Meanwhile, the “light e-mtb” category features a number of e-mountain bikes combining a relatively low weight with a somewhat reduced torque. They tend in a direction that was also called “minimal assist bike” a few years ago. So far, Giant has not appeared in either of the two categories mentioned. Now the manufacturer is speaking out with its very own interpretation of this type of ebike.
Strength lies in calmness
You probably know this from your everyday life, for example in fashion, electronics or cooking – new trends keep popping up. And before you jump on one, it is sometimes worthwhile to observe the whole development calmly first. This is exactly what Giant has done. While other brands were fighting for the title of ultimate trendsetter, the company says it analysed and evaluated the competition extensively. With the conclusion that with the competitors, fewer kilograms usually go hand in hand with less torque. Those who can cut this correlation stand out from the crowd. Above all, however, a convincing sales argument suddenly emerges vis-à-vis the target group.
In this light, Giant’s approach to its new Trance X Advanced E+ Elite seems as simple as it is obvious. Try to stay on par with the competition in terms of weight and outperform them with better motor power. At the moment, Giant has succeeded in this. With a total weight of about 19 kilograms, the extension of the Trance X Advanced family can rightly call itself a lightweight e-mtb. For this, however, the installed SyncDrive Pro2 motor generates a maximum torque of 85 Newton metres. This corresponds to an advantage of 25 Newton metres or more over comparable drives such as the Fazua Ride 60 on the Haibike Lyke, the TQ HPR50 on the Trek Fuel EXe, the Shimano EP8 RS on the Orbea Rise or the Mahle-made Specialized SL 1.1 on the Specialized Turbo Levo SL.
Maximum power – and a knack
So, what does Giant solve differently than large parts of the competition? Well, not much. They prefer to accept a few grams and stay true to their top motor in return. The SyncDrive Pro2 runs constantly through all three models of the Trance X Advanced E+ Elite. However, even Giant can’t avoid a little trick. In order to cap the energy consumption of the ebike somewhat, the manufacturer limits default the motor power. Depending on the support level, the torque is between 20 Newton metres and 70 Newton metres. If you want to use the maximum of 85 Newton metres, you have to explicitly set this in the RideControl app afterwards. Once this is done, however, the range is likely to decrease in comparison to the previous state.
In the course of weight optimisation, it was also decided to install the battery firmly in the down tube. Charging therefore only works via the charging socket near the bottom bracket. In everyday use, this may not be to everyone’s taste. However, it is one of the most effective measures if you want to make an ebike as light as possible. The integrated EnergyPak Smart 400 has around 360 watt hours of capacity. Due to its small dimensions, the frame is significantly slimmer than the one on the Trance X Advanced E+. With the help of the optionally available EnergyPak Plus 200, you can increase the capacity by 200 watt hours. This means you can break the 100 kilometre mark with a single battery charge, even on tours with a lot of altitude.
The third major factor in the reduction of weight is the extensive use of carbon. Both the main frame and the rear triangle are made of the extremely light and at the same time enormously stable material. The Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 0 and the Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 1 also feature a carbon handlebar-stem unit and a carbon wheelset. The bottom line is a total weight of just under 19 kilograms for the top model. This is four kilograms less than the current Trance X Advanced E+ 1.
Welcome to the family
Giant has deliberately refrained from introducing a new name. The Trance X Advanced E+ Elite joins the phalanx of Trance X Advanced E+ models. Nevertheless, certain differences are unmistakable. The most noticeable is probably the use of different sized wheels. The manufacturer relies on the proven combination of 29 inch front and 27.5 inch rear. As a result, the chainstay of the Elite models is shortened by an average of around 25 millimetres. At the same time, the bottom bracket is lowered by 20 millimetres. All adjustments are aimed at an even sportier riding characteristic that should suit people with pronounced riding skills. Likewise, agile, lively and with a low centre of gravity that provides sufficient balance for moments when both wheels have lost contact with the ground.
Apart from that, you will find features on the ebike that are deeply anchored in the Giant DNA. These include the Maestro rear triangle with the Flip Chip system for changing the frame geometry. Depending on the settings, you optimise the frame more for riding in slower, narrower and more technically demanding terrain or for fast, open terrain where a low position gives you more confidence at higher speeds.
In any terrain, the fork and shock electronically controlled via the Fox Live Valve can be an advantage. Thanks to its acceleration and tilt sensors, the suspension system regulates the compression for fork and damper independently of each other within milliseconds. This way, you generally get the most out of the 150 millimetres of fork travel and the 140 millimetres of shock travel. Together with the Sram electronic shifting, there is plenty of digital support on board. Only the entry-level model, the Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 2, does not provide this.
Ready for Eagle Transmission
An interesting fact at the end. All frames of the Trance X Advanced E+ Elite feature a Sram UDH derailleur hanger. To our knowledge, these are the first ebikes from Giant to which this applies. That means they are the first candidates for an upgrade with the brand new Eagle Transmission groupset. However, you might want to follow Giant’s lead, observe this trend first and see what exactly comes of it. Perhaps you need to fill your wallet first. With prices ranging from 6,799 euros to 12,999 euros, Giant’s new product is definitely among the elite.
Giant Trance X Advanced E+ Elite for the 2023 season at a glance
- Variants: Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 0, Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 1, Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 2
- Motor: SyncDrive Pro2
- Battery: EnergyPak Smart 400
- Control unit: RideControl Ergo 3
- Display: RideControl Go
- Suspension fork: Fox 36 Factory Live Valve, Fox 36 Performance Elite Live Valve, Fox 36 Performance
- Drivetrain: Sram XO1 Eagle AXS, Sram GX Eagle AXS, Shimano SLX M7100 Shadow+
- Brakes: Sram Code RSC, Sram Code R, Shimano SLX BR-M7120
- Maximum permitted total weight: 156 kg
Giant Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 0
Giant Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 2
Pictures: Giant Deutschland GmbH
