We donвЂ™t calculate value for money in an excel spreadsheet or based on how high-end a bike is specced. How much pop does it have, does it suck up the riderвЂ™s input or is it supportive, and how agile and direct is the bike? в†© This aspect mainly comes down to the suspension. The rating includes the fork and the rear suspension. How sensitive is the suspension over small bumps? Can it absorb hard impacts and does it soak up repeated hits? Plush suspension not only provides comfort and makes a bike more capable, but it also generates traction. However, experienced riders can have a lot of fun even with unbalanced bikes. If a bike is unbalanced, the rider has to work hard to weight the front wheel to generate enough grip. Balanced bikes require little physical effort from the rider and are very predictable. This is all about how balanced the bike is and particularly about how well it corners. Is the bike stable at high speeds? Is it easy to stay in control in demanding terrain? How composed is it on rough trails? Stability is a combination of balanced geometry, good suspension and the right spec. How does the bike ride and descend? How spritely is the bike, how agile is it through corners, how much fun is it in tight sections and how quickly can it change direction? в†© Along with the suspension, the riding position and the weight of the bike all play a crucial role. It refers to both simple and technical climbs. This scale indicates how efficiently the bike climbs. Both perform brilliantly on flowing and flat trails. The former offers slightly more reserves on rough trails and is the more versatile bike. Downhill, the MERIDA and the Trance are similar. Only the Trek Fuel EX and IZZO can keep up. Though we do recommend making use of the climb switch, the bike offers unbeatable traction on technical climbs. The GIANT was one of the most efficient and best climbing bikes on test. How does the Giant Trance Advanced 29 compare to the competition? The weight distribution is balanced, resulting in good-natured and predictable handling through the corners. On demanding, rough trails, that will be your cue to apply the brakes and scrub off some speed. The shock never bottoms out harshly but there is a point at which blows are passed on to the rider. The Trance 29 successfully combines composure and agility вЂ“ brilliant! However, due to the limited travel at the rear, the reserves of the GIANT are finite. You can generate a lot of speed through berms and rollers and the handling is playful without ever becoming nervous. This bike is an absolute beast on flow trails. Small bumps get absorbed with amazing efficiency despite the generous mid-stroke support. Nevertheless, GIANT have managed to make the most of the available travel, offering lots of traction and responsiveness. It shouldnвЂ™t come as a surprise to anyone reading this that 115 mm rear travel doesnвЂ™t provide that much comfort. In the hands of an experienced rider, the Trance 29 is a very capable bike! On more technical climbs, the Trance 29 generates a lot of traction with the shock open, pulling away from the competition. The bike accelerates willingly, but on long, monotonous climbs, we recommend activating the climb switch to calm down the rear end. The riding position is stretched but comfortable and if you like sitting more upright or have a lot of steep climbs on your local trails, youвЂ™ll want to push the saddle forward. Shoes Specialized 2FO Cliplite | Knee pads Fox Launch D3OДЄs soon as you climb aboard the GIANT Trance, the bike just wants to march forward. Helmet Specialized Ambush | Glasses Smith Wildcat | Jersey Fox Ranger | Shorts ION Scrub Amp Technical climbs are exactly what the Trance 29 likes, offering lots of grip and control Size The seat tube angle is rather slack at 74.5В°, which is why we slid the saddle forwards before we even took the bike out for a test ride. For a 29er, the chainstays are relatively short at 435 mm. The short 110 mm head tube and the associated low stack are typical of GIANT, which is why we recommend adding a few spacers under the stem.

It has a well-chosen head angle of 66.5В° and a bottom bracket drop of 35 mm. The bike is neither too long nor too short. GIANT have done a lot of things right with the geometry of the Trance 29. Those who often ride in wet conditions should switch to a softer rubber compound, but only when the stock tires have worn down. GIANT specced a MAXXIS Minion DHF/DHR2 tire combination with a relatively hard rubber compound.

If you often tackle steep climbs or generally like to sit a little more upright, we recommend pushing the saddle forwards.

Giant stp 1 specs