Earlier in the year we got a chance to look at the advanced version of this Giant Trance 1 29er. It was a super exciting bike with lots of new features for 2019. So as you can imagine we couldn’t wait to have a ride of it’s sibling.
— IS MTB RACING GOING TO MAKE AN ELECTRIC SHIFT? —
It’s easy to overlook the fact that the Trance has been around since 2005. Coming with the new cutting edge Maestro technology from giant, it was complete with 26 inch wheels and 100mm of front and rear suspension. After abandoning 29 inch bikes for a number of years, it’s nice to see Giant venturing back into the 29er world. Big wheels and short travel, this bike really is the playful companion lots of people were waiting for. The Trance is one of the best selling bikes in the Giant MTB range, and the 29er is set to be the same.
Retailing at just north of £3,500, it’s no surprise we were expecting big things from this bike. Giant claim that the bike allows you to be your best on the most challenging trails. Geared towards technical steeps and ropey descents, allowing you to attack them with confidence and speed. The alloy framed 2019 has got a new rear suspension for 2019 and a more progressive geometry to take your riding to the next level.
— GIANT FATHOM 29ER 1 MTB REVIEW —
The Features:
This super-versatile trail machine is built on an all-new ALUXX SL frameset that blends our latest Maestro suspension technology with progressive trail-oriented geometry. To soak up every bump from big rocks to small undulations it has a trunnion mount shock and an Advanced Forged Composite upper rocker arm.
This combination produces 115mm of smooth active rear-wheel travel that puts you in control. Up front it features a 130mm travel suspension fork and the overall geometry has been tuned and developed to maximize its performance on rugged trails. The SRAM GX drivetrain keeps the bike smooth and quiet, like you’d expect from bikes far above the price tag of the Giant Trance 1.
Larger 29-inch diameter wheels roll over rugged terrain with balance and stability giving you the momentum to tackle technical climbs and the confidence to fly on fast rugged single track descents. They’re also made of carbon fibre which is nice to see on a bike that enters at this price point. Often they’re reserved for the top of the range.
Updated Maestro rear suspension features a trunnion mount shock with a longer stroke and smoother feel. With 115mm of full rear travel (and 130mm up front) it has the new Advanced Forged Composite upper rocker arm for increased stiffness and strength plus lower overall frame weight. It does a great job of soaking up and bumps & bruises you’ll take from the terrain, but isn’t jolting around when you’re hot on the pedals.
The lightweight and durable ALUXX SL aluminum frameset features updated geometry including an aggressive 66.5-degree headtube angle and 74.5-degree seattube angle plus a 44mm fork offset. The result is agile and efficient climbing capabilities plus added control for high-speed descents. A new dropper post and saddle lets you find a comfy position for both climbing and descending.
— WHY E-BIKES ARE ACTUALLY FANTASTIC —
Verdict:
Though not at the cheap end of the market, the Giant Trance 1 punches well above it’s weight. We’d high recommend it if you’re in the market for a capable trail bike without a £5k price tag. It feels natural from the outset and the features make this a complete machine that definitely won’t let you down!
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Durability - 82%82%
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Performance - 87%87%
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Aesthetic - 90%90%
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Value - 79%79%
