The world’s best-selling bicycle brand launches its top-tier mountain bike model, featuring more power and electronics than any other in its lineup

Giant is the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer—not only under its own brand but also as a supplier to others. Gradually, it has developed a range of electric bicycles known for their extremely high quality of construction. To further reinforce its brand strength, it also releases components manufactured by itself.

The new Trance Advanced E+ is a testament to this: its motor is developed by Giant itself, and although it was designed in collaboration with Yamaha, it features unique characteristics. For this model, the SyncDrive Pro 4 is introduced, offering 48V and up to 850 W of power with 120 Nm of torque. According to Giant, the most notable feature is that this torque is available from 0 rpm, meaning right from the first pedal stroke.

Electronics Taking Over

It seems to be what brands are striving for, and Giant is no exception: electronics are enabling the creation of increasingly sophisticated electric bikes, with this new Trance Advanced E+ featuring them everywhere.

The SyncDrive Pro 4 motor comes equipped with a new sensor (or system) called the Synchronized Power Matrix, which monitors torque, cadence, speed, slope, power, and acceleration in real time. "These six parameters feed into a system adjusted with six precision settings: torque, power (with assistance from 0 to 500 %), flow mode, acceleration, response capacity, and retention," Giant states in its press release.

As mentioned, what stands out is the responsiveness of this engine: according to the manufacturer, torque is available from 0 rpm, meaning it takes only 0.28 seconds to respond. And all this in an ultra-compact format, as it weighs just 2.4 kg—the lightest weight for a ‘full power’ engine to date (the previous record was held by the Mahle M40 at 2.5 kg).

There are six power delivery modes (Eco, Tour, Active, Sport, Power, and Boost), with customizable profiles available through the Giant App. As a new feature, the updated engine includes traction control, which is ideal for those challenging climbs where grip is crucial.

The (removable) battery in the Trance Advanced E+ is the 840 Wh EnergyPak Smart, weighing only 3.7 kg and capable of up to 2,300 charge cycles. It can be supplemented by the 280 Wh EnergyPak Plus range extender.

Another notable electronic gadget is AEGIS, a system that controls various interesting functions: for example, the AEGIS E-Lock, an electronic lock that disables motor assistance and digitally secures the bike via an app, remote control, or PIN. If the bike is moved without authorization, an alarm sounds immediately.

And then there’s the AEGIS Tire Checker, which allows us to monitor the desired tire pressures for both the front and rear wheels, displaying live updates that alert us immediately if they reach the set limits or drop rapidly. On top of the upper tube of the frame is the RideControl Go Lux display, which is color-based and shows a great deal of information (engine data, driving stats, safety system details, navigation, etc.).

New RideControl Ergo5 Controller

This handlebar is also designed to function as a button for an electronic gear shift, specifically a TRP E.A.S.I., and can be positioned on the right side (in that case, two units would be needed). The issue is that bicycles with electronic gear shifts in our country only come equipped with SRAM systems, keeping the button from that American brand.

Focused on All-Mountain

We would say that all-mountain is the ultimate ‘off-road’ category, and with the Trance Advanced E+ arriving, we’re convinced once again: it features a well-crafted carbon fiber frame with more than sufficient travel (160 mm front and 150 mm rear), to which a ‘mullet’ wheel set has been added. Given its focus, we would have preferred both wheels to be 29''.

Two features that make the Trance Advanced E+ a truly special bike: first, it has the floating Maestro suspension system, a signature feature that we’re glad they decided to include in this model. With it, the 150 mm of travel can be utilized more effectively.

Second, the system itself includes a flip-chip with up to three positions, giving us many options to customize the bike’s geometry. For example, we can adjust the head tube angle from 64.9º to 64.1º, passing through 64.5º. Although Giant doesn’t like to specify weights, it does state that the lightest version, the Trance Advanced E+0, weighs a compact 21.9 kg.

Three models in our country

On other countries’ websites, we see a fourth model that the brand has decided not to import to Spain. However, we believe the three models available already cater to a large number of users at prices competitive with those of competitors. The price range starts at 9,999 euros for the most expensive model (Trance Advanced E+0), goes down to 5,999 euros for the cheapest (E+2), with the intermediate model (E+1) priced at 7,999 euros. For more information: GIANT Trance Advanced E+

Giant Trance Advanced E+2 (5,999 euros)

Fork: T700 carbon fiber // Motor: SyncDrive Pro4 (850W / 120 Nm) // Battery: EnergyPak Smart 840 // Transmission: Shimano Deore 12s // Brakes: TRP Evo Comp // Fork: RockShox Psylo Gold RC 160 mm // Suspension: RockShox Deluxe Select 150 mm // Wheels: Giant TRA HD 30 mm // Handlebars: Giant Contact TR35 alloy 800 mm // Stem: Giant Contact Switch AT

Giant Trance Advanced E+1 (7,999 euros)

Fork: T700 carbon fiber // Motor: SyncDrive Pro4 (850W / 120 Nm) // Battery: EnergyPak Smart 840 // Transmission: SRAM GX AXS // Brakes: TRP Evo Expert // Fork: Fox 36 Performance 160 mm // Suspension: Fox Float X Performance 150 mm // Wheels: Giant TRA HD 30 mm // Handlebars: Giant Contact SL Trail integrated carbon 800 mm // Stem: Giant Contact Switch E+

Giant Trance Advanced E+0 (9,999 euros)

Fork: T700 carbon fiber // Motor: SyncDrive Pro4 (850W / 120 Nm) // Battery: EnergyPak Smart 840 // Transmission: SRAM X0 AXS // Brakes: TRP Evo Expert // Fork: Fox 36 Factory GripX 160 mm // Suspension: Fox Float X Factory 150 mm // Wheels: Giant TRX HD Carbon 30 mm // Handlebars: Giant Contact SL Trail integrated carbon 800 mm // Stem: Giant Contact Switch E+

Liv Intrigue Advanced E+

Alongside the launch of the Trance Advanced E+, Giant has introduced the women’s version sold under the Liv brand. It’s great news that this was announced at the same time, so as not to downplay a trend that deserves attention: more and more women are riding mountain bikes.

The bike in question is the Intrigue Advanced E+, a model developed based on the Trance Advanced E+, though there are some differences: an XS size is added and an L size is removed. Additionally, certain dimensions have been adjusted, such as the wheelbase or reach, which are slightly more compact on the Intrigue compared to the Trance. Still, the carbon frame retains the three-position flip-chip suspension system, along with the same suspension travel of 160/150 mm.

The power unit is also the SyncDrive Pro4 Smart with 850 W and 120 Nm of torque. However, the battery is the less powerful EnergyPak Smart 560X with 560 Wh. Like on the Giant models, a 280 Wh range extender is available as an option, though only on the most basic version, as it comes standard on the other two.

The new Intrigue Advanced E+ also comes in three versions, with components and prices matching those of the Giant models: Intrigue Advanced E+0 (9,999 euros) and Intrigue E+1 (7,999 euros) have the same price (the smaller battery has been replaced by a standard range extender), while Intrigue Advanced E+2 (5,799 euros) is cheaper. More information available at: LIV Intrigue E+