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Admittedly: So far, e-road bikes have been an absolute niche. But what if we were to look at these lightweight tarmac speedsters differently? With e-bike goggles, a somewhat heavy racer becomes a sports bike weighing less than 15 kilos that is particularly easy to pedal above 25 km/h. So we gave the Giant a chance and upgraded it with mudguards and lights from the manufacturer's accessories to make it suitable for everyday use.
Giant Defy E+ 2: Info and equipment
- Price: 6618,80 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 14.38 kilograms (including mounted accessories, MYBIKE measurement)
- Motor: Giant Syncdrive Move Plus, 400 Wh
- Gear system: Sram Rival AXS (12-speed)
- Translation: 46/33; 10 - 36 Z
- Brakes: Sram Rival AXS HRD (two-piston)
- Tyres: Giant Gavia Fondo 0, 32 mm
- Lighting system f. / h.: Giant E HL50, 50 Lux / Giant integrated
- Frame sizes: S, M, ML, L, XL
- Frame shapes: Diamond
- Fork: Giant, carbon
- Permissible total weight: 130 kg
- Warranty: Lifetime on the frame
- Special features: stated price includes optional accessories (lights, mudguards)
Motor and battery in the Giant Defy E+
Giant relies on an in-house motor in the rear wheel hub for its e-racer. The Syndrive Move Plus is said to weigh just 1.7 kilograms and provide particularly natural support. Together with the 400 watt-hour battery permanently integrated in the down tube, this results in a weight of around 4 kilograms for the e-system. The range is said to be up to 150 kilometres. The motor is operated via a minimalist LED display in the top tube. Further settings can be made via the Giant app, such as customising the characteristics of the support modes to suit personal preferences.
Precision and driving pleasure
The first surprise: in terms of handling, the Giant Defy E+ really rides like a road bike. It makes precise turns through tight corners and gives you a lot of feeling for the front wheel. The typical, quiet whizzing of the racing tyres is a pleasure. The elegantly crafted full carbon frame is remarkably comfortable even on rough surfaces. The riding position is rather relaxed for a road bike. If you want even more comfort, you can fit tyres up to 38 millimetres wide. One thing is clear, however: beyond 25 km/h, a classic road bike without a motor accelerates even more directly.
The Giant Defy E+ really comes into its own on hilly terrain. Here, the motor gently pushes the rider up even steep climbs and thus takes away the extreme load peaks on the ascent. The motor provides very powerful support, especially in the upper stages. However, you should not allow yourself too much assistance if you have a lot of metres to climb, otherwise the range will be greatly reduced. Even on flatter terrain, however, we believe that 100 kilometres is more realistic than the stated 150 kilometres.
The electronic Sram Rival groupset impresses with crisp gear changes and can be easily operated in any grip position thanks to the mounted blips. On a road bike, the already powerful Eco mode of the rear motor is completely sufficient. For more range, we would prefer to significantly reduce the support of the various levels. This can be done via the in-house app. It's a shame that the motor audibly switches on and off when commuting at around 25 km/h. Otherwise, the e-road bike experience would be even more rounded.
Giant Defy E+: strengths and weaknesses
Strengths
- Great driving experience
- Low weight for an e-bike
- High-quality equipment
Weaknesses
- Limited area of application
- Motor partly too loud
MYBIKE conclusion Giant Defy E+
The target group for the e-road bike remains small. Athletes can easily pedal above 25 km/h, and the motor can only really come into its own on climbs. Viewed in isolation, the elegant Giant Defy E+ still does its job well and can be a light and particularly fun alternative to classic e-bikes. - Adrian Kaether, Test Manager MYBIKE
Adrian Kaether
Editor
