Submitted by
flyfsnbrad
a Weekend Warrior
from Salt Lake City, UT Date Reviewed: September 15, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Crest
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
revolution (they're
Strengths:
Climbing,Descending,Balanced,Easy to go fast.
Weaknesses:
Grips,Saddle,Cable mounts on pivot,Buggy Hayes Brakes
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumper,Blur LT,Misc steel hardtails
Bike Setup:
ODI rouge grips,Wtb rocket seat,Kenda Excavator 2.35 front (love it)
Bottom Line:
I looked for several months for a decent used bike in the $1500 range. Saw a new '08 X1 on sale for 1650+tax so I couldn't resist. So glad I did. This bike climbs as well as my Rocky Mountain Hammer hardtail with almost as much responsiveness and way more stability on the downs. Also much less soreness at the end of the day. This bike is perfect for riding around northern Utah. Long climbs, long descents, fast flowy singletrack with lots of rough rocky sections. My only issue with the bike has been the Hayes Stroker brakes. Very noisy at first then changed to semi-metallic pads and took care of noise. Now I just need to keep them from rubbing. Also a minor issue is the cable routing at the rear pivot. If the zip ties are at all tight the cable will wear fast, make sure they are loose. All in all a great bike especially for the price paid.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
screamingkiwi
a Cross Country Rider
from Timaru, South Canterbury, NEW ZEALAND Date Reviewed: August 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Scenic REserve
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
The Cyclery
Strengths:
2008 Trance X1 -Very good value. Fantastic ride. Great handling. Lovely suspension. I love this bike. I tossed up between this and an Anthem and glad I went for the Trance because I have a bad back and it is just so smooth and comfortable to ride. I find the gearing and brakes are great, especially the XT rear. I haven't had any major probs, just broken one spoke.
Weaknesses:
None really, most guys I have met seem to have changed the seat as it is a bit of a bum-number. I do mostly cross country and find the handle bars a bit wide but that's a preference thing. One design weakness is that if you have muddy tires and ride on loose stones they tend to flick up and can get caught up in the front deraelier due to the narrow part of the frame in front of the rear wheel. This has happened to me twice - it stops it from moving but is easily fixed by removing stone. Another thing I do is tip it upside down after washing it to drain water that seems to accumulate in the frame.
Similar Products Used:
Giant VT1
Bike Setup:
Standard
Bottom Line:
This is a great value well performing bike. I did consider a Specialzed Stumpjumper but the price differential was too much. I haven't met any unhappy Trance and Anthem owners. The '08 Trance X1 suits my style (Intermediate) and budget (me, wife, 3 kids & dog competing for limited resources). I had a VT1 for several years and was very happy with that but the difference between the Trance and VT is lightyears. If you need a good value all-rounder it is fantastic. The 09 Trance 1 is higher spec'd and priced so I'd probably go the X2.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
denverdave55
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: August 15, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Colorado Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Craigslist
Strengths:
This bike rides great uphill with pro-pedal suspension, and kills it on the downhills. A perfect bike for Colorado. A great all around bike. Not too heavy, but with enough suspension to kill downhills.
Weaknesses:
Havent found one yet.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Dawg DeeLux, Specialized Stumpjumper M2
Bike Setup:
Rocking quality stock components.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the price. Giant created a great geometry and suspension system with this bike...highly recommend this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
menky2000
a Cross Country Rider
from Pleasanton, California Date Reviewed: June 13, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
local store
Strengths:
great cross bike for uphill-downhill-cross country rides. I had fuel ex8 before tried new specialized but this one is much better. Suspension is a top, no need of crazy 'brains' or what ever to minimize pedaling inefficiency - the geometry fixes this issues.
New XT from shimano finally works better then Sram, even if my rear shifter quit after 20miles - this was replaced under warranty
Weaknesses:
- Fork is flexing, but this is normal in this class of bikes. Upgraded fork will fix this.
- Brakes - Hayes Stroker - are ok but at low speed and strong braking creates weird noises and uneven braking- seems like the pads issue
- for what ever reason when I had chain on rear 4th smallest gear it did not align and was skipping - nobody was able to find out - this went away after about 100! miles
Bike Setup:
stock, no need to upgrade anything unless you want to do professional race
Bottom Line:
best purchase for the money in the category
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
oded
a Weekend Warrior
from Israel Date Reviewed: May 27, 2009
Favorite Trail:
bari
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Strengths:
climbs like a mountain goat, a real all day all around bike, looks amazing (anodize, one color, hidroforming...), great parts,
Weaknesses:
nothing in particular but size problem M is 18" and L is 20" - if you are 6f hight you are exactly in the middle
Similar Products Used:
trek fuel ex 8, stumpy
Bike Setup:
store + lizard skins lock on grips, wtb moto raptor 2.24 rear and weirwolf 2.3 tires, sdg bel air saddle
Bottom Line:
if you are looking for one bike that does everything and dont want to spend 4k$ stop looking
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jbgilm
a Cross Country Rider
from Willaimsburg, VA, USA Date Reviewed: April 30, 2009
Favorite Trail:
York River
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Used off Craigslist!
Strengths:
Relatively light bike with great components
Weaknesses:
The Hayes Stroker Trail brakes. They have great stopping power but they squeak and the pads fall out. But Hayes was great and sent out some free pads to replace ones that had messed up retaining springs.
Similar Products Used:
None. Hard for me to compare since my previous bike was a low end Trek.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike that climbs and descends well. I got a nearly new 2008 model off of Craigslist. It goes down a rocky hill fast and leaves me feeling in control. I doubt I'll ever need a new bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dHeArN
a Weekend Warrior
from England Date Reviewed: April 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Bedgebury Pinetum, Kent
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Superbly plush suspension, yet manages to climb better than my previous hardtail of similar weight!
Excellent lightweight cranks.
XT kit is great for the price!
I was doubtfull about the long stem, but it works in perfect harmony with the rest of the bike, and seems to make it faster and more stable over rough terrain. It can always be changed for a shorter one if you feel it is over the top.
Weaknesses:
Saddle might be too hard for some, although it fits me perfecly, and I have a good set of padded shorts! ;-)
Brakes can be annoyingly squeaky, despite me using expensive disk brake cleaner and regularly checking for muck and worn parts.
Apart from that, none I can think of!
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Hardrock Comp ('04 I think...)
Bike Setup:
All stock, but with Crank Bros Candy pedals, drinks cage, saddle bag, etc..
Bottom Line:
Outstanding value for money. If I were to compare it to other bikes, they would be worth twice what I paid. Apart from squeaky brakes, I cannot fault it. Some may like the longer stem (like me), and some may not. It is impressively controlled over rocks and rough sections, the tyres grip well, and climbing is easier than a hardtail.
..::Bottom line::..
Buy if -
*You are on a reasonable budget, and want top quality kit.
*You like to ride technical trails with ups and downs. (It's perfect for trail centres, as that is where I ride mostly)
*You want comfort on long rides, and also want to ride FAST!!!
Don't buy if -
*You want to drop of large rocks, and want to mainly freeride. (Although if you are looking to do this, chances are you won't even be considering a 5" travel bike!)
*You want to win short cross country races. It is ideal for longer tasks, but might slow you down over smoother terrain than a hardtail.
Get down to your local shop, and get a 2008 model while you can!!!! Prices have gone up for 09 models, but I managed to get a 50% discount on mine!!! See you on the trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from whitebridge,NSW,Australia Date Reviewed: March 20, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Glenrock
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
cycology tuggera
Strengths:
Ideal trail bike.Good quaulity components.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
giant XTC zero
Bike Setup:
Stock 09 trance x1 with XT wheels,brakes,derailers and shifters. race face Dues cranks and cockpit.Fox fork and rp23 shock.
Bottom Line:
My ideal trail bike light enough to ride all day, able to climb with good traction yet still able to handle light down hill. good for enduro and a bit of XC,not suitable for extreme down hill, big drops and gaps.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bens2281
a Weekend Warrior
from Caves Beach, NSW Australia Date Reviewed: March 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Glenrock
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
Morisset Cycles
Strengths:
looks, XT Group set, Fox Forks and Shock and did I say looks. Bombs downhill and pedal back up
Weaknesses:
Price - the rise in end of 2008 - 2009 is a killer - thanks to the falling Aus Dollar
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumper FSR
Bike Setup:
Stock - full XT
Bottom Line:
Stop looking like I did for over a year. Trance X is the best 'do all bike' and ride it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Johnny Come Lately
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Australia Date Reviewed: February 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Wombat, You Yangs, Forrest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3799.00
Purchased At:
Ivanhoe Cycles
Strengths:
Plush and still pedals fantastically
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Just stepped off Fuji Pro H/T.
Bike Setup:
XT everything except cranks (Raceface Deus). All stock 2009 Australian specs.
Bottom Line:
So far I am loving my purchase! I can't bear to leave it in the garage yet...rides too fine and looks too good.
The AUS spec is great.
Ivanhoe cycles is to be recommended.
Price paid is in AUS dollars.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Downhiller
from Oakland, Ca, USA Date Reviewed: January 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Dirty Harry
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Hank and Frank Bikes
Strengths:
Everything. Great bike, great deal for what comes on it. i switched out the brakes and seat and wheels and its basically the trance x0 but way cheaper! This bike Handles and Climbs AND goes downhill better than anything else i have tried. and the frame is as light as a carbon fiber ibis!
Weaknesses:
stock brakes are good but im used to juicy's so i have those on there now... tires are really really grippy and work great and are super light but they are thin so they get a flats a little more easily than a slightly thicker tire like a wtb or a michelin.
Similar Products Used:
Blur lt, trek ex9, rocky mountain edge, Ibis mojo
Bike Setup:
Stock with easton havoc wheels, juicy 7's, race face atlas am bars, thompson x4 stem, raceface lite bashguard.
Bottom Line:
Buy This Bike. It feels sooo good- hauls ass up the hills- pedals effortlessly, feels like a DH bike going down. really really light and on top of it all- amazing value because its a giant!Same components as every other bike out there but better suspension and costs less!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pieceofcake
a Weekend Warrior
from jersey Date Reviewed: December 4, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
Cyle Works
Strengths:
Stiff, well balance, climbs great, feels a bit lighter than its actual weight, low center of gravity.
Weaknesses:
Low center of gravity = low BB but I can live with a few smacks here and there.
Similar Products Used:
I own or have owned in the last year or two.Titus ML, S-Works Enduro, Niner RIP Trance, Maverick Reposado etc
Bike Setup:
Stock with Joplin post, Specialized 2.2 enduro tire up front, and a Race Face Bash guard. Medium frame, I am 185, 5'9.5" and run 85 psi in the front and 180 in the rear.
Bottom Line:
This bike was one of those great surprises that don't come by too often. Of all the bikes that I have had in my quiver in the last year or so this bike is my favorite by a long shot. It is very plush and it still climbs well without crawling in the granny gear like many "too plush" bikes. It tracks itself really well and is easy to throw around making it feel like a XC bike but when you get into the technical stuff it soaks it up like a 6" bike. I almost replaced the fork due to it's 120mm stroke but after I rode it a bit I realized that it works perfectly with the bike. ( I know two people that did and went back to the 120). I demoed a new Blur LT out in Fruita and Moab this year and the Trance X was everything that the Blur was. On long rides this bike is perfect and would be a good bike for the person that does the occassional 24 hour race as well.
All the parts speced are great although the rims are heavey and probably won't last but the DT Swiss 370 Hubs are actually pretty sweet. Lace them up to some Stan's 355's and you are set.
Good luck finding one but if you do and really want a great do it all bike then don't hesitate, just get it.
Stock the bike with pedals weighs 28.35 lbs. adding a bash guard and the joplin post it comes in at 29.32 lbs, all on a professional scale. I had it at 27.13 lbs with my race wheel set so it can be a light bike if needed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael_trancex1
a Cross Country Rider
from Ogden, Utah, USA Date Reviewed: October 17, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
B&B Bikes
Strengths:
Meastro suspension, price, design
Weaknesses:
I could say the seat or grips but come on? Bottom Bracket maybe a little low but it has not really effected my riding yet. May all be mental.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel EX9, Blur LT, Cannondale Rize, Titus Motolite,
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I researched long and hard; Giant was nowhere on my radar but knowledgable resources kept pointing me to the Trance X. After test riding and researching the hell out of every high end "all mountain bike" out there I could not stop thinking about the trance. I will warn you, when you first sit on this bike it feels a little different. It makes you sit up straighter than normal and you feel like you're inside the bike instead of over it like most xc bikes but once you get on the trail it all makes total since. The drive train is so smooth and stiff and I felt immediatly faster, it screams through corners, climbs like a goat and flows over roots and rocks like nothing.Because of your body structure on the bike I was worried about how it would handle down hill/drop offs/logs but that fear diminished very quickly. It goes down and takes drops just as good as it goes up. I still would like to of had slightly better components in some areas but for the money and the way it rides, no complaints. I am 100% satisfied with this purchase and have developed much respect for Giant!!! I have not stopped smiling since I bought this bike and I continuesly day dream about my next ride. If you research before you buy, this bike will probably be in your top 3 for sure.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
STU!
a Cross Country Rider
from Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: September 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Roth Park, Pittock, Pines Loup
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Grand River Cycle
Strengths:
Climbs like a light weight mountain goat. I got the shop to weight it before I bought it and it came in at 27lbs (aprox weight) For the price of the bike the componemt spec cannot be beat.
Weaknesses:
That you don't have one!!!! I have yet to find anything I dislike about this bike.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher HiFi, Trek Fuel EX, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR - Various models of these bikes at different price points
Bike Setup:
STOCK! No need to change anything. I can't even think of anything that would need to be replaced
Bottom Line:
I read every review I could on many different bikes before I bought my Trance and this seemed to be the most well rounded trail bike out there. You don't have to sacrice anything with this bike. Its flies both downhill and up hill, rails corners and is light enough to sail through sandy sections. The other reason I bought this bike was the conistency of the reviews and that the only things people seemed to dislike were personal preference items, like the seat and grips.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jdoorly
a Cross Country Rider
from Bethel, CT, USA Date Reviewed: September 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Huntington S. P.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
Bike Express
Strengths:
My 2008 Trance X1* is a surprisingly great climber (both with and without platform/lockout engaged), a confidence inspiring descender, quick accelerator and fast, a modulated and strong non-fading stopper, a smooth and light to the touch shifter, well balanced, with a great looking shape and understated anodized gray finish. An excellent component group and stock weight (27.5 lbs.) for the pricepoint. *Note: Some of these reviews make me wonder if they are talking about the right bike so I put the bike name in the text.
Weaknesses:
Replaced the WTB saddle with a Fizik Gobi XM after first (painfull) ride; 3 crank bolts (granny) fell out or loosened after second ride (replaced with LockTite); replaced bad bottombracket plastic seal which had caused crankarms to wobble; replaced noisy Cassette Seal. I can't get the positioning of the brake handle relative to the XT shift levers to allow one finger braking (which is all that's required) due to the Hayes Stroker brake's design.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Hardrock, Cannondale Super V, Cannondale M700, Santa Cruz Heckler.
Bike Setup:
Stock except: Replaced 100mm stem with 50mm (I needed a 17" bike, but Trance X medium was 18"), Giant grips with Oury, and XTR pedals. Replaced worn out stock Nevegal 2.1 tires at 500 mi) with 2.3" Specialized Eskar (still easy to push but better carving in loose stuff due to rudder affect due to absence of intermediate knobs). Broke 3 pairs!!! of Specialized P1 Over Ends bar ends (now using medium size generic ski bends with rubber grips added).
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. So does Mountain Bike Action Magazine who includes it on their Favorite 5 bikes list, and Bicycling Magazine who gave it their Editors Choice for 'Best Mountain Bike' (in both cases being preferred over the Stumpy FSR Comp).
Giant has increased the line from 3 bikes to 5 for 2009. The 2008 X1 is equivalent to 2009 X2, msrp went from $2700 to $2800, and the color is now white/gray (paint, not anodized).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jervana
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA Date Reviewed: September 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Camp Tamarancho
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
PTB
Strengths:
Great components; cool look; great climber and descender; solid value.
Weaknesses:
Squeaky breaks at times; seat can be a pain in the butt.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I'm very pleased with my purchased Trance X1. It's my first mountain bike ever, and it's a FS one to boot. Even though I'm a noob, I've been hammering the trails as though I've been riding for years.
The Trance climbs like a champ, and its lockout suspension is helpful when you have to hit pavement before dirt. It's cushy on the downhill which gives me plenty of confidence descending.
My rear break squeals at times which can be annoying. The smallest chainring also gave me trouble after a couple of months. For whatever reason, some screws came off and I had to replace them. My lesson: check up on the bike's nuts and bolts to ensure they're tight, especially if you're hitting some pretty gnarly trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CHiEF_N
a Cross Country Rider
from Knoxville, TN Date Reviewed: August 31, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Haw Ridge
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2050.00
Purchased At:
Harper's (Best shop
Strengths:
Everything! The Maestro design is unmatched. The components on this bike were selected in a brilliant manner and for this price, it's impossible to find a comparable deal. The only thing that's in-house with reference to components on this bike is the headset and grips. The headset is carbon fiber and the grips are great with gloves on. Both keepers for sure!
Weaknesses:
Absolutely nothing!
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Superlight, but not really a good comparison as it was not in the same league as the X1. Maybe the Blur would've felt comparable, but look how much further up the price bracket a person has to start considering just to find a potential competitor.
Bike Setup:
Stock and very pleased.
Bottom Line:
I've researched every bike at this price and nothing compares to the quality and value you'll receive in the Trance X1. This bike instills confidence in my riding that I'd never imagined possible without spending 3k or up. I've had perma-grin since the day I pulled the trigger on it and have to remind myself that I'm not stuck in a reverie and now actually own a bike of this caliber without having to unload the whole bank account.
This is my 1st FS bike, coming from a Cannondale F600, Trek and Iron Horse hardtails, and it's still surreal every time I ride it as to how much this bike has improved my level of enjoyment and ability. So buttery smooth and stable on the descents with 5 in. of travel to utilize, but climbs as well, if not better than my hardtail when dialed in correctly.
I like my rear suspend to be about 15 psi. higher than what is recommended for my weight. It felt a bit too plush with the recommended psi, like riding in an Escalade and took away from the feedback from the trail. If my F600 is like a Porsche Boxster, I was seeking a ride more like a Cayenne Turbo and that's exactly what I got with this bike.
It's pretty light weight stock for a trail bike w/5in. of travel front and rear, just 28.5lbs. on the medium size. It feels very nimble and I don't even notice the weight penalty of the FS setup compared to the lighter hardtails I've ridden in the past.
Grab an '08 model for a deal while they're still around, as I've heard the retail on all Giants in '09 is planned to increase by 20%.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Carlsbad, CA Date Reviewed: August 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Hurkey Creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Carlsbad, CA
Strengths:
Excellent stability, great frame geometry, Climbs any trail with ease, Very reliable components.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
GT-I Drive
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Perfect bike for training or 3 rides per week. Very little maintenance to keep tuned. Very stable and confident frame and suspention. This bike will take a lot of abuse and not show any signs of wear!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cycle.tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Fl, USA Date Reviewed: August 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
The secret trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
J&S Cyclery
Strengths:
Low center of gravity, shocks, no bobbing, looks cool, price for bike w/ these componants
Weaknesses:
Seat hurts my arse, I ride a road bike with a pretty flat seat and the one on the X1 really gets to me after an hour or so. The rear disk brake makes a nasty noise when braking. Can't get the front derailure to go to the smallest ring when the rear derailure is on the smallest ring. Maybe just needs adjusting.
Similar Products Used:
My other bike is a Giant OCR2
Bike Setup:
Stock, but I did add a water bottle cage and took the "Made in..." sticker off. Oh and I took the reflectors off as well.
Bottom Line:
I did a lot of research for what bike to get in Florida. I was set on getting an XTC1 or the Alliance XTC. After hitting up the forums on MTBR I found that I needed to spend the extra money on a full suspension. I looked at all kinds of bikes and although I didn't get to test out a bunch I trusted in Giant and went with the Trance X1. It had the best componants for price and I heard great things about the Maestro suspension set up they had. I have ridding around town a few times and a couple trails and this thing is just bad ass. I love it. When riding you barely feel the weight of the bike. It's not the lightest but if just feels so nimble. I can do without the seat but that is personal choice I guess. I am about to get the derailures looked at by my LBS and the rear brake noise (wrote about those in the weaknesses spot). Even if I had to live with those two problems I would still recommend this bike to anyone. Going over roots on the local trail was so easy. I couldn't imagine having a hard tail bouncing around all over the place. I am very happy with my purchase. Giant really make a great bike. As much as I love the bike I didn't feel right giving it 5 Chilis for overall rating because of the two issues I have had. If they are fixed though I will be back to edit this review and give the 5 chilis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
voyageurpoetique
a Cross Country Rider
from Grass Valley, CA, USA Date Reviewed: July 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Round Mountain / Downieville Downhill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Auburn Bike Works
Strengths:
Handling, Maestro Suspension, Climbing, Descents, Front Fork
Weaknesses:
Components (see review)
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper, Specialized Epic, Trek Fuel, Cannondale Rize
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is my first full suspension bike and it is great when it comes to descents and handling. It climbs like an ox even without locking out the rear suspension.
I tried the specialized stumpjumper but the feel just wasn't there plus I felt way too 'comfy' on it. No climbing capabilities.
My only dispute with this bike is with the Race Face Deus XC 22 i.e. the small chain ring. The thing bent which caused for the bolts to fall off 3/4 of the way through a 6 hour epic ride in the high sierras. Looking back it was a very technical & rocky trail and I am somewhat aggressive as a rider but still...I hadn't even had the bike for two months.
My second dispute is with the Shimano XT rear derailleur which lost all of its tension and was hitting my frame whenever I took it offroad and started to mess up my shifting (the thing wouldn't stay in gear).
Bottom Line - great bike all around. However some of the components have not held up to the abuse that the Northern Sierra Nevadas can dish out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eddie80
a Cross Country Rider
from Broomfield CO Date Reviewed: July 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Front Range trails or Moab
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Full Cycle of BOulde
Strengths:
Excellent value for the price. Solid components and a light frame.
Weaknesses:
Have read other reviews about the bottom bracket being to low but have not had an issue yet.
Similar Products Used:
Ibis Mojo (demo), Titus motolite (demo), Santa Cruz BLur (demo), KHS FXT Pro
Bike Setup:
Stock Trance X1
Bottom Line:
Have rode this bike on smooth singletrack and rocky tech trails, so far it has performed flawlessly. This bike is a great go anywhere trail bike. I demoed multiple bikes before deciding to buy and I definitely made the right decision. It performs as well as many high end trail bikes and is a fraction of the cost.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ramrod123
a Weekend Warrior
from florida Date Reviewed: June 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
santos trailhead
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1950.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
bike handle really good on turn,i was suprise with 5 inch travel it rides like a cadillac on the trail so smooth,absorb all the bump and anything you can throw at it
dt 240 wheelset,fsa k-force carbon bars,origin 8 carbon stem,raceface next seatpost,xt drivetrain/hayes stroker and of course scott ozon tires(better than kenda)
Bottom Line:
for the price and upgrade i spend 2600,it well worth it,this bike kick ass,giant finally making bikes that really work(maestro system)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Les
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: June 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
The Oaks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Bike Addiction
Strengths:
Great frame geometry and components, no pedal bob, climbs as well as a hardtail, plush ride. Makes challenging terrain trivial, Light and balanced
Weaknesses:
Seat is a little brutal especially after a few hours of riding.
Similar Products Used:
Trek hardtail
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Mallet C pedals, '08 XT brakes and Mavic 717 wheels.
Bottom Line:
I've done a lot of research before getting my first dually. It truly lived up to even exceeded my expectations
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
flash36
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: June 26, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2550.00
Strengths:
Light weight, climbs well, descends well, good components.
Weaknesses:
RP2 propedal switch is hard to reach sometimes.
Similar Products Used:
Surly Instigator, Santa Cruz Bullit
Bike Setup:
Stock except Kenda Nevegal 2.35
Bottom Line:
I am a downhiller that is starting to do more xc rides since xc is much more accessible here. This bike climbs so well compared to my Surly Instigator hard tail. The propedal switch makes a huge difference. I wish there was a remote switch for the propedal because I use it so often. For the price, the Trance X1 beats other similar bikes in this price range (e.g. Stumpjumper) in component selection.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SMG23
a Weekend Warrior
from PA Date Reviewed: June 11, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Strengths:
Grrrreat Value! Great Frame.
Weaknesses:
As usual Giant very lame graphics. I am not sure about the Hayes Stokers yet (seem to fade quick)
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Giant Trance
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
If you are considering a longer travel XC/Trail oriented bike you don't need to look any further than this. I think you would be very hard pressed to find a better performing bike in this price range. I have been very impressed so far. I had a 2007 Trance2 and traded in for this and there is no comparison. Try this bike before you spend the xtra $ for a Specialized, Santa Cruz, etc.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carlos Trek
a Cross Country Rider
from Carrum, Victoria, Australia Date Reviewed: June 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Red Hill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Jones Cycles - Frank
Strengths:
What can i say as this is my first F/S bike -"BLOODY AWESOME" its light,its nimble, i've doing down hill runs with much more confidence, the suspension and frame work well and those brakes "HOLY CRAP"(first time disc user).I've had hardtails in the past so climbing was going to be the test and i can tell you even with the suspension fully active it climbs like a goat with little or no bob and me being at 110 kg's i can throw this thing around and it just soaks it up. Being able to lock the suspension out front and rear for general trail riding is a good option to have.
Weaknesses:
1. Seat not in love with it i have a road bike for my daily commute but this seat takes a little getting used to (not that your on it much "heh heh").
2. Tyres Michelin XCR AT dont think much of them for general "TAME" trail riding "BUT" when the going gets tough i love them they handle the loose stuff and transitions realy well so i will stay with them as most of my riding involves the rough stuff.
3. I noticed that Giant supplied clear stickers (assorted sizes) enough said.
Similar Products Used:
The bike it replaced is a HARO VGF1 which has done 5000 fairly hard K's but i have sampled F/S bikes before this purchase a 2006 T2 woke me from my slumber.
As this is my first F/S bike i can tell you that i'm not disapointed, for someone who is looking for a good all rounder that can handle a bit of rough and tumble this one is for you.
I researched this purchase to the point of anal because of budget so this represents the best bang for bucks for me and i strongly suspect it will for others as well, this is a strong well put together unit that is quite simply a whole lot of fun.
Happy trails everbody.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Antonio
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston Date Reviewed: May 28, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Light, yet surprisingly stiff, frame, great suspension, spot on geometry.
Weaknesses:
Not a ig deal, but I wouldn't mind an extra 1/4" in TT length for the medium.
Similar Products Used:
2004 Specialized SJ FSR, 2004 Yeti 575, Salsa El Santo.
Bike Setup:
Only the fork and frame are stock. Thomson, XT brakes, X9 drivetrain, Stylos, etc.
Bottom Line:
The bike accelerates much better than I'd hoped, it climbs the rough stuff with ease, and I am able to maintain much higher speeds through sharp turns when compared to my last FS bike (an El Santo - a ho-hum 2 month experiment). The Giant always remains composed, feels balanced, and just keeps wanting to get pushed harder and faster. Like my 2004 Yeti 575 (that frame gave me a GREAT 3 years), the geometry of the Trance X is spot on to the point were the bike just feels like an extension of the rider from day 1.
This one is going to stay in my stable for quite some time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Reno, NV, USA Date Reviewed: May 24, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Motherload
Strengths:
Good do everything bike bike, climbs great with the front fork locked out (must have upgrade over the X2) and the 5-inches front/rear is unbelievable compared to my previous bike (1st generation Blur). Giant just seemed to pull off the best value for the bike.
Weaknesses:
Do not want to know how Giant was able to build this bike for price. The tires are not great, but not worth trading out until they get worn. Personal preferecne dicated I switch out the seat.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Blur, Giant NRS2
Bike Setup:
Trance X1
Bottom Line:
I was limited to spending about $2000, so I wanted to get the best bang for the buck (sorry Santa Cruz, I loved my Blur and the new Blur is even better just had to pinch pennies, thanks for the great ride and parts support hope to see ya again). I needed something with more travel due to age and lower back problems on long rides, so a 5-inch trail bike was my target. The same up/down technical single track that I rode last year just seems much easier to handle (I am not in better shape), so this bike has already paid divendends. I would recomend this bike to anybody who is on a budget and looking for a great overall bike. This bike is too heavy/soft to race, but on long trail rides it seems hard to beat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: May 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
SWIGG, Makara Peak
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
VIC Cycles
Strengths:
Light, nimble and well balanced, the FOX shocks are very nice and enable the bike to be dialed in pretty quickly.
Weaknesses:
Nothing yet
Similar Products Used:
Giant NRS
Bike Setup:
Now with XTR shifters, Mavic Cross Max wheelset, Kenda Nevegal tubeless tires and an inverted stem to lower the handles bar height.
Bottom Line:
Great value for money as always from Giant and a very nice bike that is a great package and has a very balanced feel. I have had full squish bikes before but with the front and rear working in unison it sucks up a lot of bumps that would normally obstruct your lines. The finish is growing on me and the stand over clearance is also good when you have to bail. Overall... throw away the junk you are riding sell your TV and get this bike ASAP!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Fayetteville, AR USA Date Reviewed: May 15, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Lake Leatherwood
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Lewis And Clark Outfitters
Strengths:
Pedaling efficiency is the best, light frame, great fork.
Weaknesses:
Slightly more flexy than last Trance.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Trance 1, Cannondale Jekyll 600, Kona Four.
Bike Setup:
XTR shifters, XT wheels, brakes and derailleurs, tubeless Kenda Nevegal tires, Candy pedals and Race Face DeusXC cranks
Bottom Line:
This is an amazing 5" full suspension bike! Pedals and climbs just as well as my old Trance 1 but more plush in the rough stuff. Its lighter also. Just 25.5 pounds with the upgrades. I would recomend this bike to anyone looking for the lastest and greatest full susser.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Z
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder, Colorado Date Reviewed: April 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Hall Ranch/ Walker Ranch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Arapahoe Cyclery
Strengths:
very stiff for climbs, plush on the decents, feels light on the trail, XT drive train works great, no bob at all
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Yeti 575, Rocky Mountain ETSX 70
Bike Setup:
Trance X1 stock
Bottom Line:
After spending the last few years on a Rocky ETSX 70, I wanted to get a bike that was much stiffer overall. I have found that with the Trance X1, it climbs like a hard tail, and is plenty plush on the decents. Whether in Pro Pedal or completely open, I did not see any bob in the suspension at all. It is not as plush as the ETSX but the stiffness makes up for it on the climbs and flats. Highly recommend this bike and got it for a great deal at 2k. Good component group stock!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Wagner
a Cross Country Rider
from Wilsonville, OR, USA Date Reviewed: April 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Mollala River Corridor
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
Fat Tire Farm
Strengths:
Climbs like a champ! The Maestro suspension is smooth and absorbs everything. Active breaking. Great spec for the money.
Weaknesses:
Have been having some problems with the Hayes Stroker Trail brakes. Other than that nothing.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 4300 disc, Specialized stumpy,
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Carbon bars, and Dorcus racing seat.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike. I never thought I would climb and ride faster with a full suspension bike, but somehow I do. The Maestro suspension is the best I've ever ridden it is still active under braking and if you want to get out of the seat and hammer the pedals it responds like a hardtail even out of pro pedal. Handles like a dream goes exactly where you point it and feels quick and responsive. The Hayes Stroker brakes have been a trouble spot for me though. This bike is for anyone who wants to have an absolute blast on a bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a
from Gilroy, CA, USA Date Reviewed: March 28, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Sunshine Bicycles
Strengths:
Components, Weight, Stability, Solid feel.
Weaknesses:
Mix-N-Match drive components.
Similar Products Used:
I tried Fisher Hi-Fi, Trek, Santa Cruz Blur, Specialized....
Bike Setup:
Stock! And it's just great!
Bottom Line:
What a great bike!!! This is my first full suspension bike and it is quite a machine. This bike climbs very well with no noticeable bobbing, and it is super quick and stable coming down the trails. Steering is quick and precise and the suspension absorbs just about everything very well. I would have preferred either full shimano or full sram drive components instead of the XT, sram, FSA combo, but everything on this bike does work very, very well. While I really wanted to buy a bike made in the USA, I could not find anything that gave me the comfort, solidity and ultimately the overall value that the Trance X1 did. If you ride it, you'll love it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam
a
from Boulder, CO, USA Date Reviewed: March 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Hall Ranch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Full Cycle
Strengths:
5" of travel! Great components, very light for a full suspension bike!
Weaknesses:
Personally not a big fan of Race Face cranks.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Trance 2
Bike Setup:
Stock with the exception of XT cranks
Bottom Line:
This bike climbs like a champ. It is the best climbing full suspension bike I have ever ridden. The Maestro rear suspension is great! I love the fox shock and forks. You can't beat 5" of travel on a XC bike. The component group is very good. I did replace the Race Face cranks with Simano XT right off the bat. I broke my last Race Face cranks. It is a top notch bike and just fun to ride!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Chandler, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: February 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Desert Classic South Mountain (so far)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Cactus Bike, Ahwatukee, AZ
Strengths:
Giant's anodized finishes are second to none for all Trance and Cypher models, great to look at and durable. The light feel and ultra plush ride make endurance rides seem like they are just not long enough, The Maestro engineers nailed the zero pedaling bounce goals - put the hammer down and its solid as a rock (who needs a brain when you have Maestro), the selected yoke, bars and seat mounts make it a breeze to dial in, the tucked away Shadow XT already paid for itself by dodging the rock piles while the crisp two-way shifting is a pure pleasure and the ability to ramp up 2-3 cogs on one shift is proving useful.
Weaknesses:
Zero...none...nada
Similar Products Used:
This is my first FS bike. I demo'd Giant Yukon and Reign, Specialized Stumpjumper, GT, Gary Fisher and Haro, all equipped about the same.
Bike Setup:
Bone stock except for Wellgo flat pedals and the Serfas anatomic gel saddle (personal preference)
Bottom Line:
As a not-that-old retired fart, my main job these days is to stay fit. Exercise that is fun is exercise that gets done! This Trance X1 puts a smile on my face every time I ride. Mile after mile it amazes me how comfortable I can be as I grind through the sand and boulders. I typically ride for 2 hr+ and 4-6 hr rides I try to get in weekly. We ended up getting the female specific version of this bike (small frame Cypher) for my better half. Trails and hills that we never thought possible are now open for our fun-filled rides. I can't imagine any category of trail rider that this bike wouldn't be perfect for. Admittedly, this bike exceeds my own abilities but I am doing my best to catch up. Giant's workmanship and design are unmatched in this price range. If the price is too much to bear, the Trance X2 is an equal quality and more affordable version that still has great componentry. My Giant dealer employees were professional, knowledgeable and a bunch of rock jocks as well. Look at everything on the market...but I wager you will be back to see your Giant dealer when you have it all sorted out!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane, Australia Date Reviewed: February 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Turning Japanese
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2610.00
Purchased At:
Bike & Cycle Addiction
Strengths:
Frame & suspension. The anodised finish looks great, while the curved top tube gives excellent standover clearance. Rear suspension is a treat, - plush with great pedal efficiency. Well spec'ed bike for the money, - Fox, Avid, Race Face, etc. Fairly light for a five inch travel bike!
Weaknesses:
Security could be a problem, looks so good it gonna catch the eye! Also Giant have gone big on the hydroformed tubes, and the large head tube puts the bars up high. Feels too tall in the front so I enlisted the help of a riding buddy & we flipped the stem, giving better ride position. Happy with the pedalling, although not too keen on catching my calf's on the top of the seat stays. The boxy weld at the top of the seat stay is the culprit. Fox fork has not achieved full travel getting only 95mm so far.
Similar Products Used:
First full sus bike, demo'ed Specialized Epic, Stumpjumper, GT Four, & Giant Anthem.
Bike Setup:
Stock apart from Candy pedals.
Bottom Line:
Most reviews have been glowing, and the ride is something special. Rear suspension is as good as the super comfy GT, although on this rig you can fit a bottle cage, and has a much better standover & bottom bracket height. Nothing cheap on this bike, the parts list is fantastic for the money. Would eventually change the tires, the Michelins are not too hot on gravel, although with widely spaced knobs have been O.K in mud. The Giant grips & saddle are not the most comfy, although nice to have lock on grips, & the saddle is a lightweight race specific perch. Hopefully the Fox F120RL will give up some more travel soon. Check the ride position, the tall head tube gives a more upright position. Great bike for any trail rider out for a two hour loop, or six hour marathon.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stoner
a
from Pasadena, CA Date Reviewed: January 30, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Private Purchase
Strengths:
I agree with last reviewer, "Everything" - Super plush, great climber, quality components, feels light and stiff and last be not least the long awaited Anodized paint!
Weaknesses:
None! Giant has working on this design for some years and has really dialed this bike (Meastro)in.
Similar Products Used:
2005 Trance, 2005 Reign
Bike Setup:
fork - 2007 Manitou Minute Elite 110-140mm (thru-axle) rear derailleur - Shimano Deore XT (Shadow) front derailleur - Shimano Deore LX shifters - Shimano Deore XT crankset - Raceface Dues cassette - SRAM PG990 brakes - Hayes Stroker Trail w/7" rotors wheels - Crossmax XL tires - Nevegal 2.35" front and rear pedals - Time Atac XS h.bar/stem - Raceface Atlas/Thomson X4 seat post - Thomson elite saddle - WTB Rocket V grips - Giant lock-on metal
Bottom Line:
This bike can handle anything you throw at it. I'm a big guy and have been riding these Meastro bikes since 2005 and have not had any problems. They climb like goats (should rename themselves to "El Chivo"). The rear end is super stiffand the seated pedaling does not get any better. The geometry is on point for a true all day trail bike! The new frame redesign and has brought these bikes into a whole new weight category and can now compete with all these expensive boutique bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keith
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston Date Reviewed: January 30, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Urban Bicycle Gallery
Strengths:
Everything - plush, great climber, quality components, feels light and durable
Weaknesses:
Maybe change the saddle and tires according to preference. Only real weaknesses are in the weather - dry up so I can ride!
Similar Products Used:
'07 and '08 Heckler, Trance X2, '07 and '08 Stumpjumber FSR Comp
Bike Setup:
Stock except for WTB ProGel saddle, Candy C clipless pedals, and 100mm stem.
Bottom Line:
If you are thinking about getting a new FS with around 5" of travel, then look no further! This bike is fast, plush, and climbs over anything in your way. I tried several other bikes and was about to buy the SJ FSR Comp, but this one just felt perfect - and is quite a beauty!
The X1 is my first FS and it's like night and day compared to my HT. No longer do I have to pick the smoothest line, just point and shoot.
The X2 is a great bike too for the price, but I got the X1 for a little more than the X2. Now quit reading the reviews and buy this bike, you won't be disappointed!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steven
a Weekend Warrior
from Lubbock, TX Date Reviewed: January 30, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
DFC Cycles
Strengths:
Great frame and stock components.
Weaknesses:
None really but had a problem getting the brakes adjusted properly...the LBS fixed this and all is good now.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for ghetto tubeless.
Bottom Line:
Great bike overall. If you get one, you will not be sorry.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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