Giant Trance X Advanced E+ Elite V2 Review

Giant combines a small 400-Wh battery with full power from the motor. Does this combination result in a lot of riding fun thanks to its low weight, or is the range ultimately the killer for the concept?

The Trance X Advanced E+ Elite V2 is powered by the new Giant Sync Drive Pro 2 MG motor. This motor weighs only 2.6 kg and offers a maximum torque of 85 Nm. It is based on Yamaha’s PW-XM motor but has been equipped by Giant with proprietary sensors and custom controls. The bike doesn’t come with a display from the factory. The switch for changing the support level is super discreet and has a pleasant feel.

The motor responds to every small movement on the pedal, resulting in a very sporty, sometimes even rowdy riding experience. Especially on steep climbs or fast trail sections, one might wish for a bit more finesse here and there. Motors like the Bosch CX Gen 5 have this finesse and also offer a bit more power in the field. Because even if the torque is nominally the same, the Yamaha motor noticeably lacks the power of the full power options from Bosch, Shimano, or Specialized.

The TransX Advanced E+ Elite V2 features a firmly integrated 400-Wh battery in the down tube. The battery can be expanded to 600 Wh with an optional Range Extender. Thanks to the compact, fixed battery, the bike’s weight remains at 19.9 kilos without pedals – a good score for a full-power bike with 85 Nm of torque. However, the weight is no longer unmatched today.

Quick note: The Orbea Rise review , the Cannondale Moterra SL review , and the Amflow PL Carbon review with DJI Motor are even factory-equipped with a 600 Wh battery and also hit the 20-kilo weight mark. With a Range Extender, you can boost the Orbea to 840 Wh battery capacity. The competition has caught up here.

All of the listed bikes are weight-optimized. Therefore, the manufacturers forego the option of making the battery removable from the down tube. This saves almost half a kilo in the frame construction and is the basis for such low weights.

In terms of performance, the Yamaha motor delivers slightly less power compared to the Bosch CX or Shimano EP801 motors, but it still averages around 450 watts. This makes it significantly more powerful than the TQ HPR 50 Light motor, which only provides a peak output of 300 watts. Fazua’s Ride 60 also only hits 450 watts at absolute peak loads. The Bosch SX motor is slightly better positioned, reaching similar values at high cadence.

It’s clear that a small battery and a lot of motor power don’t lead to peak range values. We’ve taken this seriously and drained the battery with power meter pedals and a system weight of 100 kilos.

In full assist mode, you can conquer a good 1000 vertical meters with this setup. That’s not earth-shattering. Anyone planning long tours in the Alps will hit a limit here. For a quick after-work ride at home, that’s not a problem. However, for most riders, there likely won’t be any way around an additional range extender.

Even in a lower assist setting, the range can be increased. For 2000 vertical meters with this bike, however, even with the range extender, you’ll have to demand quite a lot from your own muscles.

The Trans X Advanced E+ Elite V2 is equipped with a Fox Factory suspension. With only 150 mm of travel at the front and 140 mm at the rear, the bike remains on the sporty side. It wants to be guided precisely on technical trails. The Giant is not a couch to sit on and roll down the trail. However, the progressive rear end should appeal to ambitious bikers. It supports an active riding style.

The bike’s geometry aligns with a sporty approach. With a slack head angle and a long reach, Giant stays on trend here. Even when it gets fast, the Giant remains stable. We had fun with the bike on the rough trails of Finale Ligure, but we also found that with 150 mm of travel in the fork, it’s not a downhill beast. For regular use on such tough trails or even in the bike park, the suspension has too few reserves. Additionally, the engine rattle downhill was a bit bothersome.

The test model is equipped with an electronic Sram Eagle Transmission Test . Especially when shifting under full load, it plays its trump card compared to other drivetrains. Thanks to the derailleur hanger-free technology, they work very well.

Overall, it must be said that for €6999, the setup with carbon rims, factory suspension, and electronic shifting is really impressive. Other brands like Orbea would already want a five-figure amount for that.

The Sram Code R brakes offer sufficient power, but they’re not an anchor. Giant cleverly hides this with large rotors. The Maxxis tires could use a bit more puncture protection in tough conditions, but they fit well with their EXO casing to the tight 150 mm of travel in the fork.

The nomenclature of Giant is somewhat confusing. There’s the Trance with and without the X, with the model suffix Advanced, and also without a motor. So, if you’re looking for these models, make sure to look closely at the dealer to ensure it’s the model you want. Our test bike is currently available with other setups at extremely good prices. The frame, motor, and battery remain the same. Currently, it’s the hour of the bargain hunters.