Great build quality, and the price for what you get is quite good. A bike that will last some time before you wear it out. My bike is the 2009 version but here is very little difference between the years as far as I can see. How light do you need the bike to be, as far as I can see it, it's the build quality and reliability that counts in a more up market bike. :)

The Trance X1 2011 (and subsequent 26" models) are a fantastic choice where one bike must do it all, while not the fastest, or lightest or plushest it is a great compromise towards all these things making it a bike you can race XC or do some super-D or just hit the trails. It is extremely tough with a great standard spec typical of the Giant "big bang For your buck" reputation.