In July 2016, Giant presented its new Full E+. Giant uses its Syncdrive drive on this bike. This consists of the Yamaha PW motor and in-house 500-series battery, control unit and software. During an initial ride test at the Media Days, the the then top model Full-E+ 0 SX with sports engine already made a very positive impression..
For the new season, Giant is replacing the somewhat dusty Yamaha PW motor on selected bikes with its successor, the PW-X, leaving the frame and rear triangle untouched. It has lost 380 grams in weight and has been fitted with two additional ratchets in the gearbox for better response behaviour. The Syncdrive software has also improved the riding performance. Both performance and speed remain within the legal specifications. However, the new motor has 80 Newton metres in all five stages. Maximum assistance has also been increased to 360 per cent.
We have already had the opportunity to test the top model Giant Full-E+ 0 SX Pro. As before, it comes with a 160 mm Rock Shox Lyrik fork and Super Deluxe shock for € 6000. In combination with the Maestro rear suspension, the suspension elements are impressive: the 140 mm rear suspension sensitively swallows small bumps and inhales large chunks. The fork is high in its travel and harmonises with the rear triangle. The rest of the equipment also proves to be harmonious: The Sram EX1 changes the eight gears even under full load, the gear ratio is sufficient. The Guide RE brakes with code callipers decelerate perfectly with 200 mm discs front and rear. The test bike rolled on massive 2.5 inch wide Maxxis Minion DHF tyres, the standard bike comes with Maxxis Rekon tyres.
Like the "classic" Yamaha PW-X, the Giant counterpart also kicks in very quickly when setting off and then provides very powerful support. However, you are constantly accompanied by a low whirring noise. The Syncdrive Pro offers five levels (Eco, Tour, Active, Sport, Power), in which 80 Newton metres are always available. The PW-X normally only delivers this in Extra Power mode. Thanks to the high torque, we managed even the steepest passages in Eco mode. In the higher modes, either the traction was lost or the high front end reared up under the overpowering performance. The Tour and Active modes allow very fast riding with strong support, even on demanding terrain. The two highest modes are a bit much in rough terrain and overtax the rear tyre. The top modes are only convincing on firm ground with a steep incline. The specified maximum cadence of 120 revolutions is not quite achieved by the power unit, which slows down slightly at 105 revolutions. The PW-X stuttering when the foot is on the pedals when stationary also escapes the Syncdrive Pro.
As with its predecessor, the control unit remains integrated into the handle. It can be used to change modes and show various information on the Syncdrive display. The latter is said to be more robust than its predecessor. You can also activate the push assist on the underside of the control unit. This provides a powerful push, but does not come close to the strong push assistance of the Shimano Steps motor (also from an ergonomic point of view).
The enduro-orientated top model replaces the previous top model. There is also an all-mountain version for 5000 euros with 140 Fox Factory suspension and Shimano gears. The Pro drive is also available in the 1.5 model for 3900 euros. The new bikes will be in the shops from the beginning of March.
Test summary of the Giant Full-E+ 0 SX Pro
With the new motor, Giant has launched a capable enduro bike. It impresses with its balanced handling and solid chassis. The Syncdrive Pro drive gives the uphills a boost and is a significant improvement on its predecessor.
