2023 Giant Trance X 29 1 Mountain Bike

Built around a tough ALUXX SL aluminum frame, the Giant Trance X 29 1 (2022) is an all-mountain trail bike with 135mm of rear travel and a 150mm fork up front. That extra fork travel gives it a descending-focused attitude while the Maestro suspension platform keeps pedaling honest, so it climbs to the top and charges back down. The result is a planted, capable ride for riders who like their trails on the rowdier side.

Why we like it:

The FOX 36 Float Performance fork is a serious piece of kit at this price, delivering the stiffness and small-bump control usually reserved for pricier builds.

Who it's for:

It suits trail riders who tackle steep, technical descents and long backcountry loops, and who want one bike that handles everything from mellow singletrack to genuinely aggressive terrain.

Highlights:

The ALUXX SL aluminum frame runs 135mm of Maestro-linkage rear travel, matched to a FOX 36 Float Performance 150mm fork and a FOX Float DPS Performance 135mm shock. Shifting comes from a wide-range Shimano SLX M7100 12-speed drivetrain, and Shimano MT520 four-piston hydraulic disc brakes handle stopping with plenty of power for steep terrain. The 29-inch wheels roll fast and hold momentum over roots and rocks.

Things to consider:

The 150mm fork gives this bike a descending-focused attitude for its class, but it is not a full enduro sled. The very steepest terrain and repeated big hits are better handled by a longer-travel bike.