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 R rear shock
It could be argued that this day of near limitless configuration options that 5-inches of mountain bike suspension travel has become the very definition of a well-rounded trail bike. Sure there are dozens of examples of where 4 or 6-inch models manage to dazzle and we’re not here to dispute that fact. Rather, when we took delivery of Giant’s Trance X3 for testing, it was an immediate reminder as to just what a do-it-all trail bike is all about. Continue reading →
Submitted by
MTBStromlo
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2012
Strengths: --- Great suspension, very plush. The fox fork is reliable, lightweight, looks good and has the adjustments required. Maestro suspension is always active - i will never ride a hardtail again, very comfortable and controllable.
--- Hydraulic brakes stop on a dime.
--- Shifting with the SLX/Deore components is crisp and reliable.
--- Stock M520 clipless pedals are easy to adjust and shed mud surprisingly well for a cheap pedal.
--- Stock Nevegals grip well and are surprisingly light for such a big tire.
--- Giant branded wheels are light(ish) and haven't needed truing.
--- Whole bike is light for a big $1600 duallie.
--- Excellent frame that is worthy of upgrades.
Weaknesses: --- The Fizik saddle is great for shorter (under 50km) rides, but after a few hours the saddle feels so hard that i have to rest, and it's not because of tired legs.
--- Messy Cabling.
--- No Propedal platform or lockout on rear shock
--- Frame gloss scratches easily
Bottom Line:
So I've been riding 'The Trance' a lot over the summer, over 1000km and it still rides like new. Whilst it misses some features of the more expensive mountain bikes (propedal, internal cabling), the Giant Trance X3 is outstanding value for money, featuring components worthy of a $2500 bike. Hence, the Trance X3 is perfect for those on a budget that still want a performance mountain bike.
The Trance is such a versatile bike, one day I can be (or at least try to be) a XC racer, just pump up the suspension and run fast tyres. On the other hand I can set 30% sag and blitz the downhill. The Trance is advertised as a do-it-all bike, and in my opinion it sure lives up to this expectation.
Submitted by
Rusty Steel
a Downhiller
from VIC, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2012
Strengths: So i've been thrashing the 2012 Giant Trance x3 now for 2-3 months and it's held up REALLY well. I've only been seriously riding for 5 months (grew up on motorbikes and mtb's but just to get around). As a student with a mortgage, I found out soon after buying the trance that downhill / freeride is what I want to be doing but my funds do not allow me to get a more appropriate bike just yet. Regardless, the trance has been amazing - i'm yet to bottom out the forks doing black runs and drops up to 1m, i spent a day smashing it on the hard rocky terrain of Mt Buller and all that went wrong was a puncture and a bit of brake failure (I'll get to those in a minute). For a bike that is being pushed past it's design use, it's been amazing!
Weaknesses: The Avid Elixir 1 Brakes - not sure if they were set up correctly as they take alot of finger-pull to kick in but compared to any other hydraulic brakes i've tried (Hayes, Shimano models), the Avid's are very average! Even after a bleed, I can nearly get the rear lever back to the bars - the 6" rear rotor is also not great BUT for the overall bike price the brakes are OK.
The Schwalbe Nobby Nic's stock tyres (a "rich man's tyre") underperforms and all the centre lugs on the rear tyre were ripped off during a day down steep rocky terrain (it's a common occurrence with these tyres if you google it apparantly)
Bottom Line:
Great bike, all components work very well even though they're only mid-range shimano and sram - especially for the price! Cannot fault anything majorly apart from brakes which are still very useable and OK, and my personal dissatisfaction with the Schwalbe tyres. Performs as well as the 2012 Merida One Twenty 3000 which my mate bought at the same time for $3500 (for $1600 - i'd say I got a bargain!) Perfect intermediate / all-round bike that can take almost anything you can give it!
Bike Setup: Stock except MAXXIS MINION 2.5 DHF on both tyres - YES - 2.5 Minions fit super comfortably (if it wasn't for the slimly designed rim, you could almost go 2.7 and they would fit) and way out-perform the Schwalbe Nobby Nic's. If you want to use your trance for more downhill and jumps than uphill cross country - these work great and fit easily! Modified Shimano DX Pedals.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
jhuffman
a Downhiller
from chardon ohio
Weaknesses: drivetrain spec. who really needs 30 gears?
seatpost- seat slides back during every longish ride.
heavy wheelset, rear hub has some drag, cassette wobbles a bit.
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike for the money!! Once setup correctly, just set it and forget it. Suspension rides very smooth, and balanced. The parts I have swapped out were not for functionality, just personal preference. Planned upgrades are 1.Seatpost-single bolt design wont hold my saddle securely 2.Replace large ring with a bash ring, shorten chain. I HATE noisy bikes with a lot of chain slop. 30gears means a long sagging flopping around chain. I have taken some links out of the chain and never use the big ring. Runs MUCH quieter on rough trails. Lighter wheelset if and when stock ones break. Widet tires than the stock 2.1s (again personal preference)
Similar Products Used: marin mt. vision pro
yeti asr
ellsworth epiphany
Bike Setup: stock except for wider bar (shimano pro, atherton series cut to 720mm)replaced saddle with Specialized 130mm Phenom team (personal preference)
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
cranebiker
a Weekend Warrior
from Rancho Santa Margarita, ca USA
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2011
Strengths: Awesome bike for the price.
Weaknesses: seat is horrible. Better buy or trade for a new seat before you leave the bike shop.
Bottom Line:
Ive been riding motocross and wanted to get into mtb'n. Im 5'10 and 235lbs. The suspension is plenty enough for me right now and I dont feel any flex in the bike when Im mashing it on the down hills. I still struggle on the up hills but what do I expect Im out of shape. This bike is strong. I have enjoyed every minute on this bike since I have purchased it and would recommend it to anyone.
Bike Setup: Stock. With correct air pressure in shocks for my weight.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Captain Stacko
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria, Australia
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2011
Strengths: Frame is great, forks and rear suspension are great - takes a heavy bugger like me really well.
Weaknesses: Brakes - packed it in after about 3 months. LBS replaced no worries and upgraded free of charge
Bottom Line:
First dual suspension I have owned. Great bike, maybe could have done with slight upgraded brakes and shifters but awesome bang for your buck bike. Could ride this bike all day.
Similar Products Used: None - first dual suspension
Bike Setup: 2010 model, XTR 985 pedals, Juicy 3.5 brakes, Joplin 4 seatpost, Thomson 90mm X4 Stem, Odi Ruffians, Stans no tubes, SRAM PG970 cassette
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
russ
a Weekend Warrior
from comox valley, b.c. canada
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2011
Strengths: Brings out your riding potential.
Weaknesses: You might start missing work and important dates.
Bottom Line:
Once the saddle forms to your butt (about 12 hours seat time), it's all good. Even so, the bike is so enjoyable you could ride with a doberman attached to your neck and it would still kick ass. It climbs better than a hardtail, is light, and the only thing that holds it back on the downhill is you. The elixer brakes easily brought me(190 lbs) to a fast controlled stop in one of those last second panic stops. STX shifts fast, hasn't skipped a single shift. Suspension is wicked good. No need for lockout whatsoever. Very addictive. Great bike for anyone that wants to enjoy every second of their ride.
Submitted by
gaz mac
a Cross Country Rider
from wellington enzed
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2011
Strengths: the bike as a whole. Transistioning from a hardtail Trek 6000 to the Trance X3 was easy bar the shift from V brakes to hydraulic disc (Almost fell off grabbing the brakes too aggresively) and getting used to full suspension. Ive found it brilliant for everything i (try to) ride. A nice bike
Weaknesses: The wheel set esp the shimano rear hub which would decide to spontaneously adjust itself on rides to allow some lateral rear wheel movement.
Bottom Line:
A seriously awesome bike. Ive taken my TranceX3 and modied it to me and it fits like a glove. Even in standard form its an good climber, fast on the dh not to mention being quite stable all round; also for the price of the trance you get a lot of bike.
This bike IMHO (infact the whole TranceX range) is equal to if not better than anything on the market. Go get a tranceX3, you wont be dissapointed
Similar Products Used: Giant Rincon, Trek 6000, Giant Talon (custom)
Bike Setup: Dipped and polished frame, shockcraft ceramic swingarm pivot bearings, FSA headset bearings, XT/Deore LX groupset, lockon bar grips, Mavic 527 rim on Stanz ztr hubs with DT Swiss spokes(R) and Mavic 527 rim oh Giant hub with DT Swiss spokes(F), shimano clipless pedals, Fox Float rear shock, Fox 32F120 R w/15 QR........
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
DirtRider73
a Cross Country Rider
from Inland Empire, California
Date Reviewed: December 14, 2010
Strengths: The Maestro suspension with 5" of travel, the frame (w/lifetime warranty), the quality of the parts for the dollars invested. Bike handles very well. Aesthetically pleasing design.
Weaknesses: Not sure if it is a weakness or just the circumstances, but in 8 months the chain came off twice. The seat is carved out of granite. It would have been nice, but not necessary, to have a front lockout. Bike is a bit on the heavy side, 28.09lbs for a medium without pedals.
Bottom Line:
I did a lot of research and soul searching before buying the 09' Trance X3. There was so much positive stuff written in so many reviews from experienced riders, that it just made sense to get. The test ride sold me. For the price, this is probably one of the best packages you can get. It rides well, has good handling, great suspension, hydraulic disk brakes, decent drive-line, and climbs like a goat. It can take a beating without falling apart. This bike instills confidence and I ride faster because of it. There are some upgrades I plan on making, but I don't regret buying this bike at all.
Bike Setup: Stock + Hope Pro2 hubs on DT Swiss EX500 rims
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Cyclone429
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia, pa
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2010
Strengths: This bike is very durable and well worth the price. Excellent frame. The Fox shocks just gobble up anything on the trail. The tires grip well. The Shimano componets are durable.
Weaknesses: I have only broken the rear wheel light deflector. I have noticed that this bike does not perform well on flat trails such as in south jersey. Its a little heavy but you get use to it.
Bottom Line:
This is the best bike I have ever ridden to date. It has a very up right comfortable riding position. This bike climbs really well for the wieght. This is also a great value for a bike and gives you plenty of left over cash to upgrade it to your liking.
Favorite Trail: Wissahiken Philadelphia, White Clay
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At: Brothel Bikes
Similar Products Used: Trek Y-11, Trek 4500, Titus Moto Light, Stumper Jumper 29er, Rock Hopper, Mongoose Canann,
Bike Setup: Pretty Much stock except for seat, FSA 29 inch bars, Im a wide person, and Yeti Gtips
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Rosco
a Cross Country Rider
from Redmond, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2010
Strengths: Lightweight, geometry makes for a very responsive ride, spec'd just right for the price, confidence builder!
Weaknesses: grips got exchanged before I walked out, hayes stoker brakes on the 2009...
Bottom Line:
This bike will give you the ability to hit nearly anything you can throw at it. It climbs like a mtn goat in technical terrain while descending smooth over rough terrain. I've had some issues with the chain dropping off while hitting really nasty downhill sections and have considered a chain tensioner. This bike will definitely push you in the direction of improving your riding ability. As an avid xc rider, it has inspired me to hit many drops, jumps, and much more downhill than my previous rig (Cannondale F700 hardtail). If you're looking for the best bang for your buck, look no further! You will truly be pleased with this bike! Expect to be riding harder and more confidently than you have before.
Similar Products Used: Stumpjumper fsr, Trek Fuel EX #
Bike Setup: Stock except for locking grips and bashguard.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
darrinw2001
a Cross Country Rider
from Valrico, FL
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2010
Strengths: Great suspension, like the Race Face stock components, great package for the $$
Weaknesses: had the rear hub bearing blow out after 8 months, but that may be due to my weight and riding style. The rear hub is made by Giant.
Bottom Line:
The bike had a lot of better components than other bikes I looked at. the fox fork and rear suspension, mastero suspension linkage, and race face components were hands down better than any other bike in the price range. Had a warranty issue with the rear hub but it was fixed with no problems. The Value rating is super on this bike, but only 4 chilis overall due to the rear hub blowing out....
Similar Products Used: Specialized FSR Pro, Gary Fisher Cake 2 Dlx
Bike Setup: mostly stock except Sram X9 shifters and rear derailuer, Ergon GP1 Grips, Time Alium peddles, Michelin XC Dry 2 tires
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
CDeCenzo
a Weekend Warrior
from Salem, MA USA
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2010
Strengths: The component spec at a price point below 2K,Fox suspension front and rear, 15QR fork.
Weaknesses: Stock pedals, grips, and seat
Bottom Line:
This was the best bang-for-the-buck bike I have ever purchased including the Nashbar Hardtail. This bike is making me a better rider. I am more confident in technical terrain, climbing the steep stuff and descending in the rough stuff. This bike does it all and I have put it to the test on any terrain New England has to offer.
I give it 5 Chilis despite the bad grips, seat, and pedals all of which are easily replaced.
Similar Products Used: KHS XC504, KHS AM2000, Nashbar Hardtail.
Bike Setup: Mostly stock except for changing the top ring for a bash ring, SPD pedals, and soon to be, some lock-on grips.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
MattMTB01
a Racer
from Peachtree City, Ga, USA
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2010
Strengths: Stiff, Light, Great Climber, Great Decenter, looks sexy, Great bike for the money, Hayes Hydraulic disk 185 front rotor
to much to list.
Weaknesses: None yet
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the price love the bike strong fast stiff light 6000 series aluminium. components are nice overall cant beat it for the price love giant great buy 5 out of 5.
Similar Products Used: Sette Phantom, Gt 5.0 I drive 4, trek 4300, Specialized s works.
Bike Setup: Stock for now
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
charlus botomus
a Weekend Warrior
from edmonton, Ab, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2010
Strengths: Great, awesome suspension, brakes, forks, frame! Basically that bike is amazing!!!
Weaknesses: The seat has made my ass sore.... really sore!!!
Bottom Line:
Compared to what I was riding before, that bike is the best!!! As soon as I bought it, I went out for a 3 hours ride and it felt like this bike was absolutely meant for me!!! Giant Trance X3, can not say anything wrong with you!!! I would recommend this bike to anyone who is looking for a all mountain bike and more... (so to speak)
Cheers to all French riders out there..... and anglo too!!!
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