It’s the lightest aluminum 5-inch travel trail bike ever produced by Giant. The all-new Trance X starts with a radically shaped ALUXX SL aluminum frame featuring trail-tuned geometry and a tapered OverDrive headtube for increased stiffness and steering precision. And it finishes with lightweight, co-pivot Maestro Suspension to help you roll through technical terrain, blitz descents and devour steep climbs.
Fox 32 F125RL with 15QR thru-axle, tapered steerer tube
suspension fork, Fox Float RP2 Boostvalve rear shock
Submitted by
plantme777
a Weekend Warrior
from north carolina
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2011
Strengths: MANY.
Weaknesses: Did not like the spec Kenda tires
Bottom Line:
I have been riding for over 20 years and I swap out bikes compulsively. I have tried many, and this is the happiest I have ever been with a bike. I weigh 200 lbs, ride trails and light freeride.I even got second place in a fairly large cross country race on this beauty (yes, set up stock at 28 lbs) It is the ultimate "do it all well" ride for the money. Bought it on craigslist from a guy who had used it ten times. What a deal. I like this bike better even than the sweet Santa Cruz Blur 4x or the heckler that I have owned...a lot better.
Bike Setup: Stock 2008. Switched to Conti vetical Protection, 60mm stem,
WTB Aviator saddle, bashguard instead of big ring...that's it.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
ayhum
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, ON Canada
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2011
Strengths: Spot on geometry, buttery Fox fork, quick shifting SLX/XT, SLX crank, comfy Fizik Gobi XM saddle, invisible action Maestro rear suspension
Weaknesses: Paint chips/scratches to easy, Nevegals heavy on climbs, Fox RP2 unpredictable
Bottom Line:
So far, I've really enjoyed riding this X2. I am glad that I went with the upgraded components vs X3 or X4. I am the type to want to upgrade all the time like I did on my hardtail - but ends up being more expensive in the long run. I dumped over a grand in my $200 K2 Zed as it was a slow progression of dissatisfaction such as fork and mech.
I wasn't planning on buying a new bike til' my friend bought a new hardtail and tested an FS RMB. I have always like the Giant bikes because of their design philosophy, quality and value. You wont find any other bike with the same specs for the same money. Too many Specialized, Treks out there, Norco has a weird geometry, Rocky Mtn has cheap components. giant fit the bill in all ways. Geometry was such a factor in this as I can't find a FS that suited my "giant" height at 5'-4". With the right size this bike handles predictably, coasts over rocks and climbs well for an FS. When all the tire pressures and suspension is set up right, it handles and tracks very well. My advice for anyone is to properly set the sag they way you like the feel. Coming from a hardtail, I like everything stiff in the back. I only weigh 155lbs yet I ride it with 210 PSI!!! Even with slow rebound and high pressure (10mm sag) I still get full travel 2" on the RP2. I am afraid to bottom out but havent had this issue yet. This seems to be common issue with these rear shocks, regardless of bike make/model. Otherwise the Maestro work really good. I have to look down to see if its working cuz I don't notice anything! The Kenda Nevagals are a love em/hate em scenario for me. I love the grip on corners and climbing over roots/logs/downhill. But I just hate how slow these tires are on steep climbs. Another gripe I have is that the paint seems thin. My 4 year old K2 has held up alot of drops and the paint isn't as brittle as the Trance. Its a really good looking bike no matter what. Anyways, these are all minor compared to the way this bike rides, coasts and climbs. Trance can definitely handle more than a hardtail can. Drops, tight switchbacks, slopes logs, roots are no match for the Trance. As I said before, once dialed in (settings, air pressure) this bike eats up trails and asks for more.
Favorite Trail: King, Gatineau Park, Albion, Ravenshoe, Durham Forest, Kelso
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At: Secret bike store do
Similar Products Used: first FS bike ever, but road a custom K2 Zed hardtail before this
Bike Setup: All stock except Lizardskin chainstay protector and Shimano pedals
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
PeloNZ
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2011
Strengths: Fast and stable
Stylish
Sturdy build
Reasonably light
Mega traction from the Maestro suspension
Weaknesses: 9mm front axle is a bit flexy
Very Common!
Bottom Line:
I have the 2009 model, bought secondhand. My first full suspension bike.
If you want a great value, do-it-all bike, it is hard to go past a Trance. I have completed endurance XC races, epic weekend rides and easy DH trails without wanting more from my noble steed.
Bike Setup: Fox 32 F120R fork, Fox Float R shock, Deore LX brakes and drivetrain, XT rear derailleur, XM317 wheels, Geax Saguaro 2" tyres
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
mavdog3
a Cross Country Rider
from Rapid City, SD USA
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2011
Strengths: Price, Durability, Reliability, Performance, and Looks
Weaknesses: The only compliant I can think of on this bike are the wheels. They are heavy, but they perform well and look good. Through on a pair of Spinergy's
Bottom Line:
I choose the Trance X2 with about a months debate over the Anthem X and Anthem X 29er. I loved the handling of the Anthem 26 over the 29 but I wanted a tad more travel for the big stuff and I own a Titus Racer X, Tough call but the Trance X is the winner and I am very happy with my choice.
I have had six years on Giants Maestro suspension (Giant Reign) and I love the way these bikes handle. They do everything well and are durable, reliable and affordable. I have two kids and live on a budget. My only complaint with Giant has always been looks. They usually are pretty blah, but this year (2011) I am floored by the great design and looks. This bike climbs like a scalded monkey and descends like a runaway train. I have heard complaints about weight on giants. My 2011 with above specs is 26 pounds and 125mm of travel with a boostvalve rear shock. That is pretty good for a XC bike! I would recommend this bike to anyone who wants a great bike that does it all and then some (climbs, descends, corners, accelerates and bombs) ,but doesn't care about having a boutique bike. And if you have a question on how fast this bike is come to Rapid City and bring your lungs.
I give the Trance X2 5 chilis on value, try and find a better deal and four chilis overall, there is always room for improvement.
Similar Products Used: Santa Cruz Blur LT, Specialized SJ FSR, Trek Fuel EX, Giant Anthem X
Bike Setup: 2011 Trance X2 I think the bike came well equipped but I have my personal preferences, Sram X9 shifters/Derailleurs, Shimano Xt Cranks and cassette, Spinergy Wheels, Avid Elixer Brakes, and Giants Carbon seat post, Handle Bar and stem.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Howiedavis
a Cross Country Rider
from Athens
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2011
Strengths: 2011 Trance X2- Short of World Cup downhilling or Rampage contests this bike can do everything! It's fast up hills but when turned flat and downhill it blisters trails! Stiff front end, great accelerating and plush suspension! With a higher B.B. than a race bike it goes over bigger objects with 'trials bike' ease but that does raise center of gravity a tad for super fast hair pin turns. 15mm through axle, 1.5 crown and 5" with a stable climbing front geometry at 69.5 makes it turns fast and relaxed enough for bombing!
Weaknesses: No 12mm through axle rear available..... yet.
Bottom Line:
If you want the best performing, go most anywhere, go fast, go light, go stiff, go plush bike FOR THE MONEY it is AWESOME. Hands down for $2500, it's one of the nicest bikes I've ever seen built and ridden. I've gotten to ride a bunch of bikes and trails across the country and this bike can tackle most all of them with top notch fun factor! The phrase here is "GRIN INDUCING"!
Similar Products Used: '04 & '08 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert, '08 Trance X0. Lots of hardtails before.
Bike Setup: '11 X2 Large with a set of UST Shimano MT65s and upgraded to carbon bar, 100mm Thomson stem to shorten for my reach being 5'10" and bigger tires (Schwalbe Nobby Nics 2.25 UST). Otherwise, stock- SLX/XT.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
JackHammer
a Cross Country Rider
from Cardiff, Wales, UK
Weaknesses: Stock wheelset wasnt great, found the nevegals a bit too draggy, not great amount of mud clearance at the rear. Finishing of the bike wasnt great out the box, bits of aluminium bur were left in the frame and steerer was too long for the spacers provided, one of the bolt holes on the fr wheel was threaded.
Bottom Line:
This bike inspires so much confidence in riding and pedalling a high speeds. Definitely allowed me to improve my riding skill. At the end of the day definitely a bike that should be considered trail bike of the year! Shame the anthem is also so good too.
Bike Setup: Stock apart from specialized purgatory (fr) and The captain (r) tyres, hope hoops pro2 on dt-swiss 4.2s, shimano spd 540s, a sram 991 chain and ashima top end gear inner and outer.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
macoutu
a Cross Country Rider
from montreal, canada
Bought the frame and built up the components with my LBS. Cheers to Le Yéti for helping me spec this bike with a great deal on components. Coming off a brain equipped stumpjumper (which i returned to specialized for a refund after multiple problems with the shock and pivots...) i am very impressed with the maestro suspension. Reminds me of Stanta Cruz but with less feedback than i remember. Easy to set up and soaks up small and large hits nicely. Get the RP23 and set it up with level 1 pro-pedal for those long fire road climbs. The rest of the time leave the shock open. I still like the ride of the fox F120 RL fork but wish it had more useable travel (I'ved had RL's and RLC's and you cant really get more than 100mm out of 'em). Simply LOVE the QR15 through axle, noticeably more still on those unexpected hits. A LOT of thinking when into this aluminum frame and it's design is simple and clean. Looks like it should hold up well. I have an XL frame and the complete bike is 1000$ less than my stumpy but only half a pound more in weight. XL frame set up like mine comes in just under 27 pounds.
Extra tall riders beware: For some reason Giant cut the steerer tube on the fork one centimeter which forced me to get a 20 degree stem and tall riser bar to get the cockpit to trailbike standards (bars and seat level). I think they cut all their forks at the same lenght cause the Large frame was ok.... !?!? One chili off for this Giant!
Similar Products Used: specialized stumpjumper expert carbon
Bike Setup: mavic crossmax st wheels, xt/xtr drive train, avid elixir cr brakes, selle italia slr saddle, easton carbon riser bar and EC9 stem, fox f120 RL fork and RP23 shock
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Get_the_Doc
a Cross Country Rider
from Toowoomba, Qld, Australia
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2010
Strengths: Forks, shock, brakes (2010 model)
Weaknesses: Gap from 18" to 20" sizes (though it's a slightly small 20" - 61 cm top bar)
Bottom Line:
Still breaking this bike in, but it is riding really well. This is my third proper MTB, and would recomend it to anyone riding semi-technical XC. This bike has something for everyone from the first-time warrior to the serious MTBer. For many riders, this bike has value-for-money upgrades over the Trance X3 and Anthem X2, so spend the extra cash if possible.
I found the X2 surprisingly fast going XC - close to equivalent hard-tails (even my Felt). The Maestro system works very well. It's obviously not as firm as a hardtail, but it's much better than most dual suspension bikes. The Elixir 5s are great brakes. The Kenda tyres (Nevegals) offer great grip, but on hard stuff the noise and rolling resistance are quite high. I'll put other tyres on when these wear out. I particularly like the bars - nice and wide for lots of control, but the grips are too small diameter, even for my medium-sized hands. Will change for Giant ergo grips (dirt cheap at $15).
The weight is excellent for a dual suspension bike at this price point.
My only real gripe is that after just 3 days the bottom bracket started creaking. Too loose?? It's good that Giant provide one free service.
Overall, the Trance X2 is a fabulous bike for trail riding and gives the rider great confidence when dealing with moderate technical sections.
Similar Products Used: Specialised FSR XC, Cannondale Rush, Gary Fisher Sugar 4+, Felt RXC2
Bike Setup: Standard except seat
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
ryroobrown
a Cross Country Rider
from Huntington Beach, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2010
Strengths: Maestro suspension is among the best designs out there. Great component spec for the price. Climbs any hill, goes down any hill and does it well.
Weaknesses: The stock Smarty pedals died on the first rock they hit. Replaced them with Candys, which are far superior. The grips sucked, and are replaced with ODI Rouges.
Mysterious clicks and creaks happen every once and a while. Especially after things get wet. Can get annoying at times. Doesn't effect the performance of the bike however.
Sometimes, I wish the fork (which is awesome) had 140mm of travel.
Bottom Line:
For the money, a better bike doesn't exist. This bike can handle pretty much anything the average trail rider would attempt to do. It even handles the occasional jump or drop without any problems.
Overall I'm incredibly happy with my purchase, and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great bike at a relatively low price.
Favorite Trail: Hazard County to UPS to LPS to Porc Rim
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At: Hutches Bikes, Bend
Similar Products Used: Specialized Enduros and Stumpys.
Bike Setup: XL Frame with stock componets except for ODI Grips, Candy Pedals, and a Thomson seat post.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
NWcanuck
a Cross Country Rider
from seattle
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2010
Strengths: When I purchased this bike I was new to the sport and have have had my shares of fall and crashes and bike has held up flawlessly. The Maestro suspension is great and unlike others I have had no problems with the brakes. The bike climbs well with minimal peddle bob.
Weaknesses: This is not a nimble bike and it doesn't handle well during some of the single track trails in the Pacific Northwest. Its manner improve at higher speeds. The Nevegal tires weren't a good match for the terrain I ride.
Bottom Line:
This is a great starter bike and great value for the money. Having recently ridden some more expensive stumpjumpers has made me realize some of the limitations of this bike with respect maneuverability most noteably at lower speeds or in tight turns. However, for under $2K you would be hard pressed to find anything better.
Bike Setup: stock except added XT shadow derailleur and peddles. Replaced Kenda Nevegal tires with specialized The captain
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
formulaone33
a Weekend Warrior
from Tampa, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2009
Strengths: Value, handling, suspension performance, overall parts spec.
Weaknesses: This is really nit picking but the grips are bulbous at the ends. I wish there were a constant diameter. Thats about it!
Bottom Line:
I looked at this bike and the Anthem X2 for a full year. Both had excellent reviews and both would be great for my local trails. I make up my mind when I was talking to the owner of my local show and he made me a great deal on a closeout 2009 Trance X2. I am very happy I went with the Trance as it suits my riding more than the Anthem. I am an all day trail rider and I really love the plush longer travel at the end of the day.
The handling is more stable than my hardtail on all the steep down and ups but certainly quick enough for all my twistly, tree slalom local trails.
It climbs as well or better than my hardtail with the propedal off. I have ridden my favoride trails with the propedal on and off and I feel no diffrenece in efficiency just a harsher ride with the PP on.
I love this bike. It weighed 28lbs even the day I got it before going tubless. I do plan on getting lighter rims (ZTR Crests), an Easton Monkeylite XC bar, and Eggbeter SL pedals. That should put be right at 27lbs.
Similar Products Used: Cannondale Super V1000, GT LTS-1, Specialized FSR Pro, Specialized Hardrock.
Bike Setup: Bone stock except convert the wheels to ghetto tubless. I am 210lbs and I ride with 205psi in the rear and 95psi in the front.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
DaRickster
a Weekend Warrior
from Kingston, Ontario
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2009
Strengths: This bike was highly rated by MBA and many others for being a great all around trail bike and they were right! The suspension does its job without bobbing and was reasonably easy to set up. All the parts on the bike are great quality so I don't see myself needing to upgrade anything. Great all around mountain bike that can do cross country as well as some gnarlier stuff.
Weaknesses: I did bend the WTB Trail LaserDisc rim on the first ride. Don't know how; perhaps just a bad one got through quality control. The brakes sometimes make an unsettling sound though they work fine. I have read that the pads are the culprits. The bike does feel tall but I am coming from a cross-country hardtail so the transition is steep for me.
Bottom Line:
One of the best all around bikes available and it is very nicely spec'd so you don't have to make compromises.
Similar Products Used: Looked at the Specialized Stumpjumper but I preferred the Trance X2 parts choice and the the Trance X2 was rated a little higher. I also wanted to check out the Rocky Mountain Altitude but none were around to throw a leg over.
Bike Setup: Stock bits & pieces. I juggled the stem spacers to have just one under the stem to lower the handlebar height. I find I can run lower tire pressures than I am used to doing on a skinnier-tired cross country hardtail.
Strengths: Value. Mine is a 2008 model bought at the end of 2008 with 33% off as new lines were arriving. Frame is same as X0, finishing kit is very good. Fox, RaceFace, XT etc.
Weaknesses: Bit of a steep head angle, can be a bit nervous at high speed down hill sections.
Bottom Line:
I have owned this bike for a year now and I struggle to fault it. Steep head angle does make it a bit nervous at high speed but thats it. Its all a trade off because on twisty technical trails the turn in is superb.
In tne value for money catagory I challenge anyone to find a better bike. Out of the box its a great bike, Mine is a medium and accordinng to my bathroom scales has a weight of just under 29lbs ride ready.Good for a 5" travel bike at this price.
The Fox forks and rear shock are faultless and the Meastro rear end is great on climbs and even better on the decents.
Upgrade the wheels at some point and I think the bike is a class leader.
Go buy one. You will not be dissapointed.
Similar Products Used: Specialized FSR, Trek Fuel EX8.
Bike Setup: Factory Stock - except Gusset Slim Jim Magnesium pedals, MRP XTG Chain ring protector and Crud catcher. Kenda Small Block 8's in the summer.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
imcodefour
a Weekend Warrior
from imcodefour@gmail.com
I purchased this bike as a 2008 closeout... I was trying to decide between this bike and a 2008 Trek Fuel EX 5.5 and I am very happy with my choice... This bike eats up speed!!! It seems to handle better and the suspension seems to eat of the trail the faster I go... I have used this bike mostly on cross country trails, but have dabbled on some downhill trails with this bike with no negative effects as of yet... It appears to be durable so far... The most I've had to do it 3-4 months is adjust the rear derailleur... The bike feels very solid underneath you and makes your confidence shine through... If you can catch one of these for a good deal on closeout or used I suggest the purchase.
Similar Products Used: 2000 Cannondale Super V F/S, 1996 Gary Fisher Opie H/T
Bike Setup: Stock
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
secretrsl
a Cross Country Rider
from England
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2009
Strengths: Infectious ride, rides lighter than its 27lbs weight, great with bike,
Weaknesses: Crap paint job, grips,
Bottom Line:
Firstly... i am an XC rider but like going fast up or down on trails. I wanted a bike to meet in the middle ofr trail and XC use. I have never bought off the peg bikes and was dubious about Giant. Nor have i ever had over 80mm of travel and believed that anything over that was for devil downhillers only. Whilst looking for a bike i saw an ad where the 2009 X2 was being sold with a £600($960) discount. I went for a test ride. Was shocked at how responsinve and quick this bike was. So bought one. And now the more i ride the more infectious it is becoming. I have lowered the front end to suit my style but can always raise it again shoulf i need too. I am also thinking about doing a 2 hour enduro race on it instead of my hardtail. In the UK it is XT/XTR Shadow equipped. Bought separatelt the fram and forks would have cost more than i paid for tho whole bike.
It rides a lot lighter. More like a 23/24lb bike. The pro predal stiffens the back for a hard tail feel.
My only issue is with the cheap paint job. It would have been better to annodise this frame of leave the lower parts brushed and bare rather than a cheap, brittle paint job. That said i bought it for the ride and technology and it certainly does ride well. I have noticed a very XC feel when on fairly flat terrain or climbing and a totally fast, mad bike when going down on hilly trails. The best of both worlds. I would have also like bottle cage mounts on the underside like the Anthem so a fram guard can be fixed. It seems strange the XC Anthem has some but not this trail bike.
I also find the RP2 shock works best on the maestro system 20lbs under inflated.
Overall i believe it definately the best value bike bike and best riding for the money in the Fast Trail/Marathon category.
Hello,
I have a dilemma about choosing between two, quite similar bikes:
[LIST]
[*][B]Specialized Camber Expert 2011[/B] (Test-Bike, after a few rides)
[*][B]Giant Trance X2 Read More »
I am contemplating to upgrade from an Anthem x3 to a Trance x2 or x1.
I am wondering if anyone can provide me with some feedback of whether its worth to pay the premium for the Read More »
Looking for a hard-tail bike to fulfill the role of a trail bike (somewhere between XC and AM I guess). Posted in the 29er forum because based on the reading I've done I'm wasting Read More »
Been riding a Stumpjumper for a few years and there's nothing wrong with it. I basically need a new cassette and chain, but the 120mm travel on the Fox fork feels inadequate. Also Read More »
I cant decide. The drive train is better (some say) on the X2 SLX components vs X7. Is all that stuff really worth the extra 400-500? I think X2 also has Juicy 5's and a lockout on Read More »
