Giant Trance X Advanced E+ 1 vs Trek Fuel EXe 9.7
Comparison 2026 — E-Mountain Bikes
Our verdict
The Trek Fuel EXe 9.7 (€6499) and Giant Trance X Advanced E+ 1 (€5999) are both premium e-MTBs but represent two visions of the future. Trek's TQ HPR50 motor is a revolution: just 1.8 kg and 50 Nm — invisible in the frame with a ride experience as close to an analog MTB as technology allows. The Fuel EXe weighs 19 kg total, lighter than many non-electric enduro bikes. Giant chooses the traditional power-station approach: 85 Nm SyncDrive Pro2, 800Wh battery and 24 kg — more than enough power for the steepest Vaalserberg climbs and range for full Veluwe days.
On Dutch trails the difference depends on use pattern. For 30-50 km Veluwe singletrack rides focused on riding technique: Trek wins — the bike feels more natural, your sporty skills come out more. For 60-100 km Limburg hill days with consistent climbing: Giant wins on pure range (800Wh delivers 80-120 km Eco) and power (85 Nm on 12%+ grades).
Our recommendation: for most Dutch e-MTB riders the Giant Trance X Advanced E+ 1 is the more practical choice — more range, more power, €500 less. For experienced MTBers who want to preserve analog feel and prioritise weight: Trek Fuel EXe 9.7. Both are premium class leaders, neither a wrong choice.
Giant Trance X Advanced E+ 1
4% higher than its rival
Giant Trance X Advanced E+ 1
The Giant Trance X Advanced E+ 1 offers 800Wh range and 85 Nm power for €500 less — the more practical pick for long Limburg hill days.
Specifications
| Specification | Giant Trance X Advanced E+ 1 | Trek Fuel EXe 9.7 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €5999.00+8% | €6499.00 |
| Rating | ★4.6 (120) | ★4.7 (78) |
| Overall | 87/100 | 90/100+3% |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Motor | Giant SyncDrive Pro2 (85 Nm) | TQ HPR50 (50 Nm, 1.8 kg)+2400% |
| Battery | 800 Wh EnergyPak Smart+60% | 500 Wh |
| Range | 80-120 km Eco | — |
| Drivetrain | Shimano XT 12-speed | SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed |
| Top speed | — | 25 km/h (NL legaal) |
| Suspension & wheels | ||
| Front travel | Fox 36 Performance Elite, 140 mm | Fox 36 Float, 140 mm |
| Rear travel | Fox Float X Performance, 150 mm+7% | Fox Float DPS, 140 mm |
| Wheel size | 29" | 29" |
| Weight | 24 kg | 19 kg+26% |
Pros and cons
Giant Trance X Advanced E+ 1
Pros
- 800Wh battery — 80-120 km range in Eco mode
- SyncDrive Pro2 (85 Nm Yamaha-based) for steep climbs
- Carbon frame with Maestro suspension platform
- Local Giant dealer network for service
Cons
- At 24 kg one of the heaviest bikes in its class
- No lightweight feel like the Trek Fuel EXe
Trek Fuel EXe 9.7
Pros
- TQ HPR50 motor — 1.8 kg, smallest motor in its class
- 19 kg total — lighter than many analog MTBs
- Fox 36 fork + Fox Float DPS shock — premium suspension
- Trek's Knock Block headset protection
Cons
- €6499 — most expensive in this comparison
- TQ 50 Nm less than Bosch CX 85 Nm on steepest climbs