A_M _B_2015_02_03_

82 - AMB

than enough stopping power. They did struggle
after several runs on the long, brake bump
riddled, six minute descents of Thredbo but this
is not a park bike and there is ample power for
regular trail rides.

The Giant P-TRX1 Composite Carbon Wheelset
is probably the highlight of the componentry on
offer. With 27mm wide rims, they were super stiff
and lighter than most alloy offerings. Coming
with tubes they were easily converted to tubeless
and have been a sturdy component that continues
to please.

Componentry assessed the Giant Trance’s appeal
lies in its frame and its carefully configured
Maestro suspension. I found it much more lively
than previous generations, something I was
continually reminded of, this is not a pure race
steed, this is a trail do-it all bike. The Trance felt
light underfoot and playful thanks to it’s short
chain stay of 439mm. With the slack 67 degree
head angle it leant itself to the more playful
aspects of riding. It picked up well in corners not
wanting to stay still for too long and is easy to
negotiate through a tight spot. This is a bike that
wants to explore and throw you into new situations.

EssEntials

BRAnd Giant

Model Trance 27.5 1

RRP $4199

dIsTRIBuToR Giant Australia

ConTACT http://www.giant-bicycles.com.au

AvAIlABle sIzes Xs, s, M, l, Xl

FRAMe MATeRIAl AluXX sl-grade

aluminium

FoRk Rockshox Revelation Rl

dual position,

120/140mm

shoCk Rockshox Monarch RT3

shIFTeRs shimano slX, 20sp

deRAIlleuRs shimano slX, direct

mount front, shimano XT

shadow+ rear

CRAnk shimano XT, 24/38

w/ MRP 2x Guide

BoTToM BRACkeT shimano, Press fit

ChAIn kMC X10

CAsseTTe shIMAno hG81

11X36, 10-sPeed

Wheels Giant P-TRX1 Composite

TyRes schwalbe nobby nic evo

snakeskin, 27.5 x 2.25 f-r

BRAkes shimano slX hydraulic,

Fr: 180mm Rr: 160mm

sTeM Giant Contact

hAndleBARs Giant Contact TR, 31.8mm

seATPosT Giant Contact sl switch

Remote, 30.9mm

sAddle Giant Contact, upright

several times I found myself searching for gap

lines in sections I generally sought to plow

through, thanks to the harmony between the

Rockshox Monarch RT3 shock and Revelation

fork. The RT3 was easy to setup trailside and the

pressures advised were responsive and balanced.

The Revelation was perfect for the trail, but a little

less so for the continued beatings of Thredbo’s

braking bumps.

Our takE

If Giant is the WeetBix of Australian mountain

biking the Trance is the deluxe strawberry banana

combo on the box. Whilst there are no flaws in the

components this is the kind of bike you build on,

especially with such a magnificent frame at its

core. This is for the riders that want a bike that can

take on most situations and adapt.

It can be beefed up to be pure all mountain or

trimmed back to a cross country deviant, but best

of all it can be a canvas for your own style, the

everyday bike ready for anything. not the flashiest

in the fleet but the one that is definitely the best

jumping on point for any rider. The Giant Trance

is a bike that could and should last you for many

years, ever evolving.

tEstED