2019 Giant vs 2020 models

[Bear]

Hi All,

I'm looking at getting my first Emtb. In my size (Large) I've been looking at several 2019 models and of course the new ones. Is there much different and is it worth it to either get last years slightly cheaper or are the improvements worth paying the extra?

2019 Trance e+0 $7999 AUD
2019 Trance e+1 $6299 AUD
2020 Trance e+1 $6699 AUD
2020 Reign e+1 $7829 AUD

I'm a strong rider touring,roady, and commuting but haven't done Mountain Biking since the 1980's lol
I'm 53 180cms and 105kilos (Fat Clydesdale). Looking to bang around local tracks and maybe commute through roads, spillways and back trails. The 2020 e+0 are just not justifiable in my head

Thoughts
Bear

 

[The Flying Dutchman]

Buy the 2020!

Why:

1. New hub design (2019 were problematic)
2. Plugin design, less prone to falling off
3. Speed sensor now tidying integrated
4. Resale value
5. Better tyres on the 2020 E+

The 2019 was a great bike but had a few issues which the 2020 doesn't

Happy riding!

 

[ThePete]

2020 Trance E1 no doubt.

 

[RobNevyn]

I have the 2019 E+1 and it is a great bike, if I was in your position I would definitely go the 2020 model, if I understand correctly I believe they have also added an extra assist mode to the ridecontrol one controller for auto mode which the 2019 does not have.

 

[The Flying Dutchman]

The people have spoken....you shall purchase a 2020 model

 

[Softsand]

I toyed with buying a 2019 but ended up getting a great deal on a 2020. Glad I did because I use the Auto mode 99% of the time - and that’s a 2020 feature only. I also liked being able to hook up a computer using the existing sensors (ANT+) which I also understand was a new model thing as well. You should be able to negotiate a bit more on those prices too...

 

[Life's short live it]

I just changed from a 2019 Trance E+1 to a 2020 Reign E+1. I did so mainly for the extra suspension travel as I'm more DH orientated. As mentioned the 2020 has the extra ride mode, which is basically a self adjusting power mode which is great. For me though, the reduction in noise is the big winner. It's significantly quiter. I haven't ridden a 2020 Trance though, so don't know if they're any quieter.

I'd go the 2020

 

[andykent]

Just as a thought, the 2019 trance 0 does not suffer from a hub problem the same as the cheaper models as it has a Dt swiss hybrid hub.

And with regards to the 20 model having better tyres, a decent shop will swap out tyres to suit your needs.

However as a 2019 trance 0 owner i would buy the a 20 model as it has the updated yamaha motor with Emtb mode (auto), ANT+ connectivity (useful if you use a garmin as you can have your battery level displayed on your garmin) and the option to upgrade to a 625w battery.

If you are not buying it as a shuttle bike for DH i would buy the reign over the trance every time. The trance is more than capable downhill but will be better for commuting.

 

[Bear]

If you are not buying it as a shuttle bike for DH i would buy the reign over the trance every time. The trance is more than capable downhill but will be better for commuting.

I'm confused by this comment.. Are you saying that the Reign is better suited as a general purpose Mountain / Trail bike in your opinion? Thank you

 

[andykent]

Sorry i meant the other way round, the trance is the all rounder...

 

[Bear]

Sorry i meant the other way round, the trance is the all rounder...

that’s what I thought you meant

 

[Bear]

Does the Reign and Trance both have the availability to upgrade to the bigger battery when it comes out?

 

[HikerDave]

I toyed with buying a 2019 but ended up getting a great deal on a 2020. Glad I did because I use the Auto mode 99% of the time - and that’s a 2020 feature only. I also liked being able to hook up a computer using the existing sensors (ANT+) which I also understand was a new model thing as well. You should be able to negotiate a bit more on those prices too...

In addition to adding acceleration sensors and creating auto mode, Yamaha improved the torque curve at higher RPM on both PW-X and PW-SE models. So 2020 is going to be lots better than 2019. It’s not that a 2019 is bad; just that 2020 is better.

 

[DrStupid]

In addition to adding acceleration sensors and creating auto mode, Yamaha improved the torque curve at higher RPM on both PW-X and PW-SE models. So 2020 is going to be lots better than 2019. It’s not that a 2019 is bad; just that 2020 is better.

I will go on record and say -imo- the torque on the 2019 Trance, at higher cadence, is bad. I have two bikes with shimano 8000's to compare, and while climbing the trance is still the winner, for all other riding the shimano's accelerate better at higher cadence. This is all subjectively seat of the pants, and my pants are very muddy of late.

 

[Pdoz]

I will go on record and say -imo- the torque on the 2019 Trance, at higher cadence, is bad. I have two bikes with shimano 8000's to compare, and while climbing the trance is still the winner, for all other riding the shimano's accelerate better at higher cadence. This is all subjectively seat of the pants, and my pants are very muddy of late.

Try putting two similar riders next to each other on those bikes - the seat of your pants are shit at measuring skid marks