Bicycles: Giant Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 1 vs. VanMoof S5

Quick Verdict

The Giant Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 1 is a premium e-mountain bike designed for performance on challenging trails, offering advanced features and powerful components. The VanMoof S5, on the other hand, is a stylish and practical urban e-bike focused on ease of use and city commuting. The choice depends on the rider's intended use and budget.

The Giant Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 1 is a high-performance e-mountain bike with a powerful motor, advanced suspension, and carbon fiber frame, designed for trail riding.
The VanMoof S5 is a stylish urban e-bike with an automatic e-shifter, integrated lights, and app connectivity, suitable for city commuting.
The Giant Trance X offers a mixed wheel setup (29" front, 27.5" rear) and a 12-speed drivetrain, while the VanMoof S5 has 27.5" wheels and a 3-speed automatic e-shifter.
The Giant Trance X has optional integrated lights, while the VanMoof S5 comes with integrated lights as standard.
The Giant Trance X is significantly more expensive and lighter than the VanMoof S5.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Giant Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 1	VanMoof S5
Price	$10,000 (E+ Elite 1 model) / $5,700 - $13,000 (depending on the specific model)	Around $3,498 (USD) / £2,998 (GBP) / €3,298
Motor Power (Watts)	500W Peak Power (85Nm torque)	250W
Battery Capacity (Wh)	400Wh (expandable to 600Wh with Range Extender)	487
Frame Material	Advanced Composite (Carbon Fiber)	Aluminum
Suspension Type (Front/Rear)	Front: 150mm (Fox Factory 36 or Fox 36 Performance Elite Live Valve), Rear: 140mm Maestro Suspension (Fox Float X Factory shock)	Not specified, likely rigid
Wheel Size (inches)	Mixed - 29" front, 27.5" rear	27.5
Drivetrain (Number of Gears)	12-speed (SRAM GX Eagle AXS T-Type)	3-speed Sturmey Archer automatic e-shifter, chain driven
Brake Type	Hydraulic Disc (SRAM Code R) with 220mm front / 200mm rear rotors	Hydraulic disc brakes
Display Type	RideControl GO, frame integrated LED display. ANT+ Wireless display compatible.	LED light rings on the handlebars
Connectivity (Bluetooth, App)	Bluetooth, RideControl App	Bluetooth, Apple Find My via app
Integrated Lights	Optional - Giant Recon series e-bike lights available and direct connectable.	Yes
Weight (kg)	Around 20.6 kg (standard), or 21.8 kg with Range Extender	23
Ratings	Not available	Not available

Overall Comparison

Giant Trance X: 500W motor, 400Wh battery, 20.6kg weight, $10,000 price. VanMoof S5: 250W motor, 487Wh battery, 23kg weight, $3,498 price.

Pros and Cons

Giant Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 1

Pros:

Responsive power delivery from Yamaha-powered Giant SyncDrive Pro2 Mg drive unit
Effective on smoother, tighter climbs
Smart Assist mode uses six sensors to determine the precise amount of power needed
Impressive range with the 400Wh battery
Advanced Carbon Fiber Composite frame provides a high stiffness-to-weight ratio
Maestro suspension system offers reasonable comfort and traction
Mixed wheel setup contributes to lively feel and quick cornering
SRAM GX AXS T-Type drivetrain provides wireless, lightning-fast shifting
SRAM Code R brakes with large rotors provide plentiful power
RideControl app allows riders to customize motor performance

Cons:

On the steepest extended climbs, it may not match the power of Shimano or Bosch drive units
Rougher sections of the trail can highlight the stiffness and trail-focused geometry, potentially leading to some nervousness
Some testers found discomfort in handling through bermed corners

VanMoof S5

Pros:

Smooth and gradual power delivery
Boost button for extra torque
Stable and controlled riding experience
Smooth and quiet automatic gear changes
Ample stopping power with hydraulic disc brakes
Integrated lights enhance visibility
Mobile app for tracking, settings, unlocking, and anti-theft features
Apple Find My integration

Cons:

No suspension mentioned
S model more suitable for cruising, less maneuverable
Some users miss manual gear changes
Exact speed difficult to read on display without a smartphone
Indicators not very noticeable to other road users

User Experiences and Feedback

Giant Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 1

What Users Love

No highlights reported.

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

Yamaha-powered Giant SyncDrive Pro2 Mg drive unit delivers responsive power.
The range with the 400Wh battery is considered impressive.
The Advanced Carbon Fiber Composite frame provides a high stiffness-to-weight ratio.
The Maestro suspension system offers reasonable comfort and traction.
The mixed wheel setup contributes to lively feel and quick cornering.
SRAM GX AXS T-Type drivetrain provides wireless, lightning-fast shifting.
SRAM Code R brakes with large rotors provide plentiful power.
The RideControl app allows riders to customize motor performance.

VanMoof S5

What Users Love

Smooth and gradual power delivery
Stable and controlled riding experience
Smooth and quiet automatic gear changes
Ample stopping power with hydraulic disc brakes
Integrated lights enhance visibility
Mobile app for tracking, settings, unlocking, and anti-theft features
Apple Find My integration

Common Complaints

No suspension mentioned
S model more suitable for cruising, less maneuverable
Some users miss manual gear changes
Exact speed difficult to read on display without a smartphone
Indicators not very noticeable to other road users

Value Perception

Expect around 30 miles in full power mode and up to 87-93 miles in economy mode. Factors like terrain and riding style affect range.