Trance X.


Maestro Suspension

Giant's Maestro suspension system supplies 135mm of rear-wheel-travel, 20mm more than the non-X Trance, with the two links rotating clockwise to compress the Trunnion-mounted shock. Giant also has the lower link's main pivot doing double duty as the shock mount, a weight-saving trick they've been at for years, and has incorporated adjustable geometry on a production bike for the first time ever. Like everyone else, it's a flip-chip that you, er, flip. Unlike almost everyone else, it offers a relatively large adjustment range; 0.7-degrees of head angle and 10 millimeters of bottom bracket drop tuning.


photo
Rotating this pivot hardware provides 0.7-degrees and 10mm of bottom bracket drop adjustment.
photo
The lower link's main pivot doubles as the shock hardware to save weight.


We should probably also talk about the Fox Live Valve that comes on my high-end Advanced Pro 29 0. The idea is to let the computer figure out the ideal compression settings for your shock and fork so you can get the most out of the bike without thinking about levers and buttons. The system uses two accelerometers, one in the fork arch, and another near the rear axle, that sense and measure the velocity of vertical movement to register impacts. That info is sent through wires to Live Valve's microprocessor, which also knows whether you're climbing, on level ground, descending, or in the air, and it adjusts automatically in around three milliseconds - that's one hundred times faster than the blink of an eye. The future is now! Maybe, anyway.


photo

Giant's new Trance X Advanced Pro 29 is here for our upcoming Field Test trail bike video review series, so stay tuned for that.

Author Info:
mikelevy avatar

Member since Oct 18, 2005
2,032 articles

301 Comments
  • 180 3
 Honestly, first Giant in a while that I've though looks pretty good, both in appearance and in setup/geo/etc. I really dig that frame paintjob.
  • 49 4
 I've always thought Giant was really screwing themselves with their Walmart paint jobs. They were by far the best deal around in Canada a few years ago (haven't checked recently), but you still didn't seem them as much as you'd think 'cuz they were just uuuuugly.

This one actually looks pretty hot. Sparkles=speed.
  • 17 3
 @rezrov: They still are the best deal IMO. I think some of the direct to consumer brands are a bit cheaper, but you have to build it yourself, and not everyone can do that. The colour schemes look sick now
  • 7 0
 Agreed, the recent Giants are getting waaaay prettier. No more Wal-Mart Hi-Viz paintjobs is a real win
  • 34 16
 It’ll be a great bike without the Live Valve junk.
  • 9 7
 The paint is only nice if it stays on the bike. The 2020 models shed paint like my dog sheds hair.
  • 4 9
flag timbrewolff (Sep 17, 2020 at 12:13) (Below Threshold)
 @cerealkilla: this
  • 32 0
 @rezrov: Sparkles=speed
This is the kind of top-tier engineering content that I depend on from pinkbike comment section. No one is talking about it, but the people know it's true.
  • 15 3
 Piggybacking on this comment to throw giant under the bus for having garbage pawl-driven dt 360 hubs on an $8500 bike. Please, just start speccing a dt350 for a few extra bucks so customers can throw an upgraded ratchet in there and be good forever. Rims are great, as is the no-questions-asked extra coverage for broken carbon wheels or frame within the first couple of years. 5k version of this bike is solid value though, albeit still having these wheels. Giant's managing to undercut or match YT and commencal in major parts spec on the entry level full-sus game this year (not that anything's in stock!).

Also, "XTR" on the derailleur and "XT" everywhere else. Giant used to be good about having the full groupset on a bike. Now they've joined the rest of the mainstream with the up-specced derailleur to pretend they have better components than they actually do.

@cerealkilla I've had no issues with the many giants I've had, but I've seen lots of very fast rock chipping on older models, especially '17-'19. Multi-layer paint for the masked-off two tone looks they were doing that just didn't seem to stick together at all. If you're getting a carbon frame, might as well pony up the $100 and day of headaches to put some ridewrap on it. No chips, scuffs, swirl marks, whatever. Replacement sections are pretty cheap as well if you manage to bust something up.
  • 2 0
 @parkourfan: Totally agree on the ride-wrap. +1 to that for sure. Already done. However, key contact points, like around axles and pivots - where ride wrap leaves a small margin - are still chipping away. This is on a Trance Advanced 1. It is simply no better than a DIY spray-bomb paint job. Riding since 89, and this is by far the worst and most chip-prone paint-job I have ever encountered.
  • 2 0
 @parkourfan: +1 on the hub too. I would prefer that. However, I am wagering Giant pays nickels for the hubs they specced, and going to a true 350 would require front and back spec, and increase the price by a few hundie. At least on the bike I have I don't mind the laziness of the pawl hub for having some wiggle room at the edge of a technical move. However, when time comes to overhaul, you can bet your a$$ I'll be wishing it was proper swiss engineering.
  • 3 0
 @cerealkilla: They also don't pay a ton for the 340 and 360 internals, since it seems that they can make their own hubshells and stuff whatever they want in there.

Personally, I run extra pieces from the all mountain style frame kits on some high-wear areas - one on the downtube for where my rack hooks onto the frame, one on the left chainstay, etc.

Maybe you just got a lemon of a paintjob, as the 3 2020 giants I've been running all year haven't had any paint issues, and they've seen plenty of use with the covid shutdowns! I didn't get complaints about the newest lineup from customers either, whereas I got plenty from the older models. No clue what'd make it chip and flake off like you're describing, that sucks. Give me a beater, grey anodized aluminum frame like my old '08 reign for a high-wear bike.
  • 4 0
 @cerealkilla:

Man, crazy that we’re having such different experiences. My 2020 reign adv pro 1 is getting near its first birthday and it’s paint job is probably the best paint I’ve ever had. Sorry you’re getting the short end of the stick
  • 4 0
 @cgdibble Nup. That award goes to the Reign Advanced 0 in Chameleon green/yellow.

Best paint job I've seen on ANY bike in the market right now.
  • 2 0
 @cerealkilla: @parkourfan:
Agree on the hub. Total nonsense for a bike a this price point.

+1 also on the XTR/XT Groupset. Giant was always really good at being the real McCoy on groupsets.
  • 1 0
 @cerealkilla: My 2019 trance 2 HAD really nice oil slick decal thingys but they've faded almost to black now.
  • 1 0
 My local shop does Giant, and while I don't find the actual Giant's that good looking, their LIV lineup is beautiful, the colours really pop and the extra low top tubes give them really nice shapes.
  • 2 0
 @William42: yup, same experience here. Better paint than the Intense, Transition and Santa Cruz bikes I’ve had.
  • 2 0
 @rezrov: Not sure what Giants you're getting in Canada but I think their paint jobs are way nicer than the nasty "tootsie roll" finish that the new Yeti, Pivots and others are using. I have the '19 Trance Advance Pro with the blue/purple paint and its amazing, both in color and quality.
  • 2 1
 @parkourfan: So the website says DT240 based hubs and star-ratchet. Is that a lie???
www.giant-bicycles.com/us/trx-0-29-composite-mtb-wheel-2019
  • 2 0
 @smoothmoose: Well, one of my previous comments had a typo where I put 340 instead of 240.

To address what they said on the website...it's somewhat misleading. The internals, insofar as the drive system (rings, spacers, freehub body, etc), are OEM DT swiss. While I have no direct knowledge of whether the hubshells themselves were manufactured by DT swiss, the spoke insertion areas are a very different style from what DT swiss has available to the aftermarket, and in fact instead mirrors the DBL, or dynamic balanced lacing style of giant's lower-end straight-pull hubs, and the center section is a slightly different shape as well. I've had many, many bikes with giant's 360-based hubs, 2 with the 240s, had 'normal' dt 240's on several other wheelsets at the same time, and the hubshell between the giant and the standard DT certainly appear different, take a different tension and build.

In giant's technical/service manuals, they'll often say that the "hub technology is
*equivalent* to the ___ DT Swiss hubs" as well. Older models, maybe around the 2013 timeframe, had standard aftermarket-style DT hubs with giant stickers on them.
I could be wildly off-base here, as this wasn't something with the factory or a rep. However, it certainly looks, from the outside and inside, that there's either a different OEM spec (DT) or a giant-derived hubshell with DT parts.
At the very best, they're not branded as standard, DT 240's, nor are they the same "normal" shape.

They certainly work well, the DBL or offset tension is a good philosophy, as are the thick, hookless rim beds and reinforced nipples. With all the trees and storms up here, the rear wheel has chewed through some sticks here and there and the spokes haven't flinched yet either. They're just...not a $2000 wheelset. Still good. This wouldn't be the first time a manufacturer has misleading parts, spec, or geo.
  • 1 0
 @William42: On my 2019 I Invisiframed it, including the fork lowers and cranks. It looks brand new, even after crashes.
  • 1 0
 @rezrov: Several of my friends have said the same thing over the years- Giant makes a great bike for the value but their paint schemes and packaging with splashing the colors on the wheels and saddles is awful. I hope this has finally stopped. I sense the general demographic who buys bikes are 25-45 year olds with careers but yet the paint schemes seem to be marketed to kids who haven't finished 6th grade.
  • 62 2
 POWERCORE!
  • 24 1
 MEGADRIVE!
  • 27 0
 SNES!
  • 23 1
 OVERDRIVE!
  • 13 0
 @spencerbrawn: Sega lawsuit in 3, 2, 1
  • 18 1
 @mikelevy: At least overdrive 2 is dead. Let's be thankful for that
  • 11 0
 @LukeBurgie: It's still around on their road bikes but yeah, long dead on the mountain bikes. They caught so much heat for that. Kudos to Giant for dropping it from their MTBs.
  • 3 0
 @mikelevy: HYPERDRIVE?!?!?!
  • 4 0
 master system! What happened to cool names for consoles?
Playstation yawn
  • 12 0
 ROADHOUSE
  • 11 0
 ADRIAN!!
  • 9 1
 I LOVE LAMP!!!
  • 7 0
 I DON'T KNOW WHAT WE'RE YELLING ABOUT!
  • 1 0
 @noplacelikeloam: sega would probably be glad of the publicity haha
  • 1 0
 @nordland071285: ha! You're probably right!
  • 1 2
 Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, BA, Select, Start
  • 51 13
 IT'S NOT A WESTCHESTERCIRESHIRE BARN BUILT BOUTIQUE FREE RANGE GRASS FED FRAME with EXACTLY MY COLOR CHOICES? GIANT REALLY DROPPED THE BALL
-every clown in this thread
  • 32 0
 I'm actually keen to see more Live Valve reviews. It came out with a HUGE splash a couple years ago and then crickets. Sure makes sense on those FOX baja trucks and side by sides. I want to know more.
  • 23 0
 For sure, super interested to use it on a longer travel platform like the Trance X. Sort of surprised we don't see bikes designed around Live Valve, ie less anti-squat and more active suspension. Giant did do some custom Live Valve tuning, to be fair.
  • 31 0
 @mikelevy: The grim donut has "active suspension"...
  • 71 0
 @Dooooood6: YES, why didn't we think of this... the Donut is the ideal Fox Live Valve bike!
  • 3 0
 @mikelevy: I wouldn’t be surprised. Manufacturer R&D know theres’s no way suspension can be as reactive (grip) with it. Bike suspension already has too much seal friction (Especially Fox), not to mention pivot friction, unsprung mass etc.
  • 15 0
 @mikelevy: ill watch an 45 minute video of the grim doughnut and live valve
  • 8 2
 @mikelevy: Live valve is far too expensive right now to design a bike around it. It would only come on the top dollar builds and all the models that people actually buy would be severely compromised without it.

The more practical approach is what Scott does with relatively active suspension and their fancy remote lockouts.
  • 11 0
 @Ttimer: Integration doesn't need to be expensive, but it wouldn't make sense to integrate something where the numbers would be relatively small. That said, all they need is an opening in the frame, a little SWAT-ish door, where you could reach in and zip-tie the Live Valve box to the side of the tube. Obviously it's not that easy, but I don't think it'd be that hard either Smile
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: Its something to do with electronics on a bike. AXS drivetrain goes for over a thousand each; tech in the mountain biking world ain't cheap.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: took me a second, but it was worth it
  • 2 0
 @mikelevy: more surprised enduro rigs not on fox live, perfect combo plush & firm on demand
  • 2 0
 @mikelevy: DM’d you. Let’s talk!
  • 7 0
 @mikelevy: I think you've pointed out the issue in your first reply. Live valve would only have full benefit with suspension kinematics designed around it where you rely on the suspension tech instead of anti squat. This means designing a bike where every model would need to have live valve on it.

Not sure the market is ready for that.
  • 2 0
 @mikelevy: How about Live HTA to steepen it up for climbing!
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: Combine Live Valve w suspension air bags to steepen Grim’s HTA when pedaling. Then u reach the top and WOOSH!! Super slack MEGADETH HTA enabled...
  • 27 1
 Wow. $2,300 for a AL complete bike with up to date modern GEO and known parts? Well done Giant.
  • 29 0
 I don't know, according to recent studies that head angle is about 9 degrees too steep.
  • 16 2
 I kind of like the paint, but...

That is some seriously nasty cable routing. And the battery? Couldn't just a little bit of integration have occurred? There's a nice big hollow space inside the seat mast, or by the headtube, or under the rocker pivot... surely it doesn't need to dangle about like an odd bollock. It looks more like a hastily installed data acquisition system than a top-drawer build.
  • 3 0
 It could even be in an accessible space beneath the water bottle bosses. 'I swear, even though its a huge space, its only for this battery! And future proofing! It's not like SWAT at all!"
  • 20 0
 This bike might be the best looking Giant ever, but yeah, better Live Valve integration would have been nice.
  • 7 0
 "odd bollock" is now a new favorite term
  • 7 0
 @mikelevy: Maybe they should call it ODD BOLLOCK
  • 1 1
 even easier solution is a compartment connected to the bottom of the water bottle holder, like how some bottle holders can hold a multitool
  • 5 1
 The only reason NOT to buy a Giant is the fuckawful cable routing, take it from someone who built them up for 4 years...Those rubber plugs they use are near-impossible to seat fully, they always pop out even if they are fully seated, and the holes they cover up are miniscule. If you have a brain fart and take out the old cable before running the new housing along it you're in for an awful time.
  • 46 1
 We considered Live battery placement in every conceivable location on the frame. Considering the battery location has to be the same on all sizes (S, M, L, XL), under the toptube was the best, overall location. Sizes small and medium would not clear the battery (shock under full compression) when placed under the bottle cage. While internal placement seems ideal, keep in mind you can't just "punch" a hole through a composite frame--any significant openings have to be molded into the frame--and reinforced to provide strength. That adds considerable cost and weight to the frame--and makes it difficult to activate/deactivate/charge the battery.
  • 7 10
 @giantbicycles: this is sort of true. Yes, you can’t just punch a hole - but you can certainly mould one and adapt the layup accordingly, at very minimal weight penalty. Others are doing exactly that, and there are already some ideas in this thread for how and where. It just needs to be considered earlier in the design process, perhaps.

As Mike says - it’s a beautiful looking bike and a massive improvement over predecessors. It’d just be good to go the extra mile and sweat the details. The frameset price is €3600, without the electronics; that puts it in some super premium territory, and people can expect ‘both/and’ - great engineering and excellent aesthetics.
  • 7 0
 @mikelevy: The best looking Giant of all time was the ATX One DH.
No question.
  • 3 0
 The while setup of live valve just looks a bit ghetto. As if I'd done it rather than a highly professional company charging a ton of money for the product.
  • 4 0
 @nozes: I owned one of those!
  • 1 1
 @giantbicycles: you should still consider calling it the ODD BOLLOCK
  • 1 1
 @giantbicycles: I suppose I was thinking that the non-Live valve versions of this bike would have similar carbon layups with superfluous reinforcement where the battery is currently, assuming its reinforced and not just a couple of bosses punched into the frame.

Granted, I'm no engineer.
  • 5 0
 @mikelevy: everyone wants to complain about the live valve battery looking stupid, but I suspect many (most) have strapped a tube to their frames in the exact same spot which looked identical from more than 5’ away...
  • 5 0
 @giantbicycles: The Live valve battery dilemma is more or less moot in the US since most of the Zero models aren't available. Why does Canada get the Trance X Adv Pro 0 and the Intrigue Adv Pro 29 0 but not the US? Or the 2021 Reign Adv 29 0? I know our president is a douche bag but there's no need to hold it against us.
  • 2 0
 @mikelevy: do you have first look at the 2021 Reign dropping soon? Slacker then the 2020 and coil option top tier
  • 1 0
 @mnorris122: yup, can't get the rubber bungs to stay in on my Giant TCR road bike. Though that bothers me less than the freehub disintegrating after 6 months
  • 2 0
 Seat mast? Hollow space in there?? ????
  • 2 0
 @enduroFactory: Isn't the only reason it's slacker is because they put a 170mm fork on it? I think they only did that to try to differentiate it and make a bigger gap with the Trance X...
  • 2 0
 @hobbnobs: it looks like it won't fit in the current form. Its up to Fox to make a battery that more universally fits on/in frames
  • 2 0
 @hamncheez: I don't necessarily have an issue with the battery shape - a square box about the width of a frame tube takes the least space. Not only does it look terrible where it is, lots of bike racks hold the bike there (including lots of chair lifts, depending on where you live), and mine's even held on the wall just there. And it's right where you'd pick the bike up (if you don't use the saddle when it's dropped!!).
  • 3 0
 @CFJonny: ODD BOLLOCK and Grim Donut could have a love child named Goth Croissant.
  • 1 0
 @zarban: I hate the fact that they put a 135mm on the rear. Makes no sense.
  • 1 0
 @DirtbagMatt: this is excellent
  • 15 1
 Live valve? Wires? Microprocessor? Stop...
  • 10 0
 One of the first bikes in a long time from Giant that's really excited me. Happy to see them doing some new stuff.
  • 16 7
 Eh not a fan of the suspension thing. Just seems like something else expensive to break/go wrong. Sometimes simpler is better. Other than that, nice looking bike.
  • 3 11
flag avg-roadie (Sep 17, 2020 at 9:09) (Below Threshold)
 Normally performs better than 4/bar style suspension...
  • 15 1
 @avg-roadie: I'm guessing they're talking about the "live valve", not the linkage.
  • 7 0
 but thankfully it is expensive. [Sarcasm]
  • 7 2
 @avg-roadie: it is a 4bar. username checks out lol
  • 4 5
 @mariomtblt: No it's not. It's a rigid rear triangle with twin links. Nothing like a 4 bar.
  • 9 1
 @brit-100: the rigid link (the rear triangle, #3) is the complex motion link, the one connected to the BB is the rocker (#2), the one connected to the shock is the output link (#4), and the frame is the ground link (#1).
  • 4 0
 @mariomtblt: I never saw it that way before, but I think I can picture it. Thank you!
  • 5 0
 Well, at least they offer the bike without that and so you can choose what you want. FWIW, I've seen reviews that note very good climbing for the Trance X and so you may not really miss out on one without Live Valve.
  • 11 0
 Headangle is about 8° too steep.
  • 21 0
 Worth noting that the new Salsa Blackthorn and Giant Trance X will be going up against each other Wink
  • 3 0
 @mikelevy: Looking forward to it. You by far give the best comparos.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: and other bikes that haven't dropped yet, or ones that have? How many? What are you allowed to tell us?
  • 3 0
 @mikelevy: seems like a comparison with the banshee prime v3 would also be worthy
  • 6 0
 All joking aside, these POWERCORE MEGADRIVE names scream of a product manager out of touch with the consumer. These words mean nothing to the guy trying to find the right bike. Just keep it simple people!
  • 1 0
 You know I used to think the same thing. I was surprised when my friends who knew I biked would tell me about the new bike they just got. For some reason they just went to a few local shops and bought the bike they thought was the best deal from the guy who sounded like he knew the most about bikes. They had no idea what the seat angle was and didn't even account for the fact that the published numbers don't reflect the effective seat tube angle!!
  • 2 0
 @Iberian: soemtimes there's a thing called too much information, many people just want a bike without the nerd speak.
  • 8 1
 How do you know the two links rotate clockwise? What if you are standing on the otherside of the bike? What if you are in Australia?
  • 7 0
 Clocks rotate the same direction in Australia, unless your clock is a sundial (which is why clockwise is clockwise - if clocks had been invented in the southern hemisphere then clockwise would be counter-clockwise, and it would be called clockwise).
  • 7 3
 Wow. Genuinely the first time since my old AC Air that I haven't cringed at a Giant bike. I'd ditch the Live Valve and branded wheels but otherwise this thing looks like it would ride pretty sweet too! That paint job is killer.
  • 8 0
 The AC! I used to work at Giant dealer 13+ years ago and sold some of those. Owned one as well. That long ass top shock bolt tho uuuuugh
  • 2 0
 @mikelevy: hahaha truly!
  • 9 1
 The TRX wheels are good. I have a 2019 Trance Advanced and I kept the wheels because I loved them. Beat on them for two years and finally broke my first spoke last weekend.
  • 2 0
 @sascetti: agreed. I have four years on mine. Beat the crap out of them, and they are still straight
  • 4 0
 The rims, namely the redesigned, composite confidence-warrantied hookless ones, are quite good, albeit a bit boxy and easy to scuff up. I've broken frames and ripped through more than a handful of tires before damaging the wheels. Worst thing about them, which I mentioned in another comment, are the 360 hubs on the TR1 model. It's $2,000 to get the TRX wheels on a decent (240) hub, which nobody wants to do on the aftermarket.
I always figured the 2k trance 29er w/ foxzocchi and deore, and the new reign advanced, would have gotten more traction on here.
  • 1 0
 @sascetti: Carbon or alloy?
  • 1 0
 @sascetti: that's awesome! that's the only kind of news you want to hear about a product, regardless of who makes it
  • 2 0
 @parkourfan: Easy fix to upgrade the engagement on previous year's lower spec models that have TRX 1 wheels. I have in stalled DT 240 54t star ratchets on all of mine. Just have to buy the driver ring, ratchets and freehub and boom you have a 240!
  • 3 0
 @OzarkBike: For the list price of the TRX1's, they shouldn't be compromising on hub internals. If specialized can afford to put a 350 on their rovals, giant can squeak some better parts on their sets as well.

For the end user who doesn't have access to shop tools, "just having" to buy half a new hub and install those parts gets expensive, quickly. Isn't super cheap for the LBS to do either, not to mention that the TRX0 doesn't come with a 54t driver ring stock either. Small, but expensive changes for the customer. I'm sure you have a know what those parts cost at list, not to mention the tools or labor. Not saying that it wouldn't be worth a couple hundred bucks to someone who keeps on blowing up the pawl-driven hubs, but it's something that could be taken care of at the original spec.
  • 3 0
 Looks sick! Giant really is on a roll since the last couple of years. Good to see there's still a brand left making bikes with moderately progressive, yet sensible geometry. Everyone else just seems to think it's a numbers game about who can go the longest and slackest.
  • 5 0
 you got ma at "you don't have to think about anything, you can just ride the bike..."
  • 4 0
 The newer hookless TRX Carbon wheels are real good. Only carbon rims I have not cracked from an ill-timed rock strike landing.
  • 3 0
 All these engineers and designers in the comments should I send their resumes in... the contact email is on Giant’s website. Make sure you use the Subject line: “I could have done it better.” to be considered.
  • 3 0
 I'm enjoying my new aluminum Trance X 29. If I were still in the market and willing to spend more, I'd give this a hard look.
  • 3 2
 Eh, I got by Trance X 29 2 a few weeks ago and I would say that it fits the best for me. I am not willing to spend more money on an electronically powered suspension system. Its cool, but Live Valve is for more serious and bigger harder terrain riders (in my opinion of course).
  • 4 0
 @yeeyeemtb: the lower end models don't have live valve
  • 4 1
 @arrowheadrush: I know; I don't exactly want that type of stuff until later. Extra money for that tech would only be good for riders who are going to tackle extremely difficult or mildly difficult terrain. I can barely go past intermediate terrain!
  • 2 0
 @yeeyeemtb: Oh, I agree. I'm not willing to spend more, and I don't regret my purchase at all. I'm just saying that if I did want more bling, I'd look at this based on how much I like the aluminum version.
  • 2 0
 @facelessghost: Aluminum model with nice wheels, suspension, and shifter, and that'd make any rider - no matter how snobby - happy for a very long time. Wish giant would let the US market have the top-specced aluminum versions, but that'd kill their cheaper carbon specs.
  • 2 0
 @parkourfan: Yes to high spec alloy Giants! I want the Trance X 1 in the U.S. However I bought the cheaper alloy Trance X 29 3 and have upgraded everything but the rear shock, post, stem and saddle; all of which are great.
  • 2 0
 I wanted this bike the year Giant went 27.5 and at the last minute pulled the plug on the 29er offerings. 10 years late. If they sold in frame only I would really think about it.
  • 1 0
 There is a frame only option for this new Trance X 29
  • 2 0
 @OzarkBike: Carbon only,I presume?
  • 2 0
 @nozes: Yup, 3k usd with lifetime warranty against manufacturer's defects, 2 years no-questions-asked style replacement policy. Wish giant would sell their aluminum frames as well, since they're no slouch when it comes to making a good aluminum frame.
  • 1 0
 @parkourfan: Do you have a link to the carbon frame?
  • 2 0
 @StumpHumper45: Don't know what's available in your area, sorry! Check out the canadian giant website, then hit up your LBS and see if/when they can order one in. I will say that with how cheap giants are for complete builds, it's pretty much always cheaper to buy a complete and then swap out what parts you want.

The trance 29er had a complete carbon build for $3300 last year, with the frame only at $3000, for instance. The builds around 5k are always a stand-out value as well.
  • 1 0
 If this bike handles tight stuff well, It might have a chance at finally replacing my 2012 Slayer. Been demoing for years and haven't found anything amazing enough to justify upgrading. Definitely ridden plenty of bikes that I could go faster on in certain areas, but nothing mind-blowing.
  • 1 0
 Bike looks good and I'd totally demo it.
One question - why doesn't everyone have in frame storage? I love the Specialized implementation (only from demoing) and it looks like Trek was able to implement it so patents might not preclude others.
Give me space for a tool, a tube and some munchies...
  • 4 0
 Honest question...what is forged carbon? I though carbon was laid up with resin in a mold. Sorry old n dum.
  • 2 0
 @mikelevy: outstanding educational response. Thank you!
  • 2 1
 I would be interested in this minus the electronics. Seems like added expense, weight, and something else to go wrong. I wonder if their lower end models will do away with it. I have a 2017 Trance Advanced 27.5 that I love. I have beat that thing down and it keeps going strong. Interested in the updated geometry.
  • 3 1
 they do, and are up on the giant site now
  • 3 0
 @edummann you should try a regular Trance X. They work just as well.
  • 2 0
 "Giant's clever noise-reducing measures".
I would hardly call that clever, as this has been done by many other companies for quite some time already.
Effective? definitely. Intelligent? very much so. But clever? Not so much.
  • 1 0
 Thank you Giant for not going too short on the seat tube length for the XL! This hits the sweetspot for me with a decently long seat tube while still allowing a 200mm dropper. Love the look, love the geo and love the value. The Advanced Pro 1 will be my next bike ... if I can get one. Now if only you'd get with the times and go 34.9mm on the seat post diameter. This 30.9 stuff is just silly.
  • 1 0
 Question about the sizing. I'm between the medium and large. The medium's top tube is too short, but the large's reach seems a bit too long. Any advice?

I know the best would be to find a bike shop where I could actually sit on it and take it for a test ride.
  • 1 0
 "it offers a relatively large adjustment range; 0.7-degrees of head angle and 10 millimeters of bottom bracket drop tuning"

It must also change the kinematics, too. That's a pretty decent sized translation of that pivot point with the flip chip, and it will also move the lower rear pivot as well. That must have a noticeable impact on leverage and anti-squat, if not more.
  • 2 0
 I was wondering what happened to Live Valve. Fox hadn't updated its Live Valve website in a few years. The bikes listed are all '18/19 models.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy Any obvious reason why, despite being effectively the same bike, this has 10mm more travel front and rear than the new Liv 29er Sarah Moore reviewed at the start of the week?
  • 3 0
 Product differentiation.
  • 1 1
 Ultimately , different brands, product managers, lineup, etc .
  • 2 0
 Interested to see what the specs are like for the lower end carbon versions...Next Field Test looks to be pretty interesting!
  • 1 0
 looks like Rockshox Pike/Deluxe Select and SRAM NX for the lowest model. Shimano MT520 brakes.
  • 2 0
 They are up on the Canadian site. Pretty competitive for a carbon frame and rims. The NX derailleur/cassette instead of shimano/gx is kind of disappointing but I'm sure they were after a certain price point.
  • 3 1
 @JayUpNorth: yea, i wish the "pro 1" had SLX instead of GX, but it looks like a solid bike
  • 1 0
 @JayUpNorth: ya but at $6600?
  • 1 0
 @CircusMaximus: the 6600 model has GX
  • 1 0
 @arrowheadrush: NX chain and cassette (I believe).
  • 2 0
 @CircusMaximus: i guess what i'm saying is, that i'd rather they charge $5500/5600 and include a slightly better drivetrain. Having HG is just too limiting for a nice bike in 2020.
  • 1 0
 @JayUpNorth: I agree with you, for the record. Giants value has definitely taken a beating in CAD pricing. I was trying to say that a gx build with some nx and a ton of house brand components for $6600 is pretty steep.
  • 1 0
 @CircusMaximus: just the chain, the next model down (2) is NX everything except the shifter
  • 1 0
 @JayUpNorth: agreed, although with the HG you could run an 11 speed shimano drivetrain right?
  • 1 0
 @arrowheadrush: for sure. I was pretty happy with the slx 11-46t on my last bike. I'm having that dilemma with my GT right now. I can ditch the sx and get a pretty cheap xt 11 speed, but my wheels are 2250 grams and I'd like to change those as well. I think I will end up with microspline and a mix of slx/xt.
  • 2 0
 Need to fix L sizing in the Geo chart have two Low's on the top row. Easy to figure out which is which though. Bike looks seriously good.
  • 3 0
 nice, one of the lower spec models may just be my next bike. the new carbon frames look siiick
  • 3 0
 "Giant has been manufacturing their own (and many other brands) frames since forever,"

Im curious, which other brands?
  • 7 0
 Trek and Scott are two I'm aware of, likely others as well. Them and Merida are two of the biggest frame manufacturers out there.
  • 2 0
 Ask Jeeves?
  • 1 0
 Canyon.
  • 1 0
 Has it got specially designed geometry just for men where they have measured lots of this gender and can prove using ‘science’ that men need a different shaped bike to women?

If not then why buy this over a Liv? ;-)
  • 1 0
 Man, no mention of that tool on the frame? I'm trying to find a good option that fits these new under top tube mounts.

Bike looks pretty good! I hope the non live valve models are still fun to ride
  • 2 0
 Guess my 2020 Trance Advanced 1 29 may have to go on the ol auction block. And after only 11 short rides even. This new X model is spot on for Kelowna riding.
  • 1 1
 Im very interested to see if they fixed the flexi carbon rear triangles. My reign flexs so much it changes gears in a corner. Also interested to see how they'll fix their alloy wheels cutting up tyres
  • 3 2
 Same (tallish) seat tube length on Small and Medium sizes? Swing and a miss for anyone under 5'6" who wants to run a reasonable (150mm) dropper.
  • 4 0
 I think it's a typo on their geo chart tbf
  • 1 2
 @mikelevy: sadly it’s not a typo.
  • 4 2
 Big giant hole in the sizing for us 5'10" normies (medium too small, large too, errr....large)
  • 5 3
 I’m 5’11 1/2” and ride a large Trance 29.

Medium is too small.
  • 4 3
 Just bought a medium, I’m 5’ 10” or 5’11” and when I had tinder I was 6’ 0”. Anyway I find the medium fit pretty good.
  • 1 1
 their sizing (at least for short riders) is pretty awful
  • 1 1
 @artistformlyknowasdan: it’s to bad. They need to size them right if they want to sell them.
  • 1 1
 @artistformlyknowasdan: what?? I’m 5’6” and ride a 2020 medium Advanced Pro 1. Thing fits great.
  • 1 1
 @ismellfish: more specially for short legs - there is a reason why 95% of small frames have a 400mm or short st length. I would literally be stuck with about 20 - 30 mm less drop with dropper post if I were foolish enough to go with a Giant since about 2018/19. They use to accommodate smaller riders much better. Also @ 5'6" your close to global average height. Small is the only size with LOnger st then reach, that's crazy
  • 1 4
 @klazzymoto: The top tube seems super short, you're not cramped while seated?
  • 4 0
 Wow these things are looong. 494mm reach on a large. Phoof!

I believe @roma258 is talking about the sizing for the 2021 Trance X Advanced in the article above these comments, not the sizing for some other Trance/Giant.
  • 2 0
 @roma258: I wouldn’t say I’m cramped at all.
  • 3 0
 why spec live valve , and not axs group ? go full electrard
  • 4 0
 Sometimes it's Fox/Shimano or RockShox/SRAM. The bike would be even more expensive if it was spec'd with AXS as well. Wired suspension but wireless drivetrain!
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: Oh I'm sure sram could offer one hell of a deal...maybe its time SRAM reveal their wireless live valve AXS suspension system...when is that coming you reckon @mikelevy ?
  • 1 0
 "Fox's Live Valve suspension uses sensors on the fork"

So that's what the threaded holes are _really_ for... Can you run a sensor and a mudguard?
  • 3 1
 2100 gram frame with or without shock? Also rear tire clearance?
  • 3 1
 welcome to 2020 Giant. Good work on the GEO
  • 2 0
 Great prices compared to lot of less established brands. Good job, Giant!
  • 3 0
 Now give us a new FAITH!
  • 2 0
 Quite surprised that these sensors can't be paired without cables in 2020?
  • 2 0
 It might cause testicular cancer, you know, like 5G causes coronavirus.
  • 1 0
 They absolutely can, it would just slow the whole system down
  • 2 0
 Love the paint job, not sure how it's trout inspired though
  • 2 0
 If only they did a reign with fox live valve
  • 3 0
 Frame weight 2.1kg? Wow
  • 1 0
 8 grand US so over 10 grand Canadian.
Can you test the 2500$ Al . Version ?
Please.
  • 9 1
 Maybe
  • 2 4
 Those Instagram-eyeshadow colors might look better on a Liv. I’d personally prefer either brighter “racing” colors (see Intense bikes over the last 26 years), or something more understated and natural like 2-tone medium & dark green, or maybe metal flake or flat British Racing Green + black or dark brown.
  • 2 0
 Agreed. The color scheme on the aluminum 3 (black/green) looks much better to me.
  • 2 0
 Can you have the same build without the live valve and a decent saving
  • 1 0
 Looks great. Basically a Kona Satori in terms of geo, with a few mm's extra travel. I support this.
  • 1 0
 and looks about 300x times better
  • 1 0
 Waiting for the looks like a session dummy that can't even use his
(her) eyes
  • 2 0
 Giant moving in the right direction, looks wise.
  • 2 0
 That's a mighty fine looking bike with some great features.
  • 2 2
 Is this going to be another Giant advanced frame where the paint chips off as soon as it smells rock?
  • 3 0
 Haha, might be unless you get a ride wrap.
  • 2 0
 Once they switched paints to the sparkly chameleon paint and stopped doing the masked two-tone weirdness (sometime around 2019-2020, for most models) the quick chipping issue seems to be gone.

RideWrap for any carbon frame seems like a no-brainer though. Hundred bucks to keep the paint (and carbon) protected from scuffs and tossed up rocks? Well worth it.
  • 1 0
 To similar to the current Reign 29. Maybe a Reign X 29 will come soon.
  • 1 1
 The way the top and down tube join about six inches back from the head tube looks a bit weird.
  • 1 1
 Weird sizing on small - longer seattube than reach, sounds like a winning combo Rolleyes
  • 1 0
 The 'Fortnite streamer's hairstyle' colourway is actually quite nice.
  • 1 0
 Is the weight with or without all of the zip-ties?
  • 1 0
 Digging the Hornet paint job!!!
  • 1 0
 To long of a wheelbase for my taste; but damn, that's a good looking bike!
  • 1 0
 Geo chart has L low L low
  • 1 0
 Frame only option please ????
  • 2 0
 This things rad
  • 1 0
 That first picture is wonderfully framed!
  • 7 9
 Dear Giant, Lots of love for this category of bike. But, If im splashing this much cash on the table i do not want own brand wheels.
  • 10 0
 They’re DT Swiss but I agree the giant branding takes away from the aesthetic
  • 7 0
 @diegosk: Giant makes the rims. Dt makes the hubs. And I believe they are sapim spokes.
The rims are pretty dang stiff, and have a reasonably chubby bead. They are quite a bit more durable than their previous carbon rims. For people hard on wheels they're great. For people who want a lot of compliance to smooth chatter, they are too stiff. But if you want compliance, you usually have to accept that you will damage and need to replace them more often. The previous giant rims were getting beat up too much, so they beefed them up.
  • 12 0
 @takeiteasyridehard: Yeah anyone knocking these wheels isn't a rider so much as someone wanting to show their "bling". They're very well made, light, and hold up. Mine have been my favorite mtb wheels to date.
  • 3 0
 @takeiteasyridehard: the more you know! Thanks for clarification
  • 4 0
 Trek, specialized, ibis, etc all have self-branded wheels at this point that are decent, especially within the last two years. Santa cruz gets a pass cause of the danny mac video, but their reserves aren't on the stock spec of most of their bikes. Instead, it's arc27's (or 30's if you're "lucky") on novatec hubs that'll drink up grit and gum up inside of a year.

We've all seen the messed up aftermarket carbon wheels of all kinds of brands, so what makes you worry about the wheel quality from the world's largest bike manufacturer? These rims are hookless, 30mm internal, 37mm external, with tons of internal spoke reinforcement to boot. Rim quality is great. If for some unknown reason giant put enve's on here, y'all would be complaining about how the wheels would be guaranteed to grenade the second you take it down a trail.
  • 3 0
 I bought a pair of these wheels in the TRX2 spec. For $1200CDN after tax you cannot go wrong. They are light. They are strong. They are well made. I've smashed them through many days at the Whistler bike park and other brutal trails and they are still straight as can be.
  • 1 0
 @chwk: what's the difference between the TRX1 & TRX2?
  • 1 0
 @arrowheadrush: J Bend spokes and different hubs on the 2. Rims are the same on 0,1,2.
  • 1 1
 430mm seat tube length on a small? Really?
  • 1 0
 Trance X ual
  • 1 0
 Levy delivers Smile nice
  • 1 2
 looks like the first time giant has ever made a bike with a steeper seat tube angle than head tube angle
  • 1 1
 Kona Process 134 is that you?
  • 1 1
 Get rid of the antenna's and I'd want one.
  • 1 0
 Where's the motor?
  • 1 0
 But can it Mullet?
  • 1 1
 Ditch the BB92 and I'm in
  • 1 2
 Or own brand anything for that fact...
  • 4 5
 man thats a lot of money for a giant ...
  • 23 0
 But just the right amount for a giant-built frame from a competing brand!
  • 12 0
 Not inexpensive, but compare it to other Live Valve/XTR/XT bikes w/ carbon wheels...
  • 3 3
 @mikelevy: Fair but I wouldn't part with 10K CAD for something that has XT parts Frown
  • 8 0
 @gunners1: Yeah, I wouldn't part with 10K for any bike lol
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: what's the retail on the GD?
  • 1 0
 @jaydawg69: It's a priceless one-off prototype right now, sorry.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: You'd drop about 5k for a run-bike according to the 14th episode of the podcast!
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: just needs a high pivot and would sell like donuts!
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: "Hiya kids, here is an important message from uncle Mike. Don't buy bikes! Become a writer for Pinkbike and they _give_ them to you for free"
  • 1 2
 Forged carbon rocker link!!! That sounds terrifying. Do they mean moulded?
  • 2 5
 Forged Carbon? where can I get some of that?
'While the bottom link is aluminum, the rocker link is a forged carbon unit.'
  • 5 1
 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forged_composite

Been used in other industries for awhile.
  • 4 2
 @mikelevy: Haha, I’m the one who introduced Lamborghini to “Forged Composite” at a conference here in Seattle in early 2009 (and the sales guy from Quantum Composites — the company that makes the material — made millions in commission over the following 9 years, then retired in 2018 ). My use of these materials was originally inspired by Trek’s Hexcel HexMC chopped carbon fiber prepreg + unidirectional prepreg material used on the Fuel links (from maybe the late 90’s onward?) and visited them to license it for use with Bentley Motors and VW Group, but then I found that Quantum’s “Forged Composite” material was cheaper and produced more consistent parts...specifically doors for the Bentley Continental GT. The door structure went from 27 pounds to 12 (done in 2007). Then Lamborghini (also part of VW Group) claimed to have invented “Forged Composite” in late 2009 or 2010 at UW in Seattle (a claim that pisses off Quantum), after my introduction and suggestion that they use it for doors, suspension (like the Trek links), the chassis (as I had engineered the McLaren Monocell carbon tub from 2005-2009), seats, etc — all of which they subsequently did. The only thing Lamborghini invented was the trademarked name “Forged Composite” which is co-owned by Quantum Composites. You can call Quantum to confirm all this too =). Anyhow, lots of marketing out there, only a portion of which is honest and accurate =P. Notice that they call it “Forged Carbon” — so as to not infringe on their trademarked “Forged Composite” branding.
  • 2 4
 note that as the seat post goes up the effective seat tube angle decreases
  • 5 0
 You mean it's not 90°?
  • 1 1
 @50percentsure: lol, I mean it's not even 77
  • 5 8
 3 broken Giant Frames in the last 2 years. Hard pass.
  • 5 0
 Properly broken or cracked?

I went through 3 2016 Anthem frames before they offered me a 2019 Trance as a full replacement.

That model of Anthems all cracked vertically on the seat tube between the pivot and the BB.

An ex Giant rep explained to me it was just a crack in the cosmetic layer which was wrapped differently to the rest and not structured.

I like my Trance 29 way better than my Anthem.
  • 4 4
 @KiwiXC: 1 structurally, 1 cosmetically and one a little of both.
Giant rep said they all were “unexplainable frame failures”.
None were from crashes.
  • 1 0
 @sunringlerider:

Damn that's disheartening. I remember when the new Reign 29 dropped that the media outlets liked the bike but at least a couple reported the rubbing from the rear end that was hard to identify. Maybe a stiffness issue?

This one looks good though. Hey were you cracking their alu or carbon frames?
  • 1 2
 @WasatchEnduro: all were carbon. I now have an Aluminum enduro bike, still have a carbon gravel bike but a different brand. Pretty sad. I had a garage full of Giants, road, gravel, dh and enduro. Not anymore.
  • 1 1
 @KiwiXC: my friend and his brother cracked five trance 27.5 frames between them. All seat tube behind the shock. Shop got pretty quick at doing warranty frame swaps for them. Only stopped when they moved onto 2020 Reigns.
  • 3 0
 sunringlerider ...The lightweight 2018+ Trance Adv 27.5 carbon "trail bike" is great for "trail" riding. Not sure it was designed for Windrock and Snowshoe DH runs and road gaps. It was a super light frame. The Reign was the enduro bike park bike for those years. However this new Trance X is a whole new all a rounder but does not take place of a full enduro or DH rig.
  • 4 0
 @philrossnz: I was dealing with the Giant shop in Wellington and directly with Giant NZ and it was easy every time. They were both great to work with.
  • 3 1
 @OzarkBike: I guess the problem is when your EWS team athletes are riding those bikes on downhill tracks. Sends a strong message to the customer that the bike can handle it.
  • 1 1
 @philrossnz: depends on the track.....
  • 3 0
 @philrossnz: My point was who buys a 2017 lightweight carbon trail bike to hit 35ft road gap drops? Could Giant have made the 2017 Trance 27.5 carbon more robust? Sure...Maybe? But it was a lightweight trail bike from 2017. Are you going to take your Rav 4 to a serious off road park? This was directed at sunringlerider. I had no issues with my 2017 27.5 Carbon Trance on more XC style enduro races....I used the Reign for the bigger tougher events.
  • 2 1
 @KiwiXC: 6 cracked Anthem frames for me. And each time I was told "They've fixed the problem now." They finally gave me a Trance as a replacement but it ain't no good for racing XC. Lucky the shop I repped started selling Scotts and a Spark RC did me very well.
  • 1 0
 @OzarkBike: I totally agree.... which is why I bought a Reign. But, when Giant Factory EWS riders are hitting EWS tracks on the Trance, it sets the expectation you should be able to hit that style of track on that bike.
  • 2 0
 @OzarkBike: not sure if you are hinting towards me but one was a Glory Advance that I did ride at Windrock and the other two were Revolt Gravel bikes. Not sure how pedaling a bike should cause it to fail. . . Twice. And I’m a bean pole.
  • 2 0
 I will add that Giant did fix the issue very quick and were nice to deal with. Just disappoint in the fact that I’d been riding giant bikes for a long time and I have lost my faith “kinda pun intended” in them. I guess all love affairs must end
  • 1 1
 @sunringlerider: No. More of a general statement and not you specifically. I think trail bikes produced today can take a lot more abuse than the Trance Advanced from '17. Features and trails keep getting bigger every year and the bikes and components are still catching up.
  • 1 0
 @sunringlerider: you broke frames pedaling? sounds like a case of frame damage from a bike stand or over torqueing parts
  • 1 0
 @arrowheadrush:
Trust me where they failed was not due to bike stand or over torquing. Clamping a carbon frame in a stand is an all day face palm, as I know someone who cracked a brand new frame doing just that.
  • 1 0
 @KiwiXC: I was told the 'cosmetic' line too, but if that is the case why could I hear the difference under power once the frame cracked. A new creak would issue from the BB area and then I'd know it was cracked.
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