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The Giant Trance X Elite is a special case among lightweight e-mountainbikes. This is because it is not a minimalist light motor that provides the thrust, but the Syncdrive Pro 2 MG with a full 85 Newton metres. In comparison with a Shimano EP801 or a Bosch Performance Line CX it may not be a powerhouse, but it is certainly a match for the light competition! Fast climbs or tricky ascents are much easier than with a Fazua, Bosch SX or even more so with the minimalists from Specialized or TQ. In our large motor test, the Syncdrive Pro 2 MG stood out as the lightest power motor. This makes it ideal for Giant's concept: Light E-MTB with full motor power.
However, with this powerful drive in combination with the permanently installed battery with a moderate 400 watt hours, you have to consciously save power in order to survive long tours. Because even in the middle modes, the motor still pushes quite hard. Despite the heavier motor, Giant keeps the weight of its speedster reasonably in check. At 20.3 kilos, it is just about the heaviest bike in our comparison of seven Light E-MTBs up to € 6600. The competition with a carbon frame and permanently installed battery is even lighter. But the Giant can also rightly call itself a "Light E-MTB". The equipment is coherent, only the flimsy rear tyre with Exo casing could do with more puncture protection. The long telescopic seat post with 200 mm travel, which is also adjustable, stands out positively.
The facts about the Giant Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 2 V2
- Motor: Giant Syncdrive Pro MG, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 400 Wh (permanently installed), optional range extender with 200 Wh
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 150/140 mm
- Wheel size: 29 / 27.5 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Price: 6499 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 20.33 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
- Permissible total weight: 156 kg (manufacturer's specification)
A full 85 Newton metres - the e-bike drive
Giant relies on the classic Yamaha motor with magnesium housing, which delivers a whopping 85 Nm of maximum torque. Noticeably more powerful than the competition, but also heavier at 2.6 kilos. However, Giant cannot outsmart physics when it comes to range. The fact is that the compact 400 in the Elite only gets you half as far as the 800 in Giant's classic E-MTBs. Especially as all but the lowest U-stage in the Elite model deliver plenty of power. So if you want to ride more than just a short domestic circuit, you have to consciously save power. It is also worth fine-tuning the U-levels in the app for less power in the lowest three support modes. Optional: Range extender with 200 Wh in water bottle form (€599.90).
The geometry of the Giant Trance X Elite
The Giant Trance X has a decidedly compact and trail-like design. Giant wants to guarantee agile and playful handling. Rider qualities were less important in the specification. Even in the slack setting, the steering angle is rather steep and the wheelbase rather short. The bottom bracket is conspicuously high.
EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 435 mm
- Wheelbase: 1245 - 1250 mm
- Reach: 468 - 476 mm
- Stack: 630 - 637 mm
- Steering angle: 65 - 66 degrees
- Seat angle: 75 - 76 degrees
- Chainstay length: 447 mm
- Bottom bracket height: 344 - 354 mm
The features of the Giant Trance X Elite
- Fork / shock: Fox 36 Performance / Float Performance
- Gear system: Shimano SLX, 12-speed, 36; 10-51 teeth
- Brakes: Shimano SLX 7120, 203/203 mm
- Wheels: Giant e-TRA 30
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF Exo+, 29 x 2.6'' / Dissector Exo, 27.5 x 2.4''
- Special features: Telescopic support with adjustable stroke of up to 200 mm, lifetime warranty on the frame
Practical test: How the Giant Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 2 V2 rides
The E-MTBs from Giant stand out from the crowd with their sometimes extreme geometries. However, the developers strike a different note with their light bike. The compact Trance Elite is kept moderate, and this becomes immediately clear in the practical test. The high level of comfort is striking. Both the riding position and the fluffy suspension make long rides a relaxed endeavour.
The agile yet intuitive handling also stands out. No tipping steering, no stubborn directional stability - this is pleasing when cruising through the terrain. With its manoeuvrable geometry, the Giant is a lot of fun to ride. In this respect, the concept of full engine power and yet a light-footed riding experience is a complete success. Only the usual motor rattling, which is also familiar from Shimano and Bosch, dampens the trail euphoria somewhat.
When the ground gets rougher and the trail steeper, the powerful suspension also scores points, as it generates a lot of grip. However, you don't really want to step on the gas on rough terrain. This is where the moderate reserves of the tame geometry and the tyres become noticeable. The Giant thus remains a clear trail bike and deliberately does not tend towards a mini-enduro. Uphill, the powerful motor makes its mark on the ride. Compared to all light drives, it has plenty of reserves. This means you can stay calm on difficult and steep passages. But even here, the geometry has not prioritised extreme terrain. Difficult uphills have to be consciously and actively tamed. Otherwise, the powerful Giant will quickly start to lift the front wheel uncontrollably.
EMTB review of the Giant Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 2 V2
Strengths
- Balanced handling
- High ride comfort
- Harmonious equipment
- Plenty of motor power on request
- High weight release + guarantee
Weaknesses
- Puncture-prone rear tyre
- Permanently installed battery
- Engine rattles
- Chainring too big
The EMTB conclusion
Full motor power with low weight: This balancing act is rare on the market and is really fun. Giant packs the combination into an agile and lively package for trails and tours. There are smoother bikes for rough terrain. - Adrian Kaether, Test Editor EMTB Magazine
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
