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In addition to a geo update (slacker, longer, steeper seat angle, flip chip), the Giant designers gave the Trance 1 a little more travel at the rear. Nominally, the bike still has the least travel in the test field with 130 millimetres at the front and 120 at the rear. Even on the first few metres of trail, the Giant Trance 1 turns out to be a playful, agile bike that is easy to steer through turns. The rather compact geometry positions the rider comfortably low on the bike, and the lively Fox Performance suspension with the small-stroke 34 mm fork provides the necessary agility on undulating trails. "A real playmobile", commented one tester. Surprisingly, tester Bella Chen (pictured below) liked the Trance better than its women's counterpart, the Liv Intrigue 1 from the Giant sub-brand.
The other side of the trail medal: On root carpets, in bumps and at higher speeds, the Trance gets nervous sooner than, for example Propain Hugene or YT Jeffsy and allows significantly less speed. The bike simply lacks length, stroke and power in the chassis. So the Giant Trance 1 was one of the test crew's favourites as long as the trail was tame and as flat as possible. On tour, the trail bike pedals comfortably uphill. The bobbing rear suspension with three-position adjustment can be calmed down efficiently.
PLUSHandling, brakes, price/performance
MINUSSuspension downhill, weight/wheel weight
Conclusion:
The Giant Trance 1 is a stringent trail bike with playfulness and feel-good geo. On undulating trails, the bike is a pleasure to ride despite its chubby weight. Park visits and rough descents are not among the Trance's specialities.
Alternative to the Giant Trance 1:
If you want more suspension travel, you can opt for the Trance X 1 (3999 Euro). The aluminium bike has 150/135 millimetre travel, making it more downhill-oriented and perhaps even the better trail enduro bike. Weight according to the manufacturer 14.8 kilos.
Technical data and notes Giant Trance 1
Manufacturer information
- Distribution Giant Germany GmbH
- Material / Sizes: Aluminium / S, M (tested size), L, XL
- Price: 3399 Euro
- Weight without pedals: 14.7 kg
Measurement data
- Front / rear suspension travel: 130 mm / 120 mm
- Rear suspension system: Maestro
- Reach: 446 / 452 mm
- Stack: 623 / 617 mm
- BB drop: -43 / -34 mm
Equipment
- Fork / Shock: Fox 34 Float Performance / Fox Float DPS Performance
- Cranks / gears: Shimano SLX / Shimano SLX
- Brake system: Shimano BR-MT 520
- Wheels: Giant AM 29 system wheelset
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 3C MaxxTerra Exo Prot. 2.5 / Maxxis Aggressor Exo Port. 2,5 2,4
Statement from Steffi Marth, racer and guest tester:
"With the Trance, you want to jump, manual and cut corners. Super! The geo is a bit squat and the suspension doesn't provide enough counter-pressure. In short: a great trail bike for tame laps around the house. Good value!"
Laurin Lehner
Editor
