2019 Giant Trance Advanced Pro 29 2 | Full Ride & Review

I had the great opportunity to ride the new Trance Advanced 29. This bike is up there in my top bikes I have ridden. Confidence inspiring geometry in a lightweight fun package. Lets Go!!!
Bike|ariously

[@maxheadroom7687]

Really great review, love the fact that you included the climbing section, very informative...subbed!😎🇦🇺👍

[@RideEatWander]

Thank you! Appreciate the feedback and the that the efforts are noticed. Thank you for the sub

[@kayakutah]

I demo'd the alloy and actually loved it, in spite of what I thought was its excessive weight. One thing to consider is that if you demo the DPS shock version I recommend that you carefully set 11mm of sag. It seems to be more sensitive to sag than the DPX2 version which seems to have better support. I ended up getting the Pro 1 and swapped out lighter parts to get 26.7 pounds for a medium. I have demolished all of my old climb PR's on my SB5c with this bike. I demo'd a Ripley LS, SB100, older Pivot 429, older Specialized Camber 29 and a Hightower and settled on this.

[@RideEatWander]

Sounds like you really did your homework. Ya this bike will surprise almost anyone that rides it. It may not be as flashy or cool as a Yeti or Santa Cruz but it just works. My buddy is building one with the DVO Topaz so it will be interesting to see how that feels.

[@bikecrew1736]

Can you list the parts you swapped to get to 26.7 lbs? I am a giant bike fan and ride a 2015 Trance now. I am thinking of getting a 29er, hHow is this compare to SB 100?

[@pposavids5119]

I just need the Aluminum frame and swapped all from my Canfield yelli..... How much is the alloy frame with shock? Thanks.

[@RideEatWander]

@@pposavids5119 as far as I know they only offer their advanced model in a frame only. You might contact your LBS or Giant dealer to see if they can special order you alloy frame.

[@kayakutah]

@@bikecrew1736 Sorry for the late response. I replaced the crankset with a Next SL (175) I already had, 2.4" Addix Nobby Nics front and back, 800mm Next SL handlebars, 50mm Race Face stem, as the cockpit seemed just a bit short. Selle Italia Gel saddle, an I9 270 24 spoke wheelset and put the XO1 1295 cassette on it. XT Trail pedals. Rotor BB. (The BB and crankset came off my older Pivot), Ergon GE1 grips and a 30 tooth Absolute Black oval ring. I just weighed it again, at 26.56 lbs. I'll add in some more sealant before biking season begins.

[@billw_mtb3220]

Great review! Nice editing too. I totally agree with you on the influence geometry has on a bike over other specs.

[@RideEatWander]

Thanks Bill! Ya i honestly couldn't tell you whether or not GX eagle felt worse than my XO. Honestly everything feels good at first but keeping it good will depend on how you maintain it. But yes on this bike Geometry proves to be superior.

[@billw_mtb3220]

@@RideEatWander Yes, my eagle GX cassette is already getting to be a little flaky after about 1,000 miles. When it goes I might give the new 12 speed e13 9x46 cassette a try. Much lighter than the 1275 GX cassette and I believe you can replace just the aluminum cogs by themselves.

[@RideEatWander]

@@billw_mtb3220 I Believe so as well. That being said the more expensive X-Dome cassettes from Sram are some of the longest wearing cassettes I have used.

[@jasons81]

Hi mate thanks great review I just pick up 2020 model can't wait to take it out are in lockdown Victoria, Australia say safe Jason.

[@RideEatWander]

It’s an absolute shredder! Enjoy!

[@timmcdermott815]

I am waiting for delivery of my '19 29er 0, cant wait. I've got a top end '18, but it seems like they have worked hard on a new product and I'm well within their target market. Bucking the trend of long travel 29er takes calls, I trust they have a good reason to do it. I'm plunking down 8 thousand reasons, so I reeeeeeeeeaaaaalllly hope so!😁

[@RideEatWander]

This bike is excellent. It really wants to get rowdy and has all the right things to be able to let the rider charge hard with it. It has jumped up to be one of my favorite bikes I have tried. Don't lose sleep over the smallish amount of rear travel. It uses what it has well. Its an eye opening bike.

[@suspensiondude]

Tim McDermott I own one mate, you won't be disappointed😉

[@sugarengine]

Great review. When I get in trouble for buying this I am blaming you. ;)

[@RideEatWander]

Worth it 👍

[@jasonnell1477]

Wow! Great work and solid review. I am totally on the fence with this bike in the Pro 1 model, the SB 130, new Habit 2, and the wild card of the bunch, the Spot Mayhem 29. Leaning towards the Spot Mayhem 5 star build, but just not sure. Glad to see your positive critique of this solid bike.

[@RideEatWander]

Thank you Jason. Sounds like you have a hard decision to make but whatever you choose, out of those bikes I don' think you can go wrong. The Trance will feel like odd one out with its small travel numbers but it has capabilities well over whats on paper. Good luck with your decision!

[@walterkasper467]

How does it compare to the pivot 429 trail 2019 model. Thanks for all the great reviews I would think it does not decent as well as the ripley. Does it peddle as well as the ripley. Does it climb better than the evel following? Thanks

[@RideEatWander]

I have not ridden the 2019 Pivot trail but its one i have access too but I just haven't gotten to it yet. But compared to previous 429's that I have ridden, I would say the Maestro with the Trunion Metric shock set up is a tad softer. It still has great support but it just feels like it takes the sharp edge hit off rocks. DW bikes that I have ridden are very efficient but almost feel near hardtailish when climbing. Compared to Ripley I would say the Trance actually feels more comfortable entering technical and rough sections but because of the limited rear end travel it can become overwhelmed if pushed too far. I have never ridden the following but in other evil bikes I have ridden, I have found them less efficient than their comparable competition when climbing but very plush when descending.

[@John_D2]

excellent review !! similar to the tallboy ? can't wait to hear how it compares to the smuggler.

[@RideEatWander]

Thank You! No the Tall Boy doesn't have the numbers that can compete with the Trance in terms of descending capabilities. This bike is looking to take on the Smuggler, Evil Following and other short travel bikes more descending based geometry. Tall Boy is still more of an XC/Trail bike.

[@John_D2]

right on. thanks

[@Cg-fh5re]

Really good review. Thanks. Could you do the video of full travel in terms of crank back spin on a bigger chainring as well? I am interested about pedal kickback. How many teeth has your front ring? Best regards

[@RideEatWander]

Hey man. I'll see what I can do and maybe do a suspension squish compilation.

[@Cg-fh5re]

@@RideEatWander would be amazing. I do worry about my knees and had a little to much of kickback on my Orbea Rallon 650b. Had preferred a little more pedal bop instead of kickback

[@Cg-fh5re]

I will have a testride soon, full day long. Rellay looking forward to it

[@RideEatWander]

@@Cg-fh5re let me know how it goes!

[@jerryx2000]

Do you still own it? Is it relaible?

[@sub3by08]

How does it wheelie? As far as geometry goes, if it will wheelie/Manuel effortlessly the cockpit is right. Thanks for review!!

[@RideEatWander]

I never did a full wheelie but it is easy to lift and place pretty much up and down whenever you want.

[@RideEatWander]

You are welcome!

[@deanherde805]

Good video buddy. How was the lateral stiffness overall? Did it feel robust like a Pivot or a little flexy? I’m around 230 pounds and not fat so can’t do a flexy bike.

[@RideEatWander]

It was not the stiffest bike I have ridden thats for sure. It was nothing that concerned me however and compared to previous trance models with the previous Maestro set up this bike is vastly improved. For stiffness in this bike segment my current winner is the Ibis Ripley LS. At 230 you might find the suspension tuning a bit more difficult to give you the support you need but also keeping a supple ride. If you were going to get this bike I would try and get it with the DVO Topaz option. The Topaz Is very tunable and I think something heavier riders will likely need. I am about 205 geared up and the bike performed well without any negative flex.

[@deanherde805]

Bike|ariously thanks for your reply buddy. Good information.

[@bradproctor6499]

I've taken my 2017 27.5 to windrock bike park 3x. They were shocked

[@RideEatWander]

That is awesome. If we are honest with ourselves most bikes are pretty capable. It comes down to the rider riding them. You must rip pretty well!

[@bryencass8260]

Hi Andrew, where is this trail name and city? Looks amazing!!

[@RideEatWander]

Bryen this is Beacon Hill in Spokane Washington. Come visit!

[@stak5074]

Very nice review, do trance pro 29 2 and fuel ex 8 have the same fork ? because you said that in fuel ex 8 there is flex

[@RideEatWander]

Yes they both have the same fork although in different positions. The fork on the Trance is placed at a slacker HA and with less offset so in angle at which the hits come are more direct and upward into the fork. The Trek with more offset and at a steeper HA, the hits and forces are more in front if that makes sense.

[@stak5074]

@@RideEatWander Thanks for the explanation

[@RideEatWander]

you are welcome!

[@stevehayes8867]

How does it compare to a giant reign 2 29er? Is the trance better for trail? The thing that puts me off is the short 115 ML travel on the shock, does it throw you about as the reign has like 160 ML ?

[@RideEatWander]

HI Steve. I apologize first off for the very late response but I hope this information is still useful for you. The geometry of the Trance 29 allows it to ride above its weight. Its ceiling is probably comparable to a 27.5 bike with 130ish rear travel with the same geometry. If your local trails done have a lot os square edge hits the Trance 29 will flow very well. It will get overwhelmed and if you are north of 200 you will find the limit of the shock and travel very fast. If you are lighter you can be a little more creative with the suspension set up. The Reign is really a different class of bike but honestly the reign 29 is what the Trance should have been in my opinion with my dream idea of the reign being 160+mm of travel. 148 in the bike is pretty trail bike territory.

[@billg199]

How would you compare it to the Trek Fuel EX8 you rode about 6 months ago? I’m just about to buy the Giant but the Trek is also a bike on my short list. Thanks in advance !

[@RideEatWander]

The Giant let me point it towards things more confidently and faster due to its geometry and cockpit. The Giant comes with wider handle bars and 99% sure a shorter stem. Also in my opinion better tires. The Trek is a tried and true trail bike where the Trance 29 is a trail bike that wants to be an enduro bike. The one advantage I would give to the Fuel is that it has a more composed rear end over rougher terrain due to having a bit more travel. Overall fun factor though I would have to go with the Trance 29

[@billglover8211]

Thanks for the reply ! @@RideEatWander

[@billglover8211]

How did it you like it compared to the Ibis Ripley LS you reviewed? Great review of the Ripley BTW!

[@RideEatWander]

@@billglover8211 In terms of Climbing the Ripley LS is still king. The Ripley just has better pedaling efficiency everywhere. The giant might have edge in loose ground traction as I feels its suspension is a tad softer. Frame stiffness also goes to the Ripley LS as well. I wouldn't say this is "better" but it is just a different feel. One could almost say its more harsh or less compliant. Descending though goes to the Trance easily for me. The Geometry of the Trance just lets you attack trails like you couldn't with other trail bikes with steeper geometry. Its a bike that for me left me feeling content with its fork travel and overall package. Where on other bikes I would be looking to add more suspension to help slacken the front end and also provide a little more forgiveness i feel like the geometry is the forgiveness in this example of the Trance.

[@billglover8211]

@@RideEatWanderAgain thanks for the speedy response. I'm going to pull the trigger soon on a new bike. The trance is on the short list along the Devinci Django and possibly the Devinci Troy. I ride mostly tight technical trails in MA.

[@mtbboy1993]

I hope GIant has resolved the cracking rear end issue with Trance & Reign alloy frames, I also saw carbon frames cracked, but it was few years a go, so a lot has changed since then, so far only bikes I haven't found any thing bad about is NIcolai, MDE, Guirilla Gravity, Pole,(at least not cracked) but there is little on those bikes. but just because I did not find anything doesn't to mean they are perfect, but I would not run to buy Giant,Trek, or other brands I saw so much failures & issues with, but looks like GIant made a much better bike this time, but true test will be long term use. but I don't think Giant bikes are for me, but they look quite beefy, but who knows how well the carbon frames are made, you cna't know if the frame is good before you scan it.

[@RideEatWander]

Ya i have been pretty lucky then with Giant bikes. The new Trance is so capable it will be interesting to see how that carbon rear triangle holds up.

[@ericpertile308]

I have never seen 1 rear triangles broke on a Giant yet. I have had 10+ Giants since 2008.

[@mtbboy1993]

@@ericpertile308 of course rider weight and type of riding, amount of riding matters, I saw a giant trance from 2014 I think it was, a kid managed to crack the chainstay. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHzcfoSelN1sZ8k&ab_channel=MaxWilliams saw giant reign cracked rear triangle in the back, that was a Chinese kid doing gnarly street, mountain biking. saw big British guy cracking a chain-stay when riding normal trails in the uk. all of those were alloy. but saw carbon bikes failed too. but I haven't seen the latest bikes fail yet. I forgot where I saw all of them.

[@ronansubijano6672]

How did this bike do compared to the 2020 reign? Im torn between the 2

[@RideEatWander]

Ronan I apologize for the late reply. Im going to paste an answer from a similar question to yours. The geometry of the Trance 29 allows it to ride above its weight. Its ceiling is probably comparable to a 27.5 bike with 130ish rear travel with the same geometry. If your local trails done have a lot os square edge hits the Trance 29 will flow very well. It will get overwhelmed and if you are north of 200 you will find the limit of the shock and travel very fast. If you are lighter you can be a little more creative with the suspension set up. The Reign is really a different class of bike but honestly the reign 29 is what the Trance should have been in my opinion with my dream idea of the reign being 160+mm of travel. 148 in the bike is pretty trail bike territory.

[@frankjaucot6846]

How does it compare to the 2019 Merida 120 29er, seems like a close match!

[@RideEatWander]

Honestly I cannot make a direct comparison as I have not ridden the Merida but by looking at the geometry, I think the Trance 29 will be a much more capable when things point down and willing to bet similar climbing. They Geo on trance is spot on.

[@jc123stickler5]

I am looking for a new bike. What would be your recommendation on a single track bike between of The Trance "Alloy" or the Trek Fuel Ex 8 that you tested? Lots of woods and not too much high speed stuff. Thanks

[@RideEatWander]

Both are great bikes. I would say if you are just doing mild single track stuff the Trance would be the best tool for the job. It has plenty of travel to get rowdy and the geometry to tackle even very steep terrain but the efficiency and the platform for the trails you describe best match the Trance. It is splitting hairs between the two bikes for sure but I do not see you needing anything more than the Trance.

[@jc123stickler5]

@@RideEatWander Thanks for your advice. Great reviews by the way!

[@RideEatWander]

Not a problem and thank you very much!

[@mtbboy1993]

have you had issues with grip dial shifting to locked? I did on rougher trails, filled with big roots, or when doing bunny hops. so Zip ties had to come to rescue.

[@RideEatWander]

I have not. That is an interesting development though. Have you tried contacting fox? Does it happen fairly quick? I haven't Ridden a Grip Fork for a long day. Maybe 1 hour or so of mixed climbing, descending and editing.

[@mtbboy1993]

@@RideEatWander same on CTD dial, this is a silly mistake by fox, there are no hard clicks. I haven't contacted fox directly, but contacted service centre, but no answer. at least the Grip damper did not get damaged like CTD did on both of my fox forks. half of my 2014 fox 32 fork is 2018, CSU & damper. similar issue can be seen on CTD shocks, a curb is enough to change from descend to trail. zipties to the rescue there too, but I see the newest factory shocks ahve firm clicks. but budget forks are still not fixed. I read the forks also have firm clicks on factory/elite forks.

[@RideEatWander]

I have actually had the Climb Switch on the X2 work its way to firm sometimes when I'm riding but I couldn't tell you if its because my shorts bump into it. I had to reposition the lever so it sticks more up to avoid it.

[@patryka11]

I have bought alu version and I do not like it at all. The link is very soft and I feel unstable while cornering. On streight line even on rocks feel very good.

[@Secna]

Do you mean the rear triangle is soft ?

[@patryka11]

@@Secna sorry man, my mistake. Of course it is softer than in proper enduro bike but it is still ok .... after I changed the rear hub and tightend spokes ;))) so it was more rear wheel. Cheers

[@braaap690]

How did it feel on Rock Drop compared to your HT LT?

[@RideEatWander]

My LT and this bike couldn't be further apart in terms of capability but only in terms of suspension travel. The Trance 29 gives you the confidence to drop, roll, and charge just like any big bike but if the features or trail becomes too rough then you will get thrown around a bit once you start using all of the travel. I would say if you want to do a lot of drops you might want to look at really tuning the rear shock end stroke. My worry with that is that if you set it up too progressive then I think it will take away from the overall balance for what this bike was made for and that is a hard core trail bike.

[@mdoucette45]

I can’t decide between this and then Giant Reign 29! Did you end up weighing this bike?

[@RideEatWander]

What kind of trails do you ride? I love both but the trance 29 is might capable!

[@mdoucette45]

Bike|ariously that is what I am thinking. I mostly ride blue trails and when I have time I hit up black trails which are usually for the downs after long climbs. I did have a YT Capra 29 and it was a lot of bike for days longer than 2-3 hours, but it was heavy. I wonder if a carbon Reign’s weight would be lighter and help on the climbs? But if the Trance is better at most things and I only feel less confident on super steep stuff for certain bits of rides, it might be a better option overall. Owning one bike is a minefield of decisions! Lol

[@mrvwbug4423]

How would you say the bike is for a heavier rider. This is on the list of bikes I'm looking at for my next bike, but as a bigger guy I have some concerns about the rear travel. I am planning to demo this and the 27.5 version and probably a Stumpy 29er once our trails melt out a bit.

[@RideEatWander]

How heavy are you if you don't mind me asking? I would say that Giants traditionally didn't work as great for bigger guys due to their higher Leverage ratio but this was the best Giant i have ridden for all aspects.

[@mrvwbug4423]

I'm about 250lbs (working on losing some of that, hence getting back into mountain biking).

[@zanetaylor7]

Was this in Colorado?

[@RideEatWander]

This was shot in Spokane Washington.

[@MrDirrrty]

How tall are you?

[@RideEatWander]

I am just over 6' with shoes on.

[@andybone117]

@@RideEatWander I am 5'10" in bare feet, 33" inseam and +4" ape index. I've tested L and M, on streets mind you, and the M just feels more comfortable for my arms/shoulders. I like my arms closer to my body rather than stretched out. I do worry however about the seat post length being a bit too short for my inseam on a M. Any thoughts on the right size for me? Haven't ridden MTB in many years.

[@t-woodpeckers1185]

I dont think its the Advanced..