Test 2023 - All-mountain bikes up to 3300 euros: Giant Trance X 2 - all-mountain classic
Jan Timmermann
· 09.03.2023
In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
The Giant Trance with Maestro rear triangle is a true MTB classic, mountain bikers have known this name for almost 20 years. X-fold test victories justify its good reputation, most recently in the All-mountain test 2022. However, the X in the model name stands for a certain amount of extra suspension travel. With 144 millimetres measured by us at the rear, it is - quite classically - right in the middle of the all-mountain bike category.
As with the Predecessor model the riding position of the traditional model is very balanced. A short head tube and the handlebars with little rise put a lot of pressure on the front wheel when seated. Together with the steep seat angle, the Giant literally pushes forwards. This allows you to make rapid progress on flat terrain. Even when pedalling out of the saddle, the rear suspension only bobs a little and can be kept completely still with the shock's platform lever. The Giant copes best with steep ramps and long tours.
Safety even at full throttle downhill
At high speeds downhill, the long reach of the Trance X 2 for safety. If the trail gets tight and twisty, the long wheelbase has a rather bulky effect and requires physical effort from the rider. In practice, the moderate stiffness of the relatively light frame was not a negative factor. The bottom bracket and centre of gravity are low and embed the rider deep into the bike. The sensitive rear triangle is very responsive and doesn't bottom out when cornering.
Equipment leaves room for improvement
Unfortunately, the simple Rockshox fork can't keep up with the rear end. It is not very sensitive and also smacks loudly on fast bumps. The groupless Shimano stoppers offer just enough braking power for all-mountain use. The favourably priced Sram SX Eagle drivetrain changes gears somewhat imprecisely. The complete drivetrain is available online for as little as 240 euros and adds little lustre to a bike costing 3300 euros.
Test Giant Trance X 2: Conclusion of the BIKE editorial team
With its balanced riding characteristics, the Giant offers classic all-mountain qualities that are also fun on tour. The favourable equipment is not appropriate for the price. - Max Fuchs, BIKE Editor
Technical data and notes Giant Trance X 2
Manufacturer information
- Price: 3299 Euro >> available here
- Available from specialised dealers
- Frame material: aluminium
- Frame size: S / M / L / XL (tested in size L, 46.5 cm)
Measured values
- Weight without pedals: 15.28 kg
- Frame weight without shock: 3297 g
- Weight of wheels: 5618 g
- Handlebar width: 780 mm
Equipment
- Fork: Rockshox 35 Gold RL
- Shock: Fox Float DPS Performance
- Front/rear suspension travel: 148/144 mm
- Cranks: Sram SX Eagle
- Gear system: Sram SX Eagle 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 30; 11-50 / 454 %
- Brake system / Disc (front / rear): Shimano BL-MT 401 / Shimano BR-MT 420 / 203 mm / 180 mm
- Telescopic post / stroke / diameter: Giant Contact Switch / 160 mm / 30.9 mm
- Wheels: Giant Am 29
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF / Dissector Exo TR 29 x 2.50 / 2.40
- Ease of maintenance: medium
BIKE TEST RATING*: good - 169.8 out of 250
¹Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, dispatch and coordination.
²The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements (BIKE laboratory measurement) and the subjective impression of the test riders.
The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.).
Jan Timmermann
Editor
