"Giant" fan of Giant Trance here, cringy pun intended. Currently have 3 in the family 2 Trance 27.5s for my sons and the Trance X29 3 for me. They are great affordable aluminum frame trail bikes with suspension and geometry that provide a platform to upgrade for preferences or as items break and need replacing. I've posted a few reviews on ours over the past couple years, and need to do another as my youngest got a new one this year after outgrowing his prior medium. Enjoy your Giant Trance, I am sure you will continue to love it.
I am still rocking the 2018 Trance 2 that was equip t with a 150mm travel FOX 34 and a FOX DPS Float. Best bike I have ever owned - five years and I have no desire to buy another all-mountain bike.
On the DPS and RP23 shock, the grub screw on the top could be tighten a little to put some friction on the shaft...not the grub screw on the lever itself.
Yes, this vid is 10 months old. The bike is still unchanged except price. Giant is offering $550. Off the price. I got an LBS to price match an off the shelf 29-1 for 3K. I’ve on;y taken it out for one ride, but I can already tell it’s a really nice ride. It comes with a nice spec for price.
Cool vid, cheers. I picked up one of these, earlier in the year. I'm just under 5'10" and opted for the medium after selling a '21 Stumpjumper S4. The Stumpy was way too big for me and I should have gone smaller. I do more XC riding on my local trails and find the travel on the Trance more than adequate for my 70kg frame. It was a bit porky, so have done a similar thing to yourself and swapped out wheels and tires for lighter weight options which has transformed the ride on this bike. Also set the chip to high, liking the extra clearance and climbing position much better. Couldn't live with the Tektro levers and have swapped out with SLX 4 pots. Also upgraded rear mech and shifter to XT units. Very happy with the setup now and will definitely hang on to this one for a while. Totally recommend it to anyone thinking about one. Don't be fooled by the short travel, it's a very capable rig. Cheers.
Hi, I am torn between the the trance x 29 1 and trance 29 1. Price on both is the same at the moment. What would you suggest? Would I lose the climbing efficiency on the X model? Thanks!
I have the same issue with my rear shock on my 2014 trance 1 where rough riding puts it into trail mode. I’m surprised to see they haven’t fixed that issue on future models.
I just purchased the 2022 Trance X3 27.5" in aluminum. Mine is in Good Grey and glossy black with purple accents, I run the flip chip on the high position and I hate the brake levers with every cell of my body so I swapped them for a set of Shimano M6120.
The color of your bike popped like mad in the picture where it was in some sunlight. I am hopefully going to get a Trance 2 in Slate Grey in the next month or 2. Stupid Illinois weather doesn't really amount to a lot of trail riding in the winter. Also, it's been 4 months, yo. Just in case you can't count. Good seeing you on Cure Cycling live streams in the mean time.
Interesting! I've read mixed things about them. A lot of people say it's loose like mine, and a lot of others say it's fine. If it gets any worse I'll see about a replacement lever or servicing the shock.
Thanks for the review. What’s your take about x 29 1? What’s the downside of the more travel if you don’t use it too often? Any paddling inefficiency? I’m trying to decide between this and x 29 1
Congrats! I agree the Trance 2 is a pretty phenomenal value. I've demoed some bikes with the Bomber Z2 fork, and it's pretty good. Enjoy your new bike!
Absolutely agree. The Z2 is essentially a 34 and the Trance 29 2 only goes down one level on the drivetrain to Deore. At $1100 cheaper it’s definitely the better value.
Good video! I just purchased the trance 29 1 in phantom green. I am considering on trading it in for the trance X 29 1. What are your thoughts? Pros, cons? Ill tell you this, the stance is a fantastic bike. There isnt much that you cant do on it. I havent ridden my trance 29 1 yet. Im still preparing it for its maiden voyage i.e wider grips and toxic camo vinyl wrap. Ill comment more after ive ridden a bit. Note: I didn't get the X. I kept the trance 29 1. It's been fun. I rode with guys who have the top of rhe line trek EXs and I keep up with them just fine. I will say that the trance 1 has a tendency for the tires to slide out going around turns. My Stance 2 has not had that problem. I'm not sure if the trance 1 longer wheelbase has anything to do with that or not. If anyone knows I would appreciate an education.
I own the regular Trance 27.5 ( 2022 ) ... I love everything but the color ( it is black on black and then some ) great bike though , a dream on the trails . I almost got the Trek Fuel but they didn't offer the bike in 27.5 so I went with Giant .
Keep up the good videos..which Is more efficient climber between the trance locked out and your fathom on fire roads? Trying to decide between 2..looking for some efficient and comfortable...thanks
What trails are these. I'm also in the Dallas area and I saw your Grapevine trails. I just got back into mountainbiking and just ordered the Giant Trance x2 27.5. Can't wait to get back into this sport. Thanks for your review
Not a bad pick but I would say that the Ibis Ripmo AF is best value bike hands down. Ibis DW magic with DVO suspension front and rear, climb like a dream and then rip down the gnar...what's not to love!
As someone who has tried the fizzari Delano Peak, trance 29 and trek top fuel. Which one would you choose to be your only bike? I am in that situation at the moment where I am trying to chose my one bike fits most trail bike. I actually live in Joplin MO near Arkansas so I would be coming to Rogers/Bentonville area to ride. I am also pretty new to riding single track trails. Not new to riding bikes. Just looking to get my first, for real MTB! Other bikes on my short list are the Orbea Occam, Ibis Reply AF, and the Fuel ex 6th gen has peaked my interest.
I've never ridden a rift zone, although I will say I've always enjoyed Marin bikes. The spec of the Rift Zone 3 is very comparable to the Trance 2. Even the geometry is fairly similar. The rift zone has a shorter rear end, so it's probably a bit more playful in that sense, but I'd say you can't go wrong with either bike.
Would you say it is a Giant difference over the Trek?!?!? Also that rear floppy shock lever is normal on all fox shocks. It is a mystery as to why they don’t come up with a better method than the one they have.
lol it's not as drastic as a difference. Surprisingly the Giant is slightly lighter, with more travel, and costs less, so that's a nice bonus. Both bikes are excellent. You missed out on buying the Trek from me!
I find rockshox to be more supple off the top than my fox stuff, but that could just be a difference in low end(fox) and high end dampers as ive only had mid level fox suspension.
Thanks. Just to confirm. I plan on getting one and swapping the wheels. Those discs are centerlock right? Not 6 hole? Maybe I would need to new discs as well. I think these are the ones compatible only with organic pads. So one which handles metal pads also wouldn't be a bad idea..thanks
lol Giant is all over the place! To be fair...they do have a $4,300 carbon version, but my screen capture software couldn't fit that one in while editing haha. I miss you too my friends!
Very cool! I kind of wish I had gone with the Trance X to get the Fox 36 fork, but oh well. My bike stand is called "Ultimate Cycle Support". Bought it used off craigslist years ago, but it's still going strong!
The better value is the Trance 29 2. Just one level down on drivetrain (Deore vs SLX) and basically the same fork (34 vs Bomber Z2) for at the time of your filming, $1100 less.
As a technical climber how does this new Trance compare to the new Top Fuel (now with 130 fork as well) or the Ripley? Living in New England our trails are endless rocks, roots, punchy shorter climbs and descents. While we have some flowy trails any bike can do those it’s the technical stuff I’m most concerned with getting the best tool for the job. Does Giant sell a frame only in aluminum or just the carbon?
I’ve been very happy with my 2020 Orbea Occam M30 build. I like Shimano over sram, and this has a shimano xt derailleur and an slx shifter along with shimano brakes. 140mm travel front and back and dt Swiss wheels. Suspension is fox and the dps shock lever is wiggly, but takes force to actually close it. MSRP in 2020 was $3,999 and has been worth it- a great deal. Now this model looks like $4,700 and I don’t know how available shimano components are.
The Occam is a rad bike! I strongly considered one before this bike. Insane how much the pricing has gone up on all of them. I do need a new Shimano cassette, and they are still hard to find.
I’m finding it difficult to get my rear suspension feeing right on this bike,it feels stiff even if I reduce air pressure and then it bottoms out anyway,have the second largest volume spacer in it to
Nice bike and great video. I have a 2020 Trance 2. I ditched the DPS for a dpx2 and added dsd the runt to my rythm fork. Ergo saddle and grips and Michelin tires, one-up pedals and on its way one-up carbon bars. The one issue I have is pedal strikes, I find the bb a tad low. I'll be looking at shorter cranks.
I got a trance x in last July. Not ready for action... Great frame and shock, the rest, oooof, came with with the tektro Orion 4p I blew the rear caliper first bike park run, two weeks later the replacement and front blew again next park run. Replaced them with magura mt5 which were cheap but very weak even with metallic pads upgrades so I got SRAM db8's which are excellent for the price with code ceramic pads, about 400$ all in all for the brakes. The front rock shox 35 gold RL is pure horse manure, sticky stanchions, replaced under warranty still very bad action in the first inch of travel so I got my RST stitch air on it second problem solved so another 600/800$ Final issue the drivetrain SRAM SX, very durable cassette and crankset the derailleur and shifter NEVER worked well, 400$ TRP tr12 drivetrain later problem solved. Also came with 60 tpi casing Maxxis, trashed both tires in the first month... another expense to consider. So yeah with just 1400$ and some tires that won't explode jumping it can be a deal 😂 Still love the bike tho. Components 1/10 at best.
Which one would I go for? Giant Trance 2 2022 or Trek Fuel Ex 5 2022? Considering that both are selling with the same price. Can’t decide for my first fulsus. 😅
Not to make your decision more difficult, but the brand new Vitus Mythique AMP is a lot of bike for the price. Out of stock at the moment, but should be available soon. Even the VRX model is pretty sweet and cheaper than all the others. tidd.ly/3Hl0Pjp
First time owning. I've ridden demo bikes with Fox, but usually only about an hour at a time. I did have a review bike (Marin El Roy) with the Marzocchi Bomber Z1 for 3 months, and remember liking that fork.
Great video! I’m currently in the process of choosing my next bike, and struggling to chose one. Im 60 and trying to get back into riding. I have a 2011 Giant Anthem and it does fine still but the terrain in my area is technical and rocky and this thing just beers me up. Looking at a top fuel and the stance in Tulsa. Any suggestions or thoughts?
sounds to me like the trance is good for you. I'm 53 and just started racing on a cf scott hardtail. I was looking for a heavier "full susp" training bike and now think the top fuel might be more efficient for the terrain I ride but I honestly feel like you need to get the bike that suits your riding area and for rocks I would think softer is better.
I’d absolutely choose the Giant Trance with 130/120 full suspension… I am on my 3rd (progressively more capable) Giant which each use the Maestro-design rear suspension. I live in OKc/Guthrie area and ride with a varied sort - fast fast to cruising to my children… my 2022 Giant Trance Advance Pro 29 1 with Teravail Ehline/Honcho Tires and Vittoria Airliner tires is now an absolute Unit - up to the task at Lake Arcadia, Lake McMurtry, Bentonville… etc - take advantage of the Affirm 0% for 12mo offerings - get a damn nice bike to start. It’ll be a great tool and hold its value for when selling becomes necessary… 😊🎉
Kind of depends on how much you want to spend. Cheap upgrades like nicer tires, or better bars/grips/pedals are worth doing, but once you start adding expensive items like new fork/drivetrain I think it's better to save that money and put it towards a new bike down the road.
Nice video! Appreciate the details you provide. I’m considering this bike, but at 280# I’m concerned about the press fit BB. Should this be a deal breaker, or am I overthinking this?
Thank you! Probably overthinking it, but I'm not certain about the weight limits of bottom brackets. My reason for not being stoked on them is merely due to the extra tools needed to replace one, and they are usually a bit more noisy than a threaded one.
Yeah luckily most companies have given up on SX. What a disaster lol. I was strongly considering the Occam as well! I really liked the build of the H20 LT for $4,000. My local shop has one in their rental fleet, so hoping to demo it and see if I should have bought that instead haha. Enjoy your new bike!
@@CobraKyle I went with the cheaper version (and got a 10% discount) because I already had xt 4 pot brakes, dt swiss ex 1700 wheels and other little bits to upgrade it from the start so it's not really a H30... More like a H12.5 😂
I have to choose between Trance 29 1 and Scott Spark 960. Both have pretty much the same travel. But Scott Spark 960 has some low spec components. Which one do you recommend out of 2 ? PS - I'd like to do some long climbs too.
my 2022 talon weighs the same and it is a hardtail. that is a great weight for full sus with alum frame, but prefer the 2022 rein SX even though it weighs more.
My experience with downhill mtb both rockshox and fox is that fox feels softer or "sluggish" compared to rockshox. But I alot of the time prefere the fox shocks rather then the poppy stiffer rock shox
I was considering the Marin along with this Trance, which has more travel. I think I might prefer the Rift’s threaded BB, but the Rift has less travel. Thoughts on either concern?
Yeah the Rift Zone is a cool bike. I haven't personally ridden one yet. The Rift Zone 3 actually has the same suspension as the cheaper Trance 2 model which is $2,600. Those two bikes are very similar, so it would come down to geo/personal preference.
Nice overview! My bro has Trance and I have a YT Jeffsy . . . Similar spec and feel. Seems that the trail / enduro market is settling into geo and specs along those lines. Fun, reasonably efficient and capable flat, up and down.
Thanks Ralph! My first bike was a Jeffsy! Pretty nice bikes. I'm glad the market seems to be embracing these more neutral bikes. The whole super long/slack bikes aren't as fun in my opinion unless you consistently ride down mountains.
I just buy this bike, I like your vid 👍 makes me Realize what is coming 😅 for me . The only think I don’t understand is the weight . They told me the weight is going to be 32.15, but for what you just said is going to be almost 33. Something so is going to be quiet heavy 😅😅 thanks again for the vid
Can someone on UA-cam, for Mother Mar, PLEASE post a video of the REALISTIC frame color! Every video of Trance X 29 2, is too dark, too bright. It's orange-looking, brown-looking, burnt orange-looking, brown-looking. Everyone check your camera/phone settings prior to recording. This frame looks to be a sparkle-copper color.
I spend a lot of time trying to color correct as accurately as possible. It is a sparkly brown/copper color. The up close shots of the frame in this video show it pretty well. I will also say it depends on the monitor you're watching on. My laptop screen, it does look way darker, but on my secondary monitor everything looks bright and accurate.
Ahh sorry. Btw have you managed to see the weight of these AM 29 wheels? I have another giant with the xct wheels, which are 25mm internal and they are quite decent. Not sure about these AM. They used to spec this bike with either XCT or TRX wheels but now this AM 29 came thanks
It went together easily in less than an hour. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Make sure the front fork is forward or the pedals will hit the front tire. Tires are both a little soft so it needs air before I ride it. The rear wheel didn't come with a clamp regular bolts hold it on. The front had the clamp. No scratches out of box. Rims are a little off with a slight wobble. They could have spent more time with the spoke tool fixing the run out. So far out of the box I'm happy with it. I did replace the pedals with a nice aftermarket set. After riding it a bit my A$$ is a bit sore so I ordered another seat. Overall I'm nearly 60 and didn't ride a bike in 30 years. I like my new 29" Schwinn. It will be used for casual rides with my friend.
I have a trance 2 from 2019 (27.5 150mm travel), on climbs or even flat rides the rear suspension bobs like crazy unless you lock out the rear shock. I see nothing special about the “maestro” rear suspension design.
I have the 2021 trance 115 thing fucking shred got it used for 1900$ lol I gotta be honest really opened my eyes to giant bikes think I want the new 120
Agreed, and this is something I often think about. I looked at a new Suzuki DR-Z125L with my brother and it costs less than this bike. A couple conclusions I've come up with in my head is that mountain bikes have to be engineered to be light and somewhat tough whereas weight isn't as big a factor in dirt bikes since they have an engine. Motorcycle engines have also been around far longer, and as far as I know haven't developed a ton of new tech in the last 20 years which is good as it keeps the prices reasonable. Lastly is the portability of a dirt bike, and places to ride them. I drive a small car, so if I want a dirt bike, I gotta buy a truck. I also don't know a ton of places where I could ride one. I'm sure there are a lot of spots, but it isn't something I actively research. I do think mountain biking has gotten way overpriced, and I too cringe when I look at a $4K mountain bike and then a motorcycle. Sorry for the long response, but it's certainly a topic that intrigues me!
Don't ,it's quite simple it's scale .the world produces and consumes 92% more dirt bikes than mtbs and that's increased year on year over the last @ decades so that's why a dirt bike is often cheaper than a mtb .
"Giant" fan of Giant Trance here, cringy pun intended. Currently have 3 in the family 2 Trance 27.5s for my sons and the Trance X29 3 for me. They are great affordable aluminum frame trail bikes with suspension and geometry that provide a platform to upgrade for preferences or as items break and need replacing. I've posted a few reviews on ours over the past couple years, and need to do another as my youngest got a new one this year after outgrowing his prior medium. Enjoy your Giant Trance, I am sure you will continue to love it.
Giant has you in a trance! lol
I am subscribed to your channel.
I bought the green one, it is freaking amazing, climbs like a beast and even better on descents!
Did it come with Tektro brakes or Shimano as stated on the webpage?
I am still rocking the 2018 Trance 2 that was equip t with a 150mm travel FOX 34 and a FOX DPS Float. Best bike I have ever owned - five years and I have no desire to buy another all-mountain bike.
Fast forward 1 year in the middle of the bikepocalypse and it’s now $2500!! I might have to get one
Just picked one up 2 days ago from Bicycle Warehouse for 3,000 on sale! So excited 🎉
Did it come with Tektro brakes or Shimano as stated on the webpage?
On the DPS and RP23 shock, the grub screw on the top could be tighten a little to put some friction on the shaft...not the grub screw on the lever itself.
Thank you! You're my hero as that worked!
Yes, this vid is 10 months old. The bike is still unchanged except price. Giant is offering $550. Off the price. I got an LBS to price match an off the shelf 29-1 for 3K. I’ve on;y taken it out for one ride, but I can already tell it’s a really nice ride. It comes with a nice spec for price.
Cool vid, cheers. I picked up one of these, earlier in the year. I'm just under 5'10" and opted for the medium after selling a '21 Stumpjumper S4. The Stumpy was way too big for me and I should have gone smaller. I do more XC riding on my local trails and find the travel on the Trance more than adequate for my 70kg frame. It was a bit porky, so have done a similar thing to yourself and swapped out wheels and tires for lighter weight options which has transformed the ride on this bike. Also set the chip to high, liking the extra clearance and climbing position much better. Couldn't live with the Tektro levers and have swapped out with SLX 4 pots. Also upgraded rear mech and shifter to XT units. Very happy with the setup now and will definitely hang on to this one for a while. Totally recommend it to anyone thinking about one. Don't be fooled by the short travel, it's a very capable rig. Cheers.
I’m also tempted by this model though the weight of this build along with the brakes/wheels has steered me towards the pro.
Hey. I am thinking of one as well more for xc with some trail riding. Meaning lots of climbing. How do you like it for climbing?
Hi, I am torn between the the trance x 29 1 and trance 29 1. Price on both is the same at the moment. What would you suggest?
Would I lose the climbing efficiency on the X model? Thanks!
I'm torn right now on these two options as well! What did you go with? I'm leaning Trance 29 1.
I have the same issue with my rear shock on my 2014 trance 1 where rough riding puts it into trail mode. I’m surprised to see they haven’t fixed that issue on future models.
I just purchased the 2022 Trance X3 27.5" in aluminum. Mine is in Good Grey and glossy black with purple accents, I run the flip chip on the high position and I hate the brake levers with every cell of my body so I swapped them for a set of Shimano M6120.
The color of your bike popped like mad in the picture where it was in some sunlight. I am hopefully going to get a Trance 2 in Slate Grey in the next month or 2. Stupid Illinois weather doesn't really amount to a lot of trail riding in the winter.
Also, it's been 4 months, yo. Just in case you can't count. Good seeing you on Cure Cycling live streams in the mean time.
FYI, my wife's bike has the same shock and the detent for compression damping adjustment is very solid. Something is wrong with your shock.
Interesting! I've read mixed things about them. A lot of people say it's loose like mine, and a lot of others say it's fine. If it gets any worse I'll see about a replacement lever or servicing the shock.
Thanks for the review! I’m debating between this and the Top Fuel so your input is valued.
Appreciate that. Both bikes are excellent, and you can't really go wrong either way!
I have this exact bike and model otw (phantom green, week 32, allegedly). Super excited for this video!
So sick! I saw the Phantom Green one yesterday at Mojo Cycling (XL Frame), and it's a beautiful color.
I bought a phantom green Talon and it's beautiful in the sun
Thanks for the review. What’s your take about x 29 1? What’s the downside of the more travel if you don’t use it too often? Any paddling inefficiency? I’m trying to decide between this and x 29 1
I'm trying to decide as well. What did you go with?
Just bought the trance 2 and am super stoked
I think the 2 is a better value and can be upgraded over time as things wear out
Congrats! I agree the Trance 2 is a pretty phenomenal value. I've demoed some bikes with the Bomber Z2 fork, and it's pretty good. Enjoy your new bike!
Absolutely agree. The Z2 is essentially a 34 and the Trance 29 2 only goes down one level on the drivetrain to Deore. At $1100 cheaper it’s definitely the better value.
Good video! I just purchased the trance 29 1 in phantom green. I am considering on trading it in for the trance X 29 1. What are your thoughts? Pros, cons? Ill tell you this, the stance is a fantastic bike. There isnt much that you cant do on it. I havent ridden my trance 29 1 yet. Im still preparing it for its maiden voyage i.e wider grips and toxic camo vinyl wrap. Ill comment more after ive ridden a bit. Note: I didn't get the X. I kept the trance 29 1. It's been fun. I rode with guys who have the top of rhe line trek EXs and I keep up with them just fine. I will say that the trance 1 has a tendency for the tires to slide out going around turns. My Stance 2 has not had that problem. I'm not sure if the trance 1 longer wheelbase has anything to do with that or not. If anyone knows I would appreciate an education.
I own the regular Trance 27.5 ( 2022 ) ... I love everything but the color ( it is black on black and then some ) great bike though , a dream on the trails . I almost got the Trek Fuel but they didn't offer the bike in 27.5 so I went with Giant .
Keep up the good videos..which Is more efficient climber between the trance locked out and your fathom on fire roads? Trying to decide between 2..looking for some efficient and comfortable...thanks
What trails are these. I'm also in the Dallas area and I saw your Grapevine trails. I just got back into mountainbiking and just ordered the Giant Trance x2 27.5. Can't wait to get back into this sport. Thanks for your review
Not a bad pick but I would say that the Ibis Ripmo AF is best value bike hands down. Ibis DW magic with DVO suspension front and rear, climb like a dream and then rip down the gnar...what's not to love!
Maestro is very similar to DW suspension. Trance is closer to the Ripley. Ripmo compares more to the REIGN
As someone who has tried the fizzari Delano Peak, trance 29 and trek top fuel. Which one would you choose to be your only bike? I am in that situation at the moment where I am trying to chose my one bike fits most trail bike. I actually live in Joplin MO near Arkansas so I would be coming to Rogers/Bentonville area to ride. I am also pretty new to riding single track trails. Not new to riding bikes. Just looking to get my first, for real MTB! Other bikes on my short list are the Orbea Occam, Ibis Reply AF, and the Fuel ex 6th gen has peaked my interest.
What do you think about marin rift zone? Price, geometry, and pedalling? Compare to your giant?
I've never ridden a rift zone, although I will say I've always enjoyed Marin bikes. The spec of the Rift Zone 3 is very comparable to the Trance 2. Even the geometry is fairly similar. The rift zone has a shorter rear end, so it's probably a bit more playful in that sense, but I'd say you can't go wrong with either bike.
Would you say it is a Giant difference over the Trek?!?!? Also that rear floppy shock lever is normal on all fox shocks. It is a mystery as to why they don’t come up with a better method than the one they have.
lol it's not as drastic as a difference. Surprisingly the Giant is slightly lighter, with more travel, and costs less, so that's a nice bonus. Both bikes are excellent. You missed out on buying the Trek from me!
@@CobraKyle definitely missed out on riding it. It was a great deal.
I bought my trance 29 2 about a month ago and I’m super pleased. How do you like the 120/130 for northwest Arkansas? Tackling most things well?
Congrats on your trance! Yeah the travel on this bike is perfect for Bentonville. Haven't had any terrifying moments on this bike (yet) lol.
I find rockshox to be more supple off the top than my fox stuff, but that could just be a difference in low end(fox) and high end dampers as ive only had mid level fox suspension.
I remember on those Pivot Shuttles we rode it has the Factory Fox 36, and that bike felt amazing. You get what you pay for I suppose lol
Thanks. Just to confirm. I plan on getting one and swapping the wheels. Those discs are centerlock right? Not 6 hole?
Maybe I would need to new discs as well. I think these are the ones compatible only with organic pads. So one which handles metal pads also wouldn't be a bad idea..thanks
You think giant would have a carbon fiber offering under 5k and at least something between 5.2k and over 10k 😂 love your reviews man and we miss you!
lol Giant is all over the place! To be fair...they do have a $4,300 carbon version, but my screen capture software couldn't fit that one in while editing haha. I miss you too my friends!
Nice bike - just picked up the Trance X 29 3 Which bike stand are you using?
Very cool! I kind of wish I had gone with the Trance X to get the Fox 36 fork, but oh well. My bike stand is called "Ultimate Cycle Support". Bought it used off craigslist years ago, but it's still going strong!
This bike is beautiful; there’s Crome on aluminum so nice 👌
The better value is the Trance 29 2. Just one level down on drivetrain (Deore vs SLX) and basically the same fork (34 vs Bomber Z2) for at the time of your filming, $1100 less.
Yea but on this every component is SLX, on that one it isn't.
As a technical climber how does this new Trance compare to the new Top Fuel (now with 130 fork as well) or the Ripley?
Living in New England our trails are endless rocks, roots, punchy shorter climbs and descents. While we have some flowy trails any bike can do those it’s the technical stuff I’m most concerned with getting the best tool for the job.
Does Giant sell a frame only in aluminum or just the carbon?
I’ve been very happy with my 2020 Orbea Occam M30 build. I like Shimano over sram, and this has a shimano xt derailleur and an slx shifter along with shimano brakes. 140mm travel front and back and dt Swiss wheels. Suspension is fox and the dps shock lever is wiggly, but takes force to actually close it. MSRP in 2020 was $3,999 and has been worth it- a great deal. Now this model looks like $4,700 and I don’t know how available shimano components are.
The Occam is a rad bike! I strongly considered one before this bike. Insane how much the pricing has gone up on all of them. I do need a new Shimano cassette, and they are still hard to find.
I’m finding it difficult to get my rear suspension feeing right on this bike,it feels stiff even if I reduce air pressure and then it bottoms out anyway,have the second largest volume spacer in it to
Nice bike and great video. I have a 2020 Trance 2. I ditched the DPS for a dpx2 and added dsd the runt to my rythm fork. Ergo saddle and grips and Michelin tires, one-up pedals and on its way one-up carbon bars. The one issue I have is pedal strikes, I find the bb a tad low. I'll be looking at shorter cranks.
Bottom bracket isn’t very low on the 2020
Question bro, did you keep the same travel or did you increase it in the rear? I have the 2021, I’m interested in doing the same thing.
Why is it that new bikes tend to be getting heavier? the 2019 trance 29 1 weighed 29.7 lbs, so this new version gained 3.7 lbs
In the market for this bike. Well done on an excellent review. I’m sold. Will keep following.👌
Thanks so much Dino!
I got a trance x in last July.
Not ready for action...
Great frame and shock, the rest, oooof, came with with the tektro Orion 4p I blew the rear caliper first bike park run, two weeks later the replacement and front blew again next park run. Replaced them with magura mt5 which were cheap but very weak even with metallic pads upgrades so I got SRAM db8's which are excellent for the price with code ceramic pads, about 400$ all in all for the brakes.
The front rock shox 35 gold RL is pure horse manure, sticky stanchions, replaced under warranty still very bad action in the first inch of travel so I got my RST stitch air on it second problem solved so another 600/800$
Final issue the drivetrain SRAM SX, very durable cassette and crankset the derailleur and shifter NEVER worked well, 400$ TRP tr12 drivetrain later problem solved.
Also came with 60 tpi casing Maxxis, trashed both tires in the first month... another expense to consider.
So yeah with just 1400$ and some tires that won't explode jumping it can be a deal 😂
Still love the bike tho.
Components 1/10 at best.
Which one would I go for? Giant Trance 2 2022 or Trek Fuel Ex 5 2022? Considering that both are selling with the same price. Can’t decide for my first fulsus. 😅
Not to make your decision more difficult, but the brand new Vitus Mythique AMP is a lot of bike for the price. Out of stock at the moment, but should be available soon. Even the VRX model is pretty sweet and cheaper than all the others. tidd.ly/3Hl0Pjp
This is your first time testing Fox suspension or owning a bike with fox suspension?
First time owning. I've ridden demo bikes with Fox, but usually only about an hour at a time. I did have a review bike (Marin El Roy) with the Marzocchi Bomber Z1 for 3 months, and remember liking that fork.
Great video! I’m currently in the process of choosing my next bike, and struggling to chose one. Im 60 and trying to get back into riding. I have a 2011 Giant Anthem and it does fine still but the terrain in my area is technical and rocky and this thing just beers me up. Looking at a top fuel and the stance in Tulsa. Any suggestions or thoughts?
sounds to me like the trance is good for you. I'm 53 and just started racing on a cf scott hardtail. I was looking for a heavier "full susp" training bike and now think the top fuel might be more efficient for the terrain I ride but I honestly feel like you need to get the bike that suits your riding area and for rocks I would think softer is better.
I’d absolutely choose the Giant Trance with 130/120 full suspension… I am on my 3rd (progressively more capable) Giant which each use the Maestro-design rear suspension. I live in OKc/Guthrie area and ride with a varied sort - fast fast to cruising to my children… my 2022 Giant Trance Advance Pro 29 1 with Teravail Ehline/Honcho Tires and Vittoria Airliner tires is now an absolute Unit - up to the task at Lake Arcadia, Lake McMurtry, Bentonville… etc - take advantage of the Affirm 0% for 12mo offerings - get a damn nice bike to start. It’ll be a great tool and hold its value for when selling becomes necessary… 😊🎉
Any advice on upgrading my trek marlin 5?
Kind of depends on how much you want to spend. Cheap upgrades like nicer tires, or better bars/grips/pedals are worth doing, but once you start adding expensive items like new fork/drivetrain I think it's better to save that money and put it towards a new bike down the road.
I have the DPS on my Top Fuel and I haven't had an issue with the switch moving on its own. Could be an issue with that particular one?
It's extremely common for the lever to become floppy
Especially the DPS...
You aren't riding hard enough Derrick! lol
@@CobraKyle well our pavement is pretty gnarly
Nice video! Appreciate the details you provide.
I’m considering this bike, but at 280# I’m concerned about the press fit BB. Should this be a deal breaker, or am I overthinking this?
Thank you! Probably overthinking it, but I'm not certain about the weight limits of bottom brackets. My reason for not being stoked on them is merely due to the extra tools needed to replace one, and they are usually a bit more noisy than a threaded one.
Glad to see them ditching the crap sx. I just bought an Orbea Occam h30 2022 and it seems very similar to this one.
Yeah luckily most companies have given up on SX. What a disaster lol. I was strongly considering the Occam as well! I really liked the build of the H20 LT for $4,000. My local shop has one in their rental fleet, so hoping to demo it and see if I should have bought that instead haha. Enjoy your new bike!
@@CobraKyle I went with the cheaper version (and got a 10% discount) because I already had xt 4 pot brakes, dt swiss ex 1700 wheels and other little bits to upgrade it from the start so it's not really a H30... More like a H12.5 😂
I never knew why there were “advanced, x, pro, or any other name” next to all of the Trance models. Thanks
Do you have a list of upgrades you used for this bike?
great choice overall, it can be ridden all day or go to some local spot park and shred it !
thank you..I will be checking the Trance 3 soon in person..
Do you find the longer chainstays are harder to turn tight corners ?
Not really. It's a very small increase in chainstay length over the Trek, so no real concern in tight cornering.
How does this compare to your previous nukeproof reactor 290?
I have to choose between Trance 29 1 and Scott Spark 960. Both have pretty much the same travel. But Scott Spark 960 has some low spec components. Which one do you recommend out of 2 ? PS - I'd like to do some long climbs too.
How does the trance compare to the Trek Top Fuel?
my 2022 talon weighs the same and it is a hardtail. that is a great weight for full sus with alum frame, but prefer the 2022 rein SX even though it weighs more.
My experience with downhill mtb both rockshox and fox is that fox feels softer or "sluggish" compared to rockshox. But I alot of the time prefere the fox shocks rather then the poppy stiffer rock shox
I definitely don't feel as sore after riding this bike with the Fox stuff. That feeling is priceless!
What about the Marin rift zone 3? Very similar geo, spec and it’s cheaper.
I was considering the Marin along with this Trance, which has more travel.
I think I might prefer the Rift’s threaded BB, but the Rift has less travel.
Thoughts on either concern?
Yeah the Rift Zone is a cool bike. I haven't personally ridden one yet. The Rift Zone 3 actually has the same suspension as the cheaper Trance 2 model which is $2,600. Those two bikes are very similar, so it would come down to geo/personal preference.
Nice overview!
My bro has Trance and I have a YT Jeffsy . . . Similar spec and feel. Seems that the trail / enduro market is settling into geo and specs along those lines. Fun, reasonably efficient and capable flat, up and down.
Thanks Ralph! My first bike was a Jeffsy! Pretty nice bikes. I'm glad the market seems to be embracing these more neutral bikes. The whole super long/slack bikes aren't as fun in my opinion unless you consistently ride down mountains.
Fezzari abajo peak (Dvo version) wins my bang for the buck!
Yeah Fezzari has some really good value on their bikes. I'm still dreaming of the Delano Peak I demoed last month!
Another great bike that has great value is the 2023 Norco Fluid FS. Has excellent parts for the price.
I just buy this bike, I like your vid 👍 makes me
Realize what is coming 😅 for me . The only think I don’t understand is the weight . They told me the weight is going to be 32.15, but for what you just said is going to be almost 33. Something so is going to be quiet heavy 😅😅 thanks again for the vid
What a nice trail .
My 2020 Trance Advanced Pro 1 climbs super awesome also
Awesome bike! Nice frame and features. New follower here. Crow✌️
Can someone on UA-cam, for Mother Mar, PLEASE post a video of the REALISTIC frame color! Every video of Trance X 29 2, is too dark, too bright. It's orange-looking, brown-looking, burnt orange-looking, brown-looking. Everyone check your camera/phone settings prior to recording. This frame looks to be a sparkle-copper color.
I spend a lot of time trying to color correct as accurately as possible. It is a sparkly brown/copper color. The up close shots of the frame in this video show it pretty well. I will also say it depends on the monitor you're watching on. My laptop screen, it does look way darker, but on my secondary monitor everything looks bright and accurate.
Ahh sorry. Btw have you managed to see the weight of these AM 29 wheels? I have another giant with the xct wheels, which are 25mm internal and they are quite decent. Not sure about these AM. They used to spec this bike with either XCT or TRX wheels but now this AM 29 came thanks
@@Lenser thanks. So worth changing
Give us the high vs low position video. CMONNNNN
I have giant advanced pro 2 29 great value and fun
That won't happen to a hardtail. Pretty bike for sure.
You're right Harry! It's been a minute since I rode my hardtails. Gonna need to change that soon!
It went together easily in less than an hour. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Make sure the front fork is forward or the pedals will hit the front tire. Tires are both a little soft so it needs air before I ride it. The rear wheel didn't come with a clamp regular bolts hold it on. The front had the clamp. No scratches out of box. Rims are a little off with a slight wobble. They could have spent more time with the spoke tool fixing the run out. So far out of the box I'm happy with it. I did replace the pedals with a nice aftermarket set. After riding it a bit my A$$ is a bit sore so I ordered another seat. Overall I'm nearly 60 and didn't ride a bike in 30 years. I like my new 29" Schwinn. It will be used for casual rides with my friend.
I have a trance 2 from 2019 (27.5 150mm travel), on climbs or even flat rides the rear suspension bobs like crazy unless you lock out the rear shock. I see nothing special about the “maestro” rear suspension design.
Maestro is a rigid design . I don’t have the bobbing issue my 20 trance climbs like a goat
Sumpjumper evo tho 4K
I have the 2021 trance 115 thing fucking shred got it used for 1900$ lol I gotta be honest really opened my eyes to giant bikes think I want the new 120
haha for sure! I think Giant gets overlooked a lot, but they are pretty awesome.
@@CobraKyle I have a enduro and just bought a new Kona 134
Beautiful color. Thanks for the weights.
those prices make me sad considering you can buy a really nice use dirt bike for that much
Agreed, and this is something I often think about. I looked at a new Suzuki DR-Z125L with my brother and it costs less than this bike. A couple conclusions I've come up with in my head is that mountain bikes have to be engineered to be light and somewhat tough whereas weight isn't as big a factor in dirt bikes since they have an engine. Motorcycle engines have also been around far longer, and as far as I know haven't developed a ton of new tech in the last 20 years which is good as it keeps the prices reasonable. Lastly is the portability of a dirt bike, and places to ride them. I drive a small car, so if I want a dirt bike, I gotta buy a truck. I also don't know a ton of places where I could ride one. I'm sure there are a lot of spots, but it isn't something I actively research. I do think mountain biking has gotten way overpriced, and I too cringe when I look at a $4K mountain bike and then a motorcycle. Sorry for the long response, but it's certainly a topic that intrigues me!
Don't ,it's quite simple it's scale .the world produces and consumes 92% more dirt bikes than mtbs and that's increased year on year over the last @ decades so that's why a dirt bike is often cheaper than a mtb .
I gotta interject here nothing as far as bang for the buck beats used unless your looking at carbon then idk
Agreed! As long as you know what to look for, or can repair bikes yourself then the used market is a great place to snag deals!