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The Giant has the weight of a full-blown all-mountain bike. The coarsely profiled Maxxis tyres with a grippy MaxxTerra compound and the slack head angle suggest a high level of downhill potential. You won't be disappointed on the trail: the rear suspension willingly releases travel and has more reserves than the 127 millimetres would suggest - the Giant even handles big bumps reliably, albeit with a bit of a clatter. The rider sits securely on the bike with a lot of pressure on the front wheel. Unfortunately, the fork can't keep up with the excellent rear end. Unlike the other performance forks in the test, it rushes through its travel too quickly despite the tightened compression damping. The groupless Shimano brakes didn't convince us either: loud squealing, little power.
Giant Trance 1: Pleasant geometry
On the way to the next trail entrance, the Trance surprises with its successful riding position on the gravel climb: the modern geometry with a long reach, short stem and pleasantly steep seat angle places the rider on the bike in a touring-friendly and propulsion-orientated position. The Giant hardly knows any climbing of the front wheel. However, you can't avoid the platform due to the active rear suspension. Sprint inserts also prevent the tough rolling tyres and heavy wheels. But thanks to the wide gear ratio with a small climbing gear, you can work your way up to the summit with the Trance in a relaxed manner, where you can then open the brakes after a short breather and let it run properly. Also good: Giant is the only manufacturer to supply the Trance with tubeless tyres ex works.
Conclusion on the Giant Trance 1 by Max Fuchs, BIKE editor
The successful geometry of the Trance is impressive both uphill and downhill. On descents, the fork cannot keep up with the potent rear end. Despite the high weight and the rather active rear end, the Giant is a solid all-rounder.
Technical data and notes on the Giant Trance 1
Manufacturer information
- Price: 3399 Euro >> available here
- Available from specialised dealers
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Frame size: S, M,L, XL (tested size L, 46 cm)
Measured values
- Weight without pedals: 14.11 kg
- Frame weight without damper: 3139 g
- Weight of wheels: 5624 g
- Handlebar width: 780 mm
Equipment
- ForkFox 34 Float Performance FitGrip
- DamperFox Float DPS Performance
- Front/rear suspension travel: 131/127 mm
- Crank handleShimano SLX
- CircuitShimano SLX 1 x 12
- Translation / bandwidth: 30; 10-51 / 510 %
- Brake system / Disc (front / rear)Shimano BL-MT 501 / BR-MT 520 / 180 mm / 180 mm
- Telescopic support / stroke / ØGiant Contact Switch / 170 mm / 30.9 mm
- ImpellersGiant AM 29 system wheels
- TyresMaxxis Minion DHF / Agrgressor; 3C MaxxTerra Exo Protection TR 29 x 2.50
- Ease of maintenance: medium
BIKE test rating*: good - 175 out of 250 points
Further information on the trail bike can be found in the graphics
- *The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements (BIKE laboratory measurement) and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price.
- BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.).
Stefan Frey
Editor
