Giant Full-E+ 2 Review

The world of E-MTBs might still be in its infancy, but the Giant Full-E+ has already become something of a classic. One of the first manufacturers to dive into the e-trend, Giant began by adding a Yamaha mid-motor to their design, and basically kick-started the market into action. But seeing as the frame hasn’t changed since then, does it still have enough performance to mix it up with today’s competition?

This bike is part of our Group Test: Four entry-level E-MTBs under € 3,499.

Giant Full-E+ 2 | Gewicht: 21,74 kg kg | Preis: 3.299€ | Federweg: 140/127mm — Giant Full-E+ 2 | Weight: 21.74 kg | Price: € 3,299 | Travel: 140/127 mm

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The battery package is the first feature you’ll notice on the Giant Full-E+, as it dominates the narrow downtube. Integration these days has a very different aesthetic, but this is the original style that emerged two years ago when the bike was first launched, and at that point integration was still a foreign concept. Back then everyone was too busy exclaiming over the power and efficiency of the Yamaha motor, with its generous 80 Nm max torque.

On our test model it dished up some impressive pace, but only once our cadence was sufficiently high. Despite the large front chainring, steep climbs are well within its capabilities, and long rides in the saddle take on a seriously enjoyable and comfortable vibe. The riding position is ultra-comfy, which is surely due to the high bar position that lends a sense of majestically steering an ocean liner as you leisurely patrol the fire roads.

The suspension, consisting of the paired SR SUNTOUR Aion LO-R fork and Epixon rear shock, works well despite the 13 mm difference in travel (140 mm at the front, 127 mm at the rear). The fork and shock are both responsive and willingly soak up even the smallest trail chatter. Once the trail gets more challenging, the Full-E+ does need a capable hand at the helm though – and the high front takes its toll. Stability and confidence are further diminished by the weak performance of the Schwalbe Nobby Nic tyres (coming here in the low price-point Performance version) and the super-high top tube.

Details

Feinfühlig: Die SR SUNTOUR Aion LO-R-Federgabel nimmt selbst kleinste Unebenheiten sehr feinfühlig auf und begeistert mit einem hohen Maß an Komfort. Aggressive Biker vermissen jedoch etwas Feedback aufgrund der zu schwachen Druckstufendämpfung. — **Responsive:** Easily soaking up trail chatter, the SR SUNTOUR Aion LO-R fork delivers a lot of comfort – but more aggressive riders might bemoan the lack of ground feedback given the weak compression damping.

Aufgesetzt: Der 409 Wh starke Akku ist komplett aufgesetzt auf dem Unterrohr platziert. Integration sieht anders aus. Er verfügt leider nicht über eine externe Ladebuchse und muss daher immer aus dem Rad entnommen werden. — **Superimposed:** The 409 Wh battery has just been deposited onto the downtube – worlds away from today’s idea of integration. Unfortunately, it has to be removed from the bike for charging, as the socket is external.

Gut geschützt: Der robuste Protektor schützt den Antrieb vor Steinschlägen und Beschädigungen beim Aufsetzen. Der Motor selbst arbeitet nahezu geräuschlos und überzeugt mit kraftvoller Leistungsentfaltung. — **Well protected:** This robust-looking protector guards the motor from any trail debris and prevents any careless damage. The motor works virtually silently and delivers a powerful performance.

Standfest: Giant verbaut serienmäßig eine 200 mm große Bremsscheibe in Front. Das erhöht die Hitzestabilität der Bremsanlage und sorgt so nicht nur für geringere Bedienkräfte, sondern erhöht auch die Fahrsicherheit auf langen Abfahrten. — **Reliable:** As standard, Giant use 200 mm disc rotors at the front, reducing heat build-up and boosting the performance on long descents.

Specifications of the Giant Full-E+ 2

Fork: SR Suntour Aion LO-R 140 mm
Shock: SR Suntour Epixon LO-R
Motor: Yamaha SyncDrive
Battery: GIANT EnergyPakF 409 Wh
Brakes: Shimano Deore
Drivetrain: Shimano XT
Seatpost:GIANT Connect
Stem: GIANT Connect 80 mm
Bar: GIANT Connect 730 mm
Tyres: Schwalbe Nobby Nic Performance
Wheels: Naben: Formula SXC / Felgen: GIANT SXC-2 Disc
Weight/Size: 21.47 kg / Size M
Price: € 3,299

Conclusion

The Giant Full-E+ 2 is a bike worthy of anyone looking for comfort – ample in both the riding position and the plush suspension. It’s the perfect riding companion if you’re heading out for hours in the saddle, but it isn’t going to satisfy the demands of more intrepid trail riders.

Strenghts:

Very comfortable riding position
Responsive suspension

Weaknesses:

Sluggish handling
Motor performance dependent on cadence

For more information visit the Giant website

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This bike is part of our Group Test: Four entry-level E-MTBs under € 3,499.

Don’t miss the other reviews of this group test: Bergamont E-Line Contrail 6.0 400 | CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 Pro | KTM MACINA Lycan 27.5 10 CX4 10S SLX

Words & Photos: Christoph Bayer

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