Giant Syncdrive Pro MG in laboratory and practical tests: The lightest e-bike motor in its class!

Giant traditionally develops its e-drives together with Yamaha. The hardware of the Syncdrive Pro is identical to the Yamaha PW-X3, but Giant goes its own way on the software side. The latest development from the two Asians is the MG version of the top motor. At Yamaha, the newcomer is called PW-XM. The magnesium housing saves over 100 grams and, at 2.60 kilos, makes the motor the lightest drive in the power class. The performance data remains identical to its predecessor, which delivers a nominal 85 Newton metres. However, the heat management and therefore the stability of the drive is said to have been improved by the new housing.

The facts about the Giant Syncdrive Pro MG

• Weight: 2.6 kilos (measured in the EMTB laboratory)
• Battery sizes: 400, 625, 750, 800 Wh
• Optional: Range extender with 200 or 250 Wh
• Drive modes: Eco, Tour, Active, Sport, Power, Automatic
• Performance data (max.) from the laboratory: 78 Newton metres, 457 watts
• System updates possible via the app

The character of the Giant Syncdrive Pro MG

An outstanding feature of the Giant Syncdrive Pro MG is its progressive power delivery and direct response. It reacts very sensitively and smoothly to the rider's impulses. When starting off, it provides thrust as soon as the foot rests even lightly on the pedal. This minimises idle travel when starting off and helps in tricky situations. It also accelerates lively, which provides good control on difficult climbs. The set-up is very successful, reminiscent of the Bosch CX. In everyday use, the twitching when you put your foot down can be annoying, but you can switch this off via the Giant app if required - separately for each of the five speed levels ("Launch" setting). The motor's drive noise is somewhat more discreet than that of the competition from Bosch and Shimano, but the difference is minimal. This also applies downhill, as the Syncdrive Pro MG rattles when rolling over obstacles, albeit not quite as noticeably as the Bosch CX and Shimano EP801.

>> The Giant motor in action: the Liv Intrigue X Advanced E+ trail eMTB in a 1200-km endurance test

The power delivery of the Giant Syncdrive Pro MG

The minimalist weight of the magnesium drive is accompanied by moderate performance. At 457 watts, it is noticeably and measurably weaker than the Performance CX, EP801, Pinion MGU or Srams Powertrain motors. Strong: Even if the Syncdrive doesn't quite deliver the peak performance of Bosch and the like, it still delivers full power at high cadences.

The power delivery is extremely dynamic and depends heavily on the rider's input. In addition to the good modulation, it has in common with the Bosch CX that only little thrust is released with low rider input - even in the strongest mode. This characteristic is even more pronounced than with Bosch's Performance CX. This promotes the progressive and lively riding experience. If you expect to be pushed uphill without much effort, the Giant may not be the right drive for you.

Display & Remote

Simple, slim and unobtrusive - that's how the controls of the Giant drive can be described. The current "display" of the Giant e-MTBs is the Ridecontrol Go LED display. The battery status and U-level are shown via coloured LEDs. The Ridedash Plus 2 can optionally be attached wirelessly to the handlebars. The screen, which looks like a classic bike computer, then displays all e-bike data including rider performance and classic speedometer functions. However, this is not fitted as standard.

The Ergo 3 button blends seamlessly into the handlebar grip and is very discreetly concealed on the handlebars. Ergonomics and operation are a success.

The batteries for the Giant Syncdrive Pro MG

The Giant E-MTBs are available from the light bike with 400 watt hours to the long range package with 800 battery. However, the MG motor is currently only available in the Trance E+ Elite light e-MTB with a permanently installed 400 watt battery. This and many other models are also compatible with a range extender (200 or 250 Wh).

App & Connectivity

The app for the Giant e-bikes RideControl and offers a host of additional functions. The motor settings can be extensively customised - in all five support levels. System updates for all components can also be easily carried out via the app. A ridescreen, which replaces a display and shows a lot of riding data, navigation and fitness features round off the app package. Bike computers can be connected wirelessly to the system.

EMTB review of the Giant Syncdrive Pro MG

Strengths

• Direct response, good modulation
• Light
• Dynamic, progressive power delivery

Weaknesses

• Rattles downhill
• Moderate peak performance
• Design prevents frame construction with short chainstays

Conclusion on the Giant Syncdrive Pro MG

According to the magnesium cure, the Giant Syncdrive is the lightest electric motor in the power class with 85 Newton metres. However, its performance also lags behind the most powerful ones. Top modulation and dynamic thrust give it a sporty and fun character! Unfortunately, the Yamaha drive also rattles downhill. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief EMTB Magazine

Bikes with Giant Syncdrive Pro MG

The Giant motor is of course only available on Giant bikes. However, several manufacturers use the sister model from Yamaha. However, the new MG PW-XM variant is rarely found. The new Haibike Hybe 10.5 is already equipped with it. And at the bike festival in Riva del Garda, R Raymon showed a prototype with Yamaha's MG drive. You can find the first information in our live ticker from the festival.