Test: The Giant Trance Advanced 0 is probably the all-rounder in the bike giant's portfolio. Compared to last year's model, the all-round trailfully has been modernized and optimized. We had the opportunity to extensively test the carbon high-end version, which costs €6799,90.
Giant Trance Advanced 0: Frame
The main frame is made of advanced-category carbon, which is meticulously manufactured in Giant's own production facility. This complex process ensures a stiff and lighter frame construction. In connection with the optimized Maestro damping system, the 140 mm suspension offers a lot of comfort with vibrations. But the rear triangle also remains very neutral when pedaling. In addition, carbon is now used for the upper deflection. The innovations should not only ensure a lower center of gravity, the rear end should also work more efficiently. This is made of AluxX SL and offers enough space for 27,5" tires. Furthermore, it is robust enough to survive possible stone contacts without damage. By the way: The frame has an ISCG-05 mount, which allows you to mount a chain guide or, like us, a Taco bashguard. The down tube and the chainstay are protected by a high-quality protector.
The Boost system with 110 mm at the front / 148 mm at the rear is new and also up-to-date with other manufacturers. The PowerCore BB92-PressFit bottom bracket as well as the OverDrive head tube remain unchanged from the predecessor. Now to the finish: Giant is known for its colorful designs, the top model of the Trance series shines in a grabber blue black matt gloss. The look is rounded off by the internally routed trains.
Giant Trance Advanced 0: Geometry
The current geometry trend is also reflected in the trance. The reach has been lengthened by 10 mm, the chainstay has been shortened by 5 mm and the bottom bracket has been lowered by 5 mm. The steering angle of 67° is unchanged and a solid basis according to the area of application. The Trance Advanced 0 is available in 3 frame sizes S, M and L, which cover rider sizes from 1.65 to 1.88 meters according to the manufacturer. But drivers outside of the size specifications can also get a taste for trance, since there is more choice of sizes with other equipment variants. In addition, there will also be an XL frame in this equipment variant in 2018.
GIANT TRANCE ADVANCED 0 2017 geometry table
| SMALL | MEDIUM | LARGE | |
| seat tube (in mm) | 380 | 431 | 482 |
| Top tube horizontal (in mm) | 580 | 610 | 630 |
| head tube (in mm) | 100 | 105 | 130 |
| chainstay (in mm) | 435 | 435 | 435 |
| Wheelbase (in mm) | 1129 | 1160 | 1183 |
| Steering angle (in °) | 67 | 67 | 67 |
| Seat angle (in °) | 73,5 | 73,5 | 73,5 |
| Reach (mm) | 406 | 435 | 448 |
| Stacks (in mm) | 587 | 591 | 614 |
Giant Trance Advanced 0: Features
| frame | Giant Trance 27,5" Advanced |
| suspension fork | RockShox Pike RCT3 SoloAir, 150mm |
| Suspension shocks | RockShox Super Deluxe RC3, metric trunnion mount |
| Wheels | GIANT TRX 0 carbon wheel system with DT Swiss 240S straightpull hubs |
| Tire VR | Schwalbe Nobby Nic Evolution |
| Tire HR | Schwalbe Nobby Nic Evolution |
| derailleur | Sram X01 Eagle |
| Gear levers | Sram X01 Eagle Trigger 1x12 |
| Crank | Sram X01 Eagle |
| Front derailleur | |
| Brake | SRAM Guide Ultimate, hydraulic disc brake |
| Brake discs | Sram Centerline rotors (180mm) |
| Seat post | Giant Contact SL |
| Saddle | Contact SLR |
| Stem | Giant Contact SL |
| Links | GIANT Contact SLR TR Carbon Riser Bar, 19mm Rise, 31.8x750 |
The trail rocket is available in a total of 9 different configurations. The price range extends from €1799,90 to an impressive €6799,90. That's a difference of five thousand (!) Euros, but given the different versions, it's entirely justified. The high-end model we tested offers top-class equipment for €6799,90. Only the highest quality parts were used, which creates a 12 kg light and at the same time very robust bike. One of the highlights is the 12-speed drive from the US manufacturer SRAM with a range of 500% (10 - 50 teeth). In combination with the 34-tooth sprocket, this enables steep ramps and long straights to be conquered with little effort. The RockShox chassis not only inspires in terms of driving performance. The chassis components look like they were made for the bike.
An SRAM Guide Ultimate ensures sufficient deceleration. However, the 4-piston brake system reaches its limits with the 180 mm discs on long descents. 203 mm discs would be more suitable for heavy riders. With the in-house carbon rims and the DT Swiss 240S hubs, you get a tubeless wheelset that is very light at just 1455g and also very stiff. Schwalbe Nobby Nic Evolution are installed on the rims as standard. Contrary to the series, our test bike had Maxxis tires on the rims. Not only when it comes to rims do you rely on the in-house products, you also use the extremely robust ones for the seat post Contact Switch SL dropper post return. The corresponding saddle is located on this, which is also comfortable on longer trips.
The cockpit is also self-made and consists of a Contact SLR carbon handlebar, Contact SL stem and tactal double lock-on grips. The 750 mm wide and 60 mm long front end is just as contemporary for the M model.
Giant Trance Advanced 0: Driving impression
Let's come to what is probably the most important chapter "how does it feel on the trail?". Since I own a similar bike myself, it didn't take me long to feel comfortable on the floor. After numerous rides on the local trails, which usually involve a lot of pedaling, we went to Tyrol for a few days. There, the all-rounder could be properly tested. Steep climbs and technical downhills were conquered in the well-known Bike Eldorado Nauders. To my surprise, the trail bike rode downhill just as well as an enduro. The stiff construction enables a very direct driving behavior, which could possibly overwhelm one or the other driver. When you get to the bottom of the valley, you usually have to go back up.
I have to admit, I usually forget to lock the suspension before going uphill – this also applies to the trance. Thanks to the Maestro damping system, which behaves almost identically to the VPP (Virtual Pivot Point), the rocking of the rear end is almost completely suppressed, even with open compression. It's hard for me to put the bike in a drawer, especially since it can be moved effortlessly uphill and playfully downhill. However, one should be aware that the mountain bike is part of the all-mountain range. However, this is only noticeable in the light construction and the brakes, which are a bit too weak in the long run. I particularly liked the new geometry on flowy trails. The low bottom bracket and the short chainstay made for a big grin in the berms.
On rough stretches you notice how good the rear end actually is. The longer reach rounds off the smooth running and you won't believe you're on the road at just 140 mm. Speaking of “smoothness”; Thanks to the 1×12 gears, the bike is also pleasantly quiet going downhill. However, the gearshift not only impressed with its non-existent background noise, but also sets standards in terms of shifting performance. The wide gear ratio makes it possible to master even long, steep climbs and to pedal easily downhill. Speaking of the drive - it's nice that, despite the very light weight, a bashguard is not left out. This protects the chain ring from unexpected stone contact and makes it clear: the Trance is not only built for posing.
But you have to be honest: With a bike like this you attract a lot of attention. That's why it's fun to move the all-rounder, whether in the bike park or on the road to the ice cream parlor.
