2021 Giant Trance X All Mountain Bike Feature Review and Weight

Spec for dollar this bike is killer. IMO I'm very impressed with the 2021 Trance X 29 3. It combines tons of suspension travel (150mm / 135mm) with a well-thought-out aluminum frame creating a great trailbike.
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DISCLAIMER: This video description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

[@ianfunk2387]

I have been riding my Trance X 3 in AZ for 6 months and love it. Upgraded the forks to a Yari, drivetrain to GX before I took delivery from my LBS. Later on, I upgraded to I9 enduro S with 1/1 hubs and handlebars to OneUp carbon. After trading in and selling parts, I’m at a bit over $3500 in, but think it’s way better than the Shimano/Fox build on the 2. At least that’s what I tell myself. ;)

[@stevent1565]

Great vid.. bike prices have been goin nuts for the last few years. I knew it got nuts when i saw people financing mtbs like they do on cars and motorcycles. Good thing there are some companies like giant and marin tht make great bikes with good components while keeping it competitive. Their higher end model still.cost a lot but still much much better thn others.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Well said

[@STLMTB]

Just ordered this bike today. Cannot wait to see how it performs out on the single track. Thanks of the detailed look at the bike.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Have fun!

[@MatthewSmith-uf6tr]

@@Jamesthebikeguy How long did it take for you to get it?

[@barrydodson4191]

sweet bike for sure, I'm pretty impressed it only weighs 31 lbs (not that it is light really but for a 150mm alum frame thats awesome)

[@David-rb3tk]

I have been on a Giant Trance 29er 1 for the past 2 years but am looking for something with a slacker head angle and a bit more travel. I have narrowed it down to either the Trance X or Stumpjumper. What do you think of the idea of buying the entry level of either, swapping bits off the Trance 29er (GX drive train, Carbon wheels, Guide R brakes. Current fork is Fox Performance Elite 34) and putting the bits off the new bike onto the old? Worth it? I would need to buy a new fork if I go with the Trance. Any thoughts?

[@KYMXRacer]

I have the Trance X 3. I’ve upgraded the fork to a Marzocchi Z1 Bomber, shock to Fox DPX2, shifter and derailleur to SRAM GX, front brake and rotor to Shimano XT, and chainring to Absolute Black oval with bash guard. I plan to keep this bike for a few years and will probably upgrade to a lighter wheel set and cassette.

[@MatthewSmith-uf6tr]

why did you just buy the x2 first?

[@glitchman3194]

Can you run a 32t oval on this bike? Enjoy the ride

[@rwogmtb-ridingwitholdguy]

Really like your review, this is such a nice bike, I got mine last Oct, one complaint is the SX derailleur has plastic parts that broke within a month, replaced with NX those same parts are metal and all runs great. Price has gone up since then but still a bargain.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Thanks for sharing. Keep having fun.

[@davidparsons6517]

What size was this bike? Enjoyed the video. Thanks

[@SnakeBloodlines]

Great Bike!

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

We agree!

[@rgmtb]

I really have no idea why people want to say first, but anyway hahaha! Nice bike man. I did a review on the Trance and loved it! Great bike!!

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

That's pretty cool bike and your video on it is solid as well. About a year ago now eh?

[@That.Guy.]

I just got the Trance x 2 which is apparently what they used to call the 3 now that they don’t make the three anymore.

[@MrPnutking]

Nice bike, so how do u sit on that ? Is it an aggressive bike ? Looking for sth what’s not so aggressiv.

[@geode232]

What size bike did you weigh here? Thanks

[@manashmajhigaming9028]

Lovely mountain bike😀😀❤❤❤

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

It really is!

[@zlalliss]

What brake rotors come standard on this bike?

[@sanddabs159]

I have the Advanced Pro version of this bike, I’m looking to upgrade the fork, did you say 150 mm travel is the max?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

150mm is the stated spec.

[@Carswithvaibhav]

brakes?

[@shaymtbrider7244]

This bike is a lot better then trek ex fuel loved it

[@MTBMOR]

I used to have a fuel and now I ride a slash. I liked the fuel. What makes this bike better?

[@armandocardenas6094]

@@MTBMOR Every single thing.

[@FRamirez1A]

Can you PLEASE make a video for ppl just starting on full suspension MTB about how and when to use or flip the chip? Thanks!!!

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Good call 🤙

[@MTBMOR]

Most ppl I know leave the chip in the low position. I left it in low on my Fuel and Slash. I tried the high position on the fuel, but never on the Slash.

[@rdelao]

Great video! What are your thoughts on the Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 2?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

It's quite nice

[@sneakyray9160]

Can you put a bigger sprocket?🤔

[@newenglandskier13]

That is a very reasonably speced and priced full suspension bike. Also glad to see the geometry isn't too crazy. The only thing that seems to be a poor choice is that SX drivetrain. I'd much rather see a Deore or Advent X drivetrain.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

I'd like to see more bikes with AdventX. I currently run it on two of my bike that I don't video about and really like it. In many ways it is 90% as good as some of the XT/GX parts for 1/4 the cost. To bad people get hung up on the name

[@newenglandskier13]

@@Jamesthebikeguy That and they get hung up on it have 10 speeds instead of 12.

[@richardulrich9001]

I love Advent X on my bike. I'm thinking of getting one of these and may switch to Advent X later.

[@daveharris39]

Nice review, but did you mention the MSRP? I didn't hear it. Also, a mention of the rebound adjustments on the suspension would be nice for the uninitiated.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

I don't put prices in my videos. Prices change and very based on location as well as dealer. In the description of my videos I link to a dealer local in my area in case someone wants to see the going rate at that time where I am. Otherwise I highly encourage going to your local bike shop, or looking online at the manufacturer website.

[@STLMTB]

2550 is current retail, prices are set to go up soon based on my local Giant dealer.

[@limakalu8607]

Size?

[@wykeyyy9131]

im 11 years old and 165 metres tall would i fit a 29 inch bike?

[@Thomas_Andreas_Bell]

I think you would, but you would have to go with a medium size frame I think… It may be a bit too big, but it will work

[@thndxrz9821]

At what size is that weight? That’s Important to mention.

[@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?

[@STLMTB]

I am a specialized guy and bought the Giant instead. Main reasons why are: Better front fork, better rear shock, comes tubeless, and the brakes are better. I like the Specialized frame better with the horizontal shock but I think the maestro suspension is just as good. Combine that with better components (except the drive train is the same) and I went with the Giant. I would rather have a bike where the only real upgrade I see in the future would be the drive train, and maybe brakes.

[@bobwhite1455]

I bought the stumpy alloy and I regret it. The breaks are terrible, the suspension is not that great compared to competitors, and has the cartridge bottom bracket which I hate along with the crappy drivetrain. it’s also heavy coming in at 34 pounds.

[@STLMTB]

@@bobwhite1455 I love my giant so far except for the drive train. First thing I am doing is upgrading to the GX rear derailleur and shifter. Otherwise I freaking love this bike.

[@thomaskuhn6541]

What's with the reflectors on the wheels and the plastic guard under the cassette, I hope that's not standard issue from Giant.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Both of those are required by the cpsc to be sold in the United states. They're on every bike.

[@thomaskuhn6541]

@@Jamesthebikeguy I'm in Canada, I had not idea. So even something like a Santa Cruz, Yeti or Pivot would come like this?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Yep. Watch my videos on Santa Cruz bikes and you will see they do stick on reflectors front/rear and wheels. Along with the cassette disc

[@moussaouiaabdi78]

Is it a good bike?

[@TheDiablosix6six]

How is it that when it's in the high position that the head tube angle is slacker?? Is it a typo on the giant website??

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Sounds like I must have jumbled my words and didn't catch it. The head tube gets slacker in the low position and steeper in the high bottom bracket position

[@TheDiablosix6six]

@@Jamesthebikeguy It wasn't what u said...it shows it in the geo chart!!

[@GHinWI]

They’ve gone so slack, that it’s gone around the other side and gets steeper.

[@milk294]

Just got a marlin 5 is it a good begginer bike

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Congrats! The Marlin is a great place to get riding.

[@Where_the_sauce]

I don't think sram SX Rd has a clutch.. I think the cage tension is just a little Stiffer cuz my sx don't have label roller bearing clutch like in nx and higher up group sets... Just saying

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

...Yes it does. The clutch is a crucial part of making both Eagle and most 1x setups work. You can find that info in SRAM's specs and in their parts/exploded diagram of the derailleur in their repair manual.

[@devinbyrnes8058]

I went into the shop last October, they had this bike in the trim level 2 and in my size. They still had to build it, they took down my info and we’re going to call my shortly. They instead sold it to a local amateur KZbinr. When I asked them what happened they said that I was not on their list for a bike! These bikes were sold out everywhere, could not get one. This trim level seems like a ripoff. SX on a bike this expensive is shameful.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

I'm guessing you must not have paid for the bike. No bike shop is going to cancel a order for a "amateur youtuber". We don't provide any real value to bike shops so I can't imagine it was anything other than the first person to actually buy the bike. That being said, its a bummer you didn't get the ride you were hoping for.

[@devinbyrnes8058]

@@Jamesthebikeguy they did not ask me to pay or I would have. I spoke to the KZbin as we bike together. He went in two days after me.

[@sneakyray9160]

Would it be possible to convert a trance, to a trance X? 🤔

[@armandocardenas6094]

No, two different frames.

[@ibby81ae]

What about polygon siskiu t8?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

No experience with Polygon

[@ibby81ae]

@@Jamesthebikeguy spec wise?

[@rjahn3000]

I have the 2021 Trance 29-3 not the Trance X. I think the components are a better bang for the buck, no flip chip but I think most people set the flip chip and never mess with it again..cheers.

[@jeffloucks2120]

Bit less burly bike but tend to agree you get a bit better spec in different areas. Considering one of either but can't decide.

[@nealpaige3907]

So what does it cost ?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Check with your local bike shop, prices vary by area shipping ect.

[@JLowe1964]

$2550 on giant website

[@nealpaige3907]

@@JLowe1964 I wish he would just say that in video every other bike review does . Thanks

[@luismorales8701]

@@nealpaige3907 problem is prices may increase once again...if he said "price is $X" now...it may be wrong in a few months and no doubt someone would call him out on the wrong pricing.

[@nealpaige3907]

@@luismorales8701 He just has to say the price as of the date of video .

[@shmack-dab-in-da-middle3960]

Mongoose X2 I just got from Walmart for $500 looks the same as this bike this one just has better components

[@armandocardenas6094]

Yes, they are exactly the same, aren't them?

[@darthstarone3532]

KILLA🚲🎸🚲💯

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Agreed!

[@zsanterre]

lol the stance has better DH geo tho

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Oh yeah?

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

The 60 tpi casing Maxxis are not suited for the capabilities of this bike ...

[@greensleeves8095]

Dude this is still super expensive lol.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

In the scheme of bike pricing this is in the lower 35% range. This bike has so "much" for it's price point its impressive IMO. Lots of cool bikes out there, this just packs in value.

[@Skiamakhos]

@@Jamesthebikeguy this bike is more expensive than the e-Bike I got last month. It's only a grand less expensive than a Yamaha DT125-R I bought brand new. This is serious wonga. Buy 2 and you've equalled the price of my last used car.

[@tonyfalcone7212]

@@Jamesthebikeguy what is the price of this bike?

[@GiulioMacchinelli]

You can get pretty much every bike you want for 2.500 looking used online

[@shaymtbrider7244]

😂 😆 😝 u r funny guy .

[@harrygrimley4352]

Still too much money for me. I'm out. Nice bike.

[@rgmtb]

First!

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Winner 🏆

[@solitaryrefinement6787]

Crazy...29" for an all mountain bike? When are they going to figure out that not everybody fits tall tires? Bike manufacturers really need to get back to 26" options with a healthy 27.5" midway point along with the 29's. It's like they don't actually ride the bikes they design. And again with the Press Fit? THE most unreliable & horribly designed BB in the industry that nobody talks about. That's a deal breaker right there. T47 is the future, at least for those who like to ride their bikes that is.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Guessing you either have never ridden a 29er, or better yet not one designed in the last 5years. They rip and fit down to the 15" frame size with ease.

[@ericcartmansstrengthandpow5960]

I want a bike with a 26 rear and 27.5 front with 120mm travel, 67.5 head angle and a nice longish reach on a medium frame. This, of course, would make too much sense, so I know it will never be made. Instead I live in XC country and everyone here thinks they need a 65 degree or slacker head angle and 150-170mm travel with 29" wheels. You know, because that's an XC bike apparently. The bike industry knows just how impressionable and stupid mountain bikers are. That's why they've sold everyone on giant wagon wheels and everyone has to be a kitted out "bike bro" on super slack and aggressive bikes to ride the local XC trails. I hate both the bike industry and mountain bikers alike.

[@David-rb3tk]

@@Jamesthebikeguy My wife is 160cm or 5'4 on a 29" XC bike. A lot of 6' guys would be happy just to keep up with her rather than watch her pedal away!

[@Largetalons]

@@Jamesthebikeguy and at 20% body fat I doubt you ride them much either

[@armandocardenas6094]

I own the 2022 Trance X3 in 27.5 and I love this thing. The World can have the rest.

[@johnnylloyd4487]

Considering buying this bike as well! What do you like and dislike about it?

[@armandocardenas6094]

@@johnnylloyd4487 Well, Johnny , you look pretty fit, I'm 60 years old and I started in 2003 on a rigid frame steel bike and I haven't stopped eversince, I work out too. I don't know the type of rider you are nor your experience as one but I tell you this: You can't go wrong with this bike, of course you have to consider that this bike is sandwiched in between the regular Trance and the Reign, which is an Enduro bike but if you want something reliable, solid, comfortable and modern then this is your bike, whether you ride long flowy trails or more technical stuff, this bike is almost perfect ..... and I'm nick picking here due to the fact that the mount holes for the bottle cage are way too close to the upper tube and it is a nightmare to place your water bottle in there but if you get a side load cage and a smaller water bottle , the problem is solved; my bike is an M ( I'm 5'08" ) may be the large doesn't have that problem, also consider that this is a heavy bike ( 36 pounds ) but is solid and very comfortable to ride. I had to change the stem because it made the handlebars way to close to me but I ordered the same stem from Giant in 60 mm ( 89 dollars ... not cheap at all ) and now it's all good . The X1 and X2 I tested them and for the money I decided to go for the X3 in 27.5. No regrets or complains so far. I hope I have helped you, sir. Good luck and keep the rubber down.

[@armandocardenas6094]

@lloyd4487 I don't like the position of the bolts for the bottle cage ( way too close to the upper tube ) there's no space for a regular bottle cage so you have to use a side loaded one . I used my own saddle, grips and pedals . Other than that, the rest is fine. Great bike. Mine is a 27.5" medium frame and I ride the Maestro suspension on the High position of the flip chip.

[@johnnylloyd4487]

@@armandocardenas6094 Thanks so much just received it last week and love it!