Giant presented its system-integrated Dirt-E hardtail back in 2016. The Full-E was given a new look for 2017. The model has been radically updated, which is good for the look and puts the Full-E+ in a whole new league when it comes to riding performance:
The rear suspension of the aluminium frame provides 140 millimetres of travel. It responds sensitively and, in combination with the voluminous tyres, ensures that traction is only lost extremely late on the climbs. Downhill, it provides decent reserves. The bike feels right at home on technical terrain. An excellent feature for e-mountainbikes is the Rockshox Lyric RCT3 suspension fork, which can be lowered by 30 millimetres. This improves the climbing characteristics of the (already very climbing-friendly) bike enormously. This means that even challenging trails with roots can be conquered on steep terrain.
The drive fits in well with the overall concept. The Giant Syncdrive Sport comes from Yamaha. With the new model, the drive now also has a push-assist function. It is activated via a push button below the display (on the bike we tested, it was still positioned on the top). The control unit is cleverly combined with the handlebar grip, which makes installation easier, creates space on the handlebars and ensures accessibility. Finally, the gear lever for the new EX-1 shifting system from Sram and the lever for the seat post, which can be lowered by 150 millimetres, have to be fitted. The entire equipment of the bike is trimmed for performance and riding fun. Although the gearing only has eight gears (11-48), the gradation is perfectly suited to the e-mountainbike. Particularly practical: it can be shifted under load.
Downhill, the bike then reveals its trail qualities. The centre of gravity of e-mountainbikes is generally low, which increases riding safety. The Giant has good directional stability, but remains manoeuvrable enough not to buck in tight bends. An 800 mm handlebar with a 60 mm stem provides the necessary leverage to keep the bike safely on track. The suspension with RockShox SuperDeluxe RCT3 shock does an excellent job and doesn't get rattled by heavy bumps or fast waves. The tyres are a real asset. The conditions during the test were anything but favourable, the ground was greasy and wet. The performance of the fitted 2.55 tyres can hardly be compared with a narrow Nobby Nic.
So everything is great? We did notice one point of criticism: the performance of the Sram Guide RSC brakes left something to be desired despite the 200 discs. High manual force is required to get the full braking power and control the rather heavy load.
Giant offers three equipment variants in the pedelec class up to 25 km/h. The tested version Full-E+ 0SX for 6999 euros, as well as the Full-E+1 (price not yet fixed) and the Full E+2 for 3499 euros.
Test summary of the Giant Full-E+
The redesign of the Giant Full-E+ is a great success and takes performance to a new level. With this bike, ambitious mountain bikers can venture fearlessly into challenging terrain. This is not only due to the solid frame construction, but also to the cleverly combined add-on parts.
