The Giant developers had the courage to leave gaps and equipped the Trance SX with a robust chain guide but only one chainring. This direction is consistently followed through with a fat fork, slack steering angle, telescopic seat post and enduro tyres. When it comes to the frame, the Taiwanese demonstrate their core competence: hardly any other company hydroforms aluminium chassis so easily and well. The chassis looks great and, at 2.8 kilos, even outperforms carbon competitors. Anyone who has balanced themselves up the mountain with 36 to 36 teeth (lowering the fork helps) naturally wants to be rewarded downhill. And the Trance doesn't disappoint. The geometry - very long wheelbase paired with slack angles - results in confident handling. The high bottom bracket is a joy to ride on technical trails, and this is where the bike is primarily used.
ConclusionThe limited gear ratio narrows down the range of buyers for the Trance SX. The bike works perfectly - provided you come to terms with the set-up.
PLUS Lifetime warranty, 136 kg payload, lightweight aluminium frame; very comfortable chassis.
MINUS Limited range of use due to only one chainring and therefore quickly at the limit on uphill sections
The alternative
The Trance X 29er 0 offers larger wheels and less suspension travel for 3599 euros. Aluminium suspension with 120 mm travel and Shimano XT groupset form a powerful package for difficult terrain.
