2021 Giant Trance X 29 2 - Close ups, specifications, discussion, details.

The Giant Trance X 29 is a new model for Giant. It is an aggressive trail, full suspension 29er mountain bike with 135mm rear suspension and 150mm fork.
The Trance X 29 2 is $3799 in Canada.
Frame: Alloy with Maestro patented suspension design and carbon fiber top rocker link. Flip chip adjustment to geometry (affects head angle and seat angle by .7 degrees).
Fork: Fox Float Rhythm 36 fork with 150mm travel.
Rear Shock: Fox Float DPS controlling 135mm rear travel.
Drivetrain: Shimano SLX 1x12 with 10/51 Cassette
Brakes: Shimano M520 4 piston hydraulic disc brakes
Giant Dropper seatpost
Weight of complete bike: 32.5 lbs.

[@glowerpower]

What a great value for a bike at this level.

[@brentphillips9247]

Just bought a trance x3 29 xl. I'm 6'3" and 300 lbs so the long wheelbase and slacker angle were just what I was looking for . Plus my old Giant held up so well. Only thing that ever happened was breaking a pedal on a rock and the chain snapped 2 weeks ago. Not bad for a 15yr old bike with a Ckysdale rider. Been riding a 2005 Giant Rincon 26 hardtail since 05. Always felt I was about to go over the bars in technical stuff though . Our trails have relentless roots and rocks. First ride is tomorrow. It feels so much better even just playing around at the house, and the head tube angle and 29s make me feel like roots will be much easier and rising much more enjoyable. Another reason I bought it. Found out Giant makes frames for many other bikes including Trek.

[@david029014]

thanks for the information on how to ride with these new geometries. i am an old school rider, and old techniques are out the window with these new bikes.

[@sc20777]

This bikes colors really shine in the sunlight or under LED lights. I could just stare at it all day

[@MTBMOR]

Nice video. I bought this bike about a month ago and I am loving this bike. I am playing with it because it has so much adjustability and posting what I am finding.

[@laderamtb3684]

Can’t wait for more

[@david029014]

I'm glad you explained the difference with older bike geometry vs new bike geometry.

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

Thanks. I'm glad to hear that was helpful. Happy Trails!

[@dantepalazzo]

Best Trance X 29 review I found on YT.

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

Thank you.

[@shawnalexander1305]

Love nerding out on these videos, helps me brush up and we deal with both Giant & Marin as well. Always a good look with the coolest bikes

[@JohannesTraining]

Great channel and reviews , calm, informative, and no nonsense , thanks alot and greetings from Germany :)

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

Thanks and thanks for watching

[@nedtics675]

Just got mine and it’s perfect. Switches the grips to Ergon EVO factory and I’ve ridden the same trail twice with high and low setting on the flip chip. Much more responsive in high. Pretty amazing for the price. Soaks up decent bumps. Can’t fault it

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

Awesome! Good to hear you're liking it and notice the difference with the flip-chip. Happy trails!

[@ConFitzpatrick]

Very detailed review. Thank you.

[@betweenthepines4000]

I ride Giants, several in my stable at the moment including a one off custom built unit from Giant. This Trance X is the best valued trail bike on the market. Your getting excellent spec and its a seriously hard charger. I just ordered one to add to my collection. Not to mention Giant reliability is top notch.

[@vorce8983]

Will it handle going very fast on rocky areas

[@david029014]

im glad you mentioned about getting used riding this transitioning from a 26er. i just did this i was riding a 2011 giant trance advance in carbon, and this trance x2 is a big girl! this is my second 29 i had a niner wfo 9 she was also a big girl, hopefully the geometry is better on the x2.

[@bmoney_0827]

I have been riding a my giant trance for 7 years wanted to upgrade couldn’t get much that was in stock, plus bike is in mint shape just older. I hesitated on pulling the trigger on this bike in the summer cause the family likes to kayak and camp and figured if it’s there I will pick it up and she gone. The bike is such a great value and the crank was a slx at my local shop too.

[@Keithmeister9]

I sold my 2020 Stance 2 and bought the Trance 3X, love it!!!!!!

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

Good move. Stance is a great bike but getting into the Geometry/Maestro suspension is so worth it!

[@Keithmeister9]

@@BikeBrosBikeShop i agree, the Stance is a stellar entry level and a lot of bike for the $$. But after a year and over 500 trail miles, i have progressed and wanted something better. I'm very happy with the choice and the option of the flip chip is just too awesome to pass. Thanks for this review 🤙

[@callumchansbury]

literally exactly what i did!

[@Drogos79]

excellent intro of the new bike. thx

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

Thanks! 👍

[@Neadlemeyer]

Super cool bike! Nice video / thank you

[@dandarafonseca3899]

Boaaa

[@justsayin3600]

Giant doesn't get as much love as direct to consumer brands do but it is a really a good bike and well specced. Plus buying Giant at the LBS is great for service, and dealing with Giant's customer service has always been awesome.

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

Totally agreed.

[@jackmcandle6955]

It’s just not boutique enough for some people, I guess a little status can be fun but for pure performance it’s head to head with just about anything out there, I’m on my second one since ‘09

[@markIVpedalpusher]

Very cool down tube Bike Bros decal !

[@alifallah1954]

Thank you very detailed

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shawnalexander1305]

Happen to recall if the stock dropper would slam all the way to the collar on a large?

[@JosephStacavich]

Sold my old 2016 Giant XTC 29er hard tail. Money is sitting waiting for me to buy this bike when my local shops ever get one.

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

If you're sure about this bike, I would suggest putting some money down to make sure it is reserved for you. I anticipate this will be a popular bike and will sell out in many regions.

[@ronhau1542]

I bought this two weeks ago. I love the bike but it’s 3-4 pounds heavier than my stance. It’s a bulldozer though! The Fox fork is amazing. Going to Bentonville this weekend and going to see how well I like the flip chip.

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

Let us know how the test ride goes... enjoy.

[@drewz4625]

What does it weigh?

[@ronhau1542]

@@drewz4625 the trance x 2 with pedals bottle holder around 35.5

[@drewz4625]

@@ronhau1542 Oh she's heavy, thanks!

[@gofras]

Just bought a higher spec version (1) with a complete XT set and a Float 36 Performance Elite fork (Float X shock) a month ago. Having owned a "regular" 2019 Trance 27,5 prior, I can easily say Trance X is far superior in every aspect. Amazingly efficient climber (Maestro on regular Trance is just too active and sensitive) with virtually no pedal bob, fast as hell on smooth, flowy trails and thanks to it's slackened geometry, beefier fork and bigger wheels, a bomber down the technical trails too. Really pleased with this bike. As for the comment regarding a bit more strain on your wrists when casual / flat terrain riding - yeah, it's true, but far from terrible. Yesterday I easily completed a 40 mile ride (4000 ft of climbing) and have only started feeling my wrists going numb towards the end of a relatively long tour on a pretty rough gravel. Mind you, my stem is 35 instead of 55 (6,2 here, riding the XL version). But man, efficiency is on another level.

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

thanks for the feedback. glad to hear your thoughts.

[@shwndh]

Great review. How does this do with fast twisty stuff? That's my only concern coming from 2 previous Anthems with smaller wheels. I love the spec but I really don't need all the travel for my trails. Really miss the Anthem SX series.

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

If you like the Anthem SX, the Trance 29 (not the X version) is pretty close. You save some weight and get a bit more of a nimble bike. Within the category of bikes with similar travel to the Trance X, I think it would be relatively good in fast twisty, but really hard to compare to an older Anthem as they are so different. Demos are probably going to be hard to find with the bike shortage, but I'd suggest that if you can find one - and definitely try a non-X Trance 29 too.

[@rileyparrish184]

Selling my 2020 Roscoe 8 and upgrading to this.

[@shanebascom7319]

I just sold my Roscoe 8 and bought this last Tuesday..Great minds think a like.

[@misterben9880]

Bike is amazing. Have about 70 miles on mine. Freaking love love love it. It’s money!

[@jounitakalo9368]

Lol just sold my Roscoe 7 and going to buy this one. Great minds think a like indeed.

[@DKF22]

I didnt watch full video but im wondering how sizing feels like. If people that have one can post their height and inseam and their chosen frame size. Thank you.

[@andrewcrrnza333]

I usually ride a medium so I proceeded to by a medium but now I wish I bought a small The reach is longer now

[@MBR-xs8mw]

Hello, could you show the process of how to flip the chip and change from high to low? Haven’t seen it done yet. Thanks.

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

If I get a chance I will. As you may be able to tell, my camera setup and lighting isn't great, so it may depend on whether I can get ok quality video.

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

Hi, I did a quick little video showing the flip chip how and why. Check it out.

[@ponchochon]

I have a custom trance x same color and I love it I wonder if there is a big weight difference between the carbon and alloy frame ?

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

In general, Giant's alloy Trance frames are very high quality alloy so their weights tend to be only about 1lb (or less) heavier than to the equivalent carbon frame.

[@billbittick]

I am so excited for this bike. Hopefully getting it this week! I have a 2020 Giant Trance 3. My plan was to take my wheelset (upgraded to Stan's MKR rims and DT Swiss 350) and switch those on to the bike. Will that be possible? Now I'm worried. Spent some good money for that wheelset and seems like they are way better than these stock wheels.

[@concrerto]

They will work. 29 boost. You’re good

[@DKRK279]

Don’t forget about the Microspline driver. If your new wheelset does not have it you may need a new rear cassette.

[@jeff40]

What's the bottom dollar for this very nice Giant trance 29'er? Jw as it's one of the nicest MTB I've seen it a long time!

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

I don't think you will find any at less than MSRP. most bike shops will only receive half the bikes they need this season so will not be discounting at all.

[@devinbyrnes8058]

I tried to buy one but the shop owner says he does not have the floor room to assembling the one he has in the back due to ski and snowboard season... I have a feeling the bike was already promised to someone else. He was happy to try and sell me 5k bike though. I got excited when you guys were in Cochran, then I realized you were in AB, not ON.

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

Devin, I'd try pretty hard to get him to build that and sell it to you asap. We're starting to recognize just how many bikes are going to be completely sold out next year and this model is one of those.

[@lapolialegre]

Is this a 148mm rear boost hub?? looking to upgrade wheelset, just wondering what hub do I need

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

Yes, 148 boost

[@richardvicentino5466]

i got lucky and picked on up at my LBS. Simply put, you can't beat this thing for the price. It just bombs down hill and soaks of the rough stuff beautifully. The flip chips makes a noticeable difference. In the high position it steers quicker and you feel more centered over the bike, but it does make it a bit less stable. I prefer the low setting. All in all, I really can't say many bad things about this bike. I'm not a fan of the grips, they are a bit squishy for my taste and will be replacing them with ODI's with a double lock on. The bike feels heavier than my old Devinci Atlas XP but that just means I'm gonna have to loose a couple pounds cause I would never give up the fast stable downhill that this things provides! Truly, the only thing i would like to see is a little more branding on Giant's part. The only place you see it is on the head tube. I, personally, would like to see it emblazoned on the front of the down tube like last years models.

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

Agreed about the branding... nobody knows what brand without asking on them

[@EricKinskofer]

Thanks for your review. I love to bomb downhill on rooty and chundery terrain and take the occasional jump or drop. How do you find this performs on that sort of stuff? This will be my first 29r and at 6'3" (220lb) I think I'll enjoy this wheelsize better. Used to freeride bikes for the last 20 years, so I'm looking forward to something I can actually enjoy climbing up the mountain on. lol

[@davidrho]

Hi Bike Bros, do you guys know what length the droppper is on a small size

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

I'm honestly not certain. I don't have a small to check. I assume it is a 125mm.

[@bartek88r]

Hello. What size do You recommend for 187cm? Perfectly on border L/XL. I'm not sure if super long reach by XL is good idea...

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

Being close to your height I'd personally get a large and put a slightly longer stem on if it felt too compressed. The large in this bike is bigger than most brands so works well for riders who'd usually be stuck unsure of L or XL

[@bartek88r]

@@BikeBrosBikeShop Thanks, I'm also closer to L. I think that benefit of agility in L gives more than stability of XL.

[@EricKinskofer]

@@BikeBrosBikeShop I'm 190.5cm (6'2.5") and this reply is making me nervous about ordering the XL. I've heard the reach is long. I've been riding large Norco's since 01.. Decided to give this a go after watching this video and I'm not really doing park or large drops/burly stuff any more. I guess I'll check it out when I'm there and have a sit on it before putting the credit card down.

[@trailblazeratv6306]

Can’t go wrong with a Trance

[@rileyparrish184]

So no hyperglide+ because it's not a Shimano chain right?

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

I guess the official answer would be no... but the functional answer would be, "seems to work just fine with the KMC chain". All the brands try to push their story that you have to keep all drivetrain components in their brand family but I purposefully try many different combinations and many of them work with no noticeable difference - you have a keen eye to notice that ;)

[@nedtics675]

P.S. I’ve noticed you’ve removed the included bash guard? And no presta valve caps? Saving weight? Haha

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

Haha. Yup ;)

[@david029014]

being this trance x2 has more travel than a normal trance non x trance. how much less efficient is the x2 going up hill versus a normal non x trance.

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

I don't think it would be a noticable difference in climbing efficiency. The TranceX has a steeper seat tube angle which should more than make up for having more suspension.

[@David-rb3tk]

I am looking at selling my 2019 Trance 29er 1 to buy this bike. I plan to keep the carbon wheels and put them on this bike. Will the rear hub on this bike take an XD free hub body? I want to put these wheels on the Trance 29er 1 if I buy it.

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

Unfortunately the stock wheels on the TranceX use Shimano hubs and Shimano doesn't offer different freehub options. Same goes for the carbon wheels - no microspline freehub option to be able to install the Shimano 12 speed cassette off this bike.

[@David-rb3tk]

@@BikeBrosBikeShop Thanks. I am going to put new hubs in the carbon wheels. That's a shame about the wheels as the bike looks good in all other aspects but the wheels are very heavy.

[@dandarafonseca3899]

hahuahuahuaah

[@casieryback8932]

What’s with the opening on the farm at the end of the chain stay. Don’t think I’ve seen that before.

[@tricktrick82]

This or the base santa Cruz hightower ?

[@DKRK279]

tricktrick82 I believe SC specs their base models with SRAM components so I would say Giant because of the Shimano components. Not a fan a SRAM components but that is just my opinion.

[@rhemwylde4781]

This vs a specalized status whats everyone's thoughts

[@theadventuregamer6693]

Specialized status is a mullet (29/27.5) and more oriented for bike park use. This giant bike is a full 29er and is a trail bike. You could push it at a bike park. I just find that 135mm rear travel finding it’s limit when doing jumps at bike park. Depending on which status you are going for. 160vs 140. Both maybe better suited for bike park. Especially the 160. I went with the giant because I don’t live near bike parks or do bike parks regularly. Let me know how it works out for you.

[@V.Philly]

which Marin rift zone would compare to this bike on a component level?

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

Hi, this is most similar to the Rift Zone 29 3

[@V.Philly]

@@BikeBrosBikeShop will you be doing a video on the rift zone 3?

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

Hi, yes, I plan to.

[@david029014]

i just got this on the used market, is it still hard to get bikes in stores now a days???

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

Yes, and there will be even fewer of these in shops in 2022 than in 2021. The supply issues are only getting worse.

[@david029014]

@@BikeBrosBikeShop wow man it's really crazy! Keep up the great reviews! At least for those who can't get a bike your super detailed reviews help us get through this drought.

[@ThePeloterro13]

Just made my payment on it. My bike shop says it will be in April.

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

Congrats! Let us know how it is once you get it.

[@AlinB1108]

How much dropper travel does it have

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

I believe 150mm. 170mm on xl

[@rjahn3000]

would like to see the 29-3 model thanks!

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

I'd love to see that too... unfortunately we didn't receive any on the first shipment of bikes. Our shipment of TranceX 29 3 is only scheduled to arrive late 2020 when we will hopefully see a pile more of the TranceX 29 2 again.

[@dr.emilschaffhausen4683]

The price is now $3500 in the US. Seems high compared to the price during this review.

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

Yes, pricing on all bikes has gone up a fair bit since filming. The 10x cost of ocean freight is the primary cause but increased component pricing and cost of doing business during these times is also noteworthy.

[@SigXman]

Bad as bike. Mines on order. Thanks for the great review going over whole bike. Now if only we can find one.

[@dr.emilschaffhausen4683]

The newest shipment of x 29 2s come with Tektro Orion 4P brakes. Still mineral oil.

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

I've seen this on a few models from a few brands - Shimano's brake availability seems to be a big problem at the moment.

[@dr.emilschaffhausen4683]

@@BikeBrosBikeShop It does. So far the Tektro brakes are working well. Only two rides in....

[@stockprog50]

I am very curious about pricing on the Trance X 29 1

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

As far as I know, that isn't a model that's available in North America

[@stockprog50]

@@BikeBrosBikeShop Yes not yet. You can see it is speced if you are on giant international website.

[@SigXman]

It's basically the same bike but with shimano xt components. Deore crank and slr cassette for savings. But everything else is xt. Forks and rear shock, wheels are same.

[@atq42]

Would this bike qualify as a down country?

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

I think this bike sits right in the trail bike category. The non X version of the Trance 29 is a great example of downcountry - that bike rips for 115mm/130mm travel.

[@atq42]

@@BikeBrosBikeShop Perfect... Ill check the non x version! Thanks alot

[@kirkland0074]

Thank you for helping go to sleep , holy crap how bout little enthusiasm there. Sounds like you were giving this review inside a library.

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

Thanks. Much appreciated.

[@kevinbrown1629]

I can't hear you.

[@FEss-ev4xk]

Very heavy stuff. Say goodbye to steep uphills.

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

True... somewhat... I'd prefer a heavy bike with this bike's geometry over a lighter bike with old-school geometry...

[@mtnbikerva1]

All the videos and reviews, and comparisons, are in the west and or at ski resorts. I live in the Northern Virginia area. I need a bike for the true tight single track and switch backs, along with the multiple types of terrain and soil we have in this region. I do not I do not want a bike that is a pedal and Crankset DESTROYER!!!! I like a bike that does not dictate to me all the many places it will not allow pedaling! A bike that performs well at: sprints, Climbs, descents, flat areas, roots, ruts, really rocky, loose soil, loose on hard, mud, sand, loam... Our Appalachian mountains are older and not as peaked as the Rockies, or as tall. NOT DOING GAP JUMPS AND BIKE PARKS. Any of you able to ride and compare the other 12x-14x travel, brands/bikes to INTENSE, GIANT TRANCE X pro, PIVOT 429, or maybe too much bike for here the SWITCHBLADE? Is it true that the NEW redesigned SWITCHBLADE is such a better pedaling and handling magician that it is as good or better than a smaller travel bike like the 429 or Scott whatever model, etc.? Are most of the bikes to long and slack to ride the tighter switchbacks? Looking for a great all around MIDATLANTIC, totally different environment of riding. Will the new Geometry of the LOW, long and slack, be harder on the knees since I assume the knee will be more in front of the pedal spindle vs traditional? Is the Intense geometry a little behind, in reality? Is this good or bad for a pedal everywhere bike? Not just descending! How about the LIVE VALVE, is it just a way to Separate A fool from his money? Or does it truly make it like owning two or three different bikes? Does it make it a cross country bike and a trail bike and a enduro bike? Does it add in a lot of problems in cost and time and maintenance? Or does it just make the bike a lot better? How good is the basic peddling platform and suspension on the Trance X? Without the Live Wire magic, is it as good or better than a DW link? Is it smooth or harsh? What are the differences in sprinting, climbing, ascending tech/rocky and loose or roots, and tight switchbacks? Descending same? WOW what horrible wheels the Trance X pro comes with! Do you have to pedal a quarter of the way around before the hub engages? What are the specs on rim internal and ext.? Spokes? Nipples? Is the hub upgradable? carbon quality? Do they crack easy? Will a 2.6 fit well in the back? What is the quality of the frame carbon? Will it take a dpx2 shock? I do not want to get beat up or jack hammered, but I don’t want a wet noodle. I am 6 foot 1 inch tall and 165 pounds naked. A bike and manufacture I can count on In the backcountry, and to have to have quality support post sale!!!! Thank you, and good riding to you all!

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

Hi. Your mountains may be different shapes but the realistic slope that a bike can climb or descend on dictates most trails so I don't think things are that different (we don't ride over those sharp peaks / we ride at the base of the mountains where the grades are more trail appropriate.) Yes, too many bikes have excessively low bbs so smashing pedals and cranks is a thing but it seems between using shorter cranks and designing suspension to be more supportive in the mid-stroke that pedal strikes are reducing (from my personal riding experience) on many modern bikes. Steep seat tube angles can make a slack bike much better on climbs than older (slack seat-tube) geometries. The hubs on this particular bike are Shimano so not as big an engagement gap as previous hubs (though still not quick engagement compared to I9 or other upgrades). There's no Fox Live Valve on this bike but they do make the Advanced Pro 0 version with that feature - if you have the money and like that sort of technology then it is great - I personally love Maestro suspension for its ability to be ridden in trail/open mode on the shock so don't feel any personal attraction to electro-shocks. Happy Trails!