Trekking e-bikeGiant presents the revised Explore E+

Sandra Schuberth

 · 11.07.2023

The models in the Giant Explore E+ series ...
Photo: Giant
Giant promises more versatility, performance and riding safety with the completely revised Explore E+ series. The target group for these trekking e-bikes is ambitious cyclists. The new Giant e-bikes also mark the debut of the Syncdrive Sport2 motor.

Motor and battery of the Giant Explore+ Pro e-bikes

The Pro versions of the Explore E+ are equipped with the new SyncDrive Pro2 motor with 85 Nm torque. The whole thing is powered by the EnergyPak Smart 800 battery. A collaboration between Giant and Panasonic has resulted in the first e-bike-specific 22700 cell type, which is used exclusively on Giant and Liv e-bikes. The service life and performance of the new e-bike battery - the is also used on Giant e-mountainbikes - should be significantly better than with other cell types (21700 and 18650). Like most e-bike batteries, 40 cells are also used in the EnergyPak Smart. The advantages of the newly developed cells include a higher discharge capacity and cooler running, which means less stress on the system and a longer service life.

The Syncdrive Pro2 motor of the Giant Explore+ Pro modelsPhoto: Andreas ViglThe Syncdrive Pro2 motor of the Giant Explore+ Pro models

The option to extend the battery is exciting for all those who can't find an end to their tours. With the so-called Range Extender, all e-trekking bikes in the Giant Explore+ series can be extended by 250 Wh. For the Pro models, this means that a total capacity of 1050 Wh is possible.

Six Smart Assist technology sensors are installed in the motor, which are used to determine the power required for the riding style and terrain. The manufacturer aims to improve ergonomics and optimise pedalling performance by reducing the Q-factor, as well as reducing the noise level of the motor.

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Motor and battery on the Giant Explore+

The versions without Pro are equipped with an EnergyPak Smart 625 Wh battery and are powered by the SyncDrive Sport2 motor with a maximum torque of 75 Nm. The SyncDrive Sport2 motor, which is described as light and compact, is being used for the first time in the Explore+ series; it incorporates many of the technologies of the Pro2 motor. For example, the Smart Assist technology also ensures smooth pedalling assistance.

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Geometry and ride comfort

But an e-bike is not just about the battery and motor. Giant has also revised the Explore E+ models in terms of geometry and riding comfort. A more upright and comfortable riding position is achieved thanks to a 100-millimetre suspension fork and revised cockpit. In addition, there are 57 millimetre wide tyres, which also increase comfort and safety, while at the same time expanding the bike's range of use. All models released so far in January are equipped with disc brakes with a diameter of up to 200 millimetres.

Child seat release and trailer mount

The wheels can take a beating. The permissible total weight is 156 kilos. Practical, because they are equipped with a MIK HD pannier rack that can carry up to 27 kilos and is also approved for child seats. A trailer mount is also integrated. The bike seems to offer a wide range of uses, from trips to the daycare centre to small adventures.

The luggage rack is approved for loads of up to 27 kilos and even for child seatsPhoto: GiantThe luggage rack is approved for loads of up to 27 kilos and even for child seats

Four models in the Explore E+ series will be on sale from January 2023

Giant Explore E+ 0 Pro

  • Motor: SyncDrive Pro2, powered by Yamaha
  • Torque: 85 Nm
  • Battery: EnergyPak Smart 800, compatible with Plus Range Extender
  • Battery size: 800 Wh, expandable to 1050 Wh
  • Display: RideDash EVO
  • Circuit: Shimano Deore XT 11-speed
  • Frame: Aluminium
  • Fork: Aluminium, SR Suntour XCR 34 Air
  • Brakes: Shimano Deore XT
  • Tyres: Crosscut Gravel 1, 700x57c (622x57) folding, tubeless ready
  • Lighting system: Giant Recon HL100, 100 lux (front light), Axa NYX with brake light function (rear light)
  • Weight:
  • Permissible total weight: 156 kilogrammes
  • Price: 4999 Euro

Giant Explore E+ 0 ProPhoto: GiantGiant Explore E+ 0 ProGiant Explore E+ 0 ProPhoto: GiantGiant Explore E+ 0 Pro

Giant Explore E+ 1 Pro

  • Motor: SyncDrive Pro2, powered by Yamaha
  • Torque: 85 Nm
  • Battery: EnergyPak Smart 800, compatible with Plus Range Extender
  • Battery size: 800 Wh, expandable to 1050 Wh
  • Display: RideDash EVO
  • Circuit: Shimano Deore 10-speed
  • Frame: Aluminium
  • Fork: Aluminium, SR Suntour XCR 34 Air
  • Brakes: Tektro HD-M745 Orion
  • Tyres: Crosscut Gravel 1, 700x57c (622x57) folding, tubeless ready
  • Lighting system: Giant Recon HL100, 100 lux (front light), Axa NYX with brake light function (rear light)
  • Weight:
  • Permissible total weight: 156 kilogrammes
  • Price: 4499 Euro
Giant Explore E+ 1 Pro GTS frame shape (Diamant)Photo: GiantGiant Explore E+ 1 Pro GTS frame shape (Diamant)
Giant Explore E+ 1 Pro STA frame shape (trapeze)Photo: GiantGiant Explore E+ 1 Pro STA frame shape (trapeze)

Giant Explore E+ 1

  • Motor: SyncDrive Sport2, powered by Yamaha
  • Torque: 75 Nm
  • Battery: EnergyPak Smart 625, compatible with Plus Range Extender
  • Battery size: 625 Wh, expandable with Plus Range Extender
  • Display: RideControl Dash 2in1
  • Circuit: Shimano Deore 10-speed
  • Frame: Aluminium
  • Fork: Aluminium, SR Suntour XCR 34 Coil
  • Brakes: Shimano Deore
  • Tyres: Crosscut Gravel 2, 700x57c (622x57) wire, tubeless ready
  • Lighting system: Giant Recon HL50, 50 lux (front light), Axa NYX with brake light function (rear light)
  • Weight:
  • Permissible total weight: 156 kilogrammes
  • Price: 3699 Euro

Giant Explore E+ 1Photo: GiantGiant Explore E+ 1Giant Explore E+ 1Photo: GiantGiant Explore E+ 1

Giant Explore E+ 2

  • Motor: SyncDrive Sport2, powered by Yamaha
  • Torque: 75 Nm
  • Battery: EnergyPak Smart 625, compatible with Plus Range Extender
  • Battery size: 625 Wh, expandable with Plus Range Extender
  • Display: RideControl Dash 2in1
  • Circuit: Shimano 10-speed
  • Frame: Aluminium
  • Fork: Aluminium, SR Suntour XCR 34 Coil
  • Brakes: Tektro
  • Tyres: Crosscut Gravel 2, 700x57c (622x57) wire, tubeless ready
  • Lighting system: Giant Recon HL50, 50 Lux (front light), Axa NYX (rear light)
  • Weight:
  • Permissible total weight: 156 kilogrammes
  • Price: 3299 Euro
Giant Explore E+ 2Photo: GiantGiant Explore E+ 2Giant Explore E+ 2Photo: GiantGiant Explore E+ 2

Sandra Schuberth, sometimes an after-work ride, sometimes a training ride, sometimes an unsupported bikepacking challenge. The main thing is her and her gravel bike - away from the traffic. Seven Serpents, Badlands or Bright Midnight: she has finished challenging bikepacking races. Gravel and bikepacking are her favourite subjects, and her demands on equipment are high. What she rides, uses and recommends has to stand the test of time: not in marketing, but in real life.

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