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?
“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 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.
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
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 8.0 | CENTURION 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 Hybrid | SCOTT E-Genius 720 Plus | Specialized Turbo Levo FSR 6FATTIE | Trek Powerfly 8 FS
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