After just a puny paintjob for last year, it’s a relief to see that Giant have knuckled down and launched an all-new Trance for the 2017 season! Having long secured its position at the top end of the game, both the Giant Trance and the carbon Trance Advanced should be fully up-to-date for the new season and ready to pack a punch. Here’s the lowdown!
The Trance has to be considered one of Giant’s most versatile bikes in its huge stable, and the current version has consistently shown its worth. An all-round talent, the Trance has now been brought firmly up-to-date in terms of technology, seeing a whole list of updates for the new season. It’s now more potent than ever, and even more tuned for aggressive trail riding. While the 140 mm travel remains the same at the rear, the front now features 150 mm of travel, making the Trance bridge the gap to the Trance SX, which has been withdrawn for 2017.
The details of the Giant Trance 2017
Already superb, the Maestro suspension system has received even more fine-tuning to render it fit for the 2017 season, featuring the trunnion mount which is becoming a bit of a staple for the new crop of bikes. The upper rocker arm on both the Trance and the Trance Advanced is made from carbon. These updates aren’t just designed to increase the efficiency of the rear but also create a lower centre of gravity.
The Boost axle standard is pretty much part-and-parcel of a new bike these days, although there’s still a lot of confusion about its real purpose. The Trance is proof that Boost isn’t just a subject revolving around plus-size bikes and 29ers, and that it also enables more stability for the wheels and bigger tire clearance. The bike’s image is topped off nicely with internally route cables and the integrated downtube protector. The ISCG-05 mount means you can fit a chain guide and the Trance comes as standard with a Taco bash guard from MRP.
The geometry of the Giant Trance 2017
Alongside the new rear end design, the Trance 2017 takes on revised geometry, with a 10 mm longer top tube to serve up more stability on aggressive trails. Fittingly, the bottom bracket has dropped by 5 mm compared to its predecessor. Moreover, thanks to the new rear end design the developers have succeeded in shortening the chainstays from 440 mm to 435 mm in order to boost agility.
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top tube | 560 mm | 580 mm | 610 mm | 630 mm | 655 mm |
| Head tube | 100 mm | 100 mm | 105 mm | 130 mm | 145 mm |
| Head angle | 67° | 67° | 67° | 67° | 67° |
| Seat angle | 73,5° | 73,5° | 73,5° | 73,5° | 73,5° |
| Chainstay | 435 mm | 435 mm | 435 mm | 435 mm | 435 mm |
| BB drop | 15 mm | 15 mm | 15 mm | 15 mm | |
| Wheelbase | 1.109 mm | 1.129 mm | 1.160 mm | 1.183 mm | 1.209 mm |
| Reach | 386 mm | 406 mm | 435 mm | 448 mm | 469 mm |
Prices and availability
The Giant Trance rolls out towards the public in September and will be available in four aluminium and two carbon versions. With the entry level models cashing up at 1,799 € and the top-of-the-range retailing at 6,500 €, Giant have covered everyone’s bank balance with a suitable model.
First impressions
Taking on a whole new demeanor with a ton of small but significant revisions, the Trance 2017 has placed a firm foot towards the future. As the current model is already rightly considered a class act, we’re stoked to see this evolution – and we’re not bothered about the lack of a revolution. Giant’s approach to tie in the new metric-sized rear shock is another impressive step, as this new shock generation is proving time and time again just what a great addition they are on other bikes. This could be key to taking the Giant Trance to the next level.
More information are available soon here: Giant Webseite
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.
Words: Photos: Christoph Bayer
