Here's my video on the 2021 Giant Trance. A capable 29er trail based ebike with the Yamaha PWX2 motor.
2021 Giant Trance X E+ review
- Thread starter Rob Rides EMTB
- Start date
Here's my video on the 2021 Giant Trance. A capable 29er trail based ebike with the Yamaha PWX2 motor.
I assume that the 2021 software is the same as the 2020 bikes.
I agree with you about the auto mode, it seems to give too much power when you dont need it, and not enough when you do.
A big part of that is probably me not using the gears correctly / how the bike expects me to.
I've also learnt that it likes a higher cadence, rather letting me be lazy in higher gears.
I agree with you about the auto mode, it seems to give too much power when you dont need it, and not enough when you do.
A big part of that is probably me not using the gears correctly / how the bike expects me to.
I've also learnt that it likes a higher cadence, rather letting me be lazy in higher gears.
Rob,
Great review.
I'd like a Carbon version weighing 4 or 5 pounds less.
Did the motor feel any different than the Hiabike you reviewed a few months ago?
Sounds like the shifting was good.
I vote for you testing a new Ydx-Moro next
And a Kindernay too please. Lol.
Thanks for great videos.
Great review.
I'd like a Carbon version weighing 4 or 5 pounds less.
Did the motor feel any different than the Hiabike you reviewed a few months ago?
Sounds like the shifting was good.
I vote for you testing a new Ydx-Moro next
And a Kindernay too please. Lol.
Thanks for great videos.
Honestly didn't notice too much difference between this and the Haibike, other than it having a far neater bar control (I don't like the big Haibike display). I was hoping the Smart Assist might be a bit better, but it felt a bit less natural than what I was expecting.Rob,
Great review.
I'd like a Carbon version weighing 4 or 5 pounds less.
Did the motor feel any different than the Hiabike you reviewed a few months ago?
Sounds like the shifting was good.
I vote for you testing a new Ydx-Moro next
And a Kindernay too please. Lol.
Thanks for great videos.
I like the 80Nm power in the lower modes (the Haibike ONLY allows it in Extra Power mode), so I appreciated having the full 80Nm on tap on steep climbs even when in mode 3 or 4.
They (Yamaha) need to sort out the pedal twitchiness in modes 4 and 5. I totally get the benefits of the instant torque, but other motors manage almost identical instant on performance without the twitchiness...
Last edited:
Rob, there is no doubt you are correct.
Is "80nm power in lower modes" a Giant syncdrive spec? I cant find it in the brochures.
I took a few of the stats from a Giant Product & Training Manager, here's a verbatim part of quote of some detail I was sent
"We are the only brand that can source just the motor from them and pair it with our battery of choice and importantly our own firmware. One significant difference between this and the Yamaha version is we don’t restrict the torque, 80Nm in all modes not just the top one."
Thanks, I know I've heard this before, but for the life of me couldn't find it.I took a few of the stats from a Giant Product & Training Manager, here's a verbatim part of quote of some detail I was sent
"We are the only brand that can source just the motor from them and pair it with our battery of choice and importantly our own firmware. One significant difference between this and the Yamaha version is we don’t restrict the torque, 80Nm in all modes not just the top one."
The surging when not moving,
but with pressure on the peddles,
never bothered me. But, I've read enough from folks who dont like it, to agree, it's a problem.
I've always thought this twitch was a Giant syncdrive thing... I guess I learned two things today.
What do you think about this bike as mullet?
Once my warranty replacement wheel arrives (my trance19 OEM hub stripped the freehub threads after 4K), I will install it on the TranX, and measure the difference, between running a mullet in high mode, and a 29er in low mode.
For me, It's not so much about handling, as it is about spare parts and tires. I've already got the parts laying around, and an almost ridiculous collection of 27.5 tires, tubes and liners that need to be used.
Last edited:
I have not tried running in low mode yet, probably will not either as I get quite a few rock and log rolls that strike the motor.
I am actually going to up the fork to 160 with an air shaft and leave the bike on high. This should then closely match the geometry of the standard bike on low, and hopefully help clear more log and rock rolls.
My trails can be tight and twisty and the added agility of high mode seems to suit these trails better.
How do you rate the Trance against the Rail Rob? Or anyone else who has ridden both out there.
Both are on my shortlist.
I think it is marginally yes owing to the longer Chainstay. But AllMTN more of an all rounder.
Yamaha was always a great motor. But his centered pedal axis don’t allow some geo and suspension schemes.
I think it is not about Yamaha motor.. see f.e. Haibike or even hardtail Fathom. IMHO the limit is Maestro suspension. Lower short link connected to bottom point of rear shock forced to set the engine angle at almost horizontal...
