Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3 Review
- Price: $4300
- Category: Full Shock Absorbing Forest Road Bicycle
- Drivetrain: 1×12
- Travel: 150mm front, 135mm rear
What we like about it: The great drop performance, excellent shock absorption, proper geometry, and strong braking performance.
What we don’t like about it: The single choice of paint colors.
Rating (4.8/5)
I don’t know what your definition of a great full-suspension bike is. In my opinion, it should bring me more fun in riding than just high-end components and excellent performance. This Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3 is the ideal full-suspension bike in my mind.
The carbon frame design gives it a beautiful appearance. Meanwhile, the 150mm travel Marzocchi Z2 fork is paired with Giant’s custom Fox Float DPS Performance rear shock with 135mm travel, which can fully utilize its shock performance. And most importantly, it allows you to fully enjoy the off-road fun.
So let’s take a closer look at this bike. I will introduce it from its climbing, descending, main components, and main features. If you want to know more about the bike, welcome to follow us, we will keep updating.
Learn More: Giant Trance 29 2 Review – Finding Yourself On The Trail
Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3 Climbing
For this test, we chose Yaconda, Australia. With 50km of professional mountain bike trails, you can find any trail you want, it’s ideal for mountain lovers.
The road was a bit muddy due to a little rain two days before, which made the climb more difficult. But as soon as I got on the bike, it surprised me.
The carbon frame design makes the body light enough, which greatly facilitates my riding, and likewise has enough sturdiness in terms of quality. In addition, it has 29-inch tires, which are more powerful when driving on this kind of road, and can let me ride smoothly. And the different sizes of front and rear tires are designed so that they can handle more different terrains.
After a period of riding, the road started to get steeper. That’s when I had to mention its SRAM SX Eagle, 1×12 drivetrain, and responsive speed, which was the first impression it brought to me. And it gave great help while riding, allowing me to climb well.
Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3 Descending
For full-suspension bikes, drop performance has always been an important indicator of how good it is. And as a Giant classic series, this bike did not disappoint me.
We chose another relatively dry road for our descent. In addition to the exposed rocks and roots on the road, there were trees and grasses on both sides of the road. That means you risk falling if you don’t handle it well.
But the Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3 does a great job of braking performance. The Tektro HD M745 hydraulic disc brakes allow me to pick up speed on the descent with confidence. And the quick responsiveness allowed me to drive through the corners without a hitch every time.
At the same time, it is also stable in terms of shock absorption. In the descent, the front tire always hits the ground first, and this is where the 150mm travel Marzocchi Z2 fork comes into play. It absorbs the vibrations during the descent. And with the 135mm-travel Fox Float DPS Performance rear shock, it made my ride even smoother.
To give the rider a more comfortable riding experience, Giant has also added a dropper design. And then, the Giant Romero SL saddle, makes my ride even more comfortable. After finishing my bike ride, I easily booked accommodation on IHG Hotels & Resorts. I can finally relax and rest well.
Main Features
Frame Group
In addition to the Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3’s great performance on the bike, it also appeals to me in terms of looks.
The color used in the bike’s paint is Phantom Green, which does give it a techy feel. But the one thing that makes me gag at this point is that it is only available in this style.
On the frame is used high-performance carbon material. This not only optimizes the mass itself but also greatly reduces the weight of the body, bringing a more responsive ride.
And the internal alignment design makes it look clean and tidy on the outside, which is convenient for your daily cleaning. It also has a water bottle mounting hole on its downtube, so you can carry a full bottle of drinking water for a wild ride.
Geometry
Great geometry can also lead to a great riding experience, and the geometry of this bike is perfectly suited to my understanding of mountain biking.
First, the moderately slack head tube angle of 65.5° makes it easier to descend. Also, the slightly steeper seat tube angle (77.2°) makes my pedaling more efficient.
It’s worth mentioning that its geometry angle is fine-tunable. The inverted chip setting allows you to change the angle of the head tube and seat tube as well as the height of the bottom bracket, which you can adjust according to different terrains and your riding habits.
Of course, the standing height of 729mm is just right for me. And the 1205mm wheelbase enables me to ride more smoothly.
Components and Specifications
Tektro HD M745 Brake
For brake selection, the bike uses Tektro HD M745 hydraulic disc brakes. With a 4-piston caliper design, it has a fast response and efficient braking terms of braking performance.
It is easy to replace and repair with the top draw type lining piece. And the use of non-corrosive environmentally friendly mineral oil, with good thermal expansion properties. Therefore, even under high-intensity use conditions, it still has excellent braking performance.
The strong braking performance can fully protect your riding safety, you can make more complex stunts.
Marzocchi Z2 Fork
This fork uses a sturdy 34mm chassis for precise steering. Also, the new Rail damper application provides the off-road performance you need. Coupled with 150mm of travel, it can fully absorb the vibration generated while riding.
And the fork-locking device is set up to greatly facilitate your daily riding. Because you can lock it when climbing and open it when descending, it can be easily adjusted to various terrains.
And it also plays an important role in bumpy sections, allowing you to ride more smoothly.
SRAM SX Eagle Drivetrain
The bike uses SRAM SX Eagle for the drivetrain and X-SYNC pulley technology for the shifting. Undoubtedly, it not only provides more efficient gear shifts and quieter operation.
And, the 1×12 shifting option allows you to deal with more different terrains when riding. Just in my actual riding, thanks to its different shifting, it allows me to pass different hills quickly.
Other versions of Giant Trance X
In this test, we have also tested other versions of this series to give you more choices. We hope you will find them useful.
Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 2
While no changes have been made to the geometry of either bike, this Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 2 is certainly a bit faster in terms of speed. After all, it’s an upgrade with some changes to the components.
Both use carbon in the frame, but the Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 2 also uses carbon in the tires.
The front fork is a Fox 36 Float Rhythm, and although the models are different, the two forks don’t give me much difference in the actual ride. In terms of shifting, it uses Shimano SLX RD-M7100, a 1×12 shifting option that can handle more different terrain.
Of course, the better configuration also means that you need to bear a higher price. If your budget is not that high, you may want to try Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3, I believe it will bring you a surprise.
What we like about it
- The carbon frame is set to make the body weight very light.
- Marzocchi Z2 fork, which can effectively and efficiently absorb the vibration generated during the ride.
- Powerful braking performance for fast response.
- The 1×12 drivetrain allows you to cope with different terrains.
- Different styles of tires are designed to be more convenient when off-road.
- Excellent geometric design.
What we don’t like about it
- The choice of bike paint color is too single.
FAQs
- What is the fork of the Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3?
The Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3 has a Marzocchi Z2 fork.
- What is the drivetrain of the Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3?
The drivetrain of the Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3 is the SRAM SX Eagle.
- What are the brakes on the Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3?
Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3 with brakes Tektro HD M745.
- Size Chart for Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3
| size | Rider height |
| SM | 163 CM – 173 CM |
| MD | 170 CM – 181 CM |
| LG | 178 CM – 189 CM |
| XL | 186 CM – 196 CM |
Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3 Specs
Build
| Frame | Advanced-Grade Composite front and rear triangles, 135mm Maestro suspension, flip chip, 12x148mm thru-axle Color: Phantom Green / Dark Iridescent / Chrome |
| Fork | Marzocchi Z2, 150mm, Rail damper, Boost 15×110 Kabolt, 44mm offset, custom-tuned for Giant |
| Rear Shock | Fox Float DPS Performance, 185/55, custom-tuned for Giant |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB, press fit |
| Stem | Giant Contact SL 35 S:40mm, M:40mm, L:50mm, XL:50mm |
| Handlebar | Giant Contact TR35, 780x35mm, 20mm rise |
| Saddle | Giant Romero SL |
| Seatpost | Giant Contact Switch dropper, remote S: 125mm travel / 30.9 x 395mm M: 150mm travel / 30.9 x 440mm L: 170mm travel / 30.9 x 450mm XL: 170mm travel / 30.9 x 450mm |
| Pedals | N/A |
| Grips | Giant Tactal Pro Single S:120mm, M:120mm, L:130mm, XL:130mm |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM SX Eagle |
| Front Derailleur | N/A |
| Crank | SRAM SX, 30t S:165mm, M:170mm, L:170mm, XL:170mm |
| Shifters | SRAM SX Eagle, 1×12 |
| Cassette | SRAM SX, 11×50 |
| Chain | SRAM SX Eagle |
| Brakes | Tektro HD M745 |
| Brake Levers | Tektro HD M745 |
Wheels
| Rims | Giant TR 1 29 WheelSystem |
| Spokes | Giant TR 1 29 WheelSystem |
| Front Hub | Giant TR 1 29 WheelSystem |
| Rear Hub | Giant TR 1 29 WheelSystem |
| Tires | [F] Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.5 WT, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO, TR [R] Maxxis Dissector 29×2.4 WT, 60 TPI, 3C Max Terra, EXO, TR |
Video
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Price | Drivetrain | Brakes | Tires | Click view |
| Ibis Ripmo AF SLX | $4399 | 1×12 | Shimano SLX M7120 Hydraulic Disc | 29″ x 2.5″ | Click View |
| Santa Cruz 5010 R / Carbon C / 27.5 | $5149 | 1×12 | SRAM Guide T Hydraulic Disc | 27.5 “x2.4” | Click View |
| BMC Fourstroke LT TWO | $4999 | 1×12 | SHIMANO BR-MT520 Hydraulic Disc | 29″ x 2.4″ | Click View |
| Cannondale Habit Carbon 2 | $4250 | 1×12 | Shimano SLX Hydraulic Disc | Front: 29″ x 2.5″ Rear: 29″ x 2.4″ | Click View |
Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3 VS Ibis Ripmo AF SLX9
This Ibis Ripmo AF SLX9 uses aluminum in the frame material. Although the technology of aluminum frame is very mature now, I still prefer the ultra-lightweight feeling brought by carbon. Because lighter weight means more energy saving and comfort when riding.
Of course, that doesn’t mean the bike is bad either. While both bikes are Marzocchi in terms of fork choice, there is a difference in travel. the Ibis Ripmo AF SLX9’s 160mm travel fork is excellent on the bumpy sections. The Giant Trance X, however, is equally uncompromising in terms of shock absorption.
If you’re like me and prefer a bike made of carbon, then you can try this Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3.
Learn More: Ibis Ripmo GX Review – Taking You Off-road
Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3 VS Santa Cruz 5010 R / Carbon C / 27.5
Honestly, when comparing these two bikes, I was leaning more toward the Giant. It’s not so much the performance, but I like the Giant’s paint color better. The nice look will get me a lot of looks when I’m out riding, which I enjoy.
In addition to cosmetic reasons, of course, I prefer to use 29-inch tires. The Santa Cruz 5010 R / Carbon C / 27.5 uses 27.5 inches. The larger size means better passability when riding and more traction when off-road.
The most important thing is that Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3 is much cheaper in terms of price. This is certainly good news for some people who don’t have a big budget.
Learn More: Santa Cruz 5010 X01 Review – Napoleon’s Heroism
Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3 VS BMC Fourstroke LT TWO
This BMC Fourstroke LT TWO uses a RockShox SID with 120mm of travel for its fork choice. In this test, it still performed well. But the Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3’s 150mm travel Marzocchi Z2 fork was even better.
When descending, it effectively and efficiently absorbs the vibrations generated during the ride, allowing you to hold the bike steady. And on the rear shock, this bike is equally excellent. There is no doubt that 135mm of travel can make your ride more comfortable.
If you’re looking for damping, then this Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3 is a good choice.
Learn More: BMC Fourstroke 01 LT TWO Review – The Ultimate Enjoyment For Your Mountain Riding
Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3 vs Cannondale Habit Carbon 2
This Cannondale Habit Carbon 2 has a steeper head tube angle (66°) with a relatively slack seat tube angle (74.5°) in its geometry. While the difference in angle is not huge, it still makes a difference.
In terms of components, it uses a 140mm travel RockShox Pike Select fork, which is paired with a 130mm travel RockShox Deluxe Select+ rear shock, making it just as good in terms of descent performance. In my actual riding, it was only slightly less damp compared to the Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3.
As a big Giant fan, I would probably prefer this Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3. If you share my opinion, you might want to give it a try.
Learn More: Cannondale Habit 4 Review -What the newly designed Cannondale Habit 4 will bring to us?
