Trance X Advanced E+ Elite

Introduced for the 2023 model year, the Giant Trance X Advanced E+ Elite represents a distinct approach to the e-mountain bike category. Rather than pairing a low-torque motor with a small battery to save weight, Giant combined a full-power 85Nm SyncDrive Pro 2 drive unit with a compact 400Wh EnergyPak battery. The result is a lightweight chassis—weighing roughly 19 to 20 kilograms depending on the build—that delivers the aggressive assist of a heavyweight e-MTB.

Built around a carbon frame with 140mm of Maestro rear suspension and a 150mm fork, the platform is designed for trail riders who want robust motor support without the cumbersome handling typical of high-capacity electric bikes. The generation is defined by its slim downtube silhouette, a dedicated mixed-wheel setup, and integrated top-tube controls, positioning it as an agile, highly maneuverable option for riders prioritizing dynamic trail feel over maximum outright range.

Build

Size

Stack	612.14mm
Reach	457.2mm
Top tube	607.06mm
Headtube length	99.06mm
Standover height	734.06mm
Seat tube length	424.18mm

Fit and geometry

The geometry of the Trance X Advanced E+ Elite is heavily influenced by its dedicated mixed-wheel configuration. By utilizing a 27.5-inch rear wheel, Giant shortened the chainstays to 447mm across all sizes—nearly 30mm shorter than the standard dual-29er Trance X E+. This compact rear center is the primary driver of the bike’s quick cornering and easy front-end lift.

A flip-chip in the Maestro linkage offers two geometry positions. In the preferred low setting, the head tube angle sits at a moderate 65.8 degrees with a 76-degree seat tube angle. While steeper than some aggressive trail bikes, reviewers note this head angle was intentionally chosen to keep the steering responsive at lower speeds and counteract the understeer common to motorized bikes. The cockpit features a relatively roomy reach paired with a straight seat tube that accommodates long-travel dropper posts. Higher-end models utilize a proprietary one-piece carbon bar and stem, which offers adjustable roll and reach via shims, though it limits aftermarket customization compared to a traditional two-piece setup.

Builds

The Trance X Advanced E+ Elite lineup is built entirely around the same carbon front triangle, 400Wh battery, and 85Nm SyncDrive Pro 2 motor, meaning the core power and chassis remain consistent across the range. The primary differences lie in the suspension technology, wheel materials, and drivetrain tiers.

The flagship Elite 0 and Elite 1 models feature Fox Live Valve electronic suspension, which automatically adjusts damping based on terrain sensors. While some riders appreciate how this system maintains dynamic ride height on climbs, others found it intrusive and difficult to tune. The Elite 0 also includes ultra-premium components like Zipp 3Zero Moto carbon wheels and SRAM AXS wireless shifting, pushing it to a price point reviewers found difficult to justify.

Consequently, testers frequently point to the mid-range Elite 2 as the standout value. It skips the polarizing electronic suspension in favor of a standard Fox Performance fork and shock, pairs them with reliable Shimano SLX components, and uses robust alloy wheels. Across all builds, reviewers consistently noted that the stock lightweight Maxxis EXO tires are under-gunned for a 20-kilogram e-MTB, suggesting an immediate upgrade to heavier casings for aggressive riding.

Standard

Price TBD

Reviews

Reviewers consistently highlight the Trance X Advanced E+ Elite for its agile, highly active trail manners, noting a stark departure from the muted, plow-like sensation of traditional full-power e-MTBs. Testers found the reduced system weight and shorter rear end translated to exceptional maneuverability, with one reviewer calling it a "barrel-load of laughs to ride" (Flow Mountain Bike) and another noting it is the "easiest to bunnyhop" e-bike they had tested (Bebikes). On ascents, the 85Nm motor provides massive punch for a bike of this weight, allowing it to scale steep, technical gradients with unusual speed.

However, this lively character comes with distinct tradeoffs. The bike is widely viewed as an "all-round trail ripper rather than an enduro smasher" (Flow Mountain Bike), requiring an active rider to navigate rough, high-speed descents rather than simply smashing through them. Chassis stiffness was also a point of contention on the top-tier build; the combination of a single-sided rear triangle brace and compliant carbon wheels resulted in a "squiggly ride" (PinkBike) under heavy lateral loads. Additionally, multiple testers found the adaptive Smart Assist motor mode unpredictable, preferring to manually tune the torque output via the RideControl app to preserve battery life and smooth out the power delivery.