The new 2016 Giant Trance Advanced 1 is more a revision than an evolution, getting a fresh new paint job and some upgrades to the build while the frame remains unchanged. Would it live up to its name and weave us under its trance on the trails?
Weighing in at 12.8 kg the Giant Trance looks like a formidable trail bike. With 140 mm of smooth Maestro suspension and the impressive FOX 34 Float Factory fork and Factory EVOL rear shock, we were excited to throw it down some trails. We also liked the Shimano XT drivetrain, which shifted with slick and polished precision. The 32-tooth chainring and 11-42 tooth cassette provide ample gears for grinding up the nastiest of inclines. At this price, we were certainly not expecting to see carbon wheels, so we were very surprised to find Giant’s own brand TRX 27.5 1 carbon wheels with a satisfyingly wide 27 mm internal width. Our demo bike came fitted with Maxxis High Roller II 2.35 tires front and rear for aggressive cornering fun, but as standard it comes with much skinnier Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.25 Trail and Pace Star tires, which are too tame for this bike. Giant’s Contact Switch R dropper seatpost finishes the build.
We were excited to hit the trails on the Giant Trance Advanced 1.0 as we are big fans of its bigger brother the Reign. The long 620 mm top tube gives a central and comfortable riding position while climbing, and the low 590 mm front end stays planted on steep technical climbs. When it came to the descents we hit a problem right away, the 70 mm stem and narrow 730 mm bars are unforgivable on a bike with such otherwise well thought out componentry. The front end felt outdated and old fashioned, and didn’t allow us to fully exploit the awesome FOX Factory Float 34’s full potential. To properly test the bike we swapped in a 50 mm stem and 760 mm bar and instantly the bike was transformed. The plush Maestro rear end is Giant’s super power, feeling far more potent than the 140 mm of travel would suggest.We were very impressed with the way the bike could carry speed over rough ground and the suspension provided good support for pushing into compressions and flat turns. With the new cockpit, the bike cut and dived into corners well, but seemed most happy with a smoother, less aggressive riding style.
Specifications of the Giant Trance Advanced 1
Fork: FOX Float 34 Factory 140 mm
Rear Shock: FOX Float Factory
Brakes: Shimano XT
Drivetrain: Shimano XT 1×11
Seatpost: GIANT Contact SL
Stem: GIANT Contact SL
Handlebar: GIANT Contact SL TR Riserbar
Wheelset: GIANT PTRX-1C Carbon 27,5″
Tires: Schwalbe Nobby Nic
Weight: 12.8 kg
Price: € 4,299
Long days in the saddle were very comfortable, but we did find that the cable tension of the Giant Contact SL Switch R dropper post needed some readjustment after a few hours of riding (after that it was perfect). The carbon wheels, provided a very compliant and accurate ride and accelerated well, but needed a quick tension after some hard abuse.
Conclusion
The Giant Trance Advanced 1 is a great bike. The new suspension tune and component choices make it a great value, all-day ripper. But when the terrain gets rough, its superhero aspirations are quickly defeated by its arch enemy – an old fashioned cockpit. Going a little shorter and wider really unlocks the Trance’s formidable potential.
+ Maestro suspension very composed
+ Great value
– Cockpit holds it back
– Low front end not for everyone
For more information head to the Giant website.
[/emaillocker]For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: Battle of the super powers: 9 of the best trail bikes in comparison
All bikes in test: Canyon Spectral CF 9.0 EX | Cube Stereo 140 C:62 SL | Specialized Stumpjumper 650B | Radon Slide 140 Carbon | Ibis Mojo 3 | SCOTT Genius 710 Plus | Whyte T130 C | Yeti SB 4.5c
Looking for a more affordable Spec? Don’t miss our Giant Trance 2 LTD Review
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