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Average Rating
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4.79/5
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# of Reviews
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19
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More Products from Giant
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Description:
- Fox 32 F120RL, 120mm suspension fork
- Fox Float RP2 rear shock
- Hayes Stroker Trail Hydraulic disc brakes
- Race Face Evolve XC handlebar, stem and seatpost
- WTB Laserdisc XC rim/DT sealed bearing hub wheelset
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Submitted by
voyageurpoetique
a Cross Country Rider
from Grass Valley, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2008 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Weaknesses: | none so far.i got almost 300 miles on it | | Similar Products Used: | yeti kokopelli,titus motolite,weyless xp,and stumpy | | Bike Setup: | 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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. | | Bike Setup: | Tyres-Michelin XCR AT, Brakes-Avid Juisy 5 Suspension Front- RL120 Rear-Float RL2 | | Bottom Line: | 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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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