80 - AMB
InItIal ImpressIons
Giant’s affordable prices often bring new riders
to the sport, and while money is obviously a
factor the steeds really do have to perform. It
looks like Giant have got that all under control
here. Clean aesthetics invite the eye through
sweeping lightweight Aluxx SL aluminium tubing
which brings the weight down on what is a much
lighter bike to ride than its predecessors. All
this accentuates the clear thought and process
that has gone into the frame with it’s slack 67
degree head angle, internal cable guides, 140mm
of travel, low-slung top tube and low bottom
bracket.Giant has further paid heed to the important
things in the build where they could easily have
compromised. The drivetrain is exemplary, led by
a Shimano XT crankset guided by an MRP dual
guide, coupled with SLX shifters and derailleurs.
SLX brakes seem to be a shrewd move as they
have much of the functionality of XT.Suspension is dealt with by RockShox, in the
rear is the RockShox Monarch whilst up front
the 130mm Revelation with 15mm Maxle copesTHE SHINER
THE GIANT TRANCE 1
PHoToGRAPHER: TBS TESTER: RoBERT CoNRoYGiants have long existed in my family, they are like Weetbix,
found in every home and I’ve always been able to see the
appeal. My first bike was a Giant and my second was as well,
my father was the main instigator in what ended up as a
small fleet. He still retains a 2009 era Trance, it is a bike I once
regularly ‘borrowed’ for the odd after-work ride, a bike I was
reasonably in tune with. Times have changed since 2009, tech-
nology has moved on, as has the way we approach riding and
so it is altogether a different Giant Trance I return to now. What
once was a bike closer to it’s Anthem cross-country cousin is
now a do it all 650b trail machine known for taming the wildest
of terrain. Could I do it all and once again tame the beast?
robert conroy
rIDer bIo
testeD
Riding Experience: over ten
years riding as a weekend
warrior and casual racer.
Downhiller at heart but with
plenty of time on the trails as
well.Generally Rides: Cove Shocker
and a Giant XTC.
Weight: 79kg
Bike Test Track: Thredbo,
Jindabyne, Royal National Park
and surrounds.