Giant Trance X E+ ebike review - Pros, cons and bottom line of this full suspension electric bike

Giant Trance X E+ electric mountain bike review and test of this Giant emtb with Fox Live Valve

[stevetremlett]

Good review, thanks. I have the Trance X Advanced E+ 2 which cost £5999 in the UK. So far it’s done 800+ miles, mostly on rutted flinty trails and very muddy forest tracks here in SE England.

The standard suspension is fine, I don’t feel shortchanged by that or the next level down SLX/M6100 drivetrain. I’ll need a new chain soon but the rest of the transmission seems to be wearing well, although it does seem to need an intensive maintenance regime to keep it running smoothly. The front brake pads rattle a lot in the M420 calipers but the brakes are fantastic.

There have been a few quality issues. The dropper post was rotating too much and was replaced under warranty, as was the 625wh battery after the bike kept turning off randomly. A friend with an identical bike has also has a new battery for the same reason, it seems to be an internal fault with the battery management system.

I came from a Trek Powerfly 7, which was my first emtb (at age 65 and not having ridden a pedal bike since school) and I do miss its lightness, however a hardtail wasn’t suited to the terrain I found myself riding (or my skill levels). It’s been interesting to contrast the Bosch CX4 and Giant/Yamaha drive systems - they both do a great job, maybe I’m slightly biased towards the Bosch’s power delivery, but it’s a very narrow margin.

And yes, they could do a much better job naming the model series!

[mdrivr]

Got this version a few months ago (dealer took 15% cos he was trying to move stock I think). I was on the fence with the live valve, but with that discount, it made the decision easier. It climbs superbly well as you commented. Agree with everything you said. In the saddle, this bike makes you a superhero on climbs and the auto system on the motor is really the best way to go. Giant really did their homework. I was comparing this bike against Specialized, Trek offerings but the spec as you pointed out, coupled with its performance, makes this bike a no brained (unless you are a badge bunny). Great review, touches on all the main points. Yes, the main tube is larger but as your text pointed out, it is designed to improve the longevity of the charging ability after 700 cycles (not sure if I will ever get there). Best value/performance e-bike in this crazy market right now.

[mister_dave]

Just bought the trance e+3, it's a monster!

[JB-yhso]

The downtube space also allows you to upgrade to an 800wh battery. I just got mine a couple weeks ago, and the range is massive. The 625wh battery would generally get me about 30 miles on my local trails if I was using it conservatively. With the 800wh battery, I can go 50 plus miles or run in a much more aggressive mode for 40 miles or so. I went with the non-live valve version, and I agree it's a waste of money. I have no issues climbing with this bike whatsoever.

[FireDoug]

Great no nonsense review! Thank you for your time. And Giant should thank you too, I just purchased a Trance.

[btrain]

So funny, I’ve been following you for a couple years on RC stuff and happen to be in the market for a bike and saw this video and once I saw you I knew I would love the review. Thanks man.

[krazyjey]

Great review on a fantastic Ebike.
I love my E Trance for serious MTB adventures and everyday rides.

[LooneyFarmGuy]

A great review ! I have the 2019 Giant Explore. Love it but I am looking at moving up to a full suspension model . Thanks for giving a breakdown of all the pros and cons 👍

[hmbseesaw]

Super review really appreciate your knowledge and mannerism

[advocatusdiaboli]

Great review. I have had this bike for more than a month now and I concur with most things. As a comparison I also have a Reign E of the previous iteration with the bulky motor mount.

Between those bikes I can confirm that the live valve makes only a very small difference and definitely is not really worth the money.

As regards the length of the chainstays, they may be long but it is so much easier to get it on its back wheel for manuals than the Reign E or last iteration of the Cube Stereo for example.

And I also mounted a Sqlab saddle right away. I love them so much!!!

[jeanmarc_in_Hudson]

Nice review, as always. Now that you broke the ice with Giant 😁... I really hope you get the chance to ride & comment on the Reign!
Cheers! 👍

[benji]

Loooking at buying this bike this is the best video
Nice one 😎

[AB-NZ]

Note the womens specific model does not come with the new Yamaha motor. It still has the earlier version, so better to buy the Trance X E+ and adapt to it to suit. Better motor and better resale value too.

[ShredQuest]

Thanks for your vids! I’ve seen you testing bikes on the same trail system before. Can you reveal the trail system you’re riding? I notice redwoods but it doesn’t look like UC. Thanks!

[nomad-pqywiyv]

I hope they don't change that amped up thing the Giants sometimes do when you put foot on the pedal just make it so you can adjust the power modes for those who don't want it or just don't put ur foot on the pedal when stopped. Check out Reign E2 it's a lot of bike for the money(relative to the cost of others in it's class)

[liuwenjie]

I've been watching your videos since I was young... 😂

[dongkapuyawn]

With the e-bikes out now, which trails are legal to ride? MidPen and OpenSpace are both no-no

[porroco]

Good thinking, but cayon with flight atendant is not integrated and becomes too manny batteries to charge, dropper post rear der, front shock and rear shocks are idependent batteries.

[thim]

I totally agree, live valve and rockshox's new one, just isn't needed on my ebikes. Save the money and get an extra battery or 2.

[williamjsheehan]

Really good insight, detailed yet concise