Are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin!
What is it? – A bike
How much does it cost? – rrp £1799 (can currently be found for under £1200 at www. jejamescycles.com)
The Giant Trance X series offers 120mm of front & rear travel, with varying levels of kit, but all with the Maestro floating rear suspension link (more on this later). This bike should feel very at home on UK trails, being suited to descents, ascents and cruising with ease. It’s cross-country geometry means it won’t ever be attacking the downhill but I don’t think that will come as a surprise to anyone.
Giant Trance X3 2009
What’s the kit like?
The Giant Trance X3 (2009)sits in the middle of the range, and is well kitted out, having the same suspension and forks as the X2 model above it. The Fox Float RP2 shock holds up the rear, with pro-pedal lockout and rebound adjustment. The Maestro system means that the suspension works independently of pedalling and braking, so unless you find yourself really stomping on the pedals, you might need to flick the pro-pedal switch at all. At the front, the Fox 32 F120 RL with it’s 15mm through axle, lockout, and rebound adjustment, is up there with the best. The through axle provides a solid feel and great control.
The rest of the kit is mostly Race Face and Shimano, with SLX/XT offering precision transmission, and race face cockpit helping with that solid feel up front.
The Kenda Nevigal tyres are well at home on dusty rocky trails, but you might not want to get them too muddy as they’re not the quickest the clear.
Hayes Stroke Trail brakes are aptly named, it only takes a stroke to bring you to a halt. They are definitely up to the job.
So how does it ride?
Attempting the first climb without flicking the Pro-pedal lockout switch was quite a eye opener. I was expecting to feel the bike bouncing under me, but not with the Maestro floating suspension, no sir-ee. With no noticeable pedal bob, just solid traction as I climbed. The suspension was moving, but it only served to aid my climb, and keep the wheels where I wanted them, planted on the ground. As I flicked the switch, the back end stiffened up and performed in an very hardtail-like manner. However, I almost preferred leaving Pro-pedal off, so the Maestro system was free to do what it was designed to; suck up the bumps, without losing any power from the pedals.
The Fox forks really do shine. With a smooth movement through the whole 5 inches of travel. The bike is definitely at home flying through single track, where it soaks up the bumps, but it’s very happy to be in the air too. It might not be the lightest rig, but at 12.8kg/28lbs it’s no porker and it seems to invite you to get airborne at every opportunity. It handles the hits with ease.
So finally, the Giant Trance X3 2009 is a great trail ride, although having only recently bought it, I’d be gutted if I had to say anything else.
if you have any comments I’d like to hear from you, please leave a message below.
Next on Monkipoo bike reviews: The Brompton folding bike (unless any other bike manufacturer want to send me something to test of course)!
