Giant turn the Trance party up to 29
It was only a matter of time, and Giant have released their big wheeled trail bike - the Trance 29.
If we had to come up with a theme for 2019 mountain bikes, we'd ask for two. Because from everything we have seen so far, 2019 is not only the year that just about everyone has a cool trail eMTB, but it's also where mid and long-travel 29ers are truly becoming the norm. Giant have already released the Trance E+ eMTB – and now we see the Trance 29.
The 27.5" wheeled Giant Trance has been super popular, as was the 26" wheeled version before it. While the 27.5" wheeled bike carries a 150/140mm travel mix front and rear, the bigger wheeled Trance 29 matches 130mm of travel up front to 115mm of Maestro suspenion out back. It's not about how much you have, it's about how you use it.
Giant will be bringing two Advanced Composite models, and two ALUXX SL models into Australia, and they share all the same frame tech (besides the materials!). Giant have managed to keep a short 435mm chainstay out the back, and run a 66.5 degree head angle up front. The reach runs long which adds up to plenty of stability through the front of the bike, with the responsiveness that you get from a shorter back end.
The top-tier Trance 29 Advanced 0 runs similar kit to the top models in other ranges. Custom tuned DVO suspension, Giant TRX carbon wheels with 30mm internal diametres, and SRAM Eagle X01. All excellent kit, and it sells for $8999.
The Advanced 1 runs a GX Eagle group and Fox Performance gear, saving you a fair bit at just $6299. That's the same frame, just a slightly lower cost parts kit.
Now if you go the the ALUXX SL framed bikes, they still have a composite rocker link with a Trunnion mount shock, but the price drops to $5499 for the Trance 29 1, which sports Fox Performance Elite suspension and a SRAM Eaglke GX group set.
At $3699 you get the Trance 29 2, with a SRAM GX Eagle group, a Fox Rhythm 34 fork and DPS shock. The wheels aren't part of the TRX system but the Maestro suspension system and dialled trail geometry remain.
We think the Trance 29 would suit so much of the trail riding in Australia. They're not too slacked out and overbuilt like some overseas boutique brands are, where the bikes are designed for huge alpine rides. The numbers and component options really add up here giving solid bikes at each price point. BIkes that will be good company at any of our alpine resorts over summer, at your local trails, or packed up for wherever you might travel. We're yet to ride one ourselves, but the Giant Trance seems to have nailed it as a fast 29er trail bike, and joins some bikes like the Trek Fuel EX and Specialized Stumpjumper ST, and even the Norco Optic as a truly versatile mountain bike.
If you need more details, visit your Giant dealer.
