All-mountain e-bike test 2022: Giant Trance X E+ 2 in the EMTB reader test
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 21.09.2022
The chassis is extremely comfortable and greedily soaks up roots and stones. Added to this is the high-torque Yamaha engine, which impresses with its lively ride feel and progressive power delivery. The Trance also gives its rider plenty of comfort and safety on downhill sections. The suspension is very firm on rough terrain and generates plenty of traction. It works very sensitively even with a moderate riding style and readily releases the suspension travel. With its long wheelbase, the bike runs as if on rails.
The downside: it is very difficult to lift the front wheel over obstacles or even pull it into the air for manuals or bunny hops. The bike also requires a lot of physical effort in tight bends. On steep descents, the very low front end also undermines the feeling of safety. On moderate trails, passive riders benefit from a balanced wheel load distribution. This means that the front wheel has enough pressure even if the rider is too hesitant. However, those who like to play with the terrain would wish for more manoeuvrable handling and more counter-pressure in the suspension. The same applies to the wide 2.6 tyres, which prioritise comfort and traction over a direct and lively ride. Pleasant: The Trance is a comparatively quiet bike, but the Yamaha engine also rattles slightly.
Conclusion by Florenin Vesenbeckh, deputy editor-in-chief of EMTB:
Comfort and riding safety are the top priorities for the Giant Trance X E+ 2. An outstanding climber and safe descender - as long as the terrain isn't too steep and the riding style isn't too fast.
All the winning bikes from our readers' survey can be found here: >> 8 all-mountain e-bikes in the big EMTB reader test 2022 <<
Technical data Giant Trance X E+ 2
General information
- Price: 5699 Euro
- Information on Giant products
Drive
- Motor: Giant Syncdrive Pro 2
- Max. Torque³: 85 Nm
- Battery³ / weight² / price Replacement battery: EnergyPak Smart XL 750 / 4278 g / 899 Euro
- Gear system: Shimano SLX / XT (12-speed)
- Translation (v. / h.): 36; 10-51
- Display / size: Giant RideControl Go, LED display, display optional
Measured values
- Weight²: 24.98 kg
- Suspension travel (f. / h.): 150 / 140 mm
Equipment
- Permissible total weight³: 156 kg
- Fork / shock: Fox 36 Rhythm / DPS Performance
- Telescopic post: Giant Contact Vario, 150 mm
- Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Shimano Deore four-piston / 203 mm / 203 mm
- Wheels: Shimano MT 410 hubs; Giant AM 30 rims
- Tyres (f. / h.): Maxxis Assegai EXO / Dissector EXO+, 29 x 2.6"
¹ The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight incl. equipment 90 kg. The altitude metres in brackets are in significantly reduced emergency mode.
² Determined on the test stands in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.
³ Manufacturer information
Further articles on Giant Trance models:
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
