Great tip about adjusting the SLX clutch, I did the same on mine and now everyone loves me and it's like if the squirrels I've squished came back from heaven to help me shift smoothly 😇
Nice review. We need more like this. I think you Could get lots of views if you did a trance 29 vs trance 29 X review or even if you added vs trance 29 in this video title. You compared them pretty nicely.😎 A thumbnail with trance 29 X written on it might help too.👍
I got mine during covid, but as a barely used and almost new secondhand - seller was moving to Aus - so $1,000 off retail and no 6 months long wait. Remember those days? Mine still has a defective left stanchion clearance issue, and flogged out bottle cage rivnuts. I had to change the original handlebars, which were just too stiff and fatiguing. OneUp carbon is much better. Also changed the front rotor, as bought was never able to fix squeaking brakes. Agree about the bike, these are a great option and I would still consider one of I was buying at the moment.
Fantastic Review. Very informative, with the “goods”and the “not as good as it could be’s”. Seems like a really well rounded bike pushing more to the aggressive side. Appreciate you taking the time and your perspective! Just nabbed one. Stoked to get it before they went to the Rockshox in ‘22
Thanks for this! I’m a Canadian and there happens to be one of these coming into my local bike shop that I can still get. I didn’t know much about it and was leary after the bike snobs at PinkBike didn’t give it much love! Now I think I am going to go pull the trigger on this bike tomorrow after your review! Was all the info I was looking for. I ride a Rocky Mountain Instinct right now (2016), but start to ride a little more aggressive trails after some new builds in our area (jumps, drops, berms) and want to get into the mountains more this next season. So, the longer travel on this, but not quite enduro is my perfect compromise I think!
Hi Craig, glad it was useful. After i did the first review over a year ago i had some people message me asking for some clips riding the bike so i recorded some. I think it's useful to hear from average riders that know what they are talking about and have no advertising influence over opinions. I'm not sure of you've seen some of the video where i actually ride the bike but you can get an idea of how capable it is from some of vids. I'm sure being in Canada you have some awesome trails to ride. Whatever bike you end up with i hope you enjoy it. cheers mate. Schaeff.
@@schaeff6476 I will check them out! I am coming from a 2015 Rocky Mountain Instinct. It needs an overhaul, so was considering just buying new because parts are so hard to come by. It is also less travel and not as slack as Trance X 29 and I have found I am wanting to take on some more aggressive/advanced trails that will be rootier, rockier, and jumps and drops. The 2021 version of the instinct is very similar to the Trance X (travel, geometry, and weight) but almost $2000 CAD more! So, it’s a no brainer! Was considering the Reign actually, but that’s more bike than I need and not quite the climber I would want either. Yeah, I’m close to the mountains and local trail network is grown leaps and bounds last couple of years! So some sweet trails here for sure! Cheers! I
I watched your first review and your comments about the weight pushed me to stretch for the advanced pro 1... in the west they're selling these bikes at big discounts which makes them awesome value. Glad I nabbed one before the 2022 spec was released. I'm 178cm and went with the medium, primarily based on the reach (which was a 10mm than my large Norco Torrent). The large felt much more comfortable to pedal in the saddle though, given its ETT... still not convinced on this steep seat angle thing
Thanks mate. I would say that the seAt tube is so steep that you could not ride this bike without a dropper. Be too dangerous. I wouldn't mind a bash on the carbon model to see the difference.
Just found this updated video and I want to thank you for making it. I also am looking for a lighter alternative wheel set for my Trance X 29-2. 2.46kg stock hoops is way too heavy! Carbon is sooo expensive so I have been looking at alloy alternatives. Looks like those DT Swiss E1900s will be added to my list as possible alternatives. How do these perform as compared to the Nukeproof you where running prior?
Hi Bill. The nukeptoofs are about 2kg and improved the climbing performance. They were a little flexy under rough cornering hut accelerated well. The E1900 are so solid in rough, rough corners, and g outs that i really like them for the conditions i got this bike for. With i know now i reckon the M1900 ftom dt swiss might be the better all rounder for this bike. As it stands im going to stick with e1900 and repair my nukeproifs. The nukes copped a btutal 1400km and for the money they have been superb.
@@schaeff6476 Thanks Mate! Those M1900 wheels would cut about ~400 grams from the stock wheels. That is significant. Still trying to decide between alloy vs carbon. Hard choice.
@Schaeff I dropped a set of i9 Enduro H28 alloy wheels with the Hydra hubs, and an eThirteen carbon bar on the Trance X-2. Wow, what a difference!! The instant engagement is amazing and I've shaved about ~600g off the bike. The nimbleness and ease of rolling with the new wheels/hub is shocking. Would 100% recommend to anyone with this bike.
Hello, great review. I am torn between a Large or XL. I am 6’2”, currently I ride an XL Stumpjumper but before this bike I rode a Large Giant Trance X. What’s your opinion on size? Thanks
Hi Frank. I have had no issues at all with the press fit BB on this bike. Further my last 5 mountain bike have all been shimano or sram press fit and I have not had one issue with creaking or performance at all. I would not be concerned at all about this at all. For me the negatives of press fit over threaded are that press fit is not as durable - particularly in adverse riding condition like wet/rain, and it is more difficult (but not impossible) to service them. they are a tap out and throw away item, then press a new one in. Thankfully using a long bolt, and nut, an ebay press fit bearing part i have my own installer for 15 bucks!!! I am still riding the original shimano PF BB on both my Trance X at just over 1500km and sram PF BB on my Trance with over 3000km. I had a press fit BB30 system on a roadie a while back and it gave me nothing but grief and creaking but on my last 6 mountain bikes (5 giants and a Trek) I've not had any issues with PF BB from shimano or sram. I do prefer threaded as it is easier to service, lasts longer etc - but one i got my press fit tool i could not care any less. Don't let the press fit BB stop you getting any bike you want - but i would stick to shimano or sram systems for PF bikes. I saw Pinkbike reviewed the Trance X 3. looks awesome performance for the money. I've seen them out on the trails around Brisbane getting thrown around and killing it. I would recommend going to the X2 if the budget allows it. Hope that helps mate. schaeff
@@Robin887 hi - I got another bike in the end with a threaded BB just to make it easier to work on at home. A couple of the guys I know got either Treks or Giants which have pressfit BB have covered thousands of miles with no issues, just replacing the BB when it is due
Great review. You said if you are fire roading or ridding really smooth trails this is not the bike fore you. Why is that? I got my first bike a merida big 7 100 last year and thinking of upgrading this year and this was one of the bikes I was considering. Esp due to it being a good climber. I ride mainly fire trails but want to spend some time in bike parks in Sydney where I like. Would you recommend this bike for me?
Hi Jay, If you are going to hit more singletrack and trail features, and also riding some more demanding descents then this would be a great choice. However if you're looking at riding smoother singeltrack or fire roads there are more efficient, lighter and faster bikes to choose from. having said that it would be totally fine for most riding but excels in rougher trails. if you're going to progress to more difficult trails then this would be a great choice
I just bought this bike and did a bit of testing. When it comes to pedaling my XC bike is about 7% faster. This bike isn't terrible at pedaling, but this isn't it's strength. When I compared this bike to the XC in single track climbs they were almost the same so it is a good climber when there's a bit of work to do. I did a race that was about 1/2 fireroad with this bike. I will do the same race with my XC bike to get a bit more data. I do agree that this bike is a bit heavy and I am wanting to lighten mine up.
Great review like the 1st one! Ride the same bike, size & trails as yourself and definitely have the same complaint with wheel weight on the bike! How have found the tyre grip on the front dropping from a 2.5 to 2.4 tyre?
Thanks mate. My personal opinion is 2.4 is a better width for the bikes travel numbers and the trails i ride. 2.5 is a massive tyre. By feel and times im faster on my dhr II than my previous 2.5 DHF. The mind matters and mine says if the trail is sketchy then DHR II up front! Cheers mate. Ride on!
@@schaeff6476 I like that idea: 2.4 vs 2.5 to save some weight and decrease rolling resistance. Still contemplating alloy wheels for 2022 and possibly going to a 2.4 tires. Like the idea of a SCHWALBE Magic Mary up front but I'm not sure about the rear... probably stay with the Dissector in a 2.4. Keep the videos coming!
Cheers mate. I've been putting up a few vids of me riding so the reviews carry some perspective about the riding that I crack out. Thanks again for the kind words. Ride on!
If the trance 29 x was the carbon lighter version, what do you think of steep seat tube angle would affect xc riding or would you prefer the previous trance 29 ?
I'm not too sure to be honest. The steep seat tube angle for me means that I need to get the seat out of the way more often to open up the bikes capabilities and maneuverability. You'll find that you are far enough forward and up very high and when you want to pop the front wheel up it is much harder as you are higher and further over the bars. Also the carbon would be light enough o enjoy XC racing as the tracks over here are getting much more technical. I haven't ridden an XC dually for 6 years though and there would be better people to comment on your question.
Thanks for the insight. also a fellow SEQ rider, I'm looking at one of these. just curious as to your height and how you find the large frame? im 188cm with longer legs. having a bit of a fight with myself over the large or xl frame size.
Go the XL for sure. There's no way the large will work for you if you're 188cm tall. I'm 178 and I do have a long inseam but the seat is up pretty high on the Large. cheers mate.
22 to 23 psi rear. 20 to 21 front. If its rocky then higher pressures (23 rear 21 front) and otherwise 22 rear 20 front. That's with 2.4 dissector rear and 2.4 DHR II front.
Hi TDC, I really cannot answer that. In Australia im buying and comparing in Aussie Dollars and the bike here has seen a price increase too, and a few small spec decreases! However when I look at the competition they have all suffered the same pricing challenges. I think the only way to know is to compare it's price at any one time with all the other competitors in the same market. sorry i couldn't be more help.
Thank you for the reply! I went ahead and picked it up. I love it so far. A little slower right now compared to my hard tail. About to replace the front 30t with a 32t also.
Great tip about adjusting the SLX clutch, I did the same on mine and now everyone loves me and it's like if the squirrels I've squished came back from heaven to help me shift smoothly 😇
Nice review.
We need more like this.
I think you Could get lots of views if you did a trance 29 vs trance 29 X review or even if you added vs trance 29 in this video title. You compared them pretty nicely.😎
A thumbnail with trance 29 X written on it might help too.👍
I got mine during covid, but as a barely used and almost new secondhand - seller was moving to Aus - so $1,000 off retail and no 6 months long wait. Remember those days?
Mine still has a defective left stanchion clearance issue, and flogged out bottle cage rivnuts.
I had to change the original handlebars, which were just too stiff and fatiguing. OneUp carbon is much better. Also changed the front rotor, as bought was never able to fix squeaking brakes.
Agree about the bike, these are a great option and I would still consider one of I was buying at the moment.
Fantastic Review. Very informative, with the “goods”and the “not as good as it could be’s”. Seems like a really well rounded bike pushing more to the aggressive side. Appreciate you taking the time and your perspective! Just nabbed one. Stoked to get it before they went to the Rockshox in ‘22
Glad it was helpful! It's a great bike. hope it rides well for you too.
Thanks for this! I’m a Canadian and there happens to be one of these coming into my local bike shop that I can still get. I didn’t know much about it and was leary after the bike snobs at PinkBike didn’t give it much love!
Now I think I am going to go pull the trigger on this bike tomorrow after your review! Was all the info I was looking for.
I ride a Rocky Mountain Instinct right now (2016), but start to ride a little more aggressive trails after some new builds in our area (jumps, drops, berms) and want to get into the mountains more this next season. So, the longer travel on this, but not quite enduro is my perfect compromise I think!
Hi Craig, glad it was useful. After i did the first review over a year ago i had some people message me asking for some clips riding the bike so i recorded some. I think it's useful to hear from average riders that know what they are talking about and have no advertising influence over opinions. I'm not sure of you've seen some of the video where i actually ride the bike but you can get an idea of how capable it is from some of vids. I'm sure being in Canada you have some awesome trails to ride. Whatever bike you end up with i hope you enjoy it. cheers mate. Schaeff.
@@schaeff6476 I will check them out!
I am coming from a 2015 Rocky Mountain Instinct. It needs an overhaul, so was considering just buying new because parts are so hard to come by. It is also less travel and not as slack as Trance X 29 and I have found I am wanting to take on some more aggressive/advanced trails that will be rootier, rockier, and jumps and drops. The 2021 version of the instinct is very similar to the Trance X (travel, geometry, and weight) but almost $2000 CAD more! So, it’s a no brainer!
Was considering the Reign actually, but that’s more bike than I need and not quite the climber I would want either.
Yeah, I’m close to the mountains and local trail network is grown leaps and bounds last couple of years! So some sweet trails here for sure!
Cheers!
I
I watched your first review and your comments about the weight pushed me to stretch for the advanced pro 1... in the west they're selling these bikes at big discounts which makes them awesome value. Glad I nabbed one before the 2022 spec was released. I'm 178cm and went with the medium, primarily based on the reach (which was a 10mm than my large Norco Torrent). The large felt much more comfortable to pedal in the saddle though, given its ETT... still not convinced on this steep seat angle thing
Thanks mate. I would say that the seAt tube is so steep that you could not ride this bike without a dropper. Be too dangerous. I wouldn't mind a bash on the carbon model to see the difference.
I bought the aluminum and am liking it. I wish I could have found a carbon one, but I couldn't find one without breaking the bank.
I Was Going To Buy One But Found An Awesome Rocky
Just found this updated video and I want to thank you for making it. I also am looking for a lighter alternative wheel set for my Trance X 29-2. 2.46kg stock hoops is way too heavy! Carbon is sooo expensive so I have been looking at alloy alternatives. Looks like those DT Swiss E1900s will be added to my list as possible alternatives. How do these perform as compared to the Nukeproof you where running prior?
Hi Bill. The nukeptoofs are about 2kg and improved the climbing performance. They were a little flexy under rough cornering hut accelerated well. The E1900 are so solid in rough, rough corners, and g outs that i really like them for the conditions i got this bike for. With i know now i reckon the M1900 ftom dt swiss might be the better all rounder for this bike. As it stands im going to stick with e1900 and repair my nukeproifs. The nukes copped a btutal 1400km and for the money they have been superb.
@@schaeff6476 Thanks Mate! Those M1900 wheels would cut about ~400 grams from the stock wheels. That is significant. Still trying to decide between alloy vs carbon. Hard choice.
@Schaeff I dropped a set of i9 Enduro H28 alloy wheels with the Hydra hubs, and an eThirteen carbon bar on the Trance X-2. Wow, what a difference!! The instant engagement is amazing and I've shaved about ~600g off the bike. The nimbleness and ease of rolling with the new wheels/hub is shocking. Would 100% recommend to anyone with this bike.
Hello, great review. I am torn between a Large or XL. I am 6’2”, currently I ride an XL Stumpjumper but before this bike I rode a Large Giant Trance X. What’s your opinion on size? Thanks
Id go XL. But always good to sit on one first
Nice review, do you know if a 750ml bottle could fit. thanks
Yes a 750ml fits. 800 fits too but is tight between top tube and down tube where those tubes meet. I use the smaller bottles and they are great too.
About to grab a trance x 3 but I'm concerned about the press fit BB. Did you have any issues? Thanks
Hi Frank. I have had no issues at all with the press fit BB on this bike. Further my last 5 mountain bike have all been shimano or sram press fit and I have not had one issue with creaking or performance at all. I would not be concerned at all about this at all. For me the negatives of press fit over threaded are that press fit is not as durable - particularly in adverse riding condition like wet/rain, and it is more difficult (but not impossible) to service them. they are a tap out and throw away item, then press a new one in. Thankfully using a long bolt, and nut, an ebay press fit bearing part i have my own installer for 15 bucks!!! I am still riding the original shimano PF BB on both my Trance X at just over 1500km and sram PF BB on my Trance with over 3000km.
I had a press fit BB30 system on a roadie a while back and it gave me nothing but grief and creaking but on my last 6 mountain bikes (5 giants and a Trek) I've not had any issues with PF BB from shimano or sram.
I do prefer threaded as it is easier to service, lasts longer etc - but one i got my press fit tool i could not care any less.
Don't let the press fit BB stop you getting any bike you want - but i would stick to shimano or sram systems for PF bikes.
I saw Pinkbike reviewed the Trance X 3. looks awesome performance for the money. I've seen them out on the trails around Brisbane getting thrown around and killing it. I would recommend going to the X2 if the budget allows it.
Hope that helps mate.
schaeff
@@schaeff6476 thanks very much for the comprehensive reply. I have discounted several bikes due to the press but think I will reconsider!
@@frankedoodle3798 Hello, can i ask what did you bought finally? I am same concerned about pressfit :D
@@Robin887 hi - I got another bike in the end with a threaded BB just to make it easier to work on at home. A couple of the guys I know got either Treks or Giants which have pressfit BB have covered thousands of miles with no issues, just replacing the BB when it is due
@@frankedoodle3798 Thanks a lot for the answer! Hope you enjoy your bike
Great review mate!
Glad you liked it
Great review. You said if you are fire roading or ridding really smooth trails this is not the bike fore you. Why is that? I got my first bike a merida big 7 100 last year and thinking of upgrading this year and this was one of the bikes I was considering. Esp due to it being a good climber. I ride mainly fire trails but want to spend some time in bike parks in Sydney where I like. Would you recommend this bike for me?
Hi Jay, If you are going to hit more singletrack and trail features, and also riding some more demanding descents then this would be a great choice. However if you're looking at riding smoother singeltrack or fire roads there are more efficient, lighter and faster bikes to choose from. having said that it would be totally fine for most riding but excels in rougher trails. if you're going to progress to more difficult trails then this would be a great choice
I just bought this bike and did a bit of testing. When it comes to pedaling my XC bike is about 7% faster. This bike isn't terrible at pedaling, but this isn't it's strength. When I compared this bike to the XC in single track climbs they were almost the same so it is a good climber when there's a bit of work to do. I did a race that was about 1/2 fireroad with this bike. I will do the same race with my XC bike to get a bit more data. I do agree that this bike is a bit heavy and I am wanting to lighten mine up.
Great review like the 1st one!
Ride the same bike, size & trails as yourself and definitely have the same complaint with wheel weight on the bike!
How have found the tyre grip on the front dropping from a 2.5 to 2.4 tyre?
Thanks mate. My personal opinion is 2.4 is a better width for the bikes travel numbers and the trails i ride. 2.5 is a massive tyre. By feel and times im faster on my dhr II than my previous 2.5 DHF. The mind matters and mine says if the trail is sketchy then DHR II up front! Cheers mate. Ride on!
@@schaeff6476 I like that idea: 2.4 vs 2.5 to save some weight and decrease rolling resistance. Still contemplating alloy wheels for 2022 and possibly going to a 2.4 tires. Like the idea of a SCHWALBE Magic Mary up front but I'm not sure about the rear... probably stay with the Dissector in a 2.4. Keep the videos coming!
Great reviews 1&2 - your not a nobody brother - MTB bros in US. What mud guard are you running?
Cheers mate. I've been putting up a few vids of me riding so the reviews carry some perspective about the riding that I crack out. Thanks again for the kind words. Ride on!
Ohh and a MarshGuard is the brand on my bright green and Dirtsurfer is brand on Trance X for the mud guard
If the trance 29 x was the carbon lighter version, what do you think of steep seat tube angle would affect xc riding or would you prefer the previous trance 29 ?
I'm not too sure to be honest. The steep seat tube angle for me means that I need to get the seat out of the way more often to open up the bikes capabilities and maneuverability. You'll find that you are far enough forward and up very high and when you want to pop the front wheel up it is much harder as you are higher and further over the bars. Also the carbon would be light enough o enjoy XC racing as the tracks over here are getting much more technical. I haven't ridden an XC dually for 6 years though and there would be better people to comment on your question.
Thanks for the insight. also a fellow SEQ rider, I'm looking at one of these.
just curious as to your height and how you find the large frame? im 188cm with longer legs.
having a bit of a fight with myself over the large or xl frame size.
Go the XL for sure. There's no way the large will work for you if you're 188cm tall. I'm 178 and I do have a long inseam but the seat is up pretty high on the Large. cheers mate.
What tire pressure do you ride the Trance X 2 ?
22 to 23 psi rear. 20 to 21 front. If its rocky then higher pressures (23 rear 21 front) and otherwise 22 rear 20 front. That's with 2.4 dissector rear and 2.4 DHR II front.
It does come stock with a 2.5 DHF up front and i ran that 19 to 20psi
I run about the same pressures as Schaeff
This bike is going for $3500+ now. Is it worth that price in our opinion?
Hi TDC, I really cannot answer that. In Australia im buying and comparing in Aussie Dollars and the bike here has seen a price increase too, and a few small spec decreases! However when I look at the competition they have all suffered the same pricing challenges. I think the only way to know is to compare it's price at any one time with all the other competitors in the same market. sorry i couldn't be more help.
Thank you for the reply! I went ahead and picked it up. I love it so far. A little slower right now compared to my hard tail. About to replace the front 30t with a 32t also.