The price also remains low, which is not a matter of course in 2016. The strength of the Trance remains its lightweight carbon frame. Only Radon still offers carbon fibre in this price range. The Giant chassis is very well made and the down tube and chainstays are well protected. The Trance's strengths lie on the climbs, as indicated by the narrow tyres. You sit comfortably and enjoy the comfortable suspension and the confident handling downhill. However, in some respects the competitors look more modern. The 38 t chainring in combination with the 36 t sprocket means you have to shift gears more often at the front than on the 11-speed Shimano XT. The shock lacks a platform (as in 2015) and the fork function falls behind the competition. Last year, the Trance achieved the rating "very good", but in the new, more stringent test system, this is not enough. The chain guide could be dispensed with. Good: 25-year warranty, 138-kilo weight limit.
ConclusionComfort tourer with high-quality carbon chassis. But you have to compromise on the equipment.
The alternative: If you can do without the carbon frame (Advanced option), the Trance 1 (3799 euros) offers higher-quality equipment with Fox Factory suspension and Shimano XT groupset. It also comes with carbon wheels.
