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Giant Trance


What is the Giant Trance?

The Giant Trance is a do-everything trail bike.

Think of the Trance as an adventure bike.

Because it's the most versatile bike in Giant’s range of dual-suspension mountain bikes.

However...

It's not so simple as that.

Giant has numerous Trance mountain bikes that are designed for slightly different styles of riding.

We'll explain what they are.

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You mean, there's more than 1 Trance?

Yes ser.

Before we list the different types of Trance mountain bikes. Here's something worth mentioning:

Advanced = carbon frame

No "Advanced" = aluminium frame

So, whenever you see the word Advanced in the name, it means the frame is carbon fibre.

No Advanced, means that Trance's frame is made from aluminium.

Trance types:

  • The latest is the Trance X (or Trance Advanced X) for MY2024 and beyond.
  • Before 2024? The Trance X used 27.5 wheels and 160/145mm travel.
  • Trance Advanced Pro 29 = Trance Advanced 29 (same bike)

Now that you're a little less confused, we'll break down the above models in the following sections.

The newest: Giant Trance X. The all-rounder. Part 1.

The 2024 and beyond, the Giant Trance X range replaces the Trance X 29.

Giant’s Trance X range is our best selling dual-suspension mountain bike line.

And for it to undergo a re-design is a big deal because it affects a lot of potential buyers.

Here’s what change for the new Trance X:

Rear wheel travel increased to 140mm (from 135mm for the Trance X 29) and this is paired to a 150mm travel fork.

Instead of a 2-position Flip-Chip (High and Low), the Trance X uses a new 3-position version (High, Neutral or Mid and Low).

For those not in the know:

High
is used for non-technical and flow trails, where you don't need
high-speed stability but you do need low-speed agility. Think tight
corners and climbing.

Mid
or Neutral is used for riders who can't be bothered and want a
set-and-forget position. It has a mix of high-speed stability and good
low-speed handling.

Low
is for riders who like to go fast and need the Trance X to remain
stable under them. In other words: you're moving the Trance X
lower to the ground which "calms" it down over rocks, tree roots and other trail features.

Giant Trance X. Part 2.

You thought that was all?

Nah, no way.

Giant built in a reach adjust headset to allows riders to adjust the length of the Trance X - one of the most important geometry areas on a trail bike.

This also has 3 positions: +5mm, 0, -5mm.

Here are examples of where the above 3 positions could be useful:

+5mm is the longest reach position. This would be ideal where riders with long arms or torso who need more room in the bike.

It could also be used for high-speed trails where stable handling is preferred.

The 0 reach position is the most balanced. It has a blend of stability and quick handling.

-5mm
is the shortest position. Use this if you've got a short torso/arms or
you prefer the front of the Trance X to handle a touch faster in
low-speed situations.

Giant Trance X: The models.

Riders get these Trance X aluminium and carbon options:

  • Trance X 2
  • Trance X 1
  • Trance X Advanced 2
  • Trance X Advanced 1
  • Trance X Advanced 0

Light Trail: Trance Advanced 29. Nimble and sharp.

Note: We get rid of the X on this Trance. No X, it's gone.

No X = less travel.

Instead of 150/140mm (above), these get tuned down to 130/120mm.

There are no aluminium models here either.

So, who is the Trance Advanced 29 for exactly?

  • Riders transitioning off a short travel XC mountain bike.
  • Riders who keep their wheels on the ground vs. off the ground.
  • You want something that's light, sharper handling/responsive and holds momentum easily without a lot of input.
  • And you'd like something that's more forgiving and more comfortable than your short-travel XC mountain bike.

These are the model options (0 is the highest):

The Fun One: Trance X 27.5

It’s the only Trance that’s got 27.5 inch wheels.

The Trance X is designed with a 160mm travel suspension fork and 145mm of rear wheel travel

But why 27.5 wheels?

It's all about making the Trance X “feel” livelier, playful, agile and jump-able.

In other words - Fun.

It’s not purpose built for speed, stability or holding momentum through trails (the new Trance X above does that better).

Riders get 2 options:

  • Trance X 3
  • Trance X 1

Both are aluminium. No carbon in this range.

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