Smooth, root-free feel-good terrain, smooth berms and climbs made easier by hairpin bends. The Park City region in Utah spoils you with such wellness trails. The Giant Trance with its generous 140 millimetres of travel and 27.5-inch wheels, on the other hand, seems almost underchallenged here. The Trance series was redeveloped over two years and optimised to 27.5 inches. In size M, the carbon fibre frame (aluminium rear triangle) weighs just 2205 grams. The complete weight of the top model Advanced 0 is said to be 11.8 kilos.
Thanks to the lightweight carbon wheels and the now 73.5 degree seat angle, it climbs willingly uphill turn after turn and can be accelerated efficiently out of every bend without the Maestro rear triangle dipping into the suspension travel. There's no need to use the Fox shock's trail mode. Once at the top, it's best to lower the Giant Contact Switch dropper post with internally routed cables to dive into a rollercoaster-like fun trail well integrated into the bike. Small waves can be easily pushed away with the agile Trance. Surfing or jumping on the rear wheel. No problem at all. Thanks to the 439 millimetre short chainstays, the Giant is great for playing with the terrain. The bike manoeuvres agilely through tight bends. However, it only shows its true potential on more demanding terrain. Then it's all about Open the brakes and let go. The Trance wants to be pushed hard, only then does it release its full suspension travel. To utilise the 140 millimetres, it needs a little over 30 percent sag, as is typical for Maestro. The 67-degree head angle makes the bike a safe bet in rough sections.
Please note: The top model we tested is not available in Germany. The Advanced 1 with Shimano XT costs 4199 euros and weighs 12.3 kilos.
Conclusion The Trance is an efficient, fun trail bike that literally craves harder terrain.
PLUS potent chassis, playful handling, easy to pedal uphill
MINUS narrow tyres
ATTENTION: The bike was ridden in Utah and did not come to the lab in Munich, so there is no measured data!!!
Info under www.giant-bicycles.de
Manufacturer information:
Material sizes Carbon, aluminium/XS/S/M/L/XL (20 inch)
Price Top model not available in Germany
Weight without pedals approx. 11.8 kg (not measured)
Fork/damper RS Revelation RLT3/RS Monarch RT3
Cranks/gears Sram XX1/Sram XX1 Trigger
Gear ratio/handlebar width 34; 10-42/720 mm
Brake system/DISC-Ø VO./HI. Avid X0 Trail/180/160 mm
Impellers Giant P-TRX0 carbon system wheels, Schwalbe Nobby Nic Evo 27.5x2.25 tyres
