The Giant Trance Advanced 0 is guaranteed to generate smiles! This bike is a classic and has been improved upon in detail for the upcoming season. It quickly counted as one of the favourites among the test riders. Our comparison will reveal whom this bike is for!
For an overview head to the main article: Everyday Heroes! – We review six of the hottest, grin-inducing trail bikes
In our previous review of the Trance, we were somewhat disappointed. Giant had successfully revised the Giant Trance Advanced 0, harmonising the geometry and giving it excellent rear suspension, but then they went and limited the riding performance with inappropriate components. All the better that Giant has done its homework for the 2018 model, eliminating the weak points, such as the cockpit and the tires, which were both too narrow. The € 6,999 top model relies on a carbon main frame with an aluminium rear triangle which gives 140 mm of travel via a carbon rocker.
The componentry is good throughout. The SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain is brilliant as usual, as is the RockShox suspension, consisting of a PIKE RCT3 fork (150 mm) and a Super Deluxe shock. The other components are mostly from Giant themselves and work perfectly. The dropper seat post with a 150 mm adjustment range has sufficient stroke, and the carbon wheels also impressed with a good mix of flex, stiffness, and low weight. Although the cockpit now has the right stem length (55 mm) and bar width (780 mm), the old-style RockShox remote looks a bit cheap – you’d expect better on a bike that costs € 7,000.
Although the Giant Trance Advanced climbs well, it’s clearly designed for maximum fun on the downhills!
Getting on the bike, it quickly becomes clear what the Giant Trance was designed for: downhill fun! The rider is very centrally positioned on the bike. The high cockpit gives a feeling of security, and paired with the plush suspension the Trance encourages you to stay off the brakes right out the gate. The 140 mm of rear travel feels like more and works well with the very sensitive RockShox PIKE in front, providing good feedback without wallowing. Overall, the Trance rides calmly yet remains extremely agile. Getting on the pedals, the low weight of the bike and small diameter wheels allow it to accelerate forward willingly. Those who ride a lot of long and steep uphills may want to move the saddle forward on its rails to compensate for the slightly slack seat angle, as well as remotely locking out the shock. With the improved seating position, even long uphills don’t pose a problem.
The Giant Trance Advanced 0 in detail
Fork RockShox PIKE RCT3 150 mm
Rear shock RockShox Super Deluxe RT 140 mm
Brakes SRAM Guide RSC
Drivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle
Seatpost Giant Contact S 150 mm
Stem Giant Contact SL 55 mm
Handlebar Giant Contact SLR TR Carbon 780 mm
Tires MAXXIS Highroller II 3C
Wheelset Giant TRX 0 Carbon
Weight 12.33 kg
Price € 6,999
The Giant Maestro rear triangle has a proven track record and has always been in a class of its own. With the Trance Advanced, it provides all the traction you could wish for. On long uphills, however, you’ll be thankful for the remote lockout on the handlebar.
Although the RockShox remote works smoothly, it is very exposed on the handlebar and therefore predestined to be damaged in the event of a crash.
One of the biggest weaknesses of the last Trance was the tires. However, you’ll now be well equipped with the grippy MAXXIS HighRoller II’s. They provide excellent traction, both wet and dry.
The redesigned RockShox PIKE impressed with an even more sensitive response than its predecessor. It eats up bumps for breakfast and still provides enough feedback.
Geometry of the Giant Trance
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 370 mm | 380 mm | 431 mm | 482 mm | 507 mm |
| 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 | 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 |
| Stack | 587 mm | 587 mm | 591 mm | 614 mm | 628 mm |
Conclusion
Giant has done a great job with the Giant Trance Advanced 0, offering an outstanding overall package. It climbs well and is a blast downhill thanks to good suspension, balanced geometry, and sensibly chosen components. If you’re looking for a versatile bike with which you can either complete a trans-alpine tour or have a go at an enduro race, the Trance Advanced 0 is guaranteed to make you happy! Our Best Value Winner!
Pros
– very sensitive and plush suspension
– balanced handling
– pleasantly playful and efficient
Cons
– slack seat angle isn’t perfect for long-legged riders
– the cockpit feels a little cheap
Uphill
Downhill
Stability
Agility
Value for money
More info at: giant-bicycles.com
The test fleet
For an overview head to the main article: Everyday Heroes! – We review six of the hottest, grin-inducing trail bikes
All bikes in test: Liteville 301 MK14 All Mountain | Nicolai ION-G13 QLFLINE | Scott Genius 700 Ultimate | Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 29 | Trek Fuel EX 9.9 29
This article is from ENDURO issue #031
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