Giant Trance X4 Review

clinicpurchasing
clinicpurchasing Posts: 2
edited September 2012 in MTB general
Just back from 3 hours in the saddle on a 2011 Giant Trance X4. I'm absolutely stunned at how this bike performed.
The bike is stock standard but I assure you it felt like a big bucks machine, yes the components are moderate specification but the drive train provided ample and more than enough ability.

I've just come off a Cannondale Trail SL3 and cannot believe the difference, the Trance is superbly poised and of excellent geometry. A few tweaks and adjustments and I've found an excellent riding position I've gelled into already!
The suspension is lush to say the least, I wasn't really expecting much from the system but boy was I impressed. The Maestro system is just superb when pedalling with little or no loss, as for climbing, I'm unfit, and I was a goat today..

The gears and brakes are the same as my SL3 but worked so much better in this set up. Clearly the bike has loads of upgradeable promise so even with stock spec, you're onto a winner. Don't hesitate if you're thinking about one, it's the real deal. Ran the bike around Delamere Forest today which is a great mix of terrain and a worthy test ground. The bike runs slightly big so I've opted for a medium and suits me fine, I'm 6'1". My SL3 was Large and this is easily the same geometry.

I don't normally attempt DH but was very impressed with myself due to my new found confidence on the Trance X4. A truly versatile riding machine. Looks really smart too. Out on a 40k route tomorrow which is 90% flat loose terrain so this should be interesting. I have Shimano M424 SPD's fitted and running on the stock Kenda Nevegals, Stick E on the front and DTC Rear. Excellent bike, can't fault it and I'm riding better already. 10/10 from me.

Comments

  • ovensj
    ovensj Posts: 3
    I to have a Cannondale Trail SL3 and am thinking about getting a 2011 Trance. How would you say the weight of the Trance compares to the Trail? That's my main concern with going back to a full sus.
    I'm a long legged 6'2" and have the XL Trail so it sounds like a Large Trance would suit me well.
  • 97th choice
    97th choice Posts: 2,222
    Took my new X3 out for the first time today, I was planning on a gentle getting to know you session but it soon turned into kind of nonsense I would normally do on my 160mm AM bike. Remarkable machine, it climbs well, soaks up big hits smoothly and the thing that amazed me the most was it's poise under braking, even on rocky, rooty terrain itsoaked up everything and then let me slam it into the next turn. The nobby nicks even work well, you can heel this thing over so nicely to catch the side lugs. Massive fun.
    Too-ra-loo-ra, too-ra-loo-rye, aye

    Giant Trance
    Radon ZR 27.5 Race
    Btwin Alur700
    Merida CX500
  • Capt.Speedwobble
    Capt.Speedwobble Posts: 7
    Absolutely agree! Since 2 weeks I own a X4 (2012) and today was my second time out. It's my first Full Sus so its abit of getting used to but already it makes a bit difference. Great bike! Went and gained 21x achievements on Strava thanks to the bike. 8) Will need to get the suspension dialled in to my weight as I'm only using about half the travel at the rear.
    The drive train may be budget end but it performs as well as my old bike which has an SLX rear dérailleur and XL shifters. Looking forward to next weekend and getting some more miles in.
  • Stu Coops
    Stu Coops Posts: 426
    Do you lot work for Giant?? :D have to say i agree with you though I bought an X1 2011 and it is awesome had it over a year and goes everywhere my AM bike can
    Zesty 514 Scott Scale 20 GT Expert HalfwayupMTB
  • Blue Parker
    Blue Parker Posts: 37
    I have an X5 2009 with new wheels, brakes, shifters, bar, stem, saddle and post, I have to agree with you all , the bike is very good, climbs very well, I have even done the C2C and Hadrians wall ride on it with only a change of tyres, I have been to the Apls also (it did come a little unstuck).
    Handles very well - although it could do with a little more travel on the front (only 120mm original Reverbs).
    I have only every bottomed out the rear once (very poor landing at Swinley Forest). :oops:
    Trance x5
    Trek 4500 (toddler chariot)
  • mac_man
    mac_man Posts: 918
    Stu Coops wrote:
    Do you lot work for Giant?? :D have to say i agree with you though I bought an X1 2011 and it is awesome had it over a year and goes everywhere my AM bike can
    Does sound like spam. 1st post and it's a gushing review of their 'new' bike. It's most likely an online social media type marketer trying to get coverage on specialist sites posing as a review.

    And it worked... as everybody else (ie genuine members) chip in to confirm what an ace bike it is :D
    Cool, retro and sometimes downright rude MTB and cycling themed T shirts. Just MTFU.

    By day: http://www.mtfu.co.uk
  • Stu Coops
    Stu Coops Posts: 426
    mac man wrote:
    Stu Coops wrote:
    Do you lot work for Giant?? :D have to say i agree with you though I bought an X1 2011 and it is awesome had it over a year and goes everywhere my AM bike can
    Does sound like spam. 1st post and it's a gushing review of their 'new' bike. It's most likely an online social media type marketer trying to get coverage on specialist sites posing as a review.

    And it worked... as everybody else (ie genuine members) chip in to confirm what an ace bike it is :D

    Think your spot on :wink::wink:
    Zesty 514 Scott Scale 20 GT Expert HalfwayupMTB
  • 97th choice
    97th choice Posts: 2,222
    Seems largely pointless, you can link directly to gushing X4 reviews from most major MTB magazines.

    If it is a spam then I credit them with making an effort with the backstory!
    Too-ra-loo-ra, too-ra-loo-rye, aye

    Giant Trance
    Radon ZR 27.5 Race
    Btwin Alur700
    Merida CX500
  • JayKay3000
    JayKay3000 Posts: 163
    It's on my 'next bike' list, but there are a lot of good bikes at that price range. BikeRadar says to stick lighter hoops on it so it's probably a long term machine. M8 has a 3yo one and he's spent more on it that he paid for it and then I'm keeping up on my hardtail. I think he gets a softer ride though.
  • sandy771
    sandy771 Posts: 368
    JayKay3000 wrote:
    It's on my 'next bike' list, but there are a lot of good bikes at that price range. BikeRadar says to stick lighter hoops on it so it's probably a long term machine. M8 has a 3yo one and he's spent more on it that he paid for it and then I'm keeping up on my hardtail. I think he gets a softer ride though.

    I have had an X3 for 7 months and have bought:
    new brakes M785's
    200mm front disk
    wider bars
    shorter stem
    new front shifter (broke it on a course with jedi)
    bionicon - since returned as 2 broke in the same way
    slx shadow plus mech and new rear shifter - to replace bionicon
    new suss bearings
    new headset bearing
    also transferred my reverb from my last bike

    If i keep it (and no intentions to change it just yet) I might go for
    140mm travel front shocks
    beefier wheels

    but rather than change the above it might make more sense to buy a new bike. That said I do love it.

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