Issue #031, Review - December 22, 2017

Giant Trance Advanced 0 review

The Giant Trance Advanced 0 is guaranteed to generate smiles! This bike is a classic and has been improved upon in detail for the upcoming season. It quickly counted as one of the favourites among the test riders. Our comparison will reveal whom this bike is for!

For an overview head to the main article: Everyday Heroes! – We review six of the hottest, grin-inducing trail bikes

In our previous review of the Trance, we were somewhat disappointed. Giant had successfully revised the Giant Trance Advanced 0, harmonising the geometry and giving it excellent rear suspension, but then they went and limited the riding performance with inappropriate components. All the better that Giant has done its homework for the 2018 model, eliminating the weak points, such as the cockpit and the tires, which were both too narrow. The € 6,999 top model relies on a carbon main frame with an aluminium rear triangle which gives 140 mm of travel via a carbon rocker.

The componentry is good throughout. The SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain is brilliant as usual, as is the RockShox suspension, consisting of a PIKE RCT3 fork (150 mm) and a Super Deluxe shock. The other components are mostly from Giant themselves and work perfectly. The dropper seat post with a 150 mm adjustment range has sufficient stroke, and the carbon wheels also impressed with a good mix of flex, stiffness, and low weight. Although the cockpit now has the right stem length (55 mm) and bar width (780 mm), the old-style RockShox remote looks a bit cheap – you’d expect better on a bike that costs € 7,000.

Although the Giant Trance Advanced climbs well, it’s clearly designed for maximum fun on the downhills!

Getting on the bike, it quickly becomes clear what the Giant Trance was designed for: downhill fun! The rider is very centrally positioned on the bike. The high cockpit gives a feeling of security, and paired with the plush suspension the Trance encourages you to stay off the brakes right out the gate. The 140 mm of rear travel feels like more and works well with the very sensitive RockShox PIKE in front, providing good feedback without wallowing. Overall, the Trance rides calmly yet remains extremely agile. Getting on the pedals, the low weight of the bike and small diameter wheels allow it to accelerate forward willingly. Those who ride a lot of long and steep uphills may want to move the saddle forward on its rails to compensate for the slightly slack seat angle, as well as remotely locking out the shock. With the improved seating position, even long uphills don’t pose a problem.

The Giant Trance Advanced 0 in detail

Fork RockShox PIKE RCT3 150 mm
Rear shock RockShox Super Deluxe RT 140 mm
Brakes SRAM Guide RSC
Drivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle
Seatpost Giant Contact S 150 mm
Stem Giant Contact SL 55 mm
Handlebar Giant Contact SLR TR Carbon 780 mm
Tires MAXXIS Highroller II 3C
Wheelset Giant TRX 0 Carbon
Weight 12.33 kg
Price € 6,999

Geometry of the Giant Trance

Size	XS	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	370 mm	380 mm	431 mm	482 mm	507 mm
Top tube	560 mm	580 mm	610 mm	630 mm	655 mm
Head tube	100 mm	100 mm	105 mm	130 mm	145 mm
Head angle	67°	67°	67°	67°	67°
Seat angle	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°
Chainstay	435 mm	435 mm	435 mm	435 mm	435 mm
BB drop	15 mm	15 mm	15 mm	15 mm	15 mm
Wheelbase	1,109 mm	1,129 mm	1,160 mm	1,183 mm	1,209 mm
Reach	386 mm	406 mm	435 mm	448 mm	469 mm
Stack	587 mm	587 mm	591 mm	614 mm	628 mm

Conclusion

Giant has done a great job with the Giant Trance Advanced 0, offering an outstanding overall package. It climbs well and is a blast downhill thanks to good suspension, balanced geometry, and sensibly chosen components. If you’re looking for a versatile bike with which you can either complete a trans-alpine tour or have a go at an enduro race, the Trance Advanced 0 is guaranteed to make you happy! Our Best Value Winner!