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As with many manufacturers, the SUV-Fully is also based on an E-MTB model at Giant. The Stance E+ trail and touring bike, which we have already tested extensively on several occasions. This bike has been relaunched for 2023, and the design of the SUV model version with the abbreviation EX is correspondingly contemporary. This is particularly reflected in the long and flat geometry. The Syncdrive motor in the Stance E+ is powerful, although Giant does not install the top model with 85 Newton metres. The equipment is functional, but kept simple overall. The dropper post in particular is missed off-road.
The Giant becomes an SUV thanks to the particularly wide and stable metal mudguards, which also leave plenty of space for wide mountain bike tyres. Giant also installs a factory-fitted lighting system, while the rear rack, which can carry up to 15kg, is responsible for transporting luggage. This worked well in everyday use and was still sufficiently rigid even when loaded on one side. However, a defect during trail use dampened the otherwise good impression.
The facts about the Giant Stance E+ EX
- Motor: Giant Syncdrive Sport II, 75 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 625 Wh (removable)
- Reach altitude: 1386(+81) vertical metres at 13.2 km/h
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Suspension travel: 140 / 125 millimetres
- Wheel size: 29 / 27.5 inch (Mullet)
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Price: 4299 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
- Weight: 27.63 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
- Permissible total weight: 156 kg
Motor and battery of the Giant Stance E+ EX
Instead of Giant's top-of-the-range Syncdrive Pro II motor (85 Nm), the affordable Stance has to make do with the somewhat simpler Syncdrive Sport II. At 75 Newton metres, it still offers a decent torque and gives the bike a powerful push. The Sport II is similar in character to the Pro II: the motor responds very directly to the rider's input. The drive only releases its full power when the rider pedals hard.
The Giant motor draws its energy from a battery with 625 watt hours, so the range is in the medium range. As usual with Giant, the battery can be unlocked with a Torx and then folded forwards out of the down tube. We like the app, which allows you to fine-tune the support and motor characteristics even on the cheaper drive. The Giant motor starts up very directly and with almost no pedal free travel. If this is too fidgety for you, you can also use the app to help. The biggest point of criticism: The Ride Control Dash 2-in-1 display could be a little crisper to operate and is also difficult to read in the sun.
Long but balanced: the geometry of the Giant Stance E+ EX
With its long wheelbase, long chainstays and slack steering angle, the Stance E+ offers modern trail dimensions and a smooth ride. The front end, which is quite low for an SUV, is particularly appealing for off-road use and puts enough pressure on the front wheel for sporty manoeuvres. The low bottom bracket favours trail and cornering handling. A classic e-mountainbike, you could say.
EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 438 mm
- Wheelbase: 1275 mm
- Reach: 462 mm
- Stack: 649 mm
- Steering angle: 64°
- Seat angle: 74.5°
- Chainstay length: 468 mm
Simple but functional? The features of the Giant Stance E+ EX
The frame, motor and battery alone cost a lot of money. Mudguards, lights and pannier rack add to the cost of the SUV. Like most e-mountainbikes under 4500 euros, the Giant Stance E+ EX has to make do with a tight budget for the equipment. Many of the add-on parts on the Giant Stance E+ EX are therefore not very glamorous, but the selected parts are perfectly functional.
- Fork / Shock: SR Suntour XCR 34 Air / Raidon R
- Gear system: Shimano Deore Linkglide, 10-speed
- Brakes: Tektro Orion 4P, 203/203 mm
- Wheels: Giant AM 30
- Tyres: Maxxis Rekon Exo MaxxTerra , 29 x 2.4" / 27.5 x 2.4"
- Special features: Giant Rackit pannier rack (15 kg), Giant Recon headlight (150 lm), AXA rear light
The suspension with XCR 34 Air fork and Raidon shock comes from Suntour, but is already somewhat above the level of classic entry-level products. With air springs, the preload can be easily adjusted to the rider's weight and the response behaviour is fine. The Tektro brakes with four pistons are robust and stable, but took quite a long time to brake in our tests. The Rekon tyre from Maxxis is a good choice. The tried and tested classic touring tyre offers good rolling characteristics and acceptable grip off-road and, thanks to its 2.4 inch width, good riding comfort. The Deore gears in the Linkglide version, optimised for durability, are particularly appealing on an SUV. Although there are only 10 gears and not an exhilarating range, this gear system should ensure reliable operation for a particularly long time in everyday use.
All in all, these are functional components, but Giant has made a central sacrifice: The missing dropper post. A real loss, especially off-road. The additional freedom of movement and the ability to move the saddle out of the way at the touch of a button is also appreciated at traffic lights and when heaving the bike into the cellar or loading it. The dropper post can be retrofitted relatively easily by a specialist dealer for 150 euros plus installation. If you are interested in the Giant Stance E+ EX, you should include this upgrade in your planning.
Sporty and stylish: how the Giant Stance E+ EX rides
Central seating position, wide handlebars, low cockpit: you sit on Giant's SUV like on a mountain bike. No wonder, as the Stance EX only differs from Giant's classic e-mountainbikes in terms of its full equipment. They could we have already examined in detail in other tests. The Giant is correspondingly confident off-road and inherits some of the positive characteristics of its fenderless brothers. The Stance E+ EX climbs with ease and without ever losing the track. The rear end offers good traction and the suspension absorbs even big hits on the descents. Despite the high weight, Giant still manages to convey a touch of sporty, lively handling and therefore riding fun with the Stance E+. This is a real mountain bike, even if the favourable Suntour fork is not as sensitive in the cold.
Too bad: The side stand starts to rattle unpleasantly even on moderate bumps. A defect in the first pannier rack during trail use did not leave a good impression either. If you want to, you can remove the mudguards and pannier rack from the Giant in just a few simple steps. Only the cable for the rear light remains. Nevertheless, you can still use the bike without the additional attachments - for example, for a summer holiday. This saves a few kilos and turns the Stance EX back into a classic trail bike. Incidentally, the Giant is generally good for everyday use, but it's not a real commuting specialist. The wide handlebars put a little more pressure on the hands than necessary, and the light is rather dim with only 150 lumens. The pannier rack with classic platform is approved for up to 15 kilograms and carries this load well without twisting excessively.
EMTB evaluation of the Giant Stance E+ EX
Strengths
- Sporty mountain bike handling
- Durable Linkglide gearstick
- Powerful motor
- High weight release
Weaknesses
- Side stand rattles off-road
- Simple equipment without telescopic support
- Heavy
The EMTB conclusion
Giants Touring Fully Stance E+* also proves itself in the SUV version. Handling, engine and character appeal to sporty mountain bikers. However, there is still room for improvement when it comes to the quality of the equipment and add-on parts.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
