Not even a year after presenting their brand new Full-E+0 Pro, Giant are already introducing an update: the new SyncDrive Pro-motor, based on the Yamaha PW-X. Does more power mean more fun?

Giant Full-E+0
Giant Full-E+0 Pro | Yamaha | 22.21 kg | € 4,999

“Wow, it only cost € 4,999?”. That’s what some of our test riders asked when comparing the Full-E+0 Pro against the other bikes in the test. The answer is, yes! Giant have managed to deliver an exceptional package for this price, including FOX Factory suspension and a complete Shimano XT group-set. Power is supplied by a new SyncDrive Pro motor, which is based on the new Yamaha PW-X System, but utilizes a different software. The main idea of this software is to coordinate and distribute the power between the five different support levels; it’s worth mentioning that the power output in the higher modes has smaller steps than the lower modes (Active 250 %, Sport 300 %, Power 360 %).

“The Maestro suspension is awesome, paired with the FOX 34 it will effortlessly suck up even the bigger knocks.”
Giant Full-E+0 Giant Full-E+0
[emaillocker id=”16517″]

The Giant Full-E+0 Pro is a masterpiece of comfort. Once you sit on it, you won’t want to get off. The short frame (the top tube measures 610 mm on an L size) offers an upright sitting position. On climbs we can clearly feel (and hear!) the powerful motor pushing hard through the cranks, even when riding at a low cadence. Power is transmitted directly and without noticeable delays, a minimal contact with the cranks fires up the powerful motor. This comes in handy at the bottom of a climb, but can become an irritating issue when actually just trying to stay still; it will take some time to get used to. On steep climbs the slack 73° seat-angle makes us feel like we’re pedalling slightly from the back and as a consequence the front wheel will try to lift off ever so lightly. When it comes to really steep, technical climbs, the Giant reaches its limits, a shame, because the motor’s characteristics would be perfectly adequate for this type of scenario. The Maestro suspension is awesome, paired with the FOX 34 it will effortlessly suck up even the bigger knocks. On descents the handling feels well balanced and predictable. The rear Schwalbe Rocket Ron tire could do with a lot more grip and traction, the Nobby Nic on the front would have been the better choice for both wheels.

Giant Full-E+0
Helmet Smith Forefront | Jersey Race Face Stage LS Jersey | Backpack ION RAMPERT 8 | Shorts Race Face Podium Shorts

The Giant Full-E+0 Pro in detail

Fork FOX 34 Float Factory 140 mm
Rear shock FOX Float DPS Factory 140 mm
Motor / Battery Giant SyncDrive Pro / 500 Wh
Brakes Shimano Deore XT
Drivetrain Shimano XT
Seatpost Giant Contact SL
Stem Giant Contact 60 mm
Handlebar Giant Contact 780 mm
Tires Schwalbe Nobby Nic / Rocket Ron
Wheels Giant GE35 Disc

Giant Full-E+0
Integrated
The Giant relies on a battery developed in collaboration with Panasonic. The battery fits nicely in the down tube and thanks to its compact design, a spare battery can easily be carried in a backpack.
Giant Full-E+0
Bad ergonomics
Giant promotes their new, smartly integrated remote lever. In reality this actually really feels out of reach, considerately limiting its use. A different solution would have been more practical.
Giant Full-E+0
Over the limit
The Schwalbe Rocket Ron struggles to reach the bike’s potential, with very little grip and poor puncture resistance. A Nobby Nic with Apex sidewalls would have been the better choice in this case.
Giant Full-E+0
Buttery
The Maestro-suspension system on the Full-E+0 Pro is incredibly sensitive and soaks up even the smallest bumps. The Trunnion-Mount-system allows Giant to change the leverage ratio, which makes it possible to reduce the pressure in the shock, improving its lifetime.
[/emaillocker]
Geometry
Giant Full-E+0 Pro

Conclusion

The Giant Full-E+0 may be the perfect bike for all of those who are looking for a comfortable yet powerful E-Mountainbike. Its mighty SyncDrive Pro-Motor pulls off like a bull, yet the display-integration could have done with a bit more attention as well as some small details in the spec.

Strengths

– Very comfortable
– Powerful motor
– Superb rear-end

Weaknesses

– Slack seat angle, not a climbing machine
– Rear tire lacks grip
– Design (Proportions)

For more Information head to: giant-bicycles.com

For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: 11 E-MTBs under € 5,000 in Comparison

All bikes in test: Bergamont E-Trailster 8.0CENTURION No Pogo E2000 27+FOCUS JAM² 29 | Haibike SDURO AllMtn 7.0 | KTM MACINA Kapoho LT 273 | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 800 | NOX Bike EDT 5.1 HybridSCOTT E-Genius 720 Plus | Specialized Turbo Levo FSR 6FATTIE | Trek Powerfly 8 FS


Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of E-MOUNTAINBIKE, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.

Words & Photos: