2014 Giant Trance SX reviews and setup info

Steel Calf · Feb 24, 2016

clone185 said:
Does anyone know the weight difference between the stock P-AM2 wheels and the Giant PTRX1 Composite wheels that are on the higher end Trance models?

The P-AM2 are damn heavy at 2090g but reasonably wide (24mm inner width)
The P-TRX1-C are much lighter at 1610g but pretty narrow by today's standards (21mm width)

I rode both and could definitely feel the huge weight difference (close to 500g!) but still wouldn't call the PTRX1 an upgrade as there are much wider weelsets available at a better price point

clone185 · Feb 24, 2016

Thanks for that.

I'm trying to decide on whether or not to buy a Trance 2 and upgrade it to a SX with some second hand P-AM2 wheels then eventually replace the fork with something like a RS Yari or instead just go buy a Trance 1. Giant isn't selling the SX in NZ this year which is a pain.

Steel Calf · Feb 25, 2016

clone185 said:
Thanks for that.

I'm trying to decide on whether or not to buy a Trance 2 and upgrade it to a SX with some second hand P-AM2 wheels then eventually replace the fork with something like a RS Yari or instead just go buy a Trance 1. Giant isn't selling the SX in NZ this year which is a pain.

Easy. I'd go with the Trance 1 as it is a superb build for a trail bike and only change the stock handlebar/stem combo to something 760-780/50-60mm + maybe raise fork travel to 150mm (can easily be done on a 2016 FOX 34)

the Trance 2 seems like a haunting ghost from the past with its 2x10 drive train, 100mm dropper, 32mm forks and criminally heavy 2100g (!) yet only 19mm wide s-xc wheelset which still comes with a quick release (although that doesn't cause a stiffness disadvantage on this frame)

clone185 · Feb 25, 2016

I think your're right about the Trance 1, going down the cheap path is what got me in this situation in the first place. If I had of bought a 2015 SX instead of the cheaper Reign 2 my problem wouldn't exist. The Reign is a great bike but I'm now looking for something that likes going up as much as going down.

Wagon650B · Mar 17, 2016

Trance feels even better with Evol air can upgrade (2014 Float X). So far, happy. Small bumps are virtually gone.

-Weigh 230 lbs. geared
-350psi with Evol (max 350 psi) 33% sag
-Rebound = Slowest (just enough)
-No volume spacers

Seems to have more midstroke support. More traction, feels great. I am at max weight for Evol air can on Float X shock.

lucifuge · Apr 30, 2016

MarinCRO said:
It's funny how some small adjustments can make a big impact.
Monarch (Plus) Debonair is a very odd shock.
I used to run it at around 290-300 PSI in order to make it have proper support and ride higher in the travel.

It made for a relatively steep seat tube angle which helps when tackling steep climbs, but it brought some side effects I didn't know were due to the high pressure.

Climbing over bigger rocks, steps etc was rough as the rear tended to kick back. No matter the rebound setting, I couldn't get a good climbing sensitivity I wanted.

If I used more rebound damping the rear would feel dead and rough over high speed bumps, but using less damping would make it very pogo-stick like and would feel like it's trying to kick you off the bike when riding over ruts.

One day I decided to go for less air against my better judgment, and slowly dropped the pressure to around 240-250 PSI.

The difference is night and day, funny thing is that the sag didn't change much, maybe few % but lowering the pressure by 50 PSI had made the shock much smoother and has completely transformed the bike for the better. It no longer feels nervous when going down rough ground at speed, rear end just eats everything up. Climbing over rocks and roots is much easier now as the bike no longer kicks back or stalls.

Sag is about 30% in attack position or 35% seated.

I thought that lower pressure would make the shock more prone to bottom outs, but it hasn't happened so far. I use more travel than before too.

On top of this, I also put another bottomless token in the Pike (to the total of 2) as I feel that it gives the fork more support going down steep ground while still providing nice and supple first half of the travel. It makes the fork ride higher and it's less prone to packing down.

I'm running the Pike at 150mm which works well along with newly adjusted Monarch as the front end isn't that high, so it puts less pressure on the rear to still get decent sag compared to 160mm.

What sag do you run in your pike?

rideitall · May 2, 2016

Steel Calf said:
The P-AM2 are damn heavy at 2090g but reasonably wide (24mm inner width)
The P-TRX1-C are much lighter at 1610g but pretty narrow by today's standards (21mm width)

I rode both and could definitely feel the huge weight difference (close to 500g!) but still wouldn't call the PTRX1 an upgrade as there are much wider weelsets available at a better price point

FWIW, I still have my 2014 Trance SX, although most of the parts have changed. The one part that is still in place is the P-TRX-1 wheels (alloy rims not the carbon). I have replaced the alu nipples on the rear with brass as I popped/broke a 2-3 of them. Knock on wood, front is still good. Wheels are pretty light at 1750g and fairly stifff, with decent engagement. I have run Hope and Hadley wheelsets in the past and don't feel the P-TRX-1 are giving up anything. Somewhere down the road I wouldn't mind trying a slightly wider rim like 28-32 mm inside width to see how it changes the ride and traction.

I run Magic Mary on the front and either Nobby Nice or HD on the back so I am usually the weak point and not the tires.

Still have the original press-fit bb which is a surprise as I had heard bad press on them.

The bike is fantastic, still liking it a lot. Relatively light at just under 30lbs with no real lightweight parts.

I have thought about the new Reign with 20mm more rear travel slightly slacker angles, but not not willing to shell out big $$$ to go there when the Trance is so good. Also worried about increased pedal strikes as I get enough now. Maybe a shift from 175mm cranks to 170mm could help.

BuickGN · May 7, 2016

That's funny, I've literally replaced every part but the wheels and dropper and the dropper is getting ready to be replaced very soon since it hasn't functioned right in a year. Actually, the crank is still the stock Zee crank but I'm thinking about a shorter arm Saint crank. I want to try shorter arms now that I have the low gearing to go with it and I figure I might as well use their strongest crank since I'm 245lbs.

Anyway, my main point being that the rims are just about the only stock part and I have no plans to upgrade them. Pretty light weight, alloy, stiff/strong enough for my weight. I think going aftermarket would not only be expensive but going lighter even if expensive might hurt reliability at my weight. I wish they were a little wider but I'm ok with it when a true upgrade would be well over $1k.

I know we've talked about the nipples before. Sometimes I want to replace them ahead of time after your experience and sometimes I want to see if mine will ever break. I tend to keep the rear suspension pretty soft and a big drop/jump to me is 3' so that might be why mine are lasting.

I'll let you know how the shorter crank works for pedal strikes. Since I have about 20mm extra travel in the rear over the stock SX, I noticed slightly more strikes when I get close to bottom. I got the Canfield Crampon Mags which have a 6mm leading edge and aren't much thicker in the middle and they helped a TON in nearly eliminating strikes. In fact, I've only had one pedal strike in 6 months with them compared to nearly daily strikes with my other pedals that were a fairly thin 15mm thick. I hit the crank arms from time to time which is part of the reason I want to go with a shorter crank. The other is my knees.

Wagon650B · May 7, 2016

Wagon650B said:
Trance feels even better with Evol air can upgrade (2014 Float X). So far, happy. Small bumps are virtually gone.

-Weigh 230 lbs. geared
-350psi with Evol (max 350 psi) 33% sag
-Rebound = Slowest (just enough)
-No volume spacers

Seems to have more midstroke support. More traction, feels great. I am at max weight for Evol air can on Float X shock.

Edit:

Actually, not enough rebound. I had to compensate by setting to Trail mode 1 to get proper Rebound. Now that is my Descend mode and when I want to firm up for climbs I set to 3. Now feels awesome. Likely send my shock in for a tune to get it perfect.

2015 Fox 34 Talas 160 Factory FIT
175 psi 20% sag. 32mm
+5 clicks Rebound

Tires. 30psi front and back

Magic Mary Snakeskin Trailstar 2.35
Bontrager SE5 Team Edition 2.3

KaizerSozay · May 14, 2016

First month with my 2014 Trance Advanced SX

Hey all,

I've been reading up on this thread over the last couple of weeks and it's been a great resource on how to build up the mostly stock 2014 Giant Trance Advanced SX I recently picked up for a great price. I'd describe my riding style as more trail than enduro which is likely reflected in some of my choices below. Here's what I've upgraded so far.

Enve 760mm carbon riser bar
Chromag 50mm OD2 stem. Couldn't source a Giant 50mm from any local dealers or find one online. Happy with the Chromag as it adds just the right amount of bling to the all black color scheme. One inch spacer below.
Fresh pair of WTB Moto-X Clamp-On Grips. (Is this what came stock?)
Maxxis EXO Double Compound Ardent Folding Tire, 27.5 x 2.4-Inch on both front and rear. 23-25psi. First ride on them will be tomorrow. I'm surprised to see how aggressive folks are spec'ing their tires on this thread. I loved the stock tires in mud but experienced a lot of rolling resistance on the dry hardpack here in the Bay Area. All depends on your trails. I may throw the Hans Dampf back on the front after some more test rides if I don't get enough traction from the Ardent.
Crank Brothers Candy pedals. Gives me more of a platform than the standard EggBeaters but allows me to use the same shoe/cleat setup between the Trance and my XC hardtail.
Fi'zi:k Tundra saddle. This was on the bike when I bought it and need a few more rides on it but I think it may be a keeper.
Threw some custom VeloInk decals on to personalize it

Ok so now some questions regarding the fork. I've noticed that this thread covers various models of the 2014 Trance SX. What's the feedback specifically on the fork that comes with the Advanced version? This would be the Fox 34 Talas CTD Factory. I think it's in the same category as the other forks mentioned with brake dive issues but want to make sure I'm not just imagining it. Here are the questions I have.

Does this fork perform better than the others mentioned in this thread or should I count on eventually upgrading it?
If any of you upgraded the Fox 34 Talas CTD Factory to the FIT4 damper, what kit did you order? Given it's a 140mm to 160m adjustable I'm unclear on which to order.
Also, what kind of turn around time should I expect if I send it to Fox to get upgraded?
For those who've done it themselves, are there any special tools needed?

Thoughts on the rest of the equipment is that everything here is really solid.

Glad to hear that the wheels are standing up to the test of time for folks and I agree that it's tough to improve on them without spending a considerable amount of money.
A lot of folks seem to dislike the stock post but I've yet to have any issues with it and I don't think there's been a situation where I desperately needed another inch of travel from the post. Of course that may change as I get more experience riding this bike. I did have to tighten the saddle bolt much more than I thought I'd need to keep the seat in place. What I like about cable actuated droppers is that there's no hose bleed involved.
Fox Float-X CTD Factory shock seems pretty dialed so far and the climbing platform has been better than expected. No complaints here.
Avid Elixir 9 Trail brakes have performed as well as my XTs.
With size Large frame and built as described this thing comes in under 28 pounds!

Great thread and appreciate all the Trance Advanced SX specific wisdom.

lucifuge · May 14, 2016

You grabbed a top bike! congrats.

I'll just pipe in with where I think I can help.

I just couldn't tune the stock fork to my liking. I thought it was pretty bad, but it was only when I got a solo air pike 150mm that confirmed how bad it was lol. The pike is extremely tuneable. So to me, that's a game changer right there. Either that or the Fox 36 Rc2 would be my suggestion. Of course you need to address OD2 to make it OD compliant with proper headset, but its so worth it.

The Float-X is pretty darn good. But invest in a Corset sleeve and it will blow your mind! It requires the most subtle breakaway force to activate at the top and eats up small stuff. Its seriously smooth.

I'm not normally mad on the Avids, but these Trail 9s have been amazing.

The hans dampf front + rock razor rear (both in trailstar compound) are insane

KaizerSozay said:
Hey all,

I've been reading up on this thread over the last couple of weeks and it's been a great resource on how to build up the mostly stock 2014 Giant Trance Advanced SX I recently picked up for a great price. I'd describe my riding style as more trail than enduro which is likely reflected in some of my choices below. Here's what I've upgraded so far.

Enve 760mm carbon riser bar

Chromag 50mm OD2 stem. Couldn't source a Giant 50mm from any local dealers or find one online. Happy with the Chromag as it adds just the right amount of bling to the all black color scheme. One inch spacer below.

Fresh pair of WTB Moto-X Clamp-On Grips. (Is this what came stock?)

Maxxis EXO Double Compound Ardent Folding Tire, 27.5 x 2.4-Inch on both front and rear. 23-25psi. First ride on them will be tomorrow. I'm surprised to see how aggressive folks are spec'ing their tires on this thread. I loved the stock tires in mud but experienced a lot of rolling resistance on the dry hardpack here in the Bay Area. All depends on your trails. I may throw the Hans Dampf back on the front after some more test rides if I don't get enough traction from the Ardent.

Crank Brothers Candy pedals. Gives me more of a platform than the standard EggBeaters but allows me to use the same shoe/cleat setup between the Trance and my XC hardtail.

Fi'zi:k Tundra saddle. This was on the bike when I bought it and need a few more rides on it but I think it may be a keeper.

Threw some custom VeloInk decals on to personalize it

Ok so now some questions regarding the fork. I've noticed that this thread covers various models of the 2014 Trance SX. What's the feedback specifically on the fork that comes with the Advanced version? This would be the Fox 34 Talas CTD Factory. I think it's in the same category as the other forks mentioned with brake dive issues but want to make sure I'm not just imagining it. Here are the questions I have.

Does this fork perform better than the others mentioned in this thread or should I count on eventually upgrading it?

If any of you upgraded the Fox 34 Talas CTD Factory to the FIT4 damper, what kit did you order? Given it's a 140mm to 160m adjustable I'm unclear on which to order.

Also, what kind of turn around time should I expect if I send it to Fox to get upgraded?

For those who've done it themselves, are there any special tools needed?

Thoughts on the rest of the equipment is that everything here is really solid.

Glad to hear that the wheels are standing up to the test of time for folks and I agree that it's tough to improve on them without spending a considerable amount of money.

A lot of folks seem to dislike the stock post but I've yet to have any issues with it and I don't think there's been a situation where I desperately needed another inch of travel from the post. Of course that may change as I get more experience riding this bike. I did have to tighten the saddle bolt much more than I thought I'd need to keep the seat in place. What I like about cable actuated droppers is that there's no hose bleed involved.

Fox Float-X CTD Factory shock seems pretty dialed so far and the climbing platform has been better than expected. No complaints here.

Avid Elixir 9 Trail brakes have performed as well as my XTs.

With size Large frame and built as described this thing comes in under 28 pounds!

Great thread and appreciate all the Trance Advanced SX specific wisdom.

KaizerSozay · May 14, 2016

Thanks lucifuge! My hope is that I can avoid spending more money on an entirely new fork and get similar performance with the Fit4 damper upgrade. I saw the info on the corset sleeve and I'll add that to the list as the final upgrade. How much did the corset sleeve run when it was all said and done? Did you have to send it in or can you do it yourself?

Time to hit the trails and see how this new tire choice holds up.

lucifuge said:
You grabbed a top bike! congrats.

I'll just pipe in with where I think I can help.

I just couldn't tune the stock fork to my liking. I thought it was pretty bad, but it was only when I got a solo air pike 150mm that confirmed how bad it was lol. The pike is extremely tuneable. So to me, that's a game changer right there. Either that or the Fox 36 Rc2 would be my suggestion. Of course you need to address OD2 to make it OD compliant with proper headset, but its so worth it.

The Float-X is pretty darn good. But invest in a Corset sleeve and it will blow your mind! It requires the most subtle breakaway force to activate at the top and eats up small stuff. Its seriously smooth.

I'm not normally mad on the Avids, but these Trail 9s have been amazing.

The hans dampf front + rock razor rear (both in trailstar compound) are insane

lucifuge · May 14, 2016

Good point, I guess you'd have to research on how happy people are that have done the FiT4 changeover (even outside of this thread specifically).

To get 30% sag I went from needing 132psi to 175psi (lol)

I did it myself, was very easy and I'd never done a shock before. Main issue was getting the fkr off the bike in the first place.

KaizerSozay · Jun 28, 2016

Huzzah! After waiting a month due to back order I finally have the 2016 Fit4 damper upgrade on hand!

For those who have done the upgrade theselves, is there a how to video resource? I've found plenty that discuss how take apart the fork for servicing which gets me halfway there but nothing specific to installing the damper.

noose · Jul 14, 2016

I bought a Trance 3 and upgraded it to replicate an SX. Absolutely love it!

Sent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk

Steel Calf · Jul 14, 2016

noose said:
I bought a Trance 3 and upgraded it to replicate an SX. Absolutely love it!

Sent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk

ok. Show parts list and picture of proof to have it officially certified

noose · Jul 14, 2016

Steel Calf said:
ok. Show parts list and picture of proof to have it officially certified

OK. Mind sending me the template or link to it?

noose · Jul 15, 2016

Steel Calf said:
ok. Show parts list and picture of proof to have it officially certified

Please let me know if this is enough to certify it and if I need to post this somewhere else to do so. Thanks

* Frame Size & Color: 2015 Giant Trance 3 Medium, Dark Silver/Black/Red
* Fork: X-Fusion Sweep RL2 160mm
* Brakes: Shimano M395, [F] 180mm, [R] 160mm
* Cranks: Shimano Deore, 24/38
* Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore
* Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore, Shadow+
* Pedals: Straitline Defacto
* Stem: Truvativ Holzfeller 40mm
* Handlebar: Renthal FatBar Alloy 780mm wide 20mm rise
* Seatpost: Giant Connect, 30.9
* Saddle: Giant Contact, Upright
* Bottom Bracket: Shimano Press Fit
* Cassette: Shimano HG50, 11-36, 10-Speed
* Headset: Giant
* Grips: Ergon GA1 Evo
* Front Tire: Hans Dampf Trailstar EVO 2.35 Stans Tubeless @18-21psi
* Front Rim: Giant S-XC 2 27.5"
* Front Hub/Skewer: Giant S-XC, 15mm QR
* Rear Tire: Hans Dampf Trailstar EVO Supergravity 2.35 Stans Tubeless @20-25psi
* Rear Rim: Giant S-XC 2 27.5"
* Rear Hub/Skewer Giant S-XC, 135x5mm QR
* Weight: 32.4 lbs

Steel Calf · Jul 15, 2016

noose said:
Please let me know if this is enough to certify it and if I need to post this somewhere else to do so. Thanks

You're on the right track here but in order to receive SX moniker you'll need to:

run a dropper post! (recommened: Giant 150mm)
run 1x10/1x11 drive train (recommended Sram GX)

I'll tolerate the rather weak M395 brakes for their great ergonomics and prooven reliability if you upsize front disc to 200mm (put the 180 in the rear and give the 160 to your wife as a kitchen tool)

and stop torturing 2.35 tires by mounting them on narrow 19mm rims (Get a new wheelset with XD driver, min. rim width 23mm!)

Do the changes ASAP and I'll send all documents necessary for certification to Giant HQ.

noose · Jul 15, 2016

Lol nice pointers! Mine is a poor man's SX so lacks some of those upgrades. I have right around $2500 Canadian into the entire bike and it rides like a lot more $. No need for a dropper or stronger brakes yet as my trails are not extremely vertical. For when I do climb I like the easier pedaling 2 ring drive train set up. I will upgrade the wheelset eventually but probably wait until my low pressure and bash riding damage one.

Sent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk

2014 Giant Trance SX reviews and setup info

Steel Calf

clone185

Steel Calf

clone185

Wagon650B

lucifuge

rideitall

BuickGN

Wagon650B

KaizerSozay

lucifuge

KaizerSozay

lucifuge

KaizerSozay

noose

Steel Calf

noose

noose

Steel Calf

noose

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