Shout Out to my friend (& fellow UA-camr) at Gravel Wear for the gloves that kept me functioning during this video! See them here: bit.ly/3FUgly7 (Non-Affiliate Link)
Great review. One thing that is huge that you left out is covering the fact that those syncdrive Yama motors but with Giant's firmware built in give you 5/3 (iow 3 sub levels) levels of adjustment which is huge. Compare that to Botched motors that over aggresively limp your bike if you try and fix the dumb ass speed limit on it as well as only gives you 4 levels of preset assist with no sub levels. Back to the syncdrive software interface which when saying 5/3 means 5 levels of assist divided at 3 different levels you can adjust below that to low, medium and high. That is fantastic !!! I love to train hard and generally use easiest assist levels of 1. But, since I have 5 levels of the main, I can set my highest assist level of 5 to the max sub level of 3 and always have emergo super bail out to get me home. To do the simple math, that means with Giant you get 15 assist levels you can set within it's 4 and only 4 of Bosch you can set within it's 4.
I purchased this bike at the end of December 2021 and have been having a blast with it as well. I have since changed out a few things (praxis carbon cranks, raceface chainring, raceface bars with 35mm rise, Saint Brakes with XT discs) to shed some weight and increase braking power on steeps. It kills the desert trails here in Las Vegas and climbs like an absolute BEAST. I see very little reason to pay 2 times as much for a Specialized Levo.
Hi, did you go with 155 or 160mm cranks? and did you otherwise stick with the SLX groupset or upgrade to XT, XTR etc? Also, how do you feel it pedals off motor?
I have the 2023 trance x e+1 advanced arriving in about 8 weeks. Can’t wait. It’s my first proper off road bike. And at 55yrs old I’m sure going to have a lot of fun.
@@starkalarm Ahh I missed that you got the 1 trim, not the 2. Best of luck, I just got the 2 from this year 2022 a few days ago, love it so far! I'm 60; just a few years ahead of you! 😉 Great retirement fun!! Enjoy
Got the E+0 this weekend (got a good deal on it). You are not kidding on the climbs. This thing is a goat on steroids. I climbed hills that had destroyed me before. Downhill, it was stable and solid (I am still getting used to it as it is my first ride on it). I did about 1200+ft, 6mi in about 40min. Didn’t really have any issues with agility going down but the area had just long fast trails down.
@@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5 Yeah, that's a local bike shop to me. They didn't have it, and so I got it from another shop that was able to nab one quickly. These bikes will quickly be out stock this year. Killer reviews.
Got the X E+ 2 this xmas and the way the motor engages feels super natural. with 800wh has plenty of range. Just still strugglin a bit with the weight. Slowly getting more confortable with it with time.
I just bought this exact bike about 2 weeks ago and I've been riding it every day and just loving it! You are spot on about the ride quality but I don't really notice the short reach, maybe your torso is longer then mine (i'm 5'8"). It's my first Ebike and the hardest thing to get used to is the technical climbs and overall riding technical trails when having to ride at a slower pace, the bike will really shoot forward and you end up in a bad position or off the trail. I think over time I'll get used to it and just have to compensate my riding style. I've ridden the famed National Trail in AZ, this thing ate it, even cleaning the "waterfall"(down of course, up is insane!). Anyways thanks fo the great reviews and you are always true to what the bikes are actually like.
Giant size chart is pretty good. 5'10 start going for the large and remember Giant does have a XL. The chart is just a good Starting point some riders like to run a little big or a little small.
Subbed. Im also in New England. I ride all the trails but have not ridden in Vietnam yet on my emtb. Anyways, I have a 21 Levo and was looking for different bike with a different motor. I was looking at this bike but...Landrys only carries the 150 fork and the weight which veered me off this bike. But great review and hope to more vids and reviews in the future.
Great review, however about your comments on the “short chainstay”. 473 mm is one of the longest chainstays on any modern EMTB. Not that it’s a bad thing, before buying one of these people should understand this will make it much harder to unload the front wheel or manual. The counter to that is the bike climbs unbelievably well and the front wheel is very well planted. Just my two cents
I really like my Giant Trance. The only complaint is the front feels heavy and at low speeds through a rock garden I have to wrestle it to keep it moving and not stall out.
Armando Cardenas has a good point in his comment below.... Many of the ebikes are in the 12-15k (Specialized, etc). It seems to me that emtb manufacturers are getting obscene margins when you compare the "value" of what you get from a motorcycle. What Armando said is exactly what I was thinking. It has been years since I had a dirt bike, but I actually went to a local Yamaha Motorcycle dealer this past weekend and looked at motorcycles in the $7-16k price range. WOW, compare what you're getting per $ from a motorcycle; then look at what you get for the $$$ in a emtb - emtbs seem like a rip-off. Because I live in So. CA and am not an experienced motorcycle rider, my better sense prevailed (so far) - and I decided I just don't want to risk my life every time I throw a leg over a motorcycle. I have a 3+ year old Haibike 29er emtb and I love it. I have been considering the Giant in this review, but it is over double what I paid for my Haibike several years ago. Unfortunately, the emtb supply is short and demand is very high right now, so it is virtually impossible to get a deal on a good emtb.
The weight at 52.3lb is not too bad for a full power e-bike, long chainstay (not short) with relatively low front end is probably what makes this bike feel heavy.
So you never bought car anywhere close to new. There not cheap but that bikes not high as far price considering what it is as far as the market and besides gas will soon cost more then your car haha!
I saw that thing in the store ( 12 grands ) that money would buy me a brand new Kawasaki Z900RS café racer , boots , gloves , leathers and a top of the line helmet with built in bluetooth .
Your point is a good one... Many of the ebikes are in the 12-15k (Specialized, etc). It seems to me that emtb manufacturers are getting obscene margins when you compare the "value" of what you get from a motorcycle. What you said is exactly what I was thinking. It has been years since I had a dirt bike, but I actually went to a local Yamaha Motorcycle dealer this past weekend and looked at motorcycles in the $7-16k price range. WOW, compare what you're getting per $ from a motorcycle; then look at what you get for the $$$ in a emtb - emtbs seem like a total rip-off. Because I live in So. CA and am not an experienced motorcycle rider, my better sense prevailed (so far) - and I decided I just don't want to risk my life every time I throw a leg over a motorcycle. I have a 3+ year old Haibike 29er emtb and I love it. I have been considering the Giant in this review, but it is over double what I paid for my Haibike several years ago. Unfortunately, the emtb supply is short and demand is very high right now, so it is virtually impossible to get a deal on a good emtb.
My 2023 Trance x e-2 came with a dead battery charger. It also came with no customer support! I called them and was told that I had to go through the dealer. The desler has my dead , verified charger and placed a warranty claim. Replacement? A month, a f%&king month fir a brand new, riden 2 hour, $5000 e-bike???? WTH?
@@armandojuan64 yeah these things are going to result in trail closures. In some areas horse riders have already lobbied to get trails closed to cyclists. 800 watt e-bikes will possibly raise erosion concerns opening an opportunity to ban on all bikes.
@@stevemurray710 seriously? You should educate yourself. These are pedal assist bicycles that allow thousands of people an opportunity to hit the trails, have fun, get in shape , climb mountains, go on adventures and get involved in a healthy activity. As I got older I quit mountain biking because it was no longer worth the hike a bike. That is no longer the case. I also have motorcycles. Dirt and street. A different animal. But I think you know that. Dont offend or dismiss us that need the assist.
I have a bad feeling that the battery is integrated inside the bike frame so the battery is not interchangeable.. Also have a bad feeling it's not using Samsung batteries, likely Chinese made batteries. This would be a problem cause when the trouble (wars and famine) comes you will have very limited access or resources to get things to get it repaired. You'll have to build/repair yourselves. If the battery is interchangeable or at least have easier access to get to the batteries then you can rebuild the batteries. These batteries are not reliable, and will lose charge fast over time. Once the batteries break you'll be riding that bike manually and will take heavy toll on your body...and especially when hauling (using trailer) things. With a full size full suspension electric scooter you can easily work on the battery due to easy access.
Not sure where you are getting your information but Giant is a reputable bike brand and no DIY hacks or such need to be done. This bike runs a bottom loading battery into the downtube. It can be taken out to charge, or charged on the bike. These batteries use Panasonic cells, and Giant sells the battery packs aftermarket so if for some reason you needed another battery then you can easily purchase one.
Nice. But why does UA-cam channels cater to carbon e-bike rigs? Unaffordable, noisy, and definitely have rider weight limits. And those hefty motors & batteries, with such an astronomical price. Crappy 30mm internal width rims are a slap-in-the-face. Bikes with any tire over 2.35, need a 35mm internal width wheel. It only makes sense. Do admire Yamaha. Have operated a PW-ST motor for two years. Through humid Summer nights and sub-zero Winters. Have only needed to replace the battery(once). Brands just keep adding more suspension (I only need 130mm), and heavier batteries. Rather put the money down on a pick-up. Making $5 grand, sound like pocket-change, is quite insulting. When motor makers shave-off a pound on the motor, and a few on those nasty Li-Ion batteries, I may reconsider. Then again, with less weight, comes a obvious higher price.
Help me understand what about my channel caters towards "carbon e-bike rigs"? With nearly 900 videos less than a half dozen feature carbon e-bikes. Hardly catering. Sorry YT and my channel have done you wrong. It seems like it's time you start producing the "right" content.
I'm 68 and I'm going to mock any wimp I see riding an e-bikes. Maybe they need an electric wheelchair to go grocery shopping. They'll probably need an electric crane to get that 55 pounder on and off their vehicle.
Good that's so nice of you. I've got lots of bikes including an ebike, go ahead and mock....I'll keep riding on by with a big smile on my face cuz I van now comfortably ride 20+ miles of any terrain. Don't mock it until you at least try it.
@@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5 I don't mock old or impaired folks who might depend on a motor for backup against fatigue or pain. That implies also a relatively low power limp me home motor. High powered cycles are offensive to me. Call them motorcycles.
@@stevemurray710 bah, just have fun…in 1000 years no one will care, it’s not hurting anything. I’ve seen rain and horses destroy trails. Really it’s no big deal, I’m always respectful of hikers, horses and other bikers.
I hear you Steve Murray. This is why I'm planning to go riding in the heat of the mid-day, Monday-Thursday (when regular riders are not on the trails). I'm also planning to figure out how to dial this bike down the the minimum so I can just hang behind regular riders without passing them like a douchebag. We will figure this out.
Shout Out to my friend (& fellow UA-camr) at Gravel Wear for the gloves that kept me functioning during this video! See them here: bit.ly/3FUgly7
(Non-Affiliate Link)
Great review. One thing that is huge that you left out is covering the fact that those syncdrive Yama motors but with Giant's firmware built in give you 5/3 (iow 3 sub levels) levels of adjustment which is huge. Compare that to Botched motors that over aggresively limp your bike if you try and fix the dumb ass speed limit on it as well as only gives you 4 levels of preset assist with no sub levels. Back to the syncdrive software interface which when saying 5/3 means 5 levels of assist divided at 3 different levels you can adjust below that to low, medium and high. That is fantastic !!! I love to train hard and generally use easiest assist levels of 1. But, since I have 5 levels of the main, I can set my highest assist level of 5 to the max sub level of 3 and always have emergo super bail out to get me home. To do the simple math, that means with Giant you get 15 assist levels you can set within it's 4 and only 4 of Bosch you can set within it's 4.
I purchased this bike at the end of December 2021 and have been having a blast with it as well. I have since changed out a few things (praxis carbon cranks, raceface chainring, raceface bars with 35mm rise, Saint Brakes with XT discs) to shed some weight and increase braking power on steeps. It kills the desert trails here in Las Vegas and climbs like an absolute BEAST. I see very little reason to pay 2 times as much for a Specialized Levo.
Hi, did you go with 155 or 160mm cranks? and did you otherwise stick with the SLX groupset or upgrade to XT, XTR etc? Also, how do you feel it pedals off motor?
Coyote Springs would love it like bootleg canyon,
I have the 2023 trance x e+1 advanced arriving in about 8 weeks. Can’t wait. It’s my first proper off road bike. And at 55yrs old I’m sure going to have a lot of fun.
So you got the 800Wh battery, nice! Otherwise, I think it's the same as 2022?
@@TonyDL I think the only difference I can see is the brake disc’s are now 220. It also comes with live valve suspension
@@starkalarm Ahh I missed that you got the 1 trim, not the 2. Best of luck, I just got the 2 from this year 2022 a few days ago, love it so far! I'm 60; just a few years ahead of you! 😉 Great retirement fun!! Enjoy
Looks very interesting. E-bikes help for further rides many riders. Cheers from Greece and bravo for your job...
Thanks for watching!
Got the E+0 this weekend (got a good deal on it). You are not kidding on the climbs. This thing is a goat on steroids. I climbed hills that had destroyed me before. Downhill, it was stable and solid (I am still getting used to it as it is my first ride on it). I did about 1200+ft, 6mi in about 40min. Didn’t really have any issues with agility going down but the area had just long fast trails down.
Excellent. Best review of this bike I've seen yet. Mine is ordered and should show up in a few weeks.
There are a few good reviews on this bike, and it's a good one. Check out the Bikers Edge, BE
@@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5 Yeah, that's a local bike shop to me. They didn't have it, and so I got it from another shop that was able to nab one quickly. These bikes will quickly be out stock this year. Killer reviews.
Excellent reviews
Got the X E+ 2 this xmas and the way the motor engages feels super natural. with 800wh has plenty of range.
Just still strugglin a bit with the weight. Slowly getting more confortable with it with time.
I just bought this exact bike about 2 weeks ago and I've been riding it every day and just loving it! You are spot on about the ride quality but I don't really notice the short reach, maybe your torso is longer then mine (i'm 5'8"). It's my first Ebike and the hardest thing to get used to is the technical climbs and overall riding technical trails when having to ride at a slower pace, the bike will really shoot forward and you end up in a bad position or off the trail. I think over time I'll get used to it and just have to compensate my riding style. I've ridden the famed National Trail in AZ, this thing ate it, even cleaning the "waterfall"(down of course, up is insane!). Anyways thanks fo the great reviews and you are always true to what the bikes are actually like.
Did you get the Medium or Large?
@@jesseoglidden medium, I’m 5’8’ and it fits great. But I think a large would be ok
@@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5 Ok, I feel good about the large order. I'm 6-2.
Giant size chart is pretty good. 5'10 start going for the large and remember Giant does have a XL. The chart is just a good Starting point some riders like to run a little big or a little small.
Nice review! I was really curious about the true weight. I'm glad I watched to the end....
Thanks for watching!
i love this bike! I've had mine for 3 weeks :) just great!
Nice! Well keep on enjoying it
Subbed. Im also in New England. I ride all the trails but have not ridden in Vietnam yet on my emtb. Anyways, I have a 21 Levo and was looking for different bike with a different motor. I was looking at this bike but...Landrys only carries the 150 fork and the weight which veered me off this bike. But great review and hope to more vids and reviews in the future.
Great review.
Thanks for watching
Great review, however about your comments on the “short chainstay”. 473 mm is one of the longest chainstays on any modern EMTB. Not that it’s a bad thing, before buying one of these people should understand this will make it much harder to unload the front wheel or manual. The counter to that is the bike climbs unbelievably well and the front wheel is very well planted.
Just my two cents
Yep, I was thinking same thing, and yes it is more difficult to manual or pop up the front wheel...but damn it can climb a wall, lol.
What a cool reviewer. Just got the E+3
How kind, congrats on your bike!
Works Great !
Very nice review and the price point is very well done giant!! Specialized levo price is much too high!
I really like my Giant Trance. The only complaint is the front feels heavy and at low speeds through a rock garden I have to wrestle it to keep it moving and not stall out.
That thing is fresh. I can not too thinking of E bikes.
Yep, I am just beginning to learn about them.
Armando Cardenas has a good point in his comment below.... Many of the ebikes are in the 12-15k (Specialized, etc). It seems to me that emtb manufacturers are getting obscene margins when you compare the "value" of what you get from a motorcycle. What Armando said is exactly what I was thinking. It has been years since I had a dirt bike, but I actually went to a local Yamaha Motorcycle dealer this past weekend and looked at motorcycles in the $7-16k price range. WOW, compare what you're getting per $ from a motorcycle; then look at what you get for the $$$ in a emtb - emtbs seem like a rip-off. Because I live in So. CA and am not an experienced motorcycle rider, my better sense prevailed (so far) - and I decided I just don't want to risk my life every time I throw a leg over a motorcycle. I have a 3+ year old Haibike 29er emtb and I love it. I have been considering the Giant in this review, but it is over double what I paid for my Haibike several years ago. Unfortunately, the emtb supply is short and demand is very high right now, so it is virtually impossible to get a deal on a good emtb.
The bike felt short in the TT length ? How tall are you ?
The weight at 52.3lb is not too bad for a full power e-bike, long chainstay (not short) with relatively low front end is probably what makes this bike feel heavy.
Wow. That's pretty. More than any vehicle I have ever bought though. Ouch. I wish.
So you never bought car anywhere close to new. There not cheap but that bikes not high as far price considering what it is as far as the market and besides gas will soon cost more then your car haha!
Is the weight including the battery?
Yes
@ thanks! Very insightful videos 👍🏾
Im 6ft should i get a medium or large???
How can i purchase this bike?
Have you tried and have ridden the Haibike Flyon 100 mountain?
I have not. Never ridden a Haibike
Im suprised it close to the same weight as giant Reign e + that is aluminum.
Has anyone experienced a knock in the cranks when pedling?
I have a question Does it have a throttle?
Edit: if it doesn't can you recommend me one that has a throttle because I get tired Easily ;-;
at > 50 lbs i wouldnt bother with a carbon frame
Carbon is not just about weight. Ride quality and feel are huge with carbon
Looks like Vietnam in that video !
Good eyes.
stand over the same on ll sizes
I saw that thing in the store ( 12 grands ) that money would buy me a brand new Kawasaki Z900RS café racer , boots , gloves , leathers and a top of the line helmet with built in bluetooth .
this one is actually 6800, yes it's expensive though, but not 12 grand.
Your point is a good one... Many of the ebikes are in the 12-15k (Specialized, etc). It seems to me that emtb manufacturers are getting obscene margins when you compare the "value" of what you get from a motorcycle. What you said is exactly what I was thinking. It has been years since I had a dirt bike, but I actually went to a local Yamaha Motorcycle dealer this past weekend and looked at motorcycles in the $7-16k price range. WOW, compare what you're getting per $ from a motorcycle; then look at what you get for the $$$ in a emtb - emtbs seem like a total rip-off. Because I live in So. CA and am not an experienced motorcycle rider, my better sense prevailed (so far) - and I decided I just don't want to risk my life every time I throw a leg over a motorcycle. I have a 3+ year old Haibike 29er emtb and I love it. I have been considering the Giant in this review, but it is over double what I paid for my Haibike several years ago. Unfortunately, the emtb supply is short and demand is very high right now, so it is virtually impossible to get a deal on a good emtb.
Just don't buy it then, why do you care? Yes there are people who pay 10k+ for bikes, no I don't but it doesn't bother me.
apples oranges
@@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5 The one I saw was the one made by Giant , 12 grands , my friend .
So what's next ... ABS ?
Windshield wipers
@@stevemurray710 Yep , probably .
ABS already done
Air bags?
@@stevemurray710 there already some airbags that ride them
My 2023 Trance x e-2 came with a dead battery charger. It also came with no customer support! I called them and was told that I had to go through the dealer. The desler has my dead , verified charger and placed a warranty claim. Replacement? A month, a f%&king month fir a brand new, riden 2 hour, $5000 e-bike???? WTH?
Why do they call traditional bikes "analogue"? The technical meaning of the word "analogue" doesn't fit in this context.
Please don’t make “analog bike” a thing to say. Smh. 🤣
better than 'acoustic' bike like the bros from bikeradar
@@JogBird Best to just call these e-bikes 'motorcycles'.
If the only bikes left to ride are these things , I think I'd quit MTBs for good .
@@armandojuan64 yeah these things are going to result in trail closures. In some areas horse riders have already lobbied to get trails closed to cyclists. 800 watt e-bikes will possibly raise erosion concerns opening an opportunity to ban on all bikes.
@@stevemurray710 seriously? You should educate yourself. These are pedal assist bicycles that allow thousands of people an opportunity to hit the trails, have fun, get in shape , climb mountains, go on adventures and get involved in a healthy activity. As I got older I quit mountain biking because it was no longer worth the hike a bike. That is no longer the case. I also have motorcycles. Dirt and street. A different animal. But I think you know that. Dont offend or dismiss us that need the assist.
I have a bad feeling that the battery is integrated inside the bike frame so the battery is not interchangeable.. Also have a bad feeling it's not using Samsung batteries, likely Chinese made batteries. This would be a problem cause when the trouble (wars and famine) comes you will have very limited access or resources to get things to get it repaired. You'll have to build/repair yourselves. If the battery is interchangeable or at least have easier access to get to the batteries then you can rebuild the batteries. These batteries are not reliable, and will lose charge fast over time. Once the batteries break you'll be riding that bike manually and will take heavy toll on your body...and especially when hauling (using trailer) things. With a full size full suspension electric scooter you can easily work on the battery due to easy access.
Not sure where you are getting your information but Giant is a reputable bike brand and no DIY hacks or such need to be done. This bike runs a bottom loading battery into the downtube. It can be taken out to charge, or charged on the bike. These batteries use Panasonic cells, and Giant sells the battery packs aftermarket so if for some reason you needed another battery then you can easily purchase one.
crazy conspiracy theorist...the sky is falling...run(oh wait, no hide in. your bunker).
@@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5 🤣🤣🤣🤣
yes, it will be hard to get parts during a famine. Better buy another bike where the bike employees will be working without food.
Nice. But why does UA-cam channels cater to carbon e-bike rigs? Unaffordable, noisy, and definitely have rider weight limits. And those hefty motors & batteries, with such an astronomical price. Crappy 30mm internal width rims are a slap-in-the-face. Bikes with any tire over 2.35, need a 35mm internal width wheel. It only makes sense. Do admire Yamaha. Have operated a PW-ST motor for two years. Through humid Summer nights and sub-zero Winters. Have only needed to replace the battery(once). Brands just keep adding more suspension (I only need 130mm), and heavier batteries. Rather put the money down on a pick-up. Making $5 grand, sound like pocket-change, is quite insulting. When motor makers shave-off a pound on the motor, and a few on those nasty Li-Ion batteries, I may reconsider. Then again, with less weight, comes a obvious higher price.
Help me understand what about my channel caters towards "carbon e-bike rigs"? With nearly 900 videos less than a half dozen feature carbon e-bikes. Hardly catering.
Sorry YT and my channel have done you wrong. It seems like it's time you start producing the "right" content.
I'm 68 and I'm going to mock any wimp I see riding an e-bikes. Maybe they need an electric wheelchair to go grocery shopping. They'll probably need an electric crane to get that 55 pounder on and off their vehicle.
May be an stationary bike ( a Peloton bike ) for $ 2500.00 .
Good that's so nice of you. I've got lots of bikes including an ebike, go ahead and mock....I'll keep riding on by with a big smile on my face cuz I van now comfortably ride 20+ miles of any terrain. Don't mock it until you at least try it.
@@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5 I don't mock old or impaired folks who might depend on a motor for backup against fatigue or pain. That implies also a relatively low power limp me home motor. High powered cycles are offensive to me. Call them motorcycles.
@@stevemurray710 bah, just have fun…in 1000 years no one will care, it’s not hurting anything. I’ve seen rain and horses destroy trails. Really it’s no big deal, I’m always respectful of hikers, horses and other bikers.
I hear you Steve Murray. This is why I'm planning to go riding in the heat of the mid-day, Monday-Thursday (when regular riders are not on the trails). I'm also planning to figure out how to dial this bike down the the minimum so I can just hang behind regular riders without passing them like a douchebag. We will figure this out.