Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 Review: The Swiss Army Knife Bike

[@bikersedge]

What do you think of the new video format?

[@SNOWLEOPARDCOWBOY]

Very nice!

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the kind words. Glad you like the videos!

[@Theriver56]

Yes.

[@blakeremmick4896]

Great content. Really stepped it up. Subscribed.

[@bikersedge]

@blake Thanks!

[@LajRa5]

I don't know wht the Trance doesn't get more love out there. I've ridden two different trance bikes over the last 6 years and I doubt I will ever stop. Currently riding a 2020 29er model and it is sooooo fun.

[@bikersedge]

I’m with you on that. Giant in general does a really good job on their bikes. The Trance X might be my favorite though.

[@LRF49]

Because they're boring looking bikes. Although great bikes in terms of quality and ride, there are other brands that are more fun.

[@christiandruan]

How are other brands more fun? Any bike should be “fun”. I’m not sure what you’re talking about.

[@LRF49]

@@christiandruan Ride enough bikes and you will understand.

[@bikersedge]

@@LRF49 I'm coming up on 50 different bikes this year. I'd say I've had a lot of fun riding Giant....

[@blubullit]

Probably the best bike review Ive ever seen. To the point, zero fluff. Thank you.

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the kind words! Glad you liked it so much.

[@Vegasrider75]

Both styles of video production are really good, a mix of both is probably the best. Keep up the good work!

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll see if I can find a way to include both styles!

[@theonlyDougBlack]

Man, I’ve just gotten back into mountain biking after a 10 year break. Your channel absolutely has some of the best reviews out there. Thank you so much for all the work and thought you put into these!!!

[@Jsemmler7]

I do appreciate the real, candid reactions while you’re on the bike. But it’s good to hear about it after you have some time to think about it. I think I’m with the people that say a mixture of both!

[@bikersedge]

I think that’s my new plan. Thanks for the feedback.

[@IADMTB]

Great review. I just sold my Trance X Advance Pro 1 and purchased an SB130 LR. I thought the climbing between the two bikes would be similar but the Trance X definitely climbed faster. The SB130 felt a bit more efficient (not as active as the Trance X). On the descents, the SB130 LR felt a ton faster. The Trance X felt more nimble but that could be my riding style and my experience in riding (I’m a novice, which is being generous). The harder I pushed the SB130 LR the easier it was to ride. If I could only own one bike, I’d have to go with an SB130 LR.

[@TheJo159]

After watching your video probably 39 times, I make the move and bought the new Trance X Advanced Pro 2 ! Keep up the good work

[@bikersedge]

Rad! I love hearing that. Glad the video helped. You’re going to dig the bike.

[@airickp]

Think of doing the same, what do you think about your new bike?

[@TheJo159]

@@airickp I have ridden the bike only 2 times since my purchase. First opinion, the bike is excellent uphill since the position is optimal. The tires are great with a lot of traction and the carbon wheels feel very stiff to me, which is great for relaunching. In a few words and with little output, I still love bike. Excellent value for the money !!! Jonathan

[@lucaszak3597]

I just picked up my Trance X 29 2. The bike was tough to find but now that I have it, I can't wait to get out there and ride it. Your video made that "itch" even worse. Given that I live in Calgary, Canada, it will be a while before the bikes sees any trails. As far as the backdrop of this video goes, it is spot on. It makes me want to get out and ride more. With all the COVID restrictions most of us have been seeing too much of indoors already. Cheers

[@rogerb3927]

I actually like both formats. When I hear you talking while you’re riding, your breathing gives me an idea of how hard you are working on a climb and how much fun you are having on a descent. And I think when you narrate like you did this one your comments are slightly better organized and easier to follow. Either format is awesome. You do a great job of not being biased, not being overly excited or overly annoyed by any of the bikes.

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks for the feedback. I think I’m going to try to do a blend of both formats going forward. Kind of like the most recent video.

[@rogerb3927]

@@bikersedge excellent

[@tonyannett359]

been on hardtail for 8 years, because of this video I went with the trance x 29 3 haven't even rode it on the trail yet, just a comment to say your opinion matters

[@brianhanish6307]

I like the new format. Nice background, and also the Audio is really nice to hear clearly over the footage. Not that the other recordings were bad. This way you can ride the shit out of the bike with out getting distracted. You gotta be careful also. But, It is nice to have commentary as you ride. Mix of both works for me. Whatever dude, do it the way you want. These are some of the best reviews and content going on in the mountain bike world. I look forward to the videos as they come out.

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the awesome feedback. My brain is trying to wrap itself around how to incorporate both styles into one video. Might take a few tries to make it happen smoothly.

[@brianhanish6307]

@@bikersedge Just edit how you feel it best translates the information. If the on bike commentary works, use it, if the static camera stuff works use it. Love the jumble bloopers turned to black and white. Keep that for sure. Don't think about to much. The videos are mint. The shots are amazing, the footage looks great, and the info is exactly what people want. Unbiased, and Honest. Part of your description of your ride on the spur with others, (MTB Savant, Clint Gibbs and a few others) helped me slam down my money at the shop sight unseen and said " Giddy up, Gimme a Spur!!) Lot of people actually really somewhat on what you guys say about the bikes because we simply don't have access to the bike. I live Just outside of Toronto, Ontario where there is a great mountain biking community but no big mountains per say. Most bike shops have Zero demos and demo trucks rarely come around. Your efforts very much appreciated by this addicted rider.

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the kind words man! Glad the videos help. It’s always good to hear.

[@beege4481]

I have the same bike. It corners excellent. Goes through choppy rocky down slopes easy. I took this bike to advanced and expert trail on my first day of trail riding ever and it did not disappoint me. I ride mx so riding offroad isn’t mew to me. Jumping is different though but smaller on mtb. I still have the chip on low setup and I can say that it is still on the slight heavy forward side. No wonder it corner so well. I am loving it hopefully components hold longer than I would think they would. Money spent wisely.

[@jnichols959]

I like the new format and the way you mix your commentary over footage from the ride. Videos have been on point lately and I had no complaints before, so great job.

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the feedback! Glad you like the videos.

[@pathfinder3152]

New to the channel, in the market for a new bike, liked this format a lot, fantastic review, very informative...your descriptions of what the bike felt like to you are relatable to me.

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for joining us and thanks for the feedback!

[@Dlp1776]

First time viewer. Looking to buy the bike in the review. Excellent! And love this type format.

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks!

[@benwithrow5044]

Great format. Beautiful scenery for trails and commentary. Comparisons with other bikes was great as well. Keep up the great work.

[@bikersedge]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for the feedback!

[@raylew6573]

I enjoyed the new format, great focused discussed. Thanks!

[@bikersedge]

Glad you liked it. It’s way easier to talk about the bike that way.

[@lazylearner967]

LOVE the new format! Also love the bike comparisons you make towards the end.

[@bikersedge]

Thanks! I’ll make sure to keep doing those.

[@JJMilk]

Loved the new format. 👍🏼 And the review!!

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks! I think I’ll try to blend the two together.

[@chaseadventure]

love the reviews no matter where you are.. but keep up the great work!! I bought my Ripley because of you, and probably about to by the Trance now too....

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks! Glad you like the videos.

[@discostu333]

Love the review, thanks. I'm pretty much set on this bike for my next purchase and this is a really honest take on the positives and negatives.

[@bikersedge]

Awesome. So glad the video was helpful!

[@snakehips12345]

I like this format much better. Whenever I watch riding videos where the review is taking place as the person rides, it seems emotional and fabricated. I place more value on someone who’s rested and composed and has had time to digest the experience. Thanks for the review!!

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@paulj8283]

Great video. I got this bike but found the sizing a challenge. I’m 5’10 but found myself between sizes. Medium felt cramped. Decided on the large and added a shorter stem. It is a long bike! Love it, but the difference between sizes is huge so be careful choosing.

[@bikersedge]

I agree on the sizing. With all bikes I recommend trying them on for size before you buy. I can’t stress it enough in this one though.

[@hindesite]

Wow, that background in the intro is just awesome.

[@bikersedge]

Utah is a cool place!

[@iainbeveridge8184]

Nice job dude. One of the best reviews I have seen. Keep up the good work

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks for the kind words!

[@D_Allsen]

What a great review! I’d say I like the reviews during the ride more but agree with some of the other comments suggesting a blend of the two. Thanks again!

[@bikersedge]

Blend it is. Thanks for the feedback.

[@titandegroot]

I love this format. Maybe a blend. FYI I love my Trance. ❤️🚵‍♂️

[@bikersedge]

Thanks! The Trance is great. It’s one of my favorites.

[@ralphkeith2905]

Great review as always. I like the new format.

[@bikersedge]

Thanks! Glad you liked it.

[@kerrybrock8332]

I like this format a little better. Really nice job on this one intriguing bike.

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the feedback and kind words!

[@Yeti_Boop]

If anyone here is thinking of getting the less expensive aluminum Trance, go for it. I've had mine a couple of months and for a "lower range" model bike, it's excellent.

[@bikersedge]

Agreed.

[@clecss]

Thanks! This video helped me a lot in choosing this bike because I con only afford one at the time, and it is great for both uphill and downhill, which I like to do both. Thanks man!

[@bikersedge]

Glad you liked it!

[@kevinbiddle5444]

I like both formats. I like the stream of consciousness and sort of "live" impression you give as you ride, but I also liked the more comprehensive dialogue you can give while you're not distracted by riding. So... both? And keep these coming, man. I like the reviews and they're helping me decide what the next bike is going to be.

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@robinsonsadventures2174]

Great vid buddy, and what an awesome bike, this format is better IMO

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks for the feedback!

[@MrFrickhold]

I love the new format and great review by the way!

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@garywinslow5607]

Another great review. I’m considering a Trance X 2 for my next bike, and the thorough review really helps. I’m still a 27.5 fan, so would be my first 29’r (174cm tall, so unsure), but local trails are flowy and twisty which you say is the bikes strengths. Keep up the great work, love the format used. Also, refreshing to hear a review not knock a bike for not being enduro slack etc, not everyone wants or needs that kind of bike. Cheers!

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the kind words. I don't think you'd be upset with the Trance X at all.

[@ederler1129]

You always do excellent reviews but I really liked this format.

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the kind words. Glad you liked it!

[@benge3092]

I like this new format

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@Jeroensurf]

A great vid as always :) Like written before, its nice you can think over what to tell by commenting after the rides, but it looks less filtered/ more honest when you were commenting while riding. I think I prefer the older style vids because of that. a big bonus is the comparison part.

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@IADMTB]

Excellent review. Very detailed and well organized.

[@bikersedge]

Thank you!

[@justingt3rs]

not quite the same model but for reference to a potential buyer, Im 6'3'' and got the Large size Reign 29 Sx and really like it. The Giant geometries cover a wide range of rider heights id say

[@bikilah]

I have seen other videos and I prefer this format......:). Im watching a lot....great info.. :)

[@t.o.f.t.s.]

Beautiful setting. I prefer the review while riding with the summary in a nice setting. I guess a combo.

[@bikersedge]

I think that’s the general consensus. I’ll find a way to make it happen. Thanks for the feedback!

[@craig2622]

Love this bike ride a giant reign xo best all-rounder I've ever had 💯🤟

[@AriHeiskanen]

First time here! Thanks for great down to earth review.

[@bikersedge]

Glad you liked it!

[@nellyandbert]

Great review and amazing location.

[@bikersedge]

Why thank you!

[@nellyandbert]

Subbed.

[@DM-fj8wv]

great review, thanks.

[@bikersedge]

Glad you liked it!

[@mkrj2576]

Great in depth review

[@bikersedge]

Thanks! Glad you liked it.

[@milliebays1801]

Great format great info. As much or more value than most commercial mags

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@mtbnoobs]

Great video! I pre-ordered the aluminum Trance X 2. Can you make a video on that bike? Would love to know your thoughts. Thanks!

[@bikersedge]

Nice! The bike will be very similar to this one. If I can get my hands on the alloy version I'll make a video.

[@josehurtado7822]

Any format , bro !! You videos are cool 😎 thank you 👍

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the kind words and feedback!

[@emmanuelpothos1708]

Loved this review

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks!

[@darrinkulyk9560]

I'm Going To Buy One 😎 Excellent Review

[@bikersedge]

You’ll love it.

[@darrinkulyk9560]

@@bikersedge Definitely ALL The Reviews ARE AMAZING 😎 I Live In Mtbike Mecca SO theres LOTS of Bikes Available 😁

[@JenkinsB]

Great video, format and review. Would be sweet to see this bike compared to the 2021 Specialized Stumpjumper.

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the kind words. We don’t carry specialized at the shop so we won’t be able to make that one happen unfortunately.

[@chrismackie1760]

New format is great, but both are good. Do like hearing the live comments as you're riding on the trail.... so maybe just keep changing it up. Interested that you classified the trance x pro as a 'long travel' trail bike. I'm looking seriously at the Optic and the Tallboy but would love to hear how you think the trance x pro compares to them.

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the feedback. The Trance has quite a bit more travel than the Tallboy but doesn’t necessarily ride like it. I think it’s fairly similar to the Optic in terms of DH capability. With you Optic you have a slacker HTA and longer wheelbase, but the Trance has more travel. It’s tough to differentiate the two. The Trance feels more lively and energetic.

[@LeonardOutdoorsNM]

I thought the format of this video was great. I honestly haven't seen your other format, but I thought you were very easy to understand, the humor was good, and the review was very informative. Now if I could just find the Trance X in stock...

[@bikersedge]

I wish I could find one too! I want one in my garage. Thanks for the feedback and kind words.

[@LeonardOutdoorsNM]

@@bikersedge I'm 6'1, and I typically prefer XL's. I ride a Trek XL Stache currently. Giant's chart says I should get a Large - Trance X. What do you suggest?

[@bikersedge]

@@LeonardOutdoorsNM Man that one is tough. I'm 6'2" (almost always ride XL) and the trance X was about as big as I could comfortably go. With that one, you're really going to want to try it on for size first.

[@aquampool]

New format is great. We are mtb’s. We love outdoors!

[@bikersedge]

thanks for the feedback!

[@dansburns]

Great review. I like this format better...informative yet succinct, good info without watching you huff for 10 mins. 🤣 And something about your voice and demeanor is so calming. Keep up the good work! 👍 For tires, I just put an Vittoria Agarro on the back of my Django. We shall see. Thinking of going with a Kenda Pinner on the back of my Ripmo. I’ve been using Aggressor on both but I’m not in love with it. Also, what trail area is this?

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks for the kind words. I think I’ll try to do a mix of this with a bit of the ride commentary as well. I’m still wanting to try the Vittoria stuff. It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden their tires. These trails are all in Park City near empire pass.

[@folkabuss]

Great review.

[@bikersedge]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@ssjj9584]

I like the old format better where you get more of a sense of real time reactions of how the bike feels. Nice vid.

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the feedback. I’m trying to find a way to mix them together.

[@Intoccib]

Thanks for the review, would you be able to compare to the Norco Optic which you previously reviewed?

[@bikersedge]

It’s been a bit since I’ve ridden the Optic but I’ll do my best. I’d say the Trance is a little more energetic. The suspension platform feels a little more lively. The extra 10mm of travel on the Trance is nice, but the slacker HTA (and subsequent longer wheelbase) on the Optic makes it more comfortable on steep stuff. I think it’s probably a toss up on DH capability.

[@player1tv]

Would like to see you on the Status XL - Its a big bike too. and compare the 2.

[@bikersedge]

We don’t carry specialized at the shop so unfortunately we won’t be able to make that happen.

[@iopusor]

I like it. Also like the sun making your beard glitter. ;D

[@bikersedge]

Oh no that's just the glitter I put in it.

[@iopusor]

@@bikersedge =D

[@mtnbikerva1]

Thank you for the video! For us MIDATLANTIC riders with a lot rocks and roots, in the high mode is the TRANCE X still a pedal and crankset destroyer? Without putting midget crank arms on it? What size tire in the rear will fit well? 2.6?

[@bikersedge]

The high mode jumps up 10mm. That should give you plenty of clearance. Giant says you can fit up to 2.5” on the tires.

[@Cg-fh5re]

Something I miss on most channels is a comment on how the bike would handle in another frame size, as only few alternate rear center with frame size.. so for a M guy a XL comparison between a giant and a norco doesn't make sense, as the giant would feel more front weighted in m, while the norco would feel the same in m as xl

[@lucasbright3331]

i wish i could get this bike with the norco sights geometry but the giants value and components

[@bikersedge]

Check out the Giant Reign then. It’s a lot closer to the geo on the Sight.

[@lucasbright3331]

@@bikersedge it’s impossible to find one in stock they are all backed up till the end of summer where I live

[@bikersedge]

That’s the situation with most bikes right now honestly.

[@lucasbright3331]

@@bikersedge I know it’s such a bummer just saved up a bunch and sold my old bike and then no bikes are in stock for 5+ months

[@firefromaboveus5298]

Loved this video. Watched all of it.that is saying something cuz I have a short attention span

[@bikersedge]

Stoked you liked it! Thanks for watching.

[@janurbanek9820]

Perfect review! I´m really considering this Advanced Pro 1 version. I´m 6,2" as well, and have 34in inseam. Did the XL frame fit you the best ('cause you said "too long" many times)? Did you try L size, too? Do you recomend any upgrades (G2R brakes i.e.)? ThanX ;-)

[@bikersedge]

There’s a big gap between the L and XL. I wouldn’t want to size down. I certainly couldn’t go any bigger though. A short stem would help.

[@Roaming50]

Nice review. Spoken coherently and a nice mix of cutting back and forth between talking head and bike action. You got a subscriber 👍 So, are you a bike shop in Park City?

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks for the kind words and feedback. We are a shop in Kaysville, UT.

[@WVURFL01]

How do the carbon Trance 29 and Trance X 29 fit in with the to the Ripley, Spur, and Tallboy? You nicely compared those three in 2021.

[@bikersedge]

Trance X slots in above all the others on the burly scale but not by a ton. The regular Trance 29 would be on par.

[@alessandropanzera4805]

Hi! I think that all your video are accurate and complete. Good job! Just e little question: TALLBOY Vs TRANCE X, which one climbs better (in tecnical climbs and in long fire road climbs)? Thanks a lot!

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks for the kind words. Id have to say the Trance X probably.

[@alessandropanzera4805]

@@bikersedge Thank you for the quick answer! Have nice ridings and see you at the next video!

[@jonnyweedy7902]

Can you make a review about the Trance Advanced Pro 1 (2021 without "X") The new version is on my list. :)

[@bikersedge]

That hasn’t seen changes for the last few years. If they make any updates we will add it to the list.

[@Good_Times_RC]

New to your channel and really like this video/format. Subscribed! I recently got the Aluminum version of the Trance X 29 2. You mentioned different tires could make it better. What's your opinion on some Maxxis Recons for this bike? Or any other tire recommendations?

[@bikersedge]

Thats the exact tire I had in mind when I said that. Maybe a Minion up front for bad conditions or steep trails.

[@ronhau1542]

Enjoyed and subscribed! Ty

[@bikersedge]

Thank you!

[@mtbeliever5833]

Is the SB130 LUNCHRIDE a lot more enduroish than this bike?..... Love your new format. For some weird reason your vids are super calming. Keep them coming!!!

[@bikersedge]

Glad you like them. Thanks for the feedback. Yes the 130 LR feels much more “enduro” than this one. I’d feel confident riding almost anything on the 130. The Trance did well enough on tough terrain but I wouldn’t want to push the pace.

[@michalvratny2291]

Great review guys! Any plans for testing an AL version? I am between the Trance X 29 2 and Orbea Occam H20. Occam seems to be an excellent climber and with its a bit shorter geo, it should be a bit more playful. On the other hand, I would welcome the added stiffness of the Fox 36 on Trance as i am pretty tall (192cm) and the flipchip is also a nice feature. What would you recommend? Cheers!

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Not sure if we will be testing alloy versions but we have a Trance X vs Occam video in the works. They both ride so similarly it's tough to tell them apart. Stay tuned for that video!

[@devinbyrnes8058]

Thinking of getting either the Trance X 29 2 or the base Orbea Occam. For my local trails. I would need to buy either sight unseen where I am. Could you compare them to each other? The trails are very very rocky and root filled with steep, switchback filled up and downs. The whoops are all on the flat part of the trails. Lots of rock slab step ps and downs. How much would I miss having a flip chip? Is that something worth considering?

[@bikersedge]

They’re honest the most similar riding bikes I’ve ever ridden. We are waiting for our 2021 Occam demo to come in, but I’ll be doing a Trance X vs Occam video. I know it’s not what you asked about but I’d probably recommend a more all mountain bike if your trails are steep and rocky/rooty. The SB130, Ripmo and Hightower would probably be a little better suited. The Occam and Trance X excel in smoother, faster terrain.

[@tonylee3213]

best review ever

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the kind words. Glad you liked it!

[@tycatspeeder]

Would you go with a Trance X, or a Fuel EX 9.7. Im torn! My trails are pretty up and down, but I dont want to have to keep hitting the climb switch.

[@bikersedge]

Zero need for the climb switch on the Trance X!

[@tharodfather7647]

So im getting into mountain biking and i was wondering what do you think of the 2021 trance advanced 27.5?.. Its my 1st fs and 1st bike over a 1k and im excited to get it here in the next few weeks

[@bikersedge]

Lucky you found a good bike right now! It will be a great one to get you into the sport and learning more about bikes. Enjoy!

[@matteocaruso4536]

Have you ridden the standard Trance? i'm kinda undecided between Trance 29 2 2021 and Trance X 2 2021 (both ALU). l like to climb and descent, my weekend ride is usally 30km 1000-1500 D+. I'm coming from a Cube Reaction Hardtrail XC Race (Carbon frame 10.5kg, 100m fork, all XT, but i'm destroying my back...) i'm a bit scared of the weight of the Trance X. thanks.

[@bikersedge]

I've ridden it but it's been a long time. I feel like the Trance X climbs every bit as well (better suspension design and steeper seat tube angle) while being far more capable on the DH.

[@troybrowning839]

How would you compare this bike to the Hightower for a long travel trail / all mountain, do it all bike?

[@bikersedge]

I don't think it fits in the all-mountain category so much. It's more of a long-travel trail bike. That said, the Hightower feels way plusher and more controlled on the descents. The Trance X climbs way faster.

[@pierrecarriere6845]

Hi everyone ! I own a Giant Trance X2 since march. I have been very happy with it in terms of global performance, but the bike feels kinda harsh in rooty and rocky portions of trails. I don't live in the mountains so the downs I get are not so long (no more than 5 minutes). Would a shock with a piggyback be an upgrade over my little Fox DPS Performance ? Or is it just meant for long alpine downhills ?

[@bikersedge]

I think people place too much emphasis on the effect a shock can have on a bike. Most of what determines how a bike feels is the suspension design itself and not the shock. A piggy back could maybe help a little but it’s not going to make a huge difference.

[@pierrecarriere6845]

@@bikersedge Thanks a lot for the answer ! So maybe a 'bigger' bike like a Ripmo could be the answer ? Or does the rear end behave the same way over chunky terrain ?

[@bikersedge]

Exactly! The Ripmo is smoother than the Trance X. It’s a compromise though. You’ll lose a bit of the responsiveness going to a bigger bike.

[@pierrecarriere6845]

@@bikersedge Thank you ! I definitely need to demo one :) I don't have any man made trails where I live. Somehow a Ripmo could make me go faster everywhere I ride with more comfort without losing efficiency too much ! I find the Trance X almost too responsive sometimes :)

[@joelnalindhom9906]

Any idea where to get an extra bearing set for the frame? ( For future replacement )

[@bikersedge]

I’d hit up your nearest Giant dealer. They’ll be able to help you out.

[@Ponypal1966]

It’s a good change up from the usual, but I like both ways. You said this bike climbs better than the Ibis Ripmo and descends better than the Ripley. How is the climbing compared to the Ripley? Is this the happy medium bike. Thanks and keep up the great work?

[@bikersedge]

Thanks! I think I’ll try to find a good way to mix them together. The Ripley climbs better I think. This one would kind of fall between the Ripley and Ripmo. Pretty stellar bike for most riding.

[@sneakyray9160]

I have a 2021 Giant Trance Advanced Pro 29-1. It came with a 130 mm fox 34 fork. Can I swapped it for 150 mm fox 36 factory fork?

[@bikersedge]

I wouldn't. It's going to make that seat tube angle really slack. You'd also need to look into warranty. Not all framed are designed to be overforked. Especially by 20mm.

[@sneakyray9160]

@@bikersedge thank you for addressing my question.

[@bikersedge]

Of course.

[@likeris2]

how you can compare this one with cannondale habit and 5010? and which one do you prefere if you can have just one>?

[@bikersedge]

It’s been way too long since I’ve ridden the habit to make a fair comparison. It’s tough to compare it to the 5010 as it’s 27.5”. The Trance feels more capable, faster and I’d say it’s a better climber. The 5010 is a better jumper and quicker in the corners. It feels smaller and more maneuverable.

[@nervozzzza]

I'm just about to order one, but i'm torn about the size. I'm 6,2 with inseam of 35 inches. In the video i got a feeling that XL is quite big, maybe better to go with L?

[@bikersedge]

I’m right there with you. When I fall between sizes I tend to size up. While the XL Trance felt big I think it’s the right size for me. Personally I’d go XL and shorten up the stem and slam the saddle forward. I think the XL would be smaller than I want.

[@nervozzzza]

@@bikersedge Just wanted to thank you, bought Trance X1 (alu) XL fits like a glove!

[@mtskibum16]

Seems like it’s in that zone the Rascal lives in. Can you compare them? Looking for a single bike for everything that is kind of between a Ripley and Ripmo.

[@bikersedge]

Agreed. I think it’s pretty close to the rascal. It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden one of those. Don’t think I could compare it very well right now. I remember the rascal feeling a little less controlled in the bumps, but I think it handles steeps better. I think the Trance X wins on the climbs. Again take that with a grain of salt. It’s been a long time on that one.

[@dtel3356]

How would you compare it to the Giant Trance 27.5 2018-2020 (whatever version)? If I go from a Trance to this new Trance X 29, would I gain in downhill capabilities/fun?

[@bikersedge]

The geo on the new Trance X is far more modern. The reach and wheelbase are significantly longer which will give you more stability on the DH.

[@dtel3356]

@@bikersedge Thanks for your answer!

[@joelnalindhom9906]

Thanks bro! This review sealed the deal. I'm 5'10, do you think a "Medium" will fit? We don't have "Large" here in Manila, Philippines. According to the website of Giant, a "M" and a "L" will fit a 5'10 rider. But my heart is with the "Large" since I'll use for long hours and I want to be in a relaxed position. Thanks

[@bikersedge]

Glad it was helpful. The medium will be more maneuverable but will have a smaller sweet spot where your weight is centered between the wheels. It’s tough giving out side advice over the internet. I’d suggest trying one on for size.

[@skinny8019]

hi...im 5' 11"....medium is better...the giant X runs long.

[@2tpilot]

Biker's Edge, what would your pick be? Tance, sb 130, or Hightower? taking into consideration build, price, and performance.

[@bikersedge]

The SB130 and the Hightower are almost in a category above the Trance X. They are more all-mountain while the Trance X is a trail bike. I'd take the 130 for going fast everywhere while still being able to ride rough and steep trails. I'd take the Hightower for a plus, controlled ride. And I'd take the Trance if I never rode really steep stuff. I don't think the other two can match the value of the Trance at the price point I tested.

[@2tpilot]

@@bikersedge Thanks Biker's Edge. I will have one of the three in my garage this year and it's a tough decision.

[@precast5613]

How did you get this bike, ive had it on order since day one!

[@bikersedge]

I asked really nicely. And when that didn't work, I begged.

[@jeffross4394]

How would you compare it to the reign 29?

[@bikersedge]

It's about how you picture the difference. The Reign feels more planted and stable on the DH. It still doesn't feel like a full-blown enduro bike, though. It is more of an all-mountain bike. The Trance X climbs much better and is significantly lighter. It's way more balanced.

[@John-qc1zv]

Would you guys buy this bike over the 2021 Commencal TR ? My type of rider is I do everything from Trail, climbing and going down after.

[@bikersedge]

Haven't ridden it. Can't say. Sorry, I'm not much help there.

[@leejohnh22]

Haven't ridden either but going by the numbers the Commencal TR is a much bigger bike, pretty much an enduro bike at this point. Also a good bit heavier, the frame alone is quite hefty. So in my eyes I'd examine your use case, if you live in a region with long high speed chunky descents, then the Commencal TR would be fantastic as it lives to go down fast. However, if you're in an area like I am with short punchy climbs and short descents with more pedaling involved, Trance X for sure. Hope it helps

[@Bushwackerinpa]

Have you rode the 29inch Reign as well?

[@bikersedge]

Yes.

[@stalker1567]

Would you race on this looking at the giant trance for what to use for a few races.

[@bikersedge]

What kind of racing are we talking here?

[@stalker1567]

@@bikersedge Not sure, just something to get me doing stuff again. Had a mental battle to get on my feet again after being in a parachuting accident. So trying to look at stuff I used to enjoy but kick it up a notch. Downhill or cross country. There is defiantly comps and boot camps I can get into through my work. Its alot of money to dump on a bike so I will use it for everything.

[@bikersedge]

It’s not really going to be the best option for racing competitively but it would be a great do it all bike.

[@radagascar1]

My biggest question is what are the faster rolling wheels you're thinking of? Rekon on the back?

[@bikersedge]

I'd probably go Minion DHF and Rekon.

[@badsilver177]

Speaking of army things, if Reign 29 was a medium tank, would you call the new Trance X an APC?

[@bikersedge]

It’s like like an Apache helicopter.

[@tylerb.794]

I'm very interested in this bike as I currently ride a lower end Giant trail bike and need some more travel and a better suspension platform, slightly more progressive geo, but also don't need a full blown enduro rig and still want to keep the fast, poppy, playful feeling of the trail bike for my local piedmont-NC trails with the occasional trips to the steeps of western NC. Do you think the lower spec Trance X advanced with the NX drivetrain, rockshox deluxe select+ shock and Pike select would feel almost as capable as the build you've reviewed?

[@bikersedge]

For sure. The components won’t be as light or refined, but the bike will still ride like this one. The frame design and suspension platform define how the bike rides rather than the level of components.

[@tylerb.794]

@@bikersedge So you don't see there being a big performance difference in the shock/fork between these two builds?

[@bikersedge]

Not really. Like I said, geometry and suspension design (rather than components) probably make up 80% of how a bike rides. We recently did a $3,000 bike showdown. I was consistently impressed at how well they performed when compared to their high-end counterparts. You'll loose some adjustability on your suspension, but the base tunes are good for most everyone except for the outliers in weight and speed. The aluminum frame will feel different but not necessarily worse than the carbon frame.

[@tylerb.794]

Nice! Well I think this is going to be the one, will be one helluva upgrade from my $1800 entry level FS Giant. Thanks for the replies and the great reviews!

[@bikersedge]

@@tylerb.794 Of course. Happy to help. If you're local come see us. We can help get you on a Trance X.