$1700
30.1 pounds
4 inches of rear wheel travel
Giant, (800) 874-4268
Full test: September 2007 (Click here to order this issue)

Highlights: The Trance 2 uses Giant's Maestro rear suspension, which has turned out to be the company's most successful dual-suspension platform (if not in unit sales, at least in its effectiveness). It is compact, low, works great on a number of levels and is out of sight. Literally. Can the 2 possibly ride in the same league as the 0?

Best quote: "Best results are found by spinning your way up to speed while firmly planted in the saddle. The suspension settles into its travel and lets you put the power down. No lockout necessary."

Bottom line: The Trance 2 lands on the aggressive side of trail riding. While it motors right along, you never forget you are on a bike that is begging to take to the air, plow the center of a rock garden or chew up a quarter mile of rooty trail. The Trance 2 pilot can ride with the confidence that this bike should last long enough for the owner to get tired of it. That is going to be a very long time.