In 2012, the big news for Giant was the introduction of a 29″ wheeled Trance. In a few years though, Giant had turned their back on the big wheels while moving all of their bikes to 27.5″. However, along with a lot of the industry Giant is once again feeling the 29″ love and as a result is continuing their reintroduction of the big wheels with the all new Trance Advanced Pro 29 and Trance 29.
Trance Advanced Pro 29
Available in two frame platforms, the Trance will come in carbon form in the Trance Advanced Pro 29. Citing more than two years of product testing and development, the bike includes the latest iteration of their Maestro Suspension System built into modern 29er geometry.
The updated Maestro system includes a trunnion mounted rear shock which helped them achieve a lower shock leverage ratio. The new bike is said to have better pedaling and braking, and thanks to a new forged composite upper rocker arm, the frame boasts increased stiffness while decreasing the weight. You’ll also find the new DVO Topaz 2 rear shock with a larger negative air volume and a redesigned reservoir to make it fit better in the Giant frames.
Suspension is dialed at 115mm in the rear with 130mm up front making this a shredable trail bike that still pedals quite well.
Also following industry trends, Giant has reduced the offset of their suspension forks going wtih a 44mm offset. That’s not quite as low as Transition’s 43mm offset, but it’s still lower to improve front end stability without effecting the head angle. The overall geometry includes 435mm chainstays, a 66.5° head tube angle, 74.5° seat tube angle, and a longer reach for fun, aggressive riding.
Of course, the frames include an army of Giant’s technology buzzwords like OverDrive, PowerCore, MegaDrive, etc. Which is to say that the Trance uses a standard 1 1/2″ to 1 1/8″ tapered steerer, PF92 bottom bracket, and frame shapes to increase stiffness. Spacing is Boost 148mm, and the Advanced Composite frame includes a carbon front triangle and rear swingarm.
Starting at $4,300 for the Trance Advanced Pro 29 2, the carbon versions range up to $8,300 for the Pro 29 0 which includes custom tuned DVO suspension and a SRAM Eagle Dub drivetrain. 
Trance 29
Essentially the same bike but in ALUXX SL aluminum, the Trance 29 2 looks to be the only version we’ll get here in the states. Priced at $3,050, the build includes Fox suspension, a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain, and tubeless ready wheels and tires. The frame features the same suspension updates and 29er specific trail geometry as the Advanced Pro to ensure you’re getting the same basic ride, just without the benefits of carbon fiber.
Both bikes should be available now.
