High weight, a sturdy carrier, mountain bike tyres and a banana swingarm-style rear triangle: the Giant Stormguard was one of the very first bikes on the market to be developed specifically as an SUV, making it the pioneer of an entire category.
Here, the development department has thought much more deeply than simply equipping an e-MTB with a rack and mudguards. Everything on the Giant is specially designed for adventure, riding comfort and travelling. Fittingly, the Stormguard is also available in a version with continuously variable Enviolo gears and belt. For this test, we focussed on the sportier version with derailleur gears and Fox suspension.
>> You can find an overview of the SUV bikes tested here: 6 SUV e-bikes up to 6000 euros in the test: from mountain pasture to everyday use
The facts about the Giant Stormguard E+ 1
- Drive Syncdrive Pro2, RideDash, 800 Wh
- Circuit Shimano Cues U8000 (11-speed)
- Translation of 38; 10 - 51 teeth
- Brakes Shimano BR-MT520 (four-piston)
- Tyres Maxxis Rekon, 65 mm
- Lighting system f. / h. Supernova M99 Mini Pro with high beam, 260 lux / Supernova E3
- Luggage carrier Floating MIK, 15 kg
- Frame sizes S, M, L, XL
- Frame shapes Diamond
- Fork Fox AWL, 100 mm
- Permissible total weight 156 kg
- Guarantee for life
- Special features Rear triangle works free of the luggage rack, high beam, 27.5 inches
Globetrotter with suspension luxury
The consistent focus on cycle touring also makes the Giant somewhat special in other respects. The pannier rack attached to the main frame is the most striking feature of the special concept. It has the advantage that the Giant's suspension remains undiminished even when loaded. All other test candidates in our E-SUV test have to be converted to rucksacks instead of panniers for serious off-road use. However, the expansive design requires agility when getting on and off the bike and only carries a maximum of 15 kilograms. Neither is ideal for everyday use. The Syncdrive Pro 2 drive, on the other hand, is convincing even when commuting. Giant has taken the powerful mid-motor directly from its own E-MTBs.
The Giant performs well off-road, but can't hold a candle to the MTB competition with its touring geometry and rather short suspension travel. But it doesn't have to, because Giant still has the Stance E+ SUV with mountain bike geometry in the programme (test here). However, the bike shows its strengths when travelling and on extended tours. Here, the upright riding position and neutral handling are a pleasure. The steering damper costs a little agility in handling, but should improve the bike's directional stability when loaded. The Syncdrive Pro 2 motor pushes comfortably and is usually quite quiet. Thanks to the 800 battery, the bike has a long range. However, the haptic feedback of the control buttons and the information density of the central display could be a little better. There is no sat nav function, for example.
MYBIKE review of the Giant Stormguard E+ 1
Strengths
- High touring and travelling comfort
- High-quality equipment
- Suspension performance with load
Weaknesses
- Specialist with limited suitability for everyday use
- Luggage carrier only carries 15 kilograms
The MYBIKE conclusion
Giants Stormguard performs particularly well on long tours and journeys and masters rough trails with a high level of comfort. Thanks to its moderate geometry, the heavy Stormguard is easy to ride, but with its limited suspension travel, it is not a proven trail pro. The high-quality equipment, from the Fox suspension to the expensive Cues gears, is impressive. - Adrian Kaether, Test Manager MYBIKE
Adrian Kaether
Editor
