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First impressions: Giant Trance Advanced E+ Elite makes lighweight eMTBs exciting

First impressions: Giant Trance Advanced E+ Elite makes lighweight eMTBs exciting

When Giant invited us to the desert to try a new eMTB, they didn’t say what to exactly expect. The press camp coincided with the launch of several new lightweight eMTB last fall, though, so we were expecting some kind of response from Giant. I’m not sure anyone was expecting what the new Trance Advanced E+ Elite delivers, though.

With a full powered motor capable of delivering 85Nm of torque and a low, 18.8-kg weight (Size medium) that is competitive with the lightest eMTB trail bikes available right now, the Trance E+ Elite is a different, and exciting take on the lightweight electric mountain bike category.

After riding the top-end Trance E+ Elite 0 on Utah’s Slickrock, we’re impressed with the direction Giant’s taking eMTB. The new approach does come with some trade-offs, of course.

Climbing the Trance X E+ Elite is a breeze, with easy line changes and all the power you could need. Photo: Sterling Lorence

What’s the big idea? Giant Trance X Advanced E+ Elite

Giant’s goal with the bike is to take the compromise out of lightweight eMTB category. Or, at least, change the balance. Giant is claiming this is the world’s lightest full-power eMTB. Most other eMTB rely on a smaller motor drawing energy at a lower rate, allowing a lighter overall weight but also a lower max torque. Giant’s SyncDrive Pro still delivers up to 85Nm of torque, on par with the most powerful eMTBs out there, but at a much lighter weight.

How? With a lighter motor and the first eMTB-specific battery, which Giant developed with Panasonic. The 400Wh battery weighs just 2.3kg. The carbon fibre frame also helps here.

Why? So that it actually feels like the Trance X trail bike it’s modeled off of. Most eMTB are way too heavy to be fun on mellower or rolling trails. The Trance X E+ Elite is light enough that it is exciting to ride. To keep that lively feel and quick cornering, Giant moves to a 27.5″ rear wheel with the 29″ front so that it can get shorter, 447mm chainstays. All of this rides on 140-mm of Maestro rear suspension with a 150-mm Fox 36 fork.

Giant Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 0

We had the chance to ride the top-of-the-line Trace X Advanced E+ Elite 0 for a weekend in Utah. Like the long name, there is whole lot to take in with this bike. Giant integrates a Fox Live Valve system into the Elite 0 (and Elite 1) frame, saving weight and allowing it to be powered by the main battery. The SyncDrive Pro motor is powered by Giant’s new EnergyPak Smart 400…

Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Canadian Cycling Magazine…