E-Enduro test 2023: Giant Reign E+ 3: Successful E-MTB without any real weaknesses

Even with its most affordable enduro bike, Giant makes no compromises. The seat tube is almost vertical, the steering angle is super slack and the wheelbase is extremely long. Pure overkill for price-conscious bikers and e-beginners? Not at all. Because the Giant is surprisingly manoeuvrable on tours and trails.

The compact seating position is pleasing, while the sensitive chassis and thick 2.6-inch tyres give the Reign E+ a comfortable character. The new 800 watt-hour battery is a perfect match. You only have to save battery power on very long tours.

Comfortable & safe: The Giant Reign E+ 3 on the trail

The bike can maintain its comfortable character even on steep climbs. Just stay in the saddle and pedal, the good suspension and modern geometry do the rest almost by themselves. Despite the slack steering angle, the front end handles well through tight bends and the front wheel only rises very late. Despite the slightly weaker motor, this is a strong performer that can seamlessly tie in with the many other climbing artists in Giant's portfolio.

It's hard to believe that the bike was built primarily for downhill fun. But even here, the affordable Reign E+ doesn't disappoint. Compared to other E-Enduro bikes, the Giant is lively on winding trails, but it can't hide its weight and wheelbase in tight bends and on manual or bunny hops. On the other hand, you can leave the brakes open for a long time even in nasty terrain.

The Reign E+ is easy to swallow and confidently encourages high speeds, even if the equipment with the wide front tyre, the shock without a reservoir and the comfort-tuned fork is not made for racing speeds. Small compromises on a successful bike that most bikers will be able to cope with.

The motor: 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.

Conclusion on the Giant Reign E+3 in the test

Despite extreme geometry and less luxurious equipment: Giants Reign E+ 3* cuts a fine figure almost everywhere. Uphill, downhill, range - pretty much everything fits here. Clear duel winner. - Adrian Kaether, Editor EMTB

Technical data and notes Giant Reign E+ 3

Manufacturer information

• Price: 5499 Euro >> available here
• Sizes / frame material: S, M, L (tested size, 45 cm), XL / Aluminium

Measured values²

• Weight²: 25.6 kg
• Reach altitude¹: 1827 (+66)hm
• Average speed: 12.7 km/h
• Centre of gravity height: 518 mm
• Handlebar width: 800 mm
• Crank length / Q-factor: 165 mm / 174 mm
• Ground clearance⁴: 475 mm

Equipment

• Motor: Giant Syncdrive Pro 2
• Max. Torque³: 85 Nm
• Battery³/ -weight²/ price replacement battery: EnergyPak Smart 800 / 4352 g / 1099 Euro
• Gear system: Shimano Deore (12-speed)
• Translation (v. / h.): 36; 10-51
• Display: Giant Ridecontrol Go
• Permissible total weight³: 156 kg
• Fork / Shock: Rockshox Domain R / Fox Float DPS Performance
• Front/rear suspension travel: 170/160 mm
• Telescopic post: Contact Switch, 170 mm
• Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Shimano BR-M420 / 203 mm / 203 mm
• Wheels: Shimano MT 410 hubs; Giant AM TR 30 rims
• Tyres: Maxxis Minin DHF Exo+, 29 x 2.6 / High Roller II Exo+, 29 x 2.4

EMTB test rating⁵: 8.3 points - very good

¹The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight including equipment 89 kg. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.

²Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.

Manufacturer information

⁴Stage test, measured with 36 centimetre raised rear wheel

⁵The 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.

Further articles:

8 lightweight e-enduro bikes at a glance