At the end of last year, Giant the carbon versions of the new All Mountains Trance X E+ and now more affordable e-MTB models with aluminium frames are following. Although they have to do without technical delights such as the new Fox Live Valve System but offer almost the same performance with the high-quality Syncdrive 2 drive, large batteries, strong chassis and high-quality equipment. The weight disadvantage due to the aluminium frame should also be kept within limits at 900 grams. Prices start at 4899 euros.
The facts about the Giant Trance X E+ 2022
- Motor: Giant Syncdrive Pro2 (Yamaha PW-X3)
- Battery capacity: Up to 750 watt hours
- Optional range extender: 250 Wh (479.90 euros)
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Weight: approx. 24.5 kg (manufacturer's specification)
- Suspension travel: 150/140 millimetres
- Frame material: Aluminium / Carbon
- Three models from 4899 euros
In detail: Motor and battery
As with the more expensive Carbon models of the Giant E-MTB, the Trance X E+ with aluminium frame comes with the new Giant Syncdrive Pro2 with a maximum Torque of 85 Newton metres (manufacturer's specification) is used. The engine is based on Yamaha's PW X3but is supported by its own Switches and control units from Giant controlled. The support can be fine-tuned using the Giants Ride Control app.
In addition, the Engine in "Smart-Assist" automatic mode The rider can also choose the support level themselves. This means that the power unit provides more support on hills and key sections, while at the same time holding back on the flat to save energy. The e-drive is fuelled by Fast chargers with six amps and Batteries with 750 watt hourswhich can be removed from the down tube as usual after loosening a locking screw. Only the cheapest model has to make do with 625 watt hours and the slower charger with four amps.
Suspension and geometry of the Giant Trance E+
The geometry of the new Trance X E+ is also typical of Giant. The chainstays are long at 473 millimetres, as on the carbon bike, the front is very flat and the reach is a sporty 482 or 489 millimetres in frame size L. To prevent the e-mountainbike from becoming too unwieldy, Giant maintains a conservative steering angle of 66.5 or 65.8 degrees. The different geometry values are created by the flip chip in the shock rocker.
The wheelbase is nevertheless long. Thanks to the flat front end, at least the carbon model had a sporty and front wheel-orientated ride, but did not provide ultimate confidence on steep terrain. On the other hand, the suspension with the rear triangle in the proven Maestro design was convincing and delivered first-class traction uphill and plenty of counter-pressure downhill. The carbon bike rode firm and direct, climbed excellently and remained surprisingly lively on flatter trails despite its length - even the additional weight of around 900 grams due to the heavy aluminium frame shouldn't change that too much.
From 4899 euros: the three aluminium models of the Trance X E+
There will be three models of the new Alu-Trance X E+. The Entry-level model for 4899 euros still has to make do with the smaller 625 watt-hour battery. The equipment with Rockshox 35 fork, Deluxe R shock and Deore components is functional, but not a real highlight.
If you want a better chassis, you have to go to the medium model for 5499 Euro reach for. The performance version of the Fox fork and damper are used here. The most expensive aluminium model also gets a shock absorber with reservoir and a complete set of equipment from Shimano's Deore XT range for 6199 Euro. Giant's own Vario seatpost can be found in all new e-bikes and offers 150 millimetres of travel in frame size M (L/XL: 170 millimetres, S: 125 millimetres).
Adrian Kaether
Editor
