The 2022 Giant Trance X E+ was first rolled out at the tail-end of 2021, though only in a full-carbon ‘Advanced’ version to begin with. Equipped with Fox Live Valve suspension, an integrated display and the latest generation motor, the new models are no doubt very high tech, but they’re also at the premium end of the market with sticker prices beyond $10K. Looking to expand the range while lowering the price of entry, Giant has just unveiled an updated alloy variant to join the Trance X E+ range for 2022.
Giant Trance X E+ Overview
Based on the non-motorised Trance X platform, the Giant Trance X E+ is a full suspension e-MTB that’s designed for all-round trail riding and backcountry exploring. Its geometry is less aggressive compared to the Reign E+ enduro bike, and it also has less travel.
The Trance X E+ is equipped with a 150mm fork and 140mm of rear travel via the Maestro suspension design. It rolls on 29in wheels and is spec’d with chunky 2.6in tyres front and rear.
The new alloy frame follows the carbon model closely, with the same geometry and overall frame shape, albeit one that has been built from Giant’s hydroformed ALUXX-SL alloy instead of carbon.
There’s a bigger battery option
For 2022 the Giant Trance X E+ incorporates the new SyncDrive Pro motor that’s built by Yamaha and engineered in partnership with Giant.
Compared to the previous 2021 Giant Trance X E+ we tested a while back, the new motor is considerably smaller and lighter, offering greater ground clearance and the opportunity to build a much more streamlined bike. Of course the new motor is more powerful than its predecessor, dishing out up to 85Nm of torque.
Unlike the carbon variants that are limited to a 625Wh battery, the new alloy Trance X E+ is available with up to a 750Wh battery. This option was first available in the latest Giant Reign E+, and the bigger battery has now been incorporated into the Trance X E+ as well.
Giant has also updated the alloy Trance X E+ with the new RideControl GO display, which integrates neatly into the top tube. This provides riders with a live reading of the battery status and chosen assist mode, while a discreet controller next to the left hand grip is used to switch between modes. It affords a clean cockpit setup, with no need for an additional screen.
Geometry mirrors the carbon model
There are no drastic changes to the geometry on the Giant Trance X E+, which follows on from the carbon model we’ve been testing and promises capable, but fairly neutral handling.
In the default ‘Low’ geometry position, you’ve got a 65.8° head angle, a 76° seat tube angle and a 30mm BB drop. As with many of Giant’s latest full suspension bikes, there’s a flip chip in its rocker link that allows you to select the ‘High’ geometry position, which steepens the angles and lifts the BB by a generous 10mm.
One number that continues to stand out on the Trance X E+ is its rear centre length, which is very long at 473mm. As we’ve found, it is less playful and whippy compared to other e-MTBs with shorter back ends (like the Canyon Spectral:ON and Merida eOne-Sixty). However, it is also a very grounded and stable bike at speed, and the long back end makes it an absolute monster on technical climbs. Horses for courses and all that.
Giant Trance X E+ price & specs
There will be two Giant Trance X E+ models coming into Australia for 2022, and we understand they’ll be available through Giant dealerships at the time of launch.
Pricing kicks off at $7,699 AUD for the Trance X E+ 3, which features the updated SyncDrive Pro motor paired to a 625Wh battery. It gets RockShox suspension, a Shimano Deore drivetrain and 4-piston brakes.
The Trance X E+ 1 will sell for $9,299 AUD, and upgrades to the bigger 750Wh battery along with Fox suspension, a Shimano SLX/XT drivetrain and XT brakes. We expect that’ll be a very popular option.
If you’re keen to know more about how the Trance X E+ rides, check out our first impressions of the 2022 carbon model, and our in-depth review of the 2021 alloy model.
2022 Giant Trance X E+ 1
- Frame | ALUXX SL Alloy, Maestro Suspension Design, 140mm Travel
- Fork | Fox 36, Performance Series, GRIP Damper, 44mm Offset, 150mm Travel
- Shock | Fox Float X, Performance Series, 185×52.5mm
- Motor | Giant SyncDrive Pro, 85Nm
- Battery | Giant EnergyPak Smart 750Wh
- Wheels | Shimano MT410 Hubs & Giant AM Alloy Rims, 30mm Inner Rim Width
- Tyres | Maxxis Assegai 3C MaxxTerra EXO 2.6in Front & Dissector EXO+ 3C MaxxTerra 2.6in Rear
- Drivetrain | Shimano XT 1×12 w/Praxis Alloy 36T Crankset & SLX 10-51T Cassette
- Brakes | Shimano Deore XT 4-Piston w/220mm Front & 203mm Rear Rotors
- Handlebar | Giant Contact 35 Trail, Alloy, 780mm Width
- Stem | Giant Contact SL 35, Length: 40mm (S-M), 50mm (L-XL)
- Seatpost | Giant Contact Switch Dropper, Travel: 125mm (S), 150mm (M), 170mm (L-XL)
- Saddle | Giant Romero Trail
- RRP | $9,299 AUD
2022 Giant Trance X E+ 3
- Frame | ALUXX SL Alloy, Maestro Suspension Design, 140mm Travel
- Fork | RockShox 35 Gold RL, Motion Control Damper, 44mm Offset, 150mm Travel
- Shock | RockShox Deluxe R, 185×52.5mm
- Motor | Giant SyncDrive Pro, 85Nm
- Battery | Giant EnergyPak Smart 625Wh
- Wheels | Shimano MT410 Hubs & Giant AM Alloy Rims, 30mm Inner Rim Width
- Tyres | Maxxis Assegai EXO 2.6in Front & Dissector EXO 2.6in Rear
- Drivetrain | Shimano Deore 1×12 w/Praxis Alloy 36T Crankset & Deore 10-51T Cassette
- Brakes | Shimano M420 4-Piston w/203mm Rotors
- Handlebar | Giant Contact 35 Trail, Alloy, 780mm Width
- Stem | Giant Contact SL 35, Length: 40mm (S-M), 50mm (L-XL)
- Seatpost | Giant Contact Switch Dropper, Travel: 125mm (S), 150mm (M), 170mm (L-XL)
- Saddle | Giant Romero Trail
- RRP | $7,699 AUD
