Giant Trance X Review: Computer Controlled | 2021 Field Test

Hey everyone, thanks for the feedback on the review. Due to the crazy times we are in there are limited test bikes available and the top spec Trance is the only one Giant could send. We are looking to introduce budget caps to future Field Tests so that we're on bikes in the lower price ranges.

How much it weighs?

Sounds like Giant hit half the mark only, climbs great. Descends mediocre. Do better Giant, you charge enough for our bikes.

All that money and still a press fit.

I have to say, that is one seriously sexy frame. Oh by the way, sorry guys - I cant ride, my battery is dead ;-)

First you said 135mm travel bike and few seconds later 145mm travel :)

Yeti SB115 for the win.

Can't you just switch off the electronics on the descents?

fastest on climbs + slowest on descent = hardtail?

Now that...is ugly.

So basically trying to make a Yeti SB130 and throwing everything at it

Do you guys think this bike would perform better with a normal suspension and not live valve?

Great review! I'll have this one day

Should be good in eMTB trim

That battery compartment screams 1st generation.

the meastro suspension looked cool hucked to flat,i like the look of top rockers bolted to top of shock bottom rockers bolted to bottom of shock both pivioting in sync together looks cool apparently on paper it works too

Mike, which one did you crash?

For that money, not having tube-in-tube internal cable routing is super poor performance by Giant.

Live valve much different than the Brain?

PinkBike: Pretty much anywhere else besides Squamish should have less rocks and overall smoother terrain
Me: Laughs looking at my local bike park 5 minutes down the road

Looks like a Genius... looks good

Glad they are finally re-designing there rigs but that's WAY too much money for a GIANT. Not sure where they are getting off trying to charge what they do for their bikes.

BRAIN lives on

Too much going on with that bike

Someone need to change out the live valve out. And use std fork and shock. Who will this be.....anyone. then maybe a great bike, huh.....

Giant Trance is always the best !!

For $8500, you get an XT Crankset, XT Brakes, XT shifter and an XTR derailleure, not as stated a "full XTR Groupset". A sturdy but very inexpensive DT 370 3 pawl hub and no battery for the shocks. Seems a little pricey for what you get.

Sooooo - what happens when the batteries are dead?
Wish you had done the Regular Giant Trance X. Then we could have compared it to the other normal (but expensive) bikes.

I really do appreciate your "Field Test" series. They helped me select my wonderful bike 6 months ago.
Thank you Pink Bikes. :)

This is how many time he said “live valve”
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Giant MTB’s are hideous looking. They’re like ugly Kona’s. I would never spend a penny on a Giant outside of a TCR road bike frame.

You need to link the other bikes that you are comparing

I wish the Stumpjumper still had a level with a Brain Shock to compare against this. I love the Brain shock, same efficiency, no batteries required. I’ve found that 95% of those that hate on the Brain shock have never ridden a bike with it, let alone owned one. It’s amazing!

Large frame for 5 foot 10 seems a bit too large

Amazing review, all the pros and cons 👍

The most honest review of a bike I’ve ever seen. Spectacular job guys!

i have i giant trance x and its amazing for everything i do

U get basically everything for 8,500$ but 20$ brake rotors 👍

So basically you could buy something like a Transition Spur instead that climbs just as well but descends way better for half the money?

My Giant is my least favorite bike.

Perfect review. Daring to innovate has its downsides and needs iterations, hence I can definitely appreciate Giant pushing the technology. It WILL get to perfection in time. 
For now, summing up, the '60/40' Reign sounds like a better option. Excited for the more budget-friendly bike tests. Thanks!

Sounds like Giant is telling you ditch the Live valve and just get a downcountry.

Thanks for the review. In my opinion, the review of the bike was overshadowed by the review of Live Valve. By any chance, did you do any testing without Live Valve? I've heard from other reviews the Live Valve actually holds this bike back and it seems like you agree.

The Live Valve sounds exactly like the Rock Shox e.i I have on my 2013 Lapierre Zesty

Frankie Bones : Computer Controlled

I wonder how different the Trance X would handle on the downhills with a conventional Grip 2 fork and DPX2 or X2 shock. Maestro link is well known for being a great pedaling platform even without live valve. I've seen plenty of reviews of non-live valve Trance Xs to suspect it would still be the top climber

Giant doesn’t make a single sick bike. Change my mind