Giant Trance X 29er 2 Review

This is a review of the Giant Trance X 29er 2. I hope you enjoy and please let me know if you have any questions! :)
Additional Credit to:
Giant for a couple of KZbin clips I used regarding the making of this beautiful mountain bike.
Stock Specs:
Frame Sizes: M, L, XL
Colors: Balsam Green/Black/Chrome
Frame: ALUXX SL-Grade Aluminum front and rear triangles, 135mm Maestro suspension, flip chip
Fork: Fox 36 Float Rhythm, 150mm, GRIP damper, Boost 15x110 QR, 44mm offset, custom tuned for Giant
Shock: Fox Float DPS Performance, 185/55, custom tuned for Giant
Handlebar: Giant Contact TR35, 780x35mm, 20mm rise
Stem: Giant Contact SL 35
Seatpost: Giant Contact Switch dropper with remote, 30.9
Saddle: Giant Romero (AKA, Brick)
Pedals: platform
Shifters: Shimano SLX
Rear Derailleur: Shimano SLX
Brakes: Tektro Orion HD-M475 Disc Brake and Lever - Front Hydraulic Post Mount Black
Brake Levers: Shimano MT501
Cassette: Shimano SLX, 10x51
Chain: KMC X-12
Crankset: Shimano MT510, 30t
Bottom Bracket: Shimano, press fit
Rims: Giant AM 29, alloy
Hubs: Shimano, sealed bearing
Spokes: Sapim
Tires: [F] Maxxis Minion DHF 29x2.5, 3C, EXO, TR [R] Maxxis Dissector 29x2.4, 3C, EXO, TR, tubeless
Extras: tubeless prepared

[@SterlingRodriguez]

Just bought this exact one 15 minutes ago. Super encourage to see your review on it. Thanks!

[@17736tja]

I’m so glad to hear it! I hope you like it!!!

[@Robin887]

Can I ask how its going with trance? I really want to buy it because its very comfy but im just afraid of pressfit after all internet comments. Any thoughts? Best regards

[@flycubfly]

Picked up the exact bike , color and all, several months ago. Super amazing . I love this thing . Great review, you nailed it.

[@Robin887]

Hi, how its going after a year? I really want to buy it because its very comfy but im just afraid of pressfit after all internet comments. Any thoughts? Best regards

[@jakebarker649]

Really great review thanks. I'm looking at purchasing this bike tomorrow and you've answered all my questions. Keep up the awesome reviews. Cheers from New Zealand.

[@bgfcjoe]

great review. I had my eye on this bike since the beginning of the year. my local bike shop put it on sale for $3040.00 so i pulled the trigger. cant wait to go on my first ride.

[@martysracing2158]

Just bought this bike and it’s awesome! Very stoked with everything about it🤙

[@rubencampos4665]

good evening friend, totally agree, it is not a normal bicycle, this is outstanding, it offers you security and stability on descents and the guarantee that you will reach the top that you set your mind to, I am happy with my trance x de giant and it more than offers the best cost benefit.

[@jediwarlord8718]

Great review buddy. I’ve been trying to decide which full suspension bike I’m going to go for and this one looks like it’s the winner for me.

[@17736tja]

Great choice!

[@scottarmitage8432]

Great review (Not seen many for this bike) I have had this bike for about 12 months and absolutely love it! I'm used to more rear travel previously having ridden enduro, so I was a little nervous but the way its set up I've never felt like I've not had enough when I've needed it. The maestro suspension set up works exactly as it is intended, you notice this most under braking with minimal impact on performance. The giant components are actually really good if a little on the heavy side (and a bit plain). As an absolute Shimano fanatic I was really disappointed when the bike arrived with the Tektro brakes, (they had to change the spec due to a shortage) but have to say they have been good once I got used to them and do feather the speed well, that said adjustment is minimal and will probably end up replacing with XT's before much longer. It took me a little time to get the suspension dialed in but once I hit the sweet spot it was fantastic. The flip chip geometry is a great feature and I would highly recommend people make use of it to get the most out of this bike but beware of the pedal strikes when you have it in low!. Mine also came with Praxis Cadet crankset which is ok but nothing to get excited about, it did shed the chain a little too easily. I've installed an MRP AMg (V2) chain guide which has sorted the issue, this was easy to install as the frame has ISCG-05 mounting brackets. Its not quite as agile as my previous bike but that's primarily due to the 29" wheels (Previously on 26"), it has great roll over capability in the technical descents and as I said earlier despite the shorter rear travel it copes with most I have thrown at it quite comfortably. But the most impressive and unexpected thing for me has been its climbing ability, this thing goes up steep, technical rocky/rooty climbs like a MF goat!!!!

[@azmountainbikingadventures2781]

Thanks for the great info. Because of your review, I just pulled the trigger on an X 2. I’m hoping to get it next week. Can’t wait!

[@17736tja]

Congratulations!!! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it!!! Please come back and let me know! 👊🏻❤️

[@azmountainbikingadventures2781]

@@17736tja I pick it up Saturday.

[@azmountainbikingadventures2781]

@@17736tja I got the X2 yesterday (Saturday) and had to do a ride immediately. Rode some trails in Prescott and put it through the paces. I’ve been riding a 08’ Specialized Enduro Comp SL (26”). I loved that thing and could keep up with most anybody. Big difference with the X2. Took me a bit to dial in, due to the shorter cockpit and cornering, but once I got the feel, it was awesome. Way better on the climbs, and rolled over stuff like a champ. I found myself tackling obstacles I probably wouldn’t have or couldn’t make on the enduro. I’ll be putting up reveal and test ride vids asap. Thanks again for the review. I owe you.

[@azmountainbikingadventures2781]

kzbin.infoVGlo67sbzp0?feature=share

[@17736tja]

I’m glad you love it!!! I feel the same about tackling things I normally wouldn’t on this tank haha. Can’t wait to see the vid! 👏☝🏼🙌🏻 congrats again on the new beauty!

[@starseedairsoft2771]

Great video

[@billrose2339]

Thanks for posting!! Agree with your review: This bike is an amazing bang-for-the-buck. I have the same bike and upgraded the wheels with i9 alloy Enduros/Hydra hubs, Shimano IceTech brakes, and an e-Thirteen carbon riser bar (35mm rise). HUGE difference in weight and responsiveness. I would totally recommend those wheels and the Hydra hub - The engagement is insane. I have bashed this bike on some crazy east coast rocky trails in PA and it has performed flawlessly. Carbon might be a bit lighter but I think spending less on this bike and having a solid upgrade path is the way to go. Ride on!!

[@freshcoastrider]

wow. Great starting place. Keep up the content creation. You will get traction if you keep going.

[@17736tja]

Thanks :) yeah I will be posting again pretty soon. I just didn’t want to ride during the really hot months with gas prices so high.

[@hostilityy]

how is the hub sound? would've liked to hear it for comparison

[@unknownoff-road340]

Funny cause of course on camera they look small but I work at a giant store and they are actually huge

[@hugovela2919]

I have this bike with the shimano brakes. It’s a beast.

[@MIkegrimm2]

That was a good review, I have been looking to replace my 2005 Ellsworth Moment next spring (May/June 24) I was originally looking at Specialized and Ibis, looks like Trance is on the maybe list. Question; I live in eastern Virginia where the trails are a little twisty, very rooty with punchy climbs and short downhills, what is your opinion on the trance best suited to that type of trail, trance or trance X. Thanks!!

[@MrStallion777]

I luv mine!

[@AlinB1108]

Good review. I love mine. Just had to upgrade to lighter rims and the few personal stuff, grips, seat. There’s not a better value out there for the money. Component wise.

[@17736tja]

I agree. You get a lot of good bike for the price

[@billrose2339]

Completely agree: I dropped some Industry 9 Enduro S29 wheels with Hydra hubs, Shimano Ice Tech rotors, and a carbon riser bar on mine and it's a totally (even better) awesome bike. 1.5lbs lighter, which makes a huge difference. Lastly, from what I've read, the stock KMC chains are not that great so I picked up a Shimano SLX chain, which is supposed to be designed to mate with the drivetrain better. Still need to put it on.

[@allancatellier5890]

Just get it!!!

[@m.w2618]

How tall are you? I’m a beginner and found one of these locally that’s a size Large. Any benefit of an XL over L? I’m 5’11

[@AGMTB.]

The longer bike will be more stable at speed but may be more cumbersome in corners. Both large and XL come with a 50mm stem which could be swapped out for a 40mm stem to help make it more manoeuvrable in tighter sections. That being said, at 5'11, I'd probably say a large would be a better size unless you're very long in the leg. Hope this helps, I worked for Giant for a few years and believe they offer some of the best value bikes for a big company. 🤘

[@aleclopez-rodriguez4532]

I'm about to buy the Giant Trance X2 29er but you said Fox Floats for the front fork. They have RockShox Gold. Is that different? Or comparable

[@17736tja]

They are technically speaking Fox Float 36 Rythem suspension with 150mm of travel. I’ve never rocked the RockShox Gold so I BBC ant give an honest review on that. Ironically, Fox recently purchased RockShox, so you can’t really go wrong either way.

[@joriz5869]

The one with rockshox is the lower model. I think it's X2

[@peejwilco1357]

Looks like where you're from your bike is actually the Trance X 29 1, not the 29 2 (for us in AU that is).

[@BS-np7ms]

great info thanks! this is the bike im going to buy, i am 5 9 165 and wondered if i should use a small or med?

[@17736tja]

I would recommend taking a trip to your local bike shop. Sit on a couple different sizes and they can help you find the perfect one for you :) if I had to guess, I would say medium, but I’m not 100% sure. I believe Giant has a free sizing chart online as well 🤙🏼 Safe riding!

[@beege4481]

I am exactly just like you 5 9 170 and I got the medium. The reach for the medium is just perfect. I shorten the stem and bought a 20mm rise bar, bought the wolf tooth headset kit (it is an upgrade for the thin stock stem cap too including spacers) and it rides amazing. The bike will be a little forward heavy when stock hence I the upgrade I did.

[@sangchoi3499]

I'd say medium will be your size. I'm 5'7" and I think I'm at the cut off size for medium because I run 110mm dropper post and it is flush with the seat post tube.

[@sat8375]

👍

[@wadkevikram81]

Hey hi . I am from India . I’m 6foot 1 and I’m want by to graduate to a mountain bike. I’m in love with this bike and want to learn all the stuff I can and then thoroughly enjoy it !! But the dealership out here doesn’t have a Large or an XL in display evvver !!! Can you advice on the frame size and man of my height must go for ??? I’m not a pro biker so may settle for a Stance as well … but I need a very genuine advice on frame size before ordering one :)

[@17736tja]

Best of luck to you! I’m sure you will enjoy it!!

[@faermtb]

nice video man. is this just the newer version of the trance 29 1?

[@17736tja]

I’m not sure. I think the 1 is a lot more expensive and carbon based.

[@44lucas]

Hey man, thanks for this vid. This is the one I am considering, but would love to also look at other options. What else do tou think I should be looking at, aiming for a fully which I will be using XC with a touch of enduro riding?

[@17736tja]

I’m not sure 100% but I e heard good things about polygon

[@17736tja]

But go for a higher ended model probably like 1.5k plus

[@44lucas]

@@17736tja thanks!

[@eeritz8104]

The color is great , does it scratch easy?

[@17736tja]

All mountain bikes scratch east in my opinion. Hence the protectors 👍🏻👍🏻

[@armandojuan64]

I own the 2022 Trance 27.5 aluminum , the bike's colorway is ugly ( all in matte black ) but it rides like a dream . I feel for Giant , the same respect and confidence thing I feel for Toyotas .

[@Kawask1Kx100]

I have that one in blue and a have the smaller no suspension one

[@hindesite]

I'd have to say the stock seat is surprisingly comfortable, the bars are not - far too stiff. KMC chain - wtf Giant?

[@eatnosenuggets]

4:45 You say the brakes are Shimano, but you're showing Tektro Orions.

[@edwardjski]

Good, I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed that.

[@vinceking7878]

So basically a do everthing, traction focused, all mountain bike for those who don't want an enduro bike.

[@MrStallion777]

Isn't BTK in prison?