Suspension travel isn't everything, as Giants Trance has proven time and again since its launch a few years ago. It also depends on what you do with the travel. And that's exactly where the Trance has shone so far. One of the first trail bikeswhich was able to combine a short rear travel (115 millimetres) with convincing downhill performance on demanding trails.
Mini enduro with new geometry: what's new on the Trance 2022
Now the new version of the Giant trail bike with a storage compartment in the frame and revised geometry, but a similar mini-enduro concept, is rolling onto the starting line. The tried-and-tested Maestro rear triangle now has a nominal 120 millimetres of travel, which Giant continues to combine with a 130 millimetre suspension fork.
The Giant Trance at a glance
- Area of application: Trail
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Suspension travel: 130/120 millimetres
- Weight: from approx. 13 kilograms
- Frame weight: 2460 grams (size L - BIKE measurement)
- Five models from 2799 to 11699 euros
In terms of weight, this brings the Giant Trance even closer to the All Mountain Trance X close. Perhaps too close, because at least in terms of weight, the 13.5-kilogram Trance Advanced Pro 1 is halfway between the Trance X (13.7 kilos) and the 11.3 kilos, new Racefully Anthem only bad. For comparison: The last Trance that we tested in BIKE 4/21 weighed in at just 13.1 kilograms for a considerably cheaper € 3999. The new frame alone, with flip chip and storage compartment, is responsible for an additional weight of 300 grams. The electric suspension and wide tyres add extra pounds.
Detail work on the Trance: flip chip, Vario seatpost and storage compartment
However, the new Trance leaves its predecessor far behind, especially in terms of utility. Unlocked by a simple rotary knob, the storage compartment in the down tube has room for tools and a tube. As with the competition (e.g. Orbea), a bag specially made for the storage compartment is designed to prevent the material from rattling in the frame.
The Trance inherits the flipchip for geometry adjustment in the shock rocker from the models with more suspension travel. The steering and seat angle can be adjusted by 0.7 degrees to personal preference. The extremely long Vario seatposts, which can be quickly adjusted by 30 millimetres without tools, are also beautifully designed. This means that every rider can enjoy the maximum adjustment range without having to worry about the seat height being too high.
In addition to the long telescopic seat post (200 millimetres for frame size L), 2.5 inch wide Maxxis tyres underline the downhill aspirations of the Trance. A revised geometry with a slightly longer reach, slacker steering angle and a two-degree steeper seat angle should make the bike more balanced. The two top models stand for maximum efficiency with Fox's revised Live-Valve suspension at the dealer - compared to the conventional suspension, however, the Live-Valve system is also a good half a kilogram heavier.
Giant Trance 2022: Five configurations in carbon and aluminium
A total of two aluminium and three carbon versions of Giant's bestseller will be available in Germany. The top model, the Trance Advanced Pro 0, costs a whopping 11699 euros with exclusive equipment. Our test bike, the Advanced Pro 1, is available for a more reasonable 6499 euros. It is also heavily equipped with Live Valve suspension, carbon wheels and a full XT groupset. The cheapest carbon model will cost 4799 euros, while prices for the aluminium bikes start at 2799 euros. The better of the two aluminium models with Fox Performance suspension and a solid Shimano SLX groupset will be available from Giant dealers for 3299 euros. The first bikes are due to be delivered at the beginning of 2022.
All mountain for experts: first ride impressions of the Carbon Trance
A steeper seat angle, a longer reach and Fox's Live Valve suspension. Can the new Giant Trance leave the somewhat sluggish handling of its predecessor model behind on the climbs? It is indeed much easier to master technical uphill sections on the new Trance. However, the lightweight carbon wheels of our Trance Advanced Pro 1 test bike can only partially conceal the heavy tyres and the high overall weight for a trail bike in this price range. Nevertheless, the rear suspension doesn't bob much even when the Live-Valve is switched off and generates a lot of traction. In winter mud, the rear tyre is more likely to reach its limits.
Somewhat atypical for this suspension travel class: the Giant Trance is only really in its element downhill. It can be steep, fast and rough, because that's when the suspension and geometry really come into their own. If you only roll over flat and tame trails at a moderate speed, you can easily pull the bike into the air, but otherwise it's difficult to utilise the potential of the new Trance at all.
The new Trance clearly appeals to fast riders who want to hit their lines cleanly downhill and are looking for a lively and sporty bike for difficult terrain. As a comfortable touring all-mountain bike or for less experienced riders, the slightly heavier Trance X cut a better figure. Those who ride less demanding trails or long marathon laps are better off with a modern racer like the new Anthem much better advice.
How the Giant Trance Advanced performs in a detailed test, as well as everything about the Live-Valve suspension from Fox, you will soon be able to read in BIKE 2/2021 - in stores from 4 January.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
