Hardly any new trekking e-bike has ever been talked about as little as the motor. Yet the new Giant Explore E+'s new E-System is at the centre of attention. The technology is presented on a completely redesigned Explore E+, which also looks well thought-out in the details with a high chainstay for compatibility with belts, polished weld seams and the typical Giant weight approval of 156 kilograms. Even the new pannier rack has received special attention and is said to have been extensively tested in the laboratory.
The facts about the Giant Explore E+
- Price 2999 - 5799 Euro
- Category E-Trekking
- Drive Syncdrive Pro2 or Sport2,
- Battery 625-800 Wh
- Luggage carrier MIK HD, 25 kg
- Frame sizes S, M, L, XL
- Frame shapes Diamond, trapezoid
- Permissible total weight 150 kg
- Special features Radar, tyre pressure monitoring system, theft protection via Apple find my
The E+ in the Explore: New E-generation at Giant
This is a new era for Giant. The bike giant is saying goodbye to many of its old controls. And the bikes also look like they belong to a new generation. Strikingly high-quality, non-slip controllers with clear button feedback, razor-sharp colour displays in a clean, modern look. It's hardly reminiscent of its predecessors. The motor and battery, of all things, remain untouched. Nevertheless, we have to speak of a completely new e-system.
Instead of setting new records with Newton metres and watt hours, as Bosch recently did with the 100 Nm update or also DJIGiant is taking a different approach. The user experience and added value beyond classic motor performance should take centre stage. A new smart gateway interface, hidden in the frame, provides a whole range of new functions for more comfort and safety in and beyond everyday life.
Anti-theft protection and tyre pressure monitoring
The new Giant bikes can now be tracked using Apple's "Find My" function. A practical and cost-effective theft protection feature, even if Android users are left out. The Explore also monitors the tyre pressure - tubeless or with an inner tube - and simply displays it as one of many values in the on-board computer. In the event of a spontaneous loss of pressure, the system spits out a warning. Fortunately, the user is spared separate apps for these features.
Aegis radar system
The tech highlight of the new Explore is the Aegis system on the rear carrier. A radar system that acts like a digital shield for the driver. It recognises vehicles approaching from behind and shows them as green dots on a separate bar in the display. If a car or motorbike is approaching from behind at over 100 km/h, the dot turns red. If there is a risk of danger from a particularly fast and dense overtaking manoeuvre, the display flashes red, emits a warning signal and the rear light of the bike also flashes to warn traffic from behind.
Belt or chain: the features of the Explore E+
The top models of the Explore E+ already come with tyre pressure sensors and distance radar ex works. The technology can be retrofitted to the more affordable models for €130 and €190 respectively as a plug-and-play option. On the top-of-the-range Explore E+ 0 models for € 5799, Giant also uses a low-maintenance drive belt from Gates and a continuously variable Enviolo-Automatiq drivetrain as well as powerful Shimano XT stoppers.
The slightly more affordable Explore E+ 1 for 4599 euros is also equipped with a high-quality electronic Cues eleven-speed Di2 drivetrain. As with the top model, the Syncdrive Pro2 motor is used, which is identical except for the housing with the Syncdrive Pro MG (tested here). There is also a battery with 800 watt hours, but the radar system is not on board ex works. Explore E+ 2 and 3 come for €2999 and €3999 respectively with somewhat simpler equipment and only the Sport2 motor with 75 Newton metres and 625 watt hours.
First check: How the smart Explore E+ rides
And how does it drive now? Like a classic SUV? Yes and no. Because before you can drive, you have to switch it on. Immediately after starting, the display shows the exact current tyre pressure, just like in a car. That makes an impression. The Giant also has anti-theft protection via Apple "find my" (unfortunately without Android), an engine lock with PIN and simple navigation. If the tyre pressure is too low or the bike goes flat, the system warns you at an adjustable limit.
The bike rides well on tour. Wide tyres, good ergo grips, Enviolo and Tele support offer a high level of comfort. The tread pattern of the tyres is reminiscent of fast gravel tyres - good for rolling but not ultimately grippy on rough gravel. In our opinion, however, this is the right compromise for an SUV.
Complex technology well prepared
Thanks to the well-structured menu in the on-board computer, the mobile phone can largely remain in your pocket despite the complex technology. On the road, even on rough surfaces, only the cables rattle at most and the motor remains pleasantly in the background. The improved side stand compared to previous bikes also has a positive effect here. The extensively supported luggage rack also appears stable and is said to have been extensively tested in the laboratory both with a high central load and with heavy panniers on each side.
The highlight: thanks to the radar system in the rear rack, the Giant recognises approaching vehicles and shows their distance in the form of green dots on a bar in the display. This also works extremely reliably in practice. During our first test ride, we did not notice that the radar had missed a vehicle. If danger is imminent, the radar warns the driver. The acoustic signal is then often drowned out by the roar of the car. However, the red flashing of the display can also be seen in the peripheral field of vision, and the fact that the rear light flashes brightly in such situations is also a sensible idea that will hopefully prevent some collisions.
BIKE conclusion on the Explore E+
We were impressed by the new Giant. The sharp and clearly structured displays look high-quality and are a clear step forward. The extensive feature package of the E-System is impressive. The radar in particular is a real added value that no other manufacturer on the market can currently offer in this form. The Explore E+ is also a good choice in other respects. Well thought-out details, well-rounded riding characteristics. It's really difficult to criticise. - Adrian Kaether, Editor Test & Technology
Adrian Kaether
Editor
