When Giant recently launched their latest range, this was the bike that stole a lot of people’s attention. With its mighty 500 watt hour battery fully integrated into the frame, the Trance E+ certainly looks the goods!
The Trance E+ range are powered by Yamaha’s brand new SyncDrive Pro motor which delivers 80Nm of torque. It also features an aluminium ALUXX SL frame which utilizes a Maestro suspension design putting out 140mm of rear travel. The Trance E+ Pro is offered in 3 different spec levels all featuring a 150mm travel fork up front, and there’s also a slightly burlier ‘SX’ version of the bike available which packs a 160mm fork. All models rolled on 27.5” wheels with meaty 2.6” wide tyres.
Giant spent a lot of time working with Yamaha to develop the new SyncDrive Pro motor. The unit gives the rider up to 360 percent assistance (within the 250W limit), and as mentioned earlier, it offers up to 80Nm of torque. The system features 3 different power modes. This power is provided to the cranks fully up to 120rpm in the three higher power modes, while it’s provided up to 110rpm in the two lower modes. Giant has created extra narrow cranks for the Trance E+ models in cooperation with Praxis Works, to reduce the Q factor. The distance between your feet on the pedals should be the same as on regular mountain bikes despite the motor.
By integrating the battery into the frame Giant have not only greatly increased the overall aesthetics of the new, bike they’ve also increased the ride performance and handling as the bulk of the weight is now positioned much lower (compared to mounting the battery high up on the downtube in the middle of the bike). You’ll also notice the bottom of the downtube on the new bike now features a protective cover which helps to shield it from trail debris and snake bites! Haha. Oh yeah, and you can also mount a full size water bottle on the bike. Talking of sizes, both Trance E+ versions are available in 3 frame sizes; small, medium and large.
We’re glad to see that Giant has opted against featuring a big bulky display screen on the their new e-trail bike. What you will find however, is the slick looking new RideControl ONE remote. It’s a compact remote control that allows you to select your desired riding mode with the push of a button. LEDs provide information on the support level of the motor and the charge level of the battery.
In terms of appearance, quite clearly the Trance E+ frame draws upon much of its non-motorized counterpart. Geometry wise both models appear to be right on the money. A size large Trance E+ has a reach of 460mm, a 66.5-degree head angle, 74-degree seat tube angle, 469.5mm chainstays and a total wheelbase of 1231mm. Whilst the extra front travel of the SX model means the bike’s reach comes in at 452mm, whist its headangle slackens by half a degree to 66-degree head angle, the seat tube sits at 73.5-degrees, the chainstays remain at 469.5mm and the wheelbase pushes out to 1233mm.
We’re planning on bringing you a comprehensive review of the new Giant shortly, so stay tuned!