There’s little denying the booming popularity of assisted riding as e-bikes continue to rank as the fastest growing category of bikes globally. Taking full advantage of the increased interest, the world's largest bicycle manufacturer, Giant, has unveiled a host of new e-bike options for 2019, catering to all riders.
So regardless of whether you’re looking for a more efficient commute, a little extra assistance at tackling a hilly route with your fitter riding mates, or simply looking to explore a vast trail network with ease, the Giant 2019 E-Bike range has you covered. Join us as we take a look at the full range of assisted riding options on offer for the coming year.
- Related Reading: Ultimate E-Bike Buyers Guide
E-MTB
Doubling in size from two, to four models, the Australian range of powered up mountain bikes looks to cater to riders of all abilities. From full-on, full-suspension enduro machines to hardtails equally at home on city streets as they are on a fast flowing trails, there are options a-plenty.
Trance SX E+ Pro
Sitting as the burliest and most gravity-focused e-MTB option in the 2019 range, the Trance SX E+ is positioned as a high-end 27.5” full-suspension bike that blurs the lines between enduro and trail riding. Outfitted with a Fox 36 Factory fork offering up 160mm of travel and a Fox DHX2 Factory coil sprung rear shock offering 140mm of suspension out back, the Trance SX E+ simply offers a hard-hitting suspension package when compared to the new Trance E+ Pro. A SRAM X01 Eagle 12-speed groupset and SRAM Code R disc brakes prove the analog features alone are impressive before you consider the electronics on board.
Assistance comes courtesy of a collaboration with Yamaha in the form of its SyncDrive Pro drive unit, which is now tunable, allowing riders to adjust assistance modes to suit their riding style and providing up to 360% of assistance and 80nM of torque. This is paired with a downtube mounted 500Wh battery system and Giant’s all-new RideControl ONE display which offers up navigation as well as health and fitness tracking.
The frame is manufactured from Giant’s own ALUXX SL aluminium, the AM tubeless wheelset is also an in-house affair and is wrapped in Maxxis Minion 2.6” wide rubber front and rear.
- Trance SX E+ Pro: RRP AU$8,299
Trance E+ Pro
Available in three different builds, the Trance E+ Pro range is positioned as Giant’s e-MTB do-it-all trail offerings, with the whole range scoring 150mm of travel up front and 140mm at the rear, dropper seat posts, SyncDrive Pro drive units, 500Wh integrated battery systems and the new RideControl ONE display.
Replacing the Full E+ Pro that we reviewed late last year, Shimano provides its top-tier option with a new XTR 12-Speed groupset, with Fox providing the 36 Factory fork and DPX2 Factory suspension. Further down the hierarchy, the Trance E+ 1 features Fox Performance suspension matched with a SRAM GX Eagle groupset, whilst the entry-level Trance E+ 3 scores Shimano SLX shifting, and a Suntour Aion fork.
Australian models and pricing are as follows;
Trance E+ 0 Pro: RRP AU$8,999
Trance E+ 1 Pro: RRP AU$6,999
Trance E+ 3 Pro: RRP AU$5,999
Fathom E+
Serving as the hardtail option in the e-MTB range, the Fathom E+ Pro and Fathom E+ are perfectly suited to rough roads, paths and fast flowing single track. In what's a unique benefit to e-bikes, this is one mountain bike that could easily double its duty as a daily commuter.
Sitting atop the range is the Fathom E+ Pro which is powered by the same SyncDrive Pro drive unit found elsewhere in the e-MTB range. It boasts 120mm of travel up front and is outfitted with a 10-speed Deore XT groupset. The standard Fathom E+ is powered by the slightly less powerful SyncDrive Sport drive unit and makes use of a more simplistic build kit in order to hit its modest price point.
Fathom E+ 2 Pro: RRP AU$4,799
Fathom E+ 3: RRP AU$3,299
X-Road
Best described as an electric hybrid, the Giant Explore E+ e-bike is designed for bumpy backroads, city streets and tame off-road trails. Sitting as the standalone option in the 2019 Australian range, the Explore E+ provides riders with a versatile and comfortable bike, well-suited to most of the terrain that commuters, leisure riders and trekkers are likely to traverse.
Yamaha once again provides the drive system in the form of its SyncDrive Sport motor, paired to a Giant EnergyPak 500Wh battery. Much like the e-MTB range detailed above, the SyncDrive is tunable, meaning riders can adjust the responsiveness of the drive unit based on their riding style or preference, providing assistance up to 350% of rider power output.
The rest of the specification is well suited to ulitity or touring use. Mudguards, front and rear lights, and racks are fitted as standard as are durable alloy wheels wrapped in 45c wide tubeless gravel tyres.
- Explore E+ 2: RRP AU$3,499
On Road
The range of Giant on road e-bikes swells from one offering in 2018 to three for 2019. Covering all riding preferences from fast and agile fitness riding, relaxed city riding and rugged urban adventures, see below for a brief overview of each model.
Fastroad E+ 2
Designed for fitness riding and spirited commuting ventures, the Fastroad E+ is the lightest and most nimble e-bike in Giant's 2019 line-up. With a geometry that places riders in a more sporty position, mirroring that of its traditional Fastroad flat bar road bikes, and a smaller 400Wh battery, it’s clear the focus of this bike is on shorter, faster commutes, rather than all-day epics.
Specification wise, the Fastroad makes use of a tunable Yamaha SyncDrive Sport drive unit, 400Wh Giant EnergyPak battery, a 10-speed Shimano Tiagra groupset and powerful hydraulic disc brakes.
- Fastroad E+ 2: RRP AU$3,699
Quick E+
The only model in the 2019 line-up to carry over from 2018, the Quick E+ benefits from a price-cut and sports a specification list that places it well and truly amongst other electric super commuters on the market.
Designed with urban commuting and city riding in mind, the Quick E+ features a more upright position than the Fastroad E+ and has an impressive specification list that rivals its European competition. Powered by a tunable Yamaha SyncDrive Sport drive system combined with a 500Wh battery, the Quick E+ has more than enough performance to feel zippy, with the energy reserves to take riders in excess of 100 kilometres on a single charge.
Racks, fenders and lights are included as standard, as is a bottom-bracket mounted kickstand. Shifting comes courtesy of Shimano in the form of its capable mountain bike 10-speed Deore groupset, paired with a wide range 11-36t cassette outback. Large 180mm hydraulic disc brake rotors provide the stopping power whereas e-bike specific 27.5” wheels wrapped in 2.35” wide tubeless tyres ensure that this is one ride capable of dealing with whatever the urban landscape throws at it.
- Quick E+: RRP AU$3,799
Lafree E+
Sitting as the most affordable option in the Giant e-bike range, the Lafree is designed as a modern city bike, built for everyday use and commuting duties. Complete with a gender-neutral and somewhat beach-cruiser-inspired step-through frame, the emphasis on comfort over performance is clear. Front and rear mudguards, a sleek royal blue colour scheme and modest componentry round out the package.
The Lafree is powered by a SyncDrive Life drive unit which is claimed to run quieter than its more powerful SyncDrive Sport and Pro equipped stablemates, whilst a rack-mounted 400Wh battery provides the power. Shifting is courtesy of an 8-speed Shimano Altus groupset and Tektro provides the hydraulic disc brakes.
- Lafree E+ 2: RRP AU$2,799
New to the world of e-bikes? Check out our Ultimate E-bike Buyers Guide for all you need to know.
