Because the dealers wanted it, Giant has developed an affordable entry-level model for 2018 for the first time - the Giant Trance 3 for 1999 euros - in the programme. However, when we looked at the measured suspension travel, we were taken aback: because according to our definition, the aluminium fully with the Maestro rear triangle is strictly speaking an all-mountain bike. But the long-travel bike has nothing to hide on the climbs: The suspension sensitively filters out cross roots, the lightweight wheels (2829 grams) accelerate convincingly thanks to the factory tubeless tuning. Only the high front end requires physical effort on steep ramps. The potent suspension - especially the SR Suntour fork - also impressed our reader testers. "Balanced suspension" and "plenty of reserves" was the verdict. If roots and rocks get in the way, the sensitive but sufficiently progressive damper in the Maestro rear triangle smoothes the trail to the gravel track. Despite the generous suspension travel, the playfulness doesn't fall by the wayside. That's why the Giant Trance 3 took the unofficial win in the handling category.
Test summary of the Giant Trance 3:
A very good all-round bike with convincing suspension and great handling. Strictly speaking, not a trail bike given the generous suspension travel.
Price 1,999.90 Euro
Available in specialised shops
Material / Sizes Aluminium/ S / M / L / XL (48.2 cm)
Weight without pedals 14.21 kg
Front/rear suspension travel 155 mm/145 mm
Fork / damper SR Suntour Aion 35 / Rockshox Deluxe R
Cranks / gears Shimano Deore / Shim. Deore
Gear ratio / handlebar width 36/26; 11-42 / 760 mm
Brake system / Disc front / rear Shimano M365 / 180 mm / 180 mm
Telescopic support Giant Contact Switch / 150 mm
Impellers Giant XC-1 disc wheels, Maxxis Highroller II Exo 27.5x2.4" tyres
Reach / Stack / BB-Offset 440 / 620 mm / -10 mm
BIKE judgement VERY GOOD¹
The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price.
BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-170 P.), good (169.75-140 P.), satisfactory (139.75-100 P.), with weaknesses, unsatisfactory. ²Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, shipping and coordination.
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