In the middle of the year Giant the new Reign E+ with the brand new SyncDrive Pro2 motor. The E-Enduro was the starting signal for an entirely new generation of e-MTBs from the Taiwanese company. Its hallmark is the significantly slimmer design made possible by the new power unit. The Touring classic Trance X E+ is undergoing the same modernisation for the 2022 season, but is also adding new highlights. For the first time, an e-mountainbike from Giant a carbon chassis. And true to the motto "think less, ride more", the Taiwanese want to have built the most intelligent e-MTB on the market.
The facts about the Giant Trance X Advanced E+
- SyncDrive Pro2 motor (Yamaha)
- 625 watt-hour battery
- 150 / 140 millimetre spring travel
- 29-inch wheels
- Frame size S-XL
- Full carbon frame
- Weight: 22.85 kilos (top model, EMTB measurement)
- three models between 6399 euros and 8499 euros
Fully smart: the electric features of the Giant Trance X Adavanced E+
How is the smartest E-MTB on the market supposed to succeed? As a first step, the product managers are giving the all-rounder the latest version of the electronically controlled Live-Valve suspension from Fox. This system replaces the mechanical lockout by automatically opening and closing the platform on the suspension fork and shock. Twelve sensors measure 1000 times per second whether impacts from the ground are reaching the rider and then open the damping. This ensures maximum riding enjoyment on the trail without even having to think about the lockout remote. The sensitivity of the sensors and the suspension characteristics can be adjusted via the app. But that's not all. In a second step, Giant also wants to make reaching for the support level control superfluous with its Smart Assist mode. Similar to the Trail or E-MTB mode from Shimano resp. Bosch the motor output in this setting is based on the rider's effort in order to provide the most natural riding experience possible. Same game as with the suspension: the power output of all support levels can be fine-tuned using the Ride Control app.
Never change a winning team: Trance X E+ remains a classic all-mountain bike
Not much has changed in the key data of the Trance X E+. 625 watt hours of battery capacity, 150/140 millimetres of suspension travel and 29-inch wheels. Classic data for an all-mountain bike. The geometry remains largely unchanged and moderate, and there is still an adjustment option via a flipchip. A pleasing, but also costly innovation: the weight. The carbon fibre frame in combination with the lightweight wheels and the new, lighter battery stops our laboratory scales at 22.85 kilos. A very good value, which is significantly lower than the previous model - even though the Live-Valve system adds weight. Three carbon models of the new Giant Trance X E+ are available for between 6399 and 8499 euros.
Max Fuchs
Editor
