2022 Giant Trance Advanced Pro 29 Review: Eat, Pray, Live Valve | 2021 Fall Field Test

This latest iteration of the Giant Trance features an all new frame design along with Fox's Live Valve fork and shock, but how does this new bike with its electronically controlled suspension perform on the trails of Pemberton, BC?
Watch all the videos from the 2021 Fall Field Test: pinkbike.link/2021fallfieldtest
Read the full review: pinkbike.link/gianttrancereview
Presented by:
Bontrager - trekbikes.com/bontrager/
Rapha - rapha.cc/
00:00 - Intro
00:25 - Bike Overview
03:27 - Climbing
09:03 - Descending
13:21 - Components
16:27 - Pros
17:26 - Cons
13:28 - Verdict
Pinkbike Merch - pinkbike.link/merch
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[@rayred74]

So nice to see Henry with Pinkbike. Lovely manner on his reviews. I miss him at gmbn but good to see him here

[@shaun1900]

GMBN has gone down the Toilet.

[@cloroxbleach9222]

@@shaun1900 I think GMBN still makes occasional very nice videos but they are just too repetitive. I can only wish for GMBN to go proper global and create the same high production films we see from GCN

[@rocco.mbb.zoccoli]

Shaun; I believe they call it a ‘loo’.. haha!

[@rayred74]

I enjoy GMBN. Very informative and I like the presenters. I watch it every week. And now I will watch Pinkbike more regularly because I like Henry

[@shaun1900]

@@rocco.mbb.zoccoli The Dunny where I am from.

[@casestudymtb]

There is a bluntness to Henry you have to love. "Looks like neo when he woke up from the matrix"!? 🤣

[@BoxCarBoy12]

That bluntness is in stark contrast with his warm, soothing voice, which ends up being humorous to me!

[@andrewmcmullan6872]

I so appreciate Henry and Levy's point of view. I wish the big brands (looking at you SRAM!) would not try to shove electronic junk down our throats as consumers. I ride bikes to get away from the constant barrage of technology. There is still a demand for high-end cable and non-electronic bike parts.

[@thingswelike]

Can't say I find it shoved at me. Can't really knock them for trying these things - it's easy to ignore imo just like Di2.

[@dominicotis-aubut2724]

@@thingswelike you’ll see man, it’s the beginning. On road bikes, high end mechanical groupsets are gone already (even Ultegra will only be available in electronic version soon…). It’s a matter of time before they force it for mountain bike too… that increase their revenue you know…

[@davidviola9564]

Henry's audio is pristine today, nice content pinkbike! And super interesting tech trend we're living

[@lejake]

Love those three :) Thanks for the video! It's fieldtest-season babyyyyyy!

[@benjamingarrison4362]

I've had 2 of the latest Giants, both with a normal shock, and they're amazing, up and down.

[@WhaJMc]

You were lucky to find them. I'm interested in the Trance Advanced 2 but there are none in the country.

[@Jesse_James_]

I really liked the detailed description of the bike's habits and that you do not praise everything, thank you!

[@Polar-sq3wt]

This review is to focus on the live valve. A majority will choose a cheaper version without this technology, so it's a bit shame because there is no real critics of the bike it self.

[@LikeAStickOfDynamite]

Recently sold my Giant Trance Advanced Pro 29 1 2020 to get a Canyon Spectral 29 CF 9 2022. That Giant was a ripper. I did everything on it, up and down, and when you just want a quick ride around the locals it rips. The only time I ever felt under biked was big drop offs. 90% of the time it handled it all. Loving my Canyon though, oh boi.

[@maffin2917]

How do they compare to you?

[@LikeAStickOfDynamite]

@@maffin2917 Both great bikes. The Giant was fantastic on single tracks and your everyday rides, the Spectral has more travel and I just feel more confident on it overall. Both climb well.

[@lee.j7077]

The flow mountain bike review is really worth a watch

[@kiltymacbagpipe]

This looks like a strong contender for my next bike, but in a cheaper guise with no fancy electronic suspension.

[@arsehair8105]

Kept it real for this one. Good job fellas👍

[@sowiedu]

is there any video already where you talk about those new schwalbe tires? how do the wicked wills compare to other down-country/light trail tires? cheers guys!

[@grantmorris6222]

Great video guys, thanks for your review of the Trance. In terms of your chat session camera setup, perhaps consider a trapezium orientation or even a camera per person with one person sitting center and the other 2 opposite each other. Just a thought :P

[@KlaasB1971]

Exactly my thoughts. The guy in the middle doesn't seem comfortable with this setup

[@serojarlo2059]

Kaz is back!!! We miss you

[@siTTinLo]

Handsome Henry knows his stuff. 💯

[@Huntsomatic]

The discussion panel shots remind me of the Captain and Casey show

[@mrvwbug4423]

Sounds like throw a regular Float X out back, and either a Pike or a 34 Grip 2 and it would be perfect for an all day trail bike, which is exactly what the Trance 29 is marketed as. The hanging up on square edged hits is common to all DW based bikes, Maestro actually probably hangs up a bit more than say Ibis version of DW link (I say this having previously owned a Trance and currently riding a Ripmo).

[@whitm8823]

Can’t wait for the Santa Cruz blur tr!!

[@lincolnlu9869]

Oooph. Can you guys change the audio mix a bit. The chapter music is way loud and the dialogue was hard to hear. Especially Henry

[@caseyas8572]

Closed captions say "live bowel" instead of live valve. Just saying maybe we should call it Fox Live Bowel from now on. Works better than Chipotle

[@lee.j7077]

I wish they would just send you the non live version!

[@trailblazeratv6306]

I wonder if it climbs better than the last years design Trance 29 Pro 1 like I have. Mine climbs great

[@brianbass4971]

I worry that I’m getting close to the get off my lawn stage in life, but I don’t see any reason to add any more complexity to a modern mountain bike.

[@sneakyray9160]

I have a 2021 Giant Trance Advanced Pro 29-1, I’d like to upgrade my fox 34 fork to fox 38, I don’t care for the live valve version. I also like to upgrade my chainring from 30t to the biggest 36t. What’s your thoughts on my idea of my upgrades? Much appreciated.

[@nicholkid]

Curious to see the new aluminum versions, but they don't seem to be announced

[@matejmintal4563]

You can find them already on the official giant website

[@hannes6114]

I think it's frame looks awesome. Better than many many bikes.

[@buckroger6456]

Almost 30lbs😲 that's a smidge more weight then my old 2012 giant reign 0 and that's a 6 inch travel bike, plus it's a aluminum frame.

[@harryrichards4654]

I really like Henry and levy’s comments as usual but I feel Henry was slightly obsessed with not liking the live valve before he even tried it which might of affected his judgment. But overall these are all great presenters to do this

[@kyleslater5245]

It’s nice to see that perspective as well though. He’s at least honest about his dislike of electronics.

[@jeremyrobinette2563]

What’s Henry drive, love his anti tech?

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

I hit Like for Henry

[@marksandoval5361]

Once again a test of Live-Valve and not a test of the bike itself. Please! Do a test of the normal Trance

[@chiliishot]

Slowest up and almost slowest down isn't just because of the livevalve.

[@person849]

Exactly, let's be real. People buy the trance because it's one of the cheapest quality bikes in it's category. I doubt they will sell many of the top end models.

[@pinkbike]

@@person849 it's only available in carbon, and 2 of the 3 models come with Live Valve.

[@pinkbike]

The suspension system is pretty integral to the bike though. It's hard to separate suspension performance from bike performance overall, and we test the bikes directly against the other bikes here-although like the team mentioned, we are big fans of the geometry, frame details, and spec (other than the suspension).

[@trentvlak]

Henry: says something. Other two guys: hmmm....okey dokey.

[@jaredtopilko1313]

The Mikes aren't of value most of the time.

[@nl3712]

Truth

[@lio220]

It looks like the new Trek Top Fuel, is there a real and a big difference between both? 29 and half pound is really heavy ! I was expected under 26 pound!

[@lawrencebest3660]

Oh no ready to do a count on how many times Levy can say "Live Valve"

[@WesMacaulay]

GUBBINS. A great word!

[@chuck12319655]

What size pedals? 1/2 or 9/16

[@brunohd4254]

The true question is how far are these bikes from the Spur?

[@smeegain3657]

Valid question.

[@AliG-vv2rd]

Did Henry use to work as a mechanic at Mud Dock Cycles in Bristol?

[@mrvwbug4423]

Not sure, but he did used to be a GMBN presenter.

[@space.youtube]

What's a "proclavity"? Is it anything like a 'proclivity'?

[@saxmon3000]

Listen to your podcast all the time. Nice put to faces to voices. Invest in a studio and make more videos!

[@pinkbike]

Funny you should say that. We just moved into a new office and studio in Squamish. We'll start rolling out videos from there soon!

[@andrewcureton8216]

@3:33 make sure you have subtitles on

[@muhamadzaenal5447]

My dream

[@VincentJGoh]

Was this the bike that was under embargo?

[@mrvwbug4423]

Yes

[@jf8534]

You're not missing anything on TikTok

[@eamon_bks]

Uphill jumping?

[@Alexandros_Patsialidis]

Henryyyyyyyyy’s back 🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@ApoJoveCanete]

Been saving extra change after all the bills for this bike for almost two years now..😅

[@OGVaperrr]

buy something else trust me lol

[@marcusgardner9300]

Seems like some version of the Trance is always in the field tests and every time the verdict is underwhelming. Curious why it keeps making it into field tests. Is it a bike availability issue or what? I know the miestro suspension is heralded as this great thing but I have ridden it a fair amount in the past and boy was I unimpressed. In my opinion , the reason you have to run 20% sag and live valve is because the miestro suspension is the mushiest unsupportive suspension design on the market.

[@mrvwbug4423]

I'm not sure they can get Maestro as progressive as it is possible to get real DW link, they dispense with the middle link that actual DW link has that determines the leverage curve. Though most DW link bikes tend to be set up rather linear out back (Ibis looking at you), it is possible to get DW just as progressive as 4 bar or Horst and a DW link bike with a progressive linkage is a joy to ride if you like a poppy bike that pedals incredibly well but won't rattle your teeth out on trail chatter.

[@pinkbike]

We were surprised the Live Valve version arrived as well. We've been fans of Giant's acoustically-suspended (ugh) bikes the last few years. Also, I wouldn't put too much stock in past "Maestro good/bad" experiences; most suspension systems are pretty tunable these days, and designers adapt the kinematics for each new model.

[@stuartdownes7312]

SCOOTER!

[@niteryder50]

Review was all about liv valve (just like last year) be nice if you would just review normal one as that's what most people will be buying

[@LajRa5]

I have watched multiple reviews from pink bike where a giant is involved and I really think that they are biased in a negative way. Giant must've pissed someone off over there in the past

[@scottwatson7844]

I’ve noticed this as well….they always favour the American brands ( shocker ) other reviewers such as flow seem to have a much more positive view towards the bike. Plus how can you put it in a down country field test whinge about its weight when Giant themselves says it’s a trail bike 🤬🤬

[@323johnnybravo]

Now I just need Santa Cruz to start adding storage in the Down tube of their bikes.

[@colink3265]

Gosh that would be great. Love that idea!

[@carpenterbil006]

Yeah more then likely most people aren't buying this version of the trance. Should make videos of other models. I just bought a 2022 trance x 2 29er. Even that is a lump of cash for most people to fork out on there mountain bike. Came to 4400 after tax here in Canada. No complaints with this version of the trance.

[@JogBird]

Looks like a trail bike to me

[@Tristanisme-gb8py]

Wait when did henry join pinkbike

[@C1Rob1990]

I was so confused when this video started 😅

[@dash0173]

that happened like almost a year ago now. have you been living under a rock?

[@BasicBodThor]

I don't think I'll ever be a fan of electronics on a mtb tbh

[@chemicallust77]

It seems like Henry is a little biased because of his aversion to tech...he's blaming a lot of the shortcomings on the Live Valve...and although maybe part of his issues really may be related to that...it could also be the different frame geometry or just simply not being used to the bike...I don't have any issues with the actual concept of the Live Valve...I just hate how invasive it appears on the bike with all the wires etc...as if there isn't already enough stuff flopping around on the frame without it...then there's the whole needing to remember to charge it...I'm doing well enough if I actually remember to charge my phone and lights...lol...I think it will need to go through a few more generations and maybe it will be more low profile and not look like Doc Brown's bicycle time machine

[@GFClocked]

Oh no, I can't go ride, I forgot to charge my bike. It looks like a clusterfk of cables on top of that. At least make it wireless if you gonna do this, and hide away the huge black boxes from 747.

[@timrozman8941]

Henry is the best presenter by faaar

[@ck6sharp100]

I think that there was too much emphasis on the live valve feature; so much so that there wasn’t much emphasis on the maestro rear suspension and overall geometry, which makes the bike unique over other comparable bikes. Not the greatest review.

[@mtnbikerva1]

Where is the PIVOT TRAIL 429 Enduro and non enduro?? How does it not fit in the same category? Seems to be a obvious question 120 mm rear suspension and 130 FOX 34 GRIP 2 or 140 FOX Factory 36 GRIP 2 w up front? Factory DPS on NON Enduro and Factory Float X on ENDURO. FOX TRANSFER dropper vs mediocre to bad dropper? Reynolds BLACKLABEL W/I9 hub seems to be a waay better wheel! Better brakes with the SRAM X01 build, G2 RSC (I THINK). NO wondering bite point or noise. Crankset carbon X01. X01 is a great shifter and shifting,. Much less effort than my 12 speed Shimano XT crap. Handlebar? DW link vs ? Trail 429 less weight in non Enduro and Enduro? PIVOT TRAIL 429 is not a pedal and Crankset destroying device like all the rest? Or catch a pedal and crashing? Seems to be a mistake to not have the TRAIL 429. Where is the negative? Seems to be all great except the headset bearings are not CHRIS KING or CANE CREEK 70 or 110, but all the bikes come with crap headset and wheels. Bottom bracket bearings? I just get the impression that the PIVOT is a much better quality and quality control bike. Where am I wrong?

[@nl3712]

You’re not

[@diegao83]

I feel like Henry was very biased against the tech . Well he did even say he was. But made the review sound worse than it could. Odd

[@casieryback8932]

Correction: Trance 29er was introduced in 2013 but went on hiatus.

[@kent426]

Are you 3 related???

[@AC-9883]

For a short travel carbon bike at that price and calling itself “down country” the weight is, frankly, unacceptable! Mild British rant over.

[@tomcrigstar]

so whilst the road bike industry is trying to remove all visible cables from sight, the MTB industry is trying to shove on as many visible cables as they can.

[@nl3712]

Underrated comment

[@benjamingarrison4362]

Is this a Fox Live-Valve review or a Trance review?

[@Captain.Dingus]

is it just me or is henry speaking way too slowly at the start

[@roilev]

Henry can make even the most exciting stuff sound dull. I put him on, when I can't go to sleep - he works better and faster than emazepam, I fall asleep faster listening to him. Unfortunately Mike wakes me up :(

[@thepedalsadvocate7389]

What is this sorcery? "Live Valve Technology".....

[@esdubya]

Heavy, slow, expensive, messy! Fox live valve really?! Take all my money, now I’m gonna get a date.

[@Azoth5876]

Love my Trance. But Giant needs to stop joking around with the weight if their bikes. They never publish the weight and spin some crap about 'all our bikes are designed for best in category weight'. Its not fooling anyone.

[@lilblaster22]

Huh, no rear suspension? No thank you, NEXT!

[@last77769]

fuck that 7k for bike i will stick with my 2019 Giant trance

[@finroddd]

Ridiculous bike at absurd price!

[@mikerotchburns1622]

30.9mm seatpost? no thanks

[@mtbenduromadrid]

no one henry every 0.001 seconds: live valve sucks

[@plamenplamenof3567]

Nice looking bike but poor quality control or poor transport.Rear wheel has major issues right out of the box. kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Rear axle is bent! Derailleur is misaligned.Since the rear wheel comes assembled I would have expected better.Assembly instructions poorly written, but that was not unexpected...just annoying.I just had the bike checked at a shop and was told that I should contact the seller about getting a whole rear wheel assembly with cartridge. (The bike shop could not do anything to help me).Not a good experience with this bike, so lesson learned.Added 3 stars for excellent customer serviceUpdate Sept 8 2020Just received a complete replacement wheel for free. Great service and an otherwise fine bike.

[@I3estHer0]

I prefer the Mikes over Henry

[@m.redleg252]

Oh no a 30 lb bike??? First world problems...

[@hc7185]

for what it is it really could be a lot lighter

[@Banannalands]

So the bike sucks….

[@DCassidy42]

This bike seems like a mess.

[@Nickubus99]

I wish they would stop with the electronic trash on these bikes.

[@brianferrari2812]

I have difficulty understanding Henry.....Which ends up diluting the information I get from the review. I'm starting to stop watching before the end...

[@JacoblBroughton]

Imagine being able to get any bike and choosing a Giant

[@hannes6114]

What's so bad about them?

[@WilliamLevesqueineX]

I feel like the more budget stuff at Giant is really good bang for the buck, but the higher you go the less nice. Getting a Fathom 29-2 and you'd be hard pressed to find better at that price in North America, when it comes to trail hardtails.

[@benjamingarrison4362]

Sounds like a big brand hater. Giant makes amazing bikes.I doubt any of the previous commenters have ever even had one.

[@hannes6114]

@@benjamingarrison4362 i have one :) I like it :)

[@benjamingarrison4362]

@@hannes6114 excellent. They really are great bikes.

[@pilsenman]

Ugh.. I just can't stand Henry.

[@mattlarsen8585]

The maestro suspension platform is overrated crap

[@benjamingarrison4362]

Have you ever ridden one for more than a hot minute?

[@mattlarsen8585]

@@benjamingarrison4362 haha yes I’ve owned an anthem and a trance

[@mrvwbug4423]

I agree, it's basically a cheap knock off of DW link, but doesn't pedal as well, is WAYYYYY too linear, and hangs up even more on square edge hits (something that DW is known for). Still pedals better than FSR or Trek split pivot, but it doesn't hold a candle to a real DW link such as Ibis, Pivot or Intense or even actually good Horst setups like Transition or Rocky Mountain.

[@BoxCarBoy12]

@@benjamingarrison4362 It depends on what you want out of suspension. If you're a non-aggressive rider who just wants a plush ride, Maestro is fine. I enjoyed it on my old Trance since I was a beginner then. But I've since moved on to an Orbea Occam after becoming better, and even the single split pivot on that bike is loads more supportive for charging while still being just as supple at the top of the stroke.

[@benjamingarrison4362]

@@BoxCarBoy12 I've owned/ridden nearly every bike with modern suspension design over the last 12 years and all with high quality shocks. From Specialized and Giant, to Ibis, Yeti, Transition and so on. To say that the ANY current platform is crap is ridiculous, including Maestro. Nearly all current suspension platforms are amazing with the proper damping. But to each there own, and to each their own terrain.

[@kanon0853]

Dude, E-bikes clearly are the future. If ya think about it, electro shifting, electro shocks, prolly an electro gearbox soon, integrated trail computers... what's the end game here? E-Bikes just seem the be the obvious. Even though I am not the biggest fan 'em.