In response to its key rivals Specialized and Trek, the world’s largest bike manufacturer has entered the lightweight e-mountain bike market with the release of the all-new Trance x Advanced E+ Elite and Liv Intrigue Advanced E+ Elite models. Unlike its competitors, however, Giant has cleaved weight out of its system differently, keeping the assistance on offer in line with traditional e-mountain bikes and optimising the battery instead. The Trance X Elite and its Intrigue X Elite counterpart also share many other additions and features, so read on for all you need to know.
The Lightest*
Giant and its women's specific counterpart Liv, claim that the all-new Trance X Elite and Intrigue X Elite are the lightest dual-suspension e-mountain bikes the company has ever created. Thanks largely to the all-new EnergyPak battery system, the industry titan claims the new model is a full 4 kilograms lighter than its predecessor, which is said to transform its ride characteristics out on the trail.
Also assisting in the weight department is Advanced Grade composite frame, while an all-new contact SLR Trail integrated one-piece handlebar/stem also features. The new cockpit is said to tip the scales at a meagre 255 grams and can be adjusted on the bar itself to feature a 40mm, 45mm or 50mm stem length. Being integrated, the cables from the brakes, shifters, dropper post and e-bike controls are all routed through the bar, which, while sounding like an absolute faff for shops and home mechanics, does have the benefit of a sleek and clean look.
All told, the Trance Advance X Elite is said to tip the scales at 18.8kg in a size medium.
Purpose-Built Electronics
At the heart of the Trance X Elite and Intrigue X Elite are its proprietary SyncDrive Pro drive unit and EnergyPak battery system. Co-Developed with Panasonic, the all-new EnergyPak 400 features optimised cells within the battery, allowing for a higher discharge capacity. In simple terms, this means that the battery features the same tech as its lightweight competitors but is able to run a higher-output drive unit, such as the SyncDrive Pro in use here.
The SyncDrive Pro drive unit is largely the same as its predecessor, albeit slightly more lightweight, tipping the scales at a claimed 2.8kg. The drive unit boasts an increased torque output of 85Nm while providing up to 400% of assistance to the rider. The motor itself is tunable thanks to its companion app dubbed RideControl. With the app, riders can control how aggressively the power comes on, the maximum amount of torque on offer, display settings as well as perform system checks to ensure the drive system is running at its efficient best.
Mullets and Flip Chips
A flip chip located on the Maestro rear suspension linkage allows riders to adjust frame geometry to suit their riding terrain. The high position is recommended for slower, tighter, more technical terrain. It offers a steeper head angle for quick handling and a steeper seat tube angle to put the rider in a more aggressive climbing position. The low position is ideal for faster, more flowing terrain. It adjusts to a slacker head angle and places the front wheel farther out in front of the rider for more confidence on steeper terrain. The low position also lowers the centre of gravity, making the bike feel more stable at higher speeds.
Rolling stock is also optimised for rowdy terrain, with a 29” wheel up the business end of the bike and a 27.5” hoop at the rear. The mullet set-up provides a balance between rollover ability and nimble handling and is sure to inject a little fun on the descents.
On the suspension front, both the Trance X Elite and Intrigue X Elite make use of 150mm of travel at the fork, while 140mm is also on offer at the frame. Top flight models in the range score Fox’s set and forget LiveValve technology at both ends, while E+ Elite 2 and 3 models score e-MTB optimised suspension packages.
Models and Availability
At the time of publishing, both the Trance X Elite and Intrigue X Elite are landing in limited numbers across the entire model lineup. Contact your nearest bike store for local availability.
Trance X Advanced Elite Model Range
- Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 0: $18,999 RRP
Advanced Composite frame, Fox 36 Factory Live Valve 150mm fork, Fox Float Factory Live Valve 140mm shock, Giant SyncDrive Pro 2 drive unit, EnergyPak 400 battery, SRAM XX1/X01 Eagle AXS 12-speed groupset, Zipp 3MOTO 29”(F)/27.5”(R) wheelset with Quarq TyreWiz, Maxxis Dissector (F)/Maxxis Rekon (R) 2.4” tubeless tyres.
- Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 1: $14,499 RRP
Advanced Composite frame, Fox 36 Performance Elite Live Valve 150mm fork, Fox Float Performance Elite Live Valve 140mm shock, Giant SyncDrive Pro 2 drive unit, EnergyPak 400 battery, SRAM GX Eagle AXS 12-speed groupset, Giant TRX 29”(F)/27.5”(R) wheelset, Maxxis Minion DHF (F)/Maxxis Dissector (R) 2.5”/2.4” tubeless tyres.
- Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 2: $9,499 RRP
Advanced Composite frame, Fox 36 Performance 150mm fork, Fox Float Performance 140mm shock, Giant SyncDrive Pro 2 drive unit, EnergyPak 400 battery, Shimano SLX 12-speed groupset, Giant AM 29”(F)/27.5”(R) wheelset, Maxxis Minion DHF (F)/Maxxis Dissector (R) 2.5”/2.4” tubeless tyres.
- Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 3: $8,799 RRP
Advanced Composite frame, Fox 36 Performance 150mm fork, Fox Float Performance 140mm shock, Giant SyncDrive Pro 2 drive unit, EnergyPak 400 battery, Shimano Deore 12-speed groupset, Giant AM 29”(F)/27.5”(R) wheelset, Maxxis Minion DHF (F)/Maxxis Dissector (R) 2.5”/2.4” tubeless tyres.
Intrigue Advanced X Elite Model Range
- Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite 1: $14,499 RRP
Advanced Composite frame, Fox 36 Performance Elite Live Valve 150mm fork, Fox Float Performance Elite Live Valve 140mm shock, Giant SyncDrive Pro 2 drive unit, EnergyPak 400 battery, SRAM GX Eagle AXS 12-speed groupset, Giant TRX 29”(F)/27.5”(R) wheelset, Maxxis Minion DHF (F)/Maxxis Dissector (R) 2.5”/2.4” tubeless tyres.
- Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite 2: $9,499 RRP
Advanced Composite frame, Fox 36 Performance 150mm fork, Fox Float Performance 140mm shock, Giant SyncDrive Pro 2 drive unit, EnergyPak 400 battery, Shimano SLX 12-speed groupset, Giant AM 29”(F)/27.5”(R) wheelset, Maxxis Minion DHF (F)/Maxxis Dissector (R) 2.5”/2.4” tubeless tyres.
- Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite 3: $8,799 RRP
Advanced Composite frame, Fox 36 Performance 150mm fork, Fox Float Performance 140mm shock, Giant SyncDrive Pro 2 drive unit, EnergyPak 400 battery, Shimano Deore 12-speed groupset, Giant AM 29”(F)/27.5”(R) wheelset, Maxxis Minion DHF (F)/Maxxis Dissector (R) 2.5”/2.4” tubeless tyres.
Pricing and specification correct at time of publishing. Specifications subject to change.
With new models hitting showroom floors around the country, right now is a great time to score a deal on a previous model year e-mountain bike. Check out our huge range on offer from top brands and leading retailers right here at BikeExchange.
