2018 Giant Trance Advanced 1 Review

I've been riding the 2018 Giant Trance Advanced 1 for 8 months. This video is my complete review of the bike.

[@charlestilson6815]

I bought the 17 trance 2, at a fairly descent price, because of your video. I then started to make it my bike. I have removed the slx system and replaced with gx eagle, I got rid of the 23mm giant wheels and got some 30mm wide so I could install the nobby nic 2.6, which has completely made the bike better in my terms. I then replaced the stem and bar and put 785 mm raceface bars on. What another great improvement. The stock rear shock leaked from day one and wouldn’t hold its pressure, so I decided to get the dpx2 shock. What a ride it has become. Now it’s my bike an not a cookie cutter bike. Thanks for the vids.

[@bimbibarizo5795]

Hi Clint I have watched lots of your Giant videos as I am a Giant fan. You've mentioned a Fox 36 for the Trance Advanced. Its a good prediction. The 2021 Trance Advance is now Fox 36. I pre-ordered this bike and still waiting. Hope to see a video from you of the 2021 Trance Advanced. Cheers!

[@jdmbeaner182]

Bought a trance 2 on Saturday thanks to your review.

[@SalvadorFrieri]

Thanks for a great in-depth (as always) review!

[@shep-dog5596]

Great review. Love your work and spirit. Why run the same size tire in the rear? Why not 2.6 in front and a smaller rear tire, say 2.5 or 2.4 to save some weight and increase speed a bit?

[@forterierocks]

Could you do a video on how to properly set up a bike for rider height and weight. I see so many ppl with improper set up and struggling to ride comfortably.

[@ClintGibbs]

Good topic. Yes, eventually I will do this.

[@davidmatheson7391]

I love my recently acquired '13 Trance X0 29er...once I figured out the rear shock needs my weight in psi it has been a dream to ride. Rear suspension is supple when u need it & rigid when u don't!

[@ogden99]

My 2015 Trance SX came with 800mm bars and a piggy back shock. Great review.

[@AJMacDonaldJr]

Foam grips and slammed down stems are for Florida cross country rides. Ergon enduro grips and stems all the way up are the way to go for trail riding in the mountains.

[@teodelfuego]

A J MacDonald Jr Unless you like climbing the really steep stuff in Fruita and Moab

[@jinavl]

just got a 2018 canyon strive..suspension is similar except for the strive' s shapeshifter...i found it very useful..fantastic design..

[@th_js]

I'm getting my Spectral AL 6.0 2018 in a week!!!

[@th_js]

How are you liking the Strive?

[@FilipMatacin]

I have a FOX 36/160 TALAS RC2, this is a fork you would enjoy on your TRANCE, but you need at least 150 on the rear to match her nicely.. I have that setup, the shock is a FOX DHX 5.0 that also has an overflow(you call that piggyback), and I can only tell you that this setup works like a dream, especialy on the climbs, that is like impossible but is 100% true.. Then on the descends, uff, left me with a realy strong impression from the first time, like you would say "wheels glued on the terrain".. So, if you stomp on that config somewhere, try it without holding back..

[@JediSuPhu]

Nice. I think that's the most indepth bike review I've watched.

[@jonahsmith9994]

I run a 2.6 DHF on the front of my 16 Trance, but I run a 2.4 in the back. I think it is faster with a narrower tire in back. My rear 2.4 high roller II is almost bald on the center knobs and I think its just about perfect. New its an anchor.

[@dimitriscsd]

Hey, that's interesting to hear. I am on a 2016 Trance advanced 1 myself so I was wondering, do you think a 2.6 would fit in the back or is 2.4 the limit?

[@jonahsmith9994]

I have already worn the paint away from the frame with 2.4 tires, the stock rims would flex enough to make contact. I run stans folw ex 3s now and they might allow it. However I dont see a benefit from running a wider rear.

[@joshuahuang07]

Jonah Smith damn. i never worn my high rollers and the rolling resistance on street is insane

[@blkbelttony]

Love my trance 3. I think I'm going to try that 2.6. Thanks for another great video

[@ChuchoMoncho]

Excellent review Clint, thank you very much! I have two questions: 1. What happened to the chain guard? I think it has an attractive design. Why did you remove it? 2. Is there any noticeable difference between this model of Giant Contact 2018 and those of previous years? That silver ring above makes it look very different Cheers!

[@TrueElitegaming1]

Chucho Moncho what giant contact? Giant uses that name for a lot of their products, i.e. handlebars, stem, saddle, seatpost, etc.

[@jordanrhodes]

Clint - just curious what psi you were running front and back on your Georgia trip on the 2.6’s? Thanks.

[@hoady88]

Hi Clint, have you tried running any of the new Maxxis WT tyres in the 2018 trance. Thinking of trying out a 2.5 in the rear but not sure if the WT tyre makes much difference to the clearance. Cheers, james

[@lutzer21]

Hey, great review. I had a question, how well would this bike work for downhill bike parks. I know it's more of an Enduro all mountain bike, but does it have enough travel for bike parks?

[@ClintGibbs]

For green and blue trails in bike parks it would be ok. Black diamond trails would be a stretch in a lot of bike parks.

[@ianschwing1273]

Do you think the trance would be faster than your rkt overall (both climbs and descents) in a mountainous area at race speeds? Do you think the fatigue of not having the travel would play a factor over longer rides?

[@robertcarr8451]

when it comes to handlebars since you ride a lot​ on the east coast I would not go greater than 780. The reason why is because on a lot of east coast single track there are lots of narrow tree sections, where you can clip a handle bar and get thrown over the front of the bike.

[@ferfernando593]

Amazing review! Thanks a lot.

[@Montblanc1986]

XTR brakes have excellent modulation

[@timmcdermott815]

Hey Clint, I have the same bike and have enjoyed it thoroughly over the past year. With the big reveal of the pro 29er with the carbon rear triangle and the dvo, I was wondering if you were planning on an upgrade. Id love to hear your opinion. Thanks!

[@ClintGibbs]

Working on getting my hands on one

[@emishas]

What crank arm boots did you fit on the truvativ crank set? Thanks!

[@elvay6847]

Nice thorough review!

[@EricDupont]

Great video! Did you have the weight of this bike versus the 2018 Trance 2 you tried earlier? I have a eye on Trance 1 GE 2018 same spec. as this adv.1 but in alu. Can it be as small as 2 pounds?

[@ClintGibbs]

I did a weight comparison in my mid vs high-priced trail bike video project. If I recall correctly the trance 2 is around 31 pounds.

[@bollocks40]

I have the 2015 Trance SX with duel pikes up front i love Giant

[@JohnSmith-qv6hp]

Yes but which brakes stop you better if your 105kg kitted out shimano/sram

[@ClearViewSolutionsMS]

Clint, what do you do to train for hills? I went single track riding for the first time in Arkansas this past weekend and I really struggled with the hills.

[@ClintGibbs]

Intervals. I'm actually going to make a video talking about how I do this video.

[@scooter5267]

Hi Clint was just watching the video and spotted the crank protector boots you have on the end of the cranks, what brand are they ? I also have a 2018 trance advanced 1 and love riding it please keep the content coming thanks from New Zealand

[@ClintGibbs]

They are made by Race Face. They come in different sizes as the ends of different cranks are wider than others. Make sure you get the ones that fit your cranks.

[@scooter5267]

thanks for the reply does your trance have the descendant cranks

[@JGBerserkR22]

I need some help...currently looking at 2018 cannondale synapse 105 se(gun metal paint job) and 2018 specialized allez sprint w/105(sun burst paint)..both feel fast and I know one is endurance and one is race just having trouble committing to which I’d be happier with.

[@mspatrouch]

Would you recommend this bike for Xterra racing or perhaps the Anthem? I know it depends on the trail...but if you had to pick one to cover most of the terrain seen? Thanks!

[@ClintGibbs]

Anthem. I don’t know much about those races but from what I can tell the trails are not that rough.

[@tomaskn]

nice review clint. Since it climbs so well, do you think 100mm travel fsr xc bikes are no longer a must for the weekend warrior that rides 80% XC 20% AM? i dont want to own multiple bikes, im looking at mid or long travel 29rs to have more fun on the downhill. thanks

[@ClintGibbs]

If I had on just one bike it would be a 29er with about 120 to 140 millimeters of travel. I just got my hands on the RKT9with a 120 mm fork so I'll be talking about how I feel about it. I think more and more cross-country courses are demanding a longer travel front fork. With the new Fox Step cast coming out in 120 there are great options.

[@tomaskn]

Clint Gibbs yeah it makes sense, current long travel bikes are really bringing shame to my aging 26inch sworks epic as they both weigh +-13kg.and probably climb and decend better as well

[@leonardoolivar]

Tomas van eccelpoel same here. And choose the YT jeffsy 29er. I was between trek fuel ex, ibis ripley and the yt after a bunch of reviews got the jeffsy mainly bc the price. My rides normally are 30 to 40 miles every 3 days. Living in a place with high mountains.

[@tomaskn]

nice ride man, i'm looking at santa cruz hightower. maybe i'll just buy a frame and build it the way i want. i dont mind spending some(alot..) more money as i plan to keep this one for a long time. i cant see current 29ers going obsolete like 26inch wheels did.

[@petertist1920]

what brand/model do you use to mount your mobilephone onto the bar?? seems to do its jobs perfect!

[@ClintGibbs]

I do not mount my phone to the bar. That is a Garmin with a quarter turn mount

[@johnwoodham3213]

Hi Clint, I'm looking to get a second hand Giant trail bike. Noticed that you have a medium frame and wondered whats your height? Thanks

[@ClintGibbs]

Just under 5 feet 9 in. Medium fits me very well.

[@kingrat738]

A 160mm Fox 36 up front w/ a more aggressive tire as well & you'd have a monster shredder!

[@casieryback8932]

Just picked up a 2013 Trance x2 29er(1x10) Just wondering if you have any insight into this bike. Thanks, love your content.

[@Neadlemeyer]

great review

[@unSTEVOED]

the 2018 trance advance 1 is the best looking bike. the colour scheme for the 2019 is a bit rubbish

[@JohnSmith-qv6hp]

That's guide rs their piston smaller than shimano 4pot same size as code I think

[@jonienglish3231]

Hi Clint What Size Trance is it ? How tall are you ? looks like giant shortened the stem and lengthened the top tube

[@ClintGibbs]

They did. I'm 5 feet 8 inches and I ride a medium

[@jonienglish3231]

thanks for Reply i am 6ft should i get a Large or get Med and get longer stem ? inseam 31"

[@AaronSchroder]

Joni English I'm just over 6ft and ride the 2017 Trance Advanced 1 in a large frame. Fits me well. I demoed the same bike in Medium and it was far too small.

[@christhepatriot4621]

Hey Clint! Is that the WTB race saddle or WTB volt saddle?

[@ClintGibbs]

Silverado

[@Montblanc1986]

How many miles? After 8 months I would have almost 2000 miles on a bike and it’s essentially in need of replacement haha

[@asia-wk4cf]

Nice Review ;) I got my heart set on a Trance 2 :) I'm living in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. No bank loans here for expats so I have 6 to 8 months to save up the money. I won't be trail riding but riding flat roads which are terrible hence the need for full suspension and a bike can take a beating. I have a question: I want to change the chainring to a 54/56 tooth, please could you give me some advice for ideal Crank, Chainring, and changes to Casset that may be necessary? I would appreciate any or all advice, Many Thanks in advance and Kind Regards!

[@ClintGibbs]

I assume you're talking about putting a larger chainring on the trance? If so, I don't think it will work because it's going to hit the chain stays. not sure of the exact chainring you could go up to but my gut says 34 or 36 would be your max. But see if you can confirm that through a local Giant dealer.

[@asia-wk4cf]

Hi Clint! Many thanks for the reply ;) Yeh! I see what you mean about the chainstays, I think your correct about 34 or 36 being the max :( Unfortunately, my local dealer ain't much help but, you are far more connected than I would you be kind enough to make an inquiry with some of the dealers/ specialists that you know regarding double chainring or somehow increasing the clearance without butchering the bike?? Also, am I correct in assuming to get any real speed from a stock Trance 2 I would have to be going down-hill?

[@asia-wk4cf]

Hi-Ya! me again found this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4SxY5mVac5mi7c Think I could be happy with the 36 chainring, 11 X 46. I need to investigate the Trance 2 Shimano SLX, Boost, 30 swap to the crankset you used in your video. If you don't mind, I may pick your brain at a later date on sourcing the appropriate parts. Question! why did you have the Raceface on the inside of the crank, (on the outside would mean a larger ring)...was it chain alignment/angle? Thank you, Sir and Kind Regards!

[@ClintGibbs]

It's definitely going to feel more sluggish than a cross-country bike but it's not like you're riding a downhill bike or even long-travel Enduro bike. It's still going to be fine for an all around-er. You just won't be able to keep up with hammer heads on XC bikes.

[@jackryan8814]

where would i get that bike in australia victoria if u know somewhere pls tell me or look into somewhere pls

[@gracepolong4451]

Hi Jack, look on Bike Exchange.

[@goranradakovic4108]

Hi Clint,Just buy this bike and see that i don't have code on rear shock (DPX2). According to your shock code, can you tell me wich spacer is in there from factory please ? Nice review and thanks a lot in advance for your answer Sir.

[@ClintGibbs]

The bike is at my office so I can check when I get to work this week

[@goranradakovic4108]

Ok, thank You in advance sir.

[@goranradakovic4108]

Hi, Clint. Did You find 4 digit shock tune code i ask You? My bike came without one and i just wanna know wich spacer came with DPX2 shock from factory on Trance. Thanks anyway.

[@ClintGibbs]

@@goranradakovic4108 DDPJ

[@goranradakovic4108]

Thank You Sir !

[@juangabriel5287]

Do prefer frame protectors?

[@XCRiders]

Love those yellow and white stickers on the handlebars ??

[@ClintGibbs]

I forgot to take them off a bike one time and now I leave them on as a bit of humor...

[@andyann5511]

hi clint did u ever thought u needed more travel like maybe the giant reign would be better?

[@ClintGibbs]

I would love a Riegn for descending but for all-around trail riding I like the Trance better. I like climbing quickly.

[@andyann5511]

Clint Gibbs okay thanks

[@asselinpower]

Really well explained review. I m about to buy a new bike and was considering this one, however, I CAN t stand the color... for me it s important and i will not buy this bike even if it s a better value than all other bikes in its category.

[@g.donuts3551]

Any puncture or cornering issues with the Nobby Nics?

[@ClintGibbs]

None. No Flats ever with those tires so far

[@terrencesloan1864]

How do you think that 2018 trance compares to to 2016 trance sx

[@terrencesloan1864]

2016 seems to have better components xo vs gx

[@emtbtrailrider539]

I love Giants eMTBs

[@digitalnorbs]

Picking up the 2019 Trance Advanced 1 next week, wondering if this 27.5 could be changed out to a 29er for fun. If anyone did this, can you please let me know how that worked out. thanks

[@mellord83]

How is the bike going? I'm thinking of getting one

[@CeDubble]

What's the Kaahima coating? (I'm still kind of a newbie)

[@ClintGibbs]

Kind of like a hard anodized coating that allows for smoother suspension and better durability.

[@JohnSmith-qv6hp]

@@ClintGibbs its bling like dazzling the natives they went little to far there my fox elite 36 black staunchions now that's better

[@chriswest579]

Time for a new 29er Trance Clint

[@JohnSmith-qv6hp]

2019 trance advance1 fox 36 elite is as precise as my 2009 rocksock pike which was a delight until bike stolen never use a cable

[@JohnSmith-qv6hp]

Thats eagle 12sp cluster

[@twowheelslater7112]

ya'll riding ASKA?

[@ClintGibbs]

Yep. More riding video coming up...

[@jfresh2054]

You should buy a diff brand once in a while

[@JohnSmith-qv6hp]

2.6 tyres too big they sloooow you down

[@JohnSmith-qv6hp]

Won't be impressed by replacement cost getting expensive shimano 4pot more powerful 203mm rotor on.front helps sram modulation BS they ain't as powerful I need all at 105kgs

[@JohnSmith-qv6hp]

Color sux WTF could giant make it.more sophisticated they usually do