TESTED | Here's why the 2019 Giant Trance 29er is Giant's most radical full suspension mountain bike
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- čas přidán 30. 05. 2024
- Having been in development for the past two years, the Trance 29 signals Giant's return to the big wheels for its popular trail platform, following years of investing heavily in 27.5.
Compared to the existing 150/140mm travel Trance 27.5, the Trance 29er is shorter on travel with a 130mm fork matched to just 115mm of travel on the back. Geometry-wise though, this bike is both slacker and longer, and it also features a reduced-offset fork to provide more high-speed stability.
Indeed a further glance at the clever spec list and geometry chart indicates that Giant has cooked up quite a spicy dish for this little green jalapeño. And out on the trail, words like 'responsibility' and 'conservative' aren't exactly the first things that come to mind.
There are four Trance models for 2019; two with alloy frames, and two with carbon frames. The bike tested here is the Trance Advanced Pro 29er 1, and it sits second from the top, with a full carbon fibre frame, a Fox suspension package, carbon wheels, and a SRAM GX Eagle 1x12 drivetrain.
How does it ride on the trail? You can read all about it in the full review right here: singletrackworld.com/2019/04/...
Got any questions for us about this bike? Drop them into the comments section and we'll get them answered for you ASAP! - Sport
From one CZcamsr to another, you did a really good job on this review. You hit he major points and did it professionally. Nice job.
Thanks Clint!
I've been testing and reviewing bikes for a long time, but I'm still pretty new to this CZcams thingo. Still got a lot to learn, though so far it's been a helluva lot of fun!
[ST Wil]
Clint is the man
U guys are both the man.
@Richard Franklin please stop a spanmmng peoples CZcams comments. I've seen this exact same comment and reply on so many channels now.
4 months of testing - that’s what I want to hear about. Not, ridden once and it’s blah blah blah. Subscribed.
Thanks for subscribing Albert, and glad you liked the review!
[ST Wil]
Agreed but the riding footage could’ve been better...
I have this bike for about 5months now. All I can say is that as a beginner-intermediate rider, I can be aggressive with this bike. Gives you so much confident in riding. So comfortable and it wont take long til you realize that the bike is almost an extension of your limbs. Which i think is the main reason why you get the confident of going faster and faster.
Best thing I ever did for my bike was removing an air volume spacer from the Fox 34 fork. I spent 6 weeks messing with all the adjustments and air pressure but it was still harsh and I was unable to utilize 30% of the travel. 1 spacer removed and the small bump sensitivity is incredible and I am using 95% of travel on most rides with zero bottom outs.
One of the most comprehensive reviews I’ve heard on any bike, spot on dude 👍 looking forward to more from this channel, thanks
I almost didn't watch this thinking it was too long. I'm glad I stuck it out. Your thoroughness is appreciated.
Very well done!
Wil, this is amazing! You've brought in all the technical details, as well as the fun part, which is obviously the trail review in such a smooth and entertaining way. Sooo, now I need to see more of your videos! ^^
This is the most comprehensive review of any bike I've seen.
Great review , very informative ! Thanks for taking the time to do these reviews .
You made such a good rewiew, I have never heard so much useful information in reviews. Thank you, great job!
Thanks for watching and for your feedback mate - it's much appreciated, and glad you enjoyed the review!
[ST Wil]
Congratulations Wil. That is the best review I've seen yet. Probably on anything, not just bikes. Well done, that was great to watch. Fwiw, I've watched a lot of Clint Gibbs too and he is also VERY good. Regards, Gary.
I just demoed this today and your review very much matches my experience. I thought the understeer was my imagination but you described it well. And so fast and stable on downhill. Putting this near the top of my shopping list for a new full suspension.
Very thorough review and one of the few that's not afraid to call out short comings and compromises.. I've since bought the 2020 version of this bike and have discovered you really are pretty much spot on in everything you said and I've ended up very close to your suspension set-up too. Subscribed.
I watched this vid a week or so ago while I was checking out a few options at the LBS. I am now 3 rides into owning my Trance Advanced Pro, and watching this vid a 2nd time is a great reminder of how to maximize my new ride. I'll likely check it out again cause I am sure I'll need the reminders. Thanks for helping me choose this right bike!
One of the best bike reviews I've seen on CZcams or anywhere else, for that matter. Really nice job.
Thanks very much Rich - appreciate the feedback and the kind words!
[ST Wil]
Very well put together review, and Thanks for using metric and imperial!
I love how comprehensive this review is! I also love that you switched up parts to see how the bike can be used more for XC or Trail with the associated tires and geo changes. Not once have a bought a bike and just left it stock. A bike is a ‘paint by number’ canvas that each owner needs to customize to some extent to perfectly meet their needs.
Can't wait i'm getting one for my birthday and after seeing this clip i'm happy I'm getting one
Spot On As Per Usual~ You have been ROCKIN the Review world lately!!!
Thanks very much Jay - glad you liked the video!
[ST Wil]
This is a very thorough review. Thanks for sharing your experience.
This is the single best, and most perfectly articulated bike review I have ever seen
This vid helped me picking up this bike. I am a quite new MTB rider(only 1 year) with 2 HTs before this bike. This bike climbs really well. When I started riding this bike on a local trail with about 5 technical climb sections(roots, steep with tight turn then lift....), an experienced rider told that there are only few young and very fit riders can finish the whole climb sections only during Summer season. I made it happened last week with about total 12 trials. Tell you a secret, I am 48, not young any more! I also like the descends feeling on this bike when I follow my friends who with their more expensive bikes. Sweet bike!
My only complaint is that I had to replace the worn out rear brake pads after 4 months about 700km(maybe I brake too much, not aggressive enough when descending) and like what Wil said: size M should come with 150mm dropper post). Nothing went wrong so far.
But anyway, this bike gave me lots of fun and exercise during Pandemic. I also got a very good deal on it when 2019 models clearance before the bike shortage season came.
This is the perfect review! I bought this bike! Thank you! 🙂🤘🏻
Okay, that was a really good comprehensive review. Thanks!
Hi from the guy on the Trance 27.5 that stopped for a chat at Harcourt :) Great review, and nice job cleaning that bloody hairpin!
After riding my bike 4 days a week & trying to setup the bike better, your review makes even more sense now, its brilliant.
i never heard such a comprehensive technical description off the pro and cons of a bikes characteristics
Cheers for the feedback mate!
[ST Wil]
So many details, well explained 👏
Awesome video did a great job on this Giant review 👍😊🙏🚵♀️
Great review. Very well articulated.
I can't get enough of this review... If I watch it one more time ill be convinced to go out and buy one
Cheers Nic - stoked you enjoyed the review mate!
[ST Wil]
It's one of the reviews that convince me. Very happy with it. :)
Loved that video! being a Giant Hard tail owner that gave me all the info I need on the TRANCE. tks heaps
Absolute pleasure mate - glad you found the video review helpful!
If you've got any questions, just let me know and I'll do my best to answer them for you.
[ST Wil]
Excellent review Will thank you!
Wil. Excellent review. Thank you for such a thorough explanation and analysis. Great to read a review from someone that really demoed this bike extensively. Three questions if you have a moment:
1) The tyres come with a stock 2.3" width, but the rim and frame can accommodate up to 2.5". Did you feel 2.3" were a sufficient width for the bike or would you upgrade to 2.5?
2) In your onboard review on CZcams from Feb, you showed that you added the vittoria air-liner tubless insert. Did you keep that in for the rest of your demo time? Do you recommend that with the carbon rims and all or did you find there weren't all that beneficial? Did you put in the front and back?
3) What knee pads are you wearing and do you like them for trail riding, or have you found other good ones that protect yet are comfortable? I've seen singletracks reviews, but would love your opinion
Thanks so much. Keep up the great work!
Great and very informative review. Thanks!
The value and the adjustability of the bike is amazing. Giant quality is among the best.
Thank you. Excellent review.
By the way Giant should reward you, I bought my trance 29” after watch this video👏🏽
How you like it?
Good review, lots of information. I have the Trance 29er 2 (blue frame) and I absolutely love it. I have resisted the 29er "fad" for a while, now I wondering why I have not moved over earlier. The bike is made for the trails I am riding, it has reignited my joy of riding MTB. Initially I was planning to by the Trance 1, but the extra coin was not worth it, I am planning to upgrade my wheels, tires and cassette (NX 11-50 is a pig) which should get me close to 13.3 kg. I love the Maestro suspension, always have, it is subtle but supportive, perfect for trail riding. The Fox Rhythm is also nice, even though it is the base fork, I am happy with it. Maybe I will bump into you when you are riding at Harcourt.
nice review! still trying to decide between this and an Anthem 29, thanks for the details!
Spot on review, great real world explanation of the pros and cons. I've been riding one for 6 months, mainly flowy trails but also serious trails at Madena and Derby. It does reach it's limits on big rocky trails, but generally its just so much fun and can get through technical stuff easily. It's made me faster. Great pickup on the under steer, which I've also found occasionally and couldn't figure out. Definitely need to play with the suspension to fully use the travel, but when you get it right its pretty amazing for the amount of travel. Will try your setup on the front shock. I've found the paint to be pretty robust even when I threw it at some big rocks in a crash. Great all-around bike, perfect for a recent mtb holiday with a big mix of conditions.
Upgrades; ditched the Guide T brakes for some Code RSC, brilliant brakes and best upgrade, cushcore in the back tyre to run lower pressure with confidence, Maxxis 2.5 WT DHF front and 2.5 WT Agressor rear for serious trails with still plenty of clearance and added protection on the swing arm.
Good stuff Steve!
Glad you're enjoying your Trance 29, and it sounds like it's worked out to be a great all-round choice for your riding. The Code RSC upgrade is exactly what I would do - the Guide Ts are ok, but the Code RSCs are in another league.
Thanks for checking out the video and for your positive feedback mate!
[ST Wil]
Great review, bought one.
Great test, thank you very much! :)
Bought this bike, partly after watching earlier reviews and a couple of questions of Wil. Fantastic bike. As always a great, honest review.
Glad to hear you're digging your new bike Sifa! And thanks for checking out the videos in the first place, and for your questions/comments!
[ST Wil]
Amazing review!
Nice take! You got a new subscriber.
wicked review man cheers
Great review,just went and bought one right away.
How you like it?
Love your review style
Magnifico video , muy bien explicado . Greetings from Spain
Excellent review.
Excellent review
Best articulated review so far. Thank you. If you can have only one bike - Trance 3 29 2020 or Trance 3 27.5 2020, which one would you prefer? For bikepacking trips, Light enduro and small jumps.
Excelente video, mucha informacion util. Tengo la Trance advance 2, y he llegado a las mismas conclusiones que expones en el video, en cuanto a neumaticos, conduccion , pintura,etc. Enhorabuena por tu trabajo
Solid video. Thank you.
With reviews on CZcams or the magazines, I can't help pitting my own knowledge and uh hum expertise against the reviewers' presentation. I enjoy watching yours and as always, I end up agreeing and understanding your view-point which only makes me want to buy this bike. Well done to Giant and well done to you and ST.
Cheers mate, and really glad you enjoyed the video review!
[ST Wil]
Fantastic review! Lots of great detail and I found the suspension set up comments really informative.
I generally prefer the peppiness of 27.5 bikes and your comments at the end about the Trance 27.5 were interesting. What would you say would climb better though between the two? The 27.5 model has a fair bit more travel. Would this add to the weight/make climbing a bit harder? Climbing capability is as important for me as descending!
Thanks in advance,
Josh
The 29er is a great downcountry bike for a fraction of the price of a tallboy optic or sight. The 27.5 is a great alternative to other trail bikes like the 5010. Just a great value for dollar and it’s a good design.
Great review and thoughts, thanks for that! Regarding the stock dropper post on your M sized bike, where you able to get it completely down with the stock 125mm version?
Thanx a lot for those trail bikes reviews it helps a lot !!
Do you think the Giant Tracer 29 2 will be as good as the 1 ? Aluminum vs carbone...
Thanks for the advice for newer, less experienced riders to go for a 27.5 instead. Watching so many vids and seeing 29ers as the current trend, I was starting to feel myself go in possibly too radical of a direction and getting more bike than I can handle as a newcomer to the sport at the ripe old age of 40 lol.
Getting mine tomorrow. Yeeehaw!!
Good lesson on how to ride the 29er!
Hey man,
Thank you for the review. After buying the bike it helps. I ended up buying the top of the line model with DVO suspension, which so far so good. MY question for you is that i am 6’2” at 200 lbs so i am a size XL. The bike geometry and setup feels absolutely right but the suspension bob while climbing kind of sucks. Any recommendations here? I saw you mentioned giving it lower speed rebound, which makes sense, but for a long legged guy who wants some extra help climbing, kind of a let down. I can tell the bike wants to climb efficient and fast, but the suspension bob distracts me.
Great reviews.
Very nice review.
Really Like the Trance... Thinking of the 2020 Trance 3, seems like a great bargin...
I love my 29er Norco XFR. Its dead fast. The physics of pedal torque are amazing.
Its like and extra gear of power without any effort. This bike sounds amazing for the full trail
in the dirt and rocks.
Please do a review like this on the new YT Izzo when they become more available for testing 🙏🏾 awesome review made me really consider this bike
great review
Very informative, thank you sir.
Glad you enjoyed it Roman!
[ST Wil]
You should review the 2021 giant trance x. Your reviews are excellent!
Awesome review! Would this be a comfortable ride for a few XC / Stage events in a year?
What do you think about the wheels this bike comes with? Will you change the rear hub or buy a new Wheelset? Excellent review and video. Thanks.
great reviews thanks...
Glad you liked it Sam, and thanks for watching in the first place!
[ST Wil]
Great review. Riding mine for 4 months now in NZ on mostly grade 3 forest single track. Fair bit of playing around with sag and rebound. Currently running same pressures/ sag as you. Might play more with rebound in line with your thinking. No upgrades, but have Shimano XT single pot brake set ready to install. Rotated the bars as you described- feels good. Most definitely have great anticipation regarding the 2020 model and if they will make any changes. My boy has an EX 8- loves it. Technology certainly has optimized mountain biking big time. Keep up the good work.
Good to hear you're enjoying the new bike Phillip!
Thanks for checking out the video and for the feedback - it's much appreciated mate!
[ST Wil]
Riding Giant Trance 2 LTD (27.5") from 2016. Originally it had Fox Float 32 fork and recently I upgraded to Rockshox Pike 150mm of travel. Couldn't be happier...well maybe if swapped the wheels for something stiffer 😂 Nice review of the newer model though!
Will, great review of the Trance 29 pro 1. As stated, you preferred this set up over the higher priced model. I wonder how you think it would compare to the lower models specifically the Trance 2. What will I be giving up...the nitty gritty...Are they worth considering over other 29ers?
Freaking awesome interview! I'm riding a Giant Trance 27.5 and I absolutely loved it for my first-ever enduro season. However with growing experience I feel it's got too much travel and too little high-speed stability, and I was wondering how a Trance 29 would do for a substitute. Looks like getting one is a great idea!
Wil, I can't see a 2019 Anthem 1 (or thereabouts) 29'er review. Have you done one? If not, would you consider it please? Cheers, Gary. P.s. again, fwiw, videos like this helped me buy my new mtn bike recently.
Hi Wil,
Nice to see some bike reviews on the Bendigo trails, I ride the same ones!
I have a 2015 Anthem 29er, I think it's great for the climbing around here but I find the 100mm travel a bit limiting and always feel like I'm hanging over the front wheel.
Looking at upgrading but don't want a massive travel bike, just something for local trails.
Do you think the trance 29er is a good option?
See you out there,
Chris
Hi, very nice review! What frame protection is on the bike? I couldn't find anything so far.
Having recently purchased alloy advanced 1 I have to say these are fantastic bikes for riding in Sydney. My only gripe so far is the paint quality is rubbish with multiple chips on lower parts of the frame after less than 15 rides.
For the cost definitely should have come with more frame protection.
paint protection film cost f all compared to the cost of a new bike
For a 5k bike it should come with paint protection is what I'm saying
Povo bike povo paint. Stfu
@@MrBenjabin I know this comment is a year old but I hope you've grown up. If you haven't, please do.
You have hit on what I am looking for, a trail bike I can XC race on occasionally. I like to ride like where you filmed (Harcourt?) but then want to do some 50k XC races and the Redback in Alice. Not being able to convince the wife the need for two high end bikes do you think this might fit the bill? I have looked at the Specialised Camber comp, etc. Your thoughts?
very good review! definitely helped me to decide on the 2019 trance 2 29" last year!
how would you rate this trail / short travel all-mountain bike in terms of "bike category"? according to giant customer service it's a category 4 which translates to 1,2m drops and up to STS 3 trails in my book... however different manufacturers describe category 4 as only suitable to about 0,6m drops which ain't too much. unfortunately giant didn't give me a final answer to that 🤷🏻♀️ cheers
Great review. And that bike looks nice - like the understated branding - is that a preproduction model?
Hey Tim from Wales!
Thanks for watching the video, and really glad you enjoyed it!
The bike is actually a stock colour for 2019 - there's a single 'Giant' logo underneath the downtube, and a single 'Trance' logo on the top tube. It's all very discreet, and I gotta say I'm a fan too - makes for a nice change from Giant models of old!
[ST Wil]
Awesome I weight the same as you do so I';ll try these PSI numbers, Thanks
What handlebars did you change to? Great vid!
Really excellent comprehensive video. This bike is high on my list for a new bike, and I am normally riding 150 mm steeds!
Thanks mate - glad you enjoyed it!
[ST Wil]
Do you think a lower end trance will performe as well as this one?
Do you have to service this bike a lot? Is there oil in the suspension?
Love mine handles great.. Got a bit too confident on mine and broke a rid...
Do you still recommend the 27.5 Trance in 2020? got my eye on the Advanced 2 2020, looks like decent build that would be well matched to some later shock and drivetrain upgrades. 67.5 head angle and 73.5 seat tube angle though has me worried also considering a YT Izzo.
Hay Will..how does this bike compare to the whyte s120? What's ur favorite and why?
You talk about lighter wheels and tyres for Xc, what was the combo and are the std carbon wheels not light enough?
great job
Thanks mate!
[ST Wil]
Hi, What pedals did you use for Trance 29er? :) I wonder type of bike better for flat or clips.. Cheers.
Would of liked to hear more about its efficiency and power transfer?
Hi, could you do a review on the 2019 giant trance 2 27.5?
Would this be a bike you would feel comfortable using on races such as Cape2Cape or Port2Port???
I just bought one, it’s Rad !! Mine has more frame armor on the swing arm and XT brakes