2021 Giant Trance X 3 29er | 3 months | 300 Mile Review!

After 3 months and 300 miles, I figured now would be a good time to update you on how my 2021 Giant Trance X 3 29er has been holding up! In this video, I review my overall impressions of the bike Trance X 3. This bike provides a whole lot of suspension for soaking up whatever jank the mountains throw at you, and a well-designed geometry that keeps you planted when climbing to your heart's content (if the drivetrain even lets you).
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[@TestingGoose]

Thanks for the reviews. You helped me decide on this bike and I should be picking it up from my shop today!

[@patjones4772]

Awesome thanks I've ordered trance x 29 2. I'm a beginner put my thoughts is to start out right. My bike will be there as I improve my skills. Thanks for a real review

[@donchire]

I finally got my Trance X 29 3 a month ago and I'm really enjoying it. If I were to sum up my thoughts on this bike in one word it would be "smooth."

[@traviswrangham1581]

Nice review. I have the same bike as well. I am thinking of switching over to the GX shifter/derailleur but may also look into a wheel swap too. My rear tire has a slow leak that doesnt seem to get better with more sealant. I also have a new dropper cartridge on order as it seems to be defective (slow like yours). I added a new saddle and grips, but the rest is stock. Enjoy it, I know I love mine!

[@blam7]

I have the Trance X 29er 3 and I use it for races and it’s a great MTB. I replaced the Drive train from SX to GX rear derailleur and replace the crank arm into a Carbon crank arm & Carbon handlebar.

[@PetrPolach]

I changed over to GX derailleur, rims (they are very soft and hard to damage). I changed the brake levers to servovave system one. I also changed setpost in L frame to 200mm One Up. For the maintance after 1 season I did serive both suspention (did small modification for RS 35 gold by adding a small shim to MoCo to remove high speed spikling) and I changed BB press fit cause it was making noises. (probably from winter riding and washing it too much with pressure washer in those mudy conditions.)

[@mikeb.2166]

I got lucky and stumbled across one of these in my size on Giant's website today. Of course I ordered it right away since there is tyoically no stock during the pandemic, but It should be at my local bike shop soon. I really would prefer the Trance X 2 to avoid the SX components but in these times of tough to find bikes I can't be too picky and replacing SX with maybe GX will be my first upgrade after this riding season ends. Since its really the only thing you complained about that really affect performance it sounds like you will want to loose the SX soon too.

[@AlinB1108]

Could the bike benefit from a 35mm stem since it fits a bit long? How much dropper travel does it have?

[@regregaldridge5787]

Good commentary. How would you compare your Trance X to your previous Fezzari Abajo peak. Keep up the great posts and hammer on, Bruh.

[@ansbis]

Thanks for the review

[@jaspony5983]

How much of an upgrade is this to the 2019 stance 2? (my current bike) It’s a big price jump but there’s no other bikes to buy in distance. And would it fit me? I ride downhill on a small hill that makes up for it with tech rocks and decent jumps, I also live across from some cross country that I just bike up the road to the jumps and rock gardens every once in a while.

[@ckMTB]

Great video, nice bike. Keep it up

[@mtbarchaeology]

Thanks Christoph, I have got some more videos In the pipeline!

[@letheanfalls7948]

Im getting my trance x 29 3 on wednesday and i cant wait!! What bottle cage do you have?

[@BlazingTonic2009]

I'm close to 6.2. Had some back issues with a full suspension Trek in the large. I'm not sure how the geometry differs with Giant. You think XL would be a better fit than L?

[@JohnQTubes]

Anybody has any thoughts about this 2021 Trance X 29 3 ($2500 base model) vs. the 2021 Stumpjumper Alloy ($2500 base model)? Both seem to have similar modern slackened geometry but which one would you prefer for All-Mountain trails?

[@socal-fishing-7608]

Wheel upgrade suggestion? something that is lighter that would not require lots of mods to get installed..thx

[@epic1285]

How do you feel this compares to your old Abajo Peak?

[@buyaong1938]

Hi new to mtb, If I change the sx to gx, do i need to change also the shifter and cassette?

[@juki_sendet2192]

Hi, u said the Bottom bracket cracked somehow. Did you hard drops or was your model a defect? Pls answer

[@mtbscotlandjameswilson]

🤙

[@nycalien]

What's the front mud guard you have?

[@robertotraverso8230]

how much does the bike weigh

[@bradnewton6203]

is it possible to changeout drive-t

[@Malek-007]

This Giant bike or a GT Force 29 Elite?

[@peterkuzmiak7293]

Hey do u know the weight of this bike?

[@enriquerios3227]

How many kilos does a bicycle weigh?

[@johndoh8146]

I have the exact same bike. I highly recommend lighter wheels, the stock ones are strong but very heavy. Feels like I dropped 4 lbs off the bike. Lighter faster rolling tires also make a huge difference. I use the stock wheels/tires for downhill only trips. The stock SX drivetrain has been changed to a XT/SLX drivetrain which shifts much better and weighs less. Final swap is to Hayes Dominion A4 brakes which I'm addicted to. The stock shimano brakes aren't bad though. I had all the parts from my last bike. One more thing - look up adding a shim to the fork damper. Doing this plus adding oil to the lowers (mine were dry from the factory) really improves it and is well worth the effort.

[@garlicbutter1906]

Hey, I have the same bike. Upgraded to XT 12 speed. What wheels did you go with?

[@johndoh8146]

My wheels are Onyx hubs and Spank rims with DT Swiss spokes. They are built up to be strong but are still lighter than the stock wheels. I'm addicted to silent hubs too. I'm thinking of upgrading my fork now.

[@01nmuskier]

That all sounds like smart upgrades. I have the Advanced model, so carbon right from the start. I also went to lighter tires with EXO+ protection. HUGE difference.

[@Acksull]

The 2021 Giant Trance X 3 29er ...."It sucks up all the jank!" - MTB Archaeology

[@alraizdut]

Whats the size

[@blurayauthority]

I’ve got the same bike. Where did you get the downtube protector (under side) and the front mud flap?

[@mtbarchaeology]

I just ran some 3m tape on the Downtube and I have a rocksox mud fender in the front!

[@mtbdizz]

not as glowing as the Fezzari. What made you go this direction over the same model that got stolen?

[@mtbarchaeology]

I actually mostly didn’t want to wait until February 2021 to get a fezzari, so it was mostly impatience on my part. So I was pleasantly surprised by the giant. But we will see what happens I. The future 😏

[@01nmuskier]

That bike has heavy rubber. Get rid of the Dissector rear tire for something lighter and faster rolling. You'll be amazed. I have carbon wheels, so that makes a world of difference too.

[@tim_kakao4347]

is the bike quiet?

[@SH-ig6rd]

New slx shifter and derailleur cost less than $100 (+ I sold the SX for $65). Easy to change over too.

[@mtbarchaeology]

That’s a good point! I will probably do that this summer honestly

[@matteomondini7491]

Only 100$? Haven’t you changed the cassette?

[@darthvodka101]

how is it on downhill sections?? looking at this bike right now and that is my main concern

[@mtbarchaeology]

The bike handles really well on downhill sections. the back suspension is really rugged so it can take a hit!

[@zackkingseed4022]

Appreciate the review, I'm looking to get my first real higher end mtb and this is on my list of what I'm looking at. I'm only 6'3 though so with the size of the bike do you think it would be an issue?

[@owenerlewine7687]

I don’t think it would just depends what size you get.

[@david029014]

pick up an x2 yesterday

[@redbeardedlegend4362]

How’s the SX drivetrain holding up since it’s been another couple of months since this review? I’m planning on getting the 3 because the 2 with the SLX is simply out of my budget, but I’m still kind of bummed about the 3 having the SX.

[@mtbarchaeology]

Actually the SX hasn’t been too bad. If you keep up on tuning it and servicing it, and keeping the chain lubed it works just fine!

[@redbeardedlegend4362]

@@mtbarchaeology great to know. Glad you’re enjoying the bike.

[@01nmuskier]

SX on this bike isn't horrible. But SX sucks pretty bad as far as keeping all 12 gears in tune. SLX is MUCH better. But you can get away with just a GX derailleur after you get sick of the SX not shifting, ghost shifting...

[@Vittorio_Bociarotti]

Hey Hey! Ive got the same bike in M size and done 150 km so far. It is my first full sus MTB. The bike handles pretty good going downhill with gravel and root sections at medium speed (40 km/h, the maximum I reached so far). I'd say the fun to ride it comes up with the speed since riding on flat surfaces is boring for me. Besides, Giant does a great job at climbing as well. Going forward, the stock brakes are quite efficient and do their job, but I do not have a clear tactical feeling of the braking range. Sram SX, an entry level drivetrain, does not provide an instant shifting, on the 7th of 8th sprocket there's always a periodic noisy clicking, watching other riders reviews I noticed its a quite common quirk for this series. Fox rear shock is great, cannot be more happy with it, RS 35 RL Gold starts swallowing everything at higher speeds. The stock tyres, in my opinion, could be more informative and grippy too, but so far Im ok with them. Overall, Trance x 29 3 is a great bike for the buck as the speed goes up. Sram SX is the component to upgrade, but still, for the buck spent I got a pretty good bike which allows me to go fast on any type of terrain, have fun and be confident, this is what it is all about. Dropping extra dough on more expensive shox, drivetrains, frames etc is ok when you know you're gonna give them the job they are made for, otherwise you waste your money. The alternative to this model I could suggest is Canyon Torque 5, it has great components and the design is more elegant. What do you think guys?

[@joelnalindhom9906]

Do you think an "M" will fit a 5'10 rider?

[@Vittorio_Bociarotti]

@@joelnalindhom9906 I'm 172cm and it feels good. I'd say to go for S if you are shorter. I think M goes for 172-180cm guys.

[@joelnalindhom9906]

@@Vittorio_Bociarotti I'm 178cm..I'll fit a "M". Thanks for your reply.

[@Vittorio_Bociarotti]

@@joelnalindhom9906 You're welcome.

[@cmelochick]

@Oliver Chin Mine came with a decent one from the factory

[@rich5268]

Hi what tape did u put on the back pls 3m something didn’t here u properly thanks ??

[@mtbarchaeology]

I used a 3M tub grip tape. It's a little more durable and cost-effective. Brian from BKXC reccomeded it!

[@davidbermudez5387]

Pretty awesome bike, when I was on the market I actually was looking into buying that bike but I ended going with a Scott genius 😅

[@er.ic7004]

Getting it tomorrow..

[@joelindrebo871]

Haha same😂

[@ayomayo8037]

How heavy is this thing exactly?

[@joshl2340]

Large is 33lbs, 33lb7oz 15.2kg

[@ArizonaMMJ]

this comes with a z2 bomber now

[@owenmeyers7986]

I’m 5 ft 10 and still growing should I get a large or a medium

[@cmelochick]

I'm 5'08" and I have the medium. I definitely feel I have room to grow (not that I'm going to) on it. at 5'10" I'd lean towards the medium personally, but if you think you're going to grow much taller then you may want to upsize.

[@01nmuskier]

I'm 5'9". I upsized to L on my past two 27.5 Trances. This time, I went with M. This is a long bike, especially in the high setting, which I mostly ride. I have 2.5" of seat tube exposed and am considering a longer rise dropper. My 27.5 Trance, I had the seat post within an inch of the collar.

[@joelnalindhom9906]

Do you think an "M" will fit a 5'10 rider? According to Giant's website, an "M" and an "L" will fit a 5'10 rider. I prefer the "L" but we only have "M" here in Manila, Philippines.

[@ayomayo8037]

That is the max height for the medium so maybe

[@ericschwartz5211]

I'm 5"10 and am ordering a medium. My dealer said that the large is a very large and long bike. Stack and reach measurements for the medium Giant are identical to my Devinci Troy in size L so I agreed with getting the medium for myself.

[@joelnalindhom9906]

@@ericschwartz5211 thank you for replying. I ordered the Medium last November. Fits perfectly right out of the box. I didn't make any adjustments and I can ride it whole day on flats and off roads without any discomfort. Good thing I settled for M ( since this is the only one available here ). Ride safe and enjoy your new rig 👌💪✌️👍

[@ericschwartz5211]

@@joelnalindhom9906 Thank you, you as well! I pre-ordered the frameset to build up and am hoping to have it by October. I can't wait!

[@patrickbarrett6531]

late to this thread, but... i am 5'11" and i just got a Medium size frame and it fits really well!

[@gimpyaustralian4390]

The cons on this bike are all fixed by the more expensive model so in reality the overall performance is well worth the money

[@pablobikeman4777]

Good bike...but 15.2 kgs os a enduro bike weight. 13.2 kgs on the carbón model seem yo be better (if you have the cash)

[@01nmuskier]

I have the Advanced model. It climbs better than the 13.2 advertised weight.

[@alraizdut]

Is this a large bike?

[@mtbarchaeology]

No, this one is an XL frame.

[@rayglasscock9667]

Just paid deposit on one today I'm okay with the price for wot you get picking it up Thursday got so feed up with sites saying buy your next bike here and they anit got sod all just want your money's for them to earn interest on Whether you will get your bike or deposit back.God knows 😷

[@andysbillgmail]

Love your reviews! Put the same bike on layaway 2 months ago. I haven’t ridden Since I was a kid so your knowledge of the bike has really helped me. Plus your just a good dude and your reviews are entertaining and accurate. All I can do is watch videos and learn. If your even in western Colorado hit me up. Moab is right around the corner! Keep up the solid work my friend! 970-200-3783

[@bartv9588]

Those that have this bike have any y’all cracked your seat tube after 4-5 months of riding my seat tube almost broke off completely

[@mtbarchaeology]

Woah... no I haven’t had that. I have had a recall with the giant dropper post in this bike though!

[@bartv9588]

@@mtbarchaeology same the rebound on my dropper was busted

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

I'm 6" and I got a large, with a 35 mm rise bar on high setting it's just perfect. Replaced things as they broke (tektro Orion brakes failed the first day) I'm in the 3rd month of ownership the only thing stock is the shock, dropper, wheels, cassette, cranks, bottom bracket. Rear wheel (am29) is always loose those shitty hubs cones are press fitted on with a washer, warranty won't change anything it's just poor engineering.

[@tennissir1986]

Very very hard to hear what you’re saying.