Giant Stance E+ 1 review: What the affordable touring eMTB with 100 Nm can do

Instead of an expensive high-end bike, Giant's entry-level e-mountainbike Stance E+ is a flagship model with the new Syncdrive Pro 3X motor. Pleasant, because the latest technology is available here at a fair price.

Our test bike Stance E+ 1 costs 4499 euros, comes with the large 800-series battery and the new drive, which is supposed to deliver 100 Nm and up to 800 watts. Giant is thus closing the power gap in the direction of Bosch.

The bike itself is a real off-road all-rounder and is designed to excel in everyday use as well as in varied terrain and on trails. The aluminium frame gets compared to the predecessor Stance E+ (tested here) more suspension travel, namely 140 mm at the rear and 150 mm at the fork. The geometry has also been adapted.

In the video: BIKE checks out the Giant Stance E+

Pro 3 X: The new engine

Giant claims 100 Nm and 800 watts for the new Syncdrive Pro 3X unit. This should put an end to the slight power deficits that the Giant motors of previous generations showed in some tests compared to the competition.

In fact, with the newcomer we never had the feeling that the motor lacked power. In direct comparison with the Bosch Performance CX, which is specified with 100 Nm and 750 watts of power, the new Syncdrive can keep up in practice.

However, the Syncdrive Pro 3X remains less striking in its power delivery than a Bosch CX or DJI. Anyone looking for that motorbike feeling and pure power could be disappointed. This is because the thrust is well dosed and progressively released. Full power is only available when the rider is committed to the task.

Stoic, rustic uphill pushing is not the order of the day here. The drive senses the rider's input very finely and responds to it in a well-dosed and dynamic manner. The caster is rather short, which also supports the rather natural, unobtrusive driving feel.

Too bad: Like the other Syncdrive generations, the engine rattles out of the transmission when rolling over obstacles.

Powerful: In the practical test

The modernisation of the Stance is noticeable on tour, but the bike retains its character as a powerful touring bike. This bike wants one thing above all: to offer comfort and safety. For mountain tours and varied trails.

The riding position is balanced and centred, but with the longer top tube it is more stretched than squat. This gives it a sporty touch, especially as the cockpit is not too high. So: definitely more of a mountain bike than an SUV.

The Giant also appeals to ambitious off-road riders who don't just have their sights set on flat trails and forest motorways. It runs very smoothly on trails and bumpy sections. The equipment also allows for detours on steep descents and difficult sections.

The suspension reacts to rough impacts with a lot of absorption and brings calm to the ride. However, the fork and rear end could react even more sensitively to subtle bumps. High speeds and extremes are not the Stance's speciality, for which Giant clearly has other E-MTBs in its range. First and foremost the E-Enduro Reign Advanced E+, which we have already had the opportunity to test.

Pleasant: In view of the higher weight and the very long geometry, the bike still handles well and doesn't feel too clumsy or cumbersome. However, the Stance E+ is not a real fun candidate for manuals and trail play.

Bikers who have previously shied away from more difficult trails will gain confidence and security for new challenges from this E-MTB. This also applies to the uphill, where the Stance pedals very easily over steep ramps.

Strengths & weaknesses

Strengths

• Lots of driving safety
• Uncomplicated to drive
• High weight release

Weaknesses

• Little playful
• Engine rattles

Stance E+ 1: The facts

• Price: 4499 Euro >> available here
• Suspension travel: 150/140 mm
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Motor: Giant Syncdrive Pro 3X
• Battery: 800 Wh, removable
• Weight: 25.6 kg (BIKE measurement, size XL)
• max. system weight: 156 kg