Review

E-Mountainbike Grouptest: Giant Full E+ 0 Review

10.09.2014
by

The youngest creation from the big Taiwanese bike manufacturer Giant is the full suspension e-mountainbike christened Full-E +0. Featuring 140 mm of front travel and 127 mm at the rear, a clever spec, and a completely new Yamaha mid-mounted motor, this 27.5” bike was one of the most anticipated machines in the test group.

Giant Full-E+0 E-Mountainbike Magazine (2 von 10)

First impressions

The components on the Full-E+ 0 test bike have been selected with great care. The suspension system is made up of a RockShox Revelation RCT3 fork and the RockShox Monarch RT3 shock. Both allow the rider to adjust compression damping in three steps to match the terrain. The package is rounded off with a high quality SRAM X0 drivetrain, powerful Magura MT4 brakes, and Giant‘s own house-brand components like the Contact Switch dropper post which can be lowered 75mm using the bar-mounted remote lever.

Giant Full-E+0 E-Mountainbike Magazine (4 von 10)


The Giant costs 3.699 EUR in the best equipped version.


Specification

Even standing still, the Yamaha SyncDriveC motor is clearly different to the frequently fitted Bosch units, with a big chainring and an additional chain guide. With 250 W continuous and up to 600 W of peak power output, the basic parameters sound like a fun guarantee! Out riding, the motor is just as good, even though it has just three levels (Eco, Normal, Sport) – it offers plenty of power, great delivery and outstanding drive in every trail situation. In direct comparison to Bosch system it is our clear favorite!

Giant Full-E+0 E-Mountainbike Magazine (3 von 10)

Handling

The rider takes a central position on the bike and instantly feels integrated.
On climbs, thanks to the powerful motor, the Giant turns out to be an outstanding
performer. The gear ratios are well chosen, allowing relaxed and efficient climbing.

For downhills we found the 75mm adjustment range of the dropper post insufficient — we‘d like to see 125 mm. Apart from this, the bike shone with great handling. Even though the front and rear travel differs by 13mm, the fork and shock harmonize well, both suspension elements giving their full travel freely without diving excessively or feeling undefined. The rider is always aware of what is happening on the ground without having to fear for nasty surprises. The bike mastered every trail situation, from „tree slalom“ to high speed, with bravura. Only the tires felt under-dimensioned for the hard riding style that the bike enabled; we‘d prefer a Schwalbe Hans Dampf!

Defined. The high-end SRAM X0 drivetrain is quick and precise at changing into every gear.
Defined. The high-end SRAM X0 drivetrain is quick and precise at changing into every gear.
Adjustment range. The Giant Contact Switch seatpost has great function and a nice frame-integrated actuation, but the available adjustment range of 75 mm is clearly too small.
Adjustment range. The Giant Contact Switch seatpost has great function and a nice frame-integrated actuation, but the available adjustment range of 75 mm is clearly too small.
Dirt catcher. The rear shock of the Giant Full-E is well protected from dirt and rocks by the split seat tube.
Dirt catcher. The rear shock of the Giant Full-E is well protected from dirt and rocks by the split seat tube.
Command central. The sleek, removable display shows battery power, range, and speed as well as lots of other interesting information.
Command central. The sleek, removable display shows battery power, range, and speed as well as lots of other interesting information.
Power package. We loved the Yamaha SyncDrive-C center motor - it has high torque and an enormous amount of power which can be provided just when you need it.
Power package. We loved the Yamaha SyncDrive-C center motor – it has high torque and an enormous amount of power which can be
provided just when you need it.

Conclusion: with the Full-E Giant has a super trail bike in its line-up, which excels across the board. The balanced geometry and excellent suspension guarantee the rider pure fun! The powerful Yamaha motor is our favorite!

Go back to the article: E-Mountainbike Grouptest: Ten E-Mountainbikes

You can read an in-depth feature about the E-Mountainbike test and our conclusions in the E-Mountainbike issue #001! It’s free & only digital for iPad, Online-Viewer, as well as soon on Android: Issue #001.

Text & Photos Christoph Bayer

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