Duel E-Enduros 2023: Radon Deft 8.0 & Giant Reign E+ 3 on test

Is an E-Enduro with a large battery and brute suspension travel any good for touring? Not really, you might think. These bikes are built more for nasty rock gardens and high drops. So what happens when light handling, agility and playfulness are suddenly required on narrow trails like the Giu li Gru in the enduro mecca of Finale Ligure? This much in advance: the Radon Deft 8.0 and the Giant Reigen E+ 3 only elicit a big grin from us as we plunge from one bend to the next.

Radon & Giant: 750 and 800 watt hours respectively - plenty of range

We wouldn't have expected that. In general, the conditions for riding fun on slow and winding trails are less favourable, especially for e-enduro bikes. They are considered sluggish, cumbersome and bulky - especially if they are also supposed to be affordable. Just like the entry-level models of the Radon Deft and Giant Reign E+.

For € 5200 and € 5500 respectively, these e-MTBs may not be real bargains (note: the Radon Deft 8.0 is currently on sale for € 4799!), but they are at the cutting edge of technology: both bikes have only been on the market for just over a year, both offer plenty of range with 750 and 800 watt hours respectively, and both are equipped with the latest configuration of the respective motor system.

25 kilos - and still lively

Weighing around 25 kilos, they are hardly heavier than all-mountain bikes in the same price range. Despite the tyres being too light, especially on the Radon, this is a positive surprise. And certainly one of the reasons why both bikes still perform decently in tight terrain.

A particularly lively ride Giants Reign E+, which you would hardly expect given the extreme geometry with a long wheelbase and super-slack head angle. And the praise for the most affordable E-Enduro from Taiwan doesn't stop there: Uphill, the testers gave the Reign E+ top marks for its high-traction rear triangle and good riding position for climbing. Downhill, the comfort and riding safety are pleasing and encourage the rider to leave the brakes open for a long time, even on tough enduro trails.

For such an affordable bike, the Giant Reign E+ 3 offers an unusually balanced performance without any significant weaknesses. Despite its downhill qualities, more powerful motor, great range and better spec, the Radon Deft ultimately comes out on top.

Conclusion of the test: Radon Deft 8.0 vs Giant Reign E+ 3 in a duel

Radon and especially Giant show that even affordable e-enduro bikes can be versatile. Both candidates offer a good range and equipment at a fair price. Despite the extreme geometry, the Giant still cuts a better figure and can make many types of riders happy, from beginners to pros. Downhill, the equipment limits the potential of the bikes somewhat. Nevertheless: two strong candidates with which you don't have to fear any trail, no matter how rough. - Adrian Kaether, Editor EMTB

>> To the test: Giant Reign E+ 3 - successful E-MTB without any real weaknesses <<

>> To the test: Radon Deft 8.0 - sporty E-Enduro at a fair price

What the testers say

Preferably with a shorter stroke for moderate terrain

I was surprised at how balanced the Giant rides despite its extreme geometry. This gives the Reign E+ a universal character on the downhill-heavy trails in Finale. And yet: for moderate terrain, I would always opt for a bike with a shorter stroke and less extreme geometry in favour of handling and riding fun. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, EMTB test manager

Tuning tip tyres

The tyres are the tuning tip in this duel: heavy carcasses and soft rubber compounds would suit both bikes well and exploit the downhill potential even better. I would swap the super-wide front tyre on the Giant for a narrower model. This provides more precision and better feedback at the limit. - Tobias Ziganek, EMTB test rider:

The motors in comparison

Giant Syncdrive Pro 2 / Yamaha PW-X3

The Syncdrive is based on the hardware of Yamaha's PW-X3 motor. It is not the most powerful drive on the market, but at 2.7 kilograms, it is quite light. The software, the app and the fine-tuning of the support come from Giant, and the Syncdrive also comes with its own displays and remotes. Something special: as soon as you put your foot on the pedal, the motor twitches slightly. This extremely direct response helps in technical terrain and when starting off on hills.

Bosch Performance Line CX Smart

Bosch's Performance CX offers a great balance between high performance and reasonable motor weight. Its responsiveness and special off-road features such as extended coasting in Emtb mode make it the benchmark on the market. Meanwhile, all U-steps can be fine-tuned via app. The main disadvantage: The Bosch drive is not entirely quiet and the batteries are quite heavy, but they also offer a particularly long range.

Facts & figures on the Radon Deft 8.0 vs Giant Reign E+ 3 test duel

The reach height

With the new 800 battery in the Reign E+, Giant has taken a significant step forward in terms of range compared to the old 625 models. However, the better rating goes to the Radon with over 2000 metres of climbing and a higher speed, despite the nominally slightly smaller battery. However, both batteries are equally heavy (see below) and the charging time is slightly higher even on the Radon with Bosch's Smart system.

The weights in comparison

Thanks to its carbon main frame, the Radon barely cracks the 25-kilo mark and is therefore only as heavy as an all-mountain bike in the same price range. Despite the tyres being too light, that's great. Both bikes have heavy batteries. Considering the large battery and the aluminium frame, the 25.6 kilograms of the Giant are still okay. Especially as the aluminium enduro bike scores with a particularly generous weight allowance.

Motor volume in comparison

Radon and Giant are close to each other in terms of drive noise. The Bosch motor sounds a little higher-frequency and is therefore more audible than the somewhat lower-frequency Giant motor. Unfortunately, both bikes rattle downhill, with the Radon standing out in particular. However, we have also tested much quieter bikes from Giant.

The points in comparison

For comparison: Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC SLX and Haibike NDuro 6

Already in EMTB 1/2023 we have two Inexpensive enduro e-bikes between 5300 and 5800 euros tested. How do they compare?

Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC SLX

With 27.5-inch wheels, the E-Enduro from Cube (5299 Euro >> available here) one of the last of its kind. The small wheels have disadvantages in extreme terrain, but make the bike easier to handle. The Cube is therefore more of a comfortable touring bike with plenty of reserves and good equipment. Our tip if you're looking for an all-rounder for demanding trail tours. Attention: no bike park approval.

EMTB test rating*: 8.1 points - very good

Haibike NDuro 6

Massive, long and heavy, the NDuro from Haibike (5799 Euro >> available hereThe Haibike is in its element on rough terrain, but everywhere else it feels cumbersome and bulky with its extreme wheelbase and almost 27 kilograms. A clear downhill specialist. In our eyes, however, the Giant is the better partner with similar handling qualities and more versatile handling.

EMTB test rating*: 7.8 points - very good

*The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.