Great review. Giant's don't get much love anymore so it's nice to see them doing something right. The new Reign is looking pretty sweet as well. Nice work!
How was the power? Did it feel like a full power bike in boost? Was it noticeable over the 60nm bikes? Love the concept of this bike. Light, full power, range extender in the cup holder for longer rides! A bit of a longer suspension and somehow shave a couple pounds and this thing sounds about perfect!
It definitely feels like a full power bike in boost, and will get you out of just about everything. Being a yamaha motor, it has smoother power delivery out of the gate when compared to the shimano and bosch full power bikes. It'll put a decent sized gap on everything with 60nm and less. ie, on one of our pre-roundup test days, we had this and the Levo SL out, climbed a steep and sometimes sandy ascent (2-ish miles / 1100 feet) and the giant put about a 7-8 minute gap on the Levo SL to the top.
This bike at 85Nm sits between an SL and Full power e-bike. The custom Yamaha motor seemed to have pedal motor lag when cresting hills that I didn’t have issue with bikes like the Levo SL or Pivot Shuttle SL and it looks like the Pivot Shuttle SL at 10:13 mark 😉. Best bang for your dollar ebike with all the tech included, but wish it rode more like the Reign. Again this is more a mid-weight e-bike with a small geo that will comfortably fit a wide range of riders than an SL or full size it fits that slot in between. Great review!
this bike looks like it is geared more towards the earlier than usual retired gentlemen who pick-up in his 50s a mtb and e enjoys XC trails on what is the latest in tech and performance, in the same way he picked up his boxter, as gifts for him, from him, after a life of work and small or bigger sacrifices. I'm saying that because: live valve, moderate geometry, moderate suspension, shiny-catchy paint, carbon bits and so on. That gentleman, although not an avid mountain biker, will enjoy this plush 140-150mm bike on his usual cross country trails that he rides once per week or once every couple of weeks; in fact, getting this bike will, most likely, make him get out and ride more. I do appreciate this type of bike for this type of occasional rider as I've seen already too much of 40-50+ year old guys on 170mm big enduro ebikes on xc trails.. where I'm usually on my gravel bike or on my wife's 100mm 27.5 cross country bike(with semi-slicks) also known as my go to beer with the guys bike. I'd rather see this Giant on a cross country single trail than 170mm ebikes with assegais.
What sort of vertical / range are you guys getting out of it? I know it depends on many things but a ball park idea would be great. Great video thanks.
I recently tested the Levo SL and absolutely loved it apart from the fact that the range and power support were below average. How would you rate the Giant in terms of playfulness and feeling planted compared to the Levo SL?
It's a few lbs heavier, so weight is there, but the bike itself is pretty playful, lively and fun. The suspension is active and poppy, but there's no getting around a few lbs of weight. We really like the Giant though.
In the grand finale where we compare all bikes we'll talk a bit about it, but there are so many variables in range that we find it can sometimes just set up people to get let down by less, or end up having viewers saying we're crazy because they get 10 more miles. haha. But stay tuned for the finale.
Rider weight is everything with these lightweight E-bikes. As a light rider (150lbs) with average fitness, I get about 4000’ elevation in under 2 hours riding time on the new Levo SL 2nd Gen (Mine is 38lbs after Carbon Hoops, bars, stem, saddle, 31.8mm dropper, standard EXO tires, etc..). My previous Orbea rise (41lbs, Carbon, 360wh) was able to do about 4500’ in 2 hours. I use a lot of trail mode and only boost on the very steep parts. I use Eco on flats or Off on slight downhills to maximize the battery kind of like hypermileaging a car. These things make a ton of sense and a lighter rider is able to mostly keep up with full fat e-bikes if they are on trail mode
yeah, I'm a fit 200lb rider. I've ridden the Levo SL old and looking at the Gen II version. Been struggling with this decision based on my weight that'll stay around the same. Between the Gen II Levo and a Faxua bike. I'm not a Giant guy though
@@msjj000 Giant is not as easy on the eyes due to the motor being unproportionally much bigger than the slim downtube. You really notice it with pictures of the bike on the non-drive side. It’s super bulbous. At 200lbs, I think a slightly lighter build full fat bike might be the ticket since they offer them with 504wh battery options that help with the weight. I know someone with a Fezzari Timp Peak with 504wh battery that weighs around 46-47lbs.
I saw another reviewer saying the adaptive emtb mode was not great, and when you turn the bike off it automatically reverts back to this mode, meaning you have to stuff around with your phone before every ride. This would annoy the crap out of me
No, you don't have to mess with your phone at all. When you power on the bike, it's in 'auto' mode, but all you have to do is press the power level buttons and it will go into whatever power mode you want. There was an issue with the bike not saving your customized motor settings, but that was resolved recently with a firmware update.
Bike specific live valve doesn't have a power level button. You have to use you phone. But it saves your settings. Probably because it is powered directly from the bike
This very much depends on each rider's preferences, and the terrain and distance they want to ride. There's no denying you can have more "fun" on an SL eBike as they're much easier to pop and play on, but full power bikes are getting pretty damn good too..
@@TheLoamWolf 💯 I live in arizona, so we have lots of pedaling to get to The top, and the descents can pretty techy and rough ( south mountain/ hawes trail system) I was looking at the Kenevo sl yesterday because there on sale at 5800 and I figure they would ride more like a traditional bike rather then a heavy full power bike…..with a range extender of course. Tough decisions. Can’t wait to see the other bikes
@@vetracer5046 $5800! wow. Wife and I rode the Transition Relays today in Bellingham, 19 miles, 2806' had 2 lights on the battery left. Guessing it was probably half way through that 2nd light so 15% left. We come to Arizona in the winter and the lower battery would be just fine on South Mountain, Hawes, etc. The Relay in particular would shred Mormon National. If the Relay was $5800 I would have bought 2 today. But its $11k. Think were gonna demo the Fezzari Timp Peaks in SLC on the way to Phoenix. It's a bigger bike but if I go down to the Alloy model on the Relay its 50 lbs as well.
Even giant bailed on this crap. 😂 Not trying to neg you if you like it. But, I don't think it was a moneymaker for them. That's probably why it's not on any of their 2024 bikes.
Great review. Giant's don't get much love anymore so it's nice to see them doing something right. The new Reign is looking pretty sweet as well. Nice work!
great review, finally a Giant you all agree on, this is on my short list to get !
Good choice!
How was the power? Did it feel like a full power bike in boost? Was it noticeable over the 60nm bikes? Love the concept of this bike. Light, full power, range extender in the cup holder for longer rides! A bit of a longer suspension and somehow shave a couple pounds and this thing sounds about perfect!
It definitely feels like a full power bike in boost, and will get you out of just about everything. Being a yamaha motor, it has smoother power delivery out of the gate when compared to the shimano and bosch full power bikes. It'll put a decent sized gap on everything with 60nm and less. ie, on one of our pre-roundup test days, we had this and the Levo SL out, climbed a steep and sometimes sandy ascent (2-ish miles / 1100 feet) and the giant put about a 7-8 minute gap on the Levo SL to the top.
This bike at 85Nm sits between an SL and Full power e-bike. The custom Yamaha motor seemed to have pedal motor lag when cresting hills that I didn’t have issue with bikes like the Levo SL or Pivot Shuttle SL and it looks like the Pivot Shuttle SL at 10:13 mark 😉. Best bang for your dollar ebike with all the tech included, but wish it rode more like the Reign. Again this is more a mid-weight e-bike with a small geo that will comfortably fit a wide range of riders than an SL or full size it fits that slot in between. Great review!
Say what u say but you can't beat Giant for value I've been riding them since 2006 never had any issues currently riding Reign e +1 pro
What gen motor? How many miles?
this bike looks like it is geared more towards the earlier than usual retired gentlemen who pick-up in his 50s a mtb and e enjoys XC trails on what is the latest in tech and performance, in the same way he picked up his boxter, as gifts for him, from him, after a life of work and small or bigger sacrifices.
I'm saying that because: live valve, moderate geometry, moderate suspension, shiny-catchy paint, carbon bits and so on. That gentleman, although not an avid mountain biker, will enjoy this plush 140-150mm bike on his usual cross country trails that he rides once per week or once every couple of weeks; in fact, getting this bike will, most likely, make him get out and ride more.
I do appreciate this type of bike for this type of occasional rider as I've seen already too much of 40-50+ year old guys on 170mm big enduro ebikes on xc trails.. where I'm usually on my gravel bike or on my wife's 100mm 27.5 cross country bike(with semi-slicks) also known as my go to beer with the guys bike. I'd rather see this Giant on a cross country single trail than 170mm ebikes with assegais.
Great series so far you guys!
Thank you very much.
What sort of vertical / range are you guys getting out of it? I know it depends on many things but a ball park idea would be great. Great video thanks.
Hi! Nice video! I have a little request. Can you please put the numbers in metric units too? Could help the rest of the world ❤
Thanks, we'll try to work on that more. But, most all of the geometry numbers are in metric. Perhaps the only one we forgot was the weight.
Hey, nice video, as always :) I can’t find info if the battery is removable on this bike. In other words can you charge it outside the bike?
Great series. I have a Levo which is a bit heavy. These lighter bikes are very interesting. A 10-15 pound weight reduction would be huge.
Thanks for watching Russ! The SL category is definitely an exciting one. Best of both worlds?
Who is paying 14k though? I have a Levo too.
@border304 intro model is 6k$ with decent specs. Could upgrade as you go and not destroy your wallet all at once. That's my plan.
@@bigchungus2536 I manged to get the gen 3 SL for £5k instead of £7k at £200 per month for 2yrs. I've now got 2 Levos.
@@bigchungus2536 entry level model has a alloy rear triangle...altho i guess thats fine. Did you ever get one?
Awesome bike I was dying to ride one at a giant demo event but I was too late 😭
I recently tested the Levo SL and absolutely loved it apart from the fact that the range and power support were below average. How would you rate the Giant in terms of playfulness and feeling planted compared to the Levo SL?
It's a few lbs heavier, so weight is there, but the bike itself is pretty playful, lively and fun. The suspension is active and poppy, but there's no getting around a few lbs of weight. We really like the Giant though.
Hi! Is it possible for you guys to review the new gaint reign advanced pro?
Are you guys gonna talk about battery range on a later video or are they all similar?
In the grand finale where we compare all bikes we'll talk a bit about it, but there are so many variables in range that we find it can sometimes just set up people to get let down by less, or end up having viewers saying we're crazy because they get 10 more miles. haha. But stay tuned for the finale.
@@TheLoamWolf great thanks
I love gidgets and gazmos.
Haha. So do we!
Rider weight is everything with these lightweight E-bikes. As a light rider (150lbs) with average fitness, I get about 4000’ elevation in under 2 hours riding time on the new Levo SL 2nd Gen (Mine is 38lbs after Carbon Hoops, bars, stem, saddle, 31.8mm dropper, standard EXO tires, etc..).
My previous Orbea rise (41lbs, Carbon, 360wh) was able to do about 4500’ in 2 hours. I use a lot of trail mode and only boost on the very steep parts. I use Eco on flats or Off on slight downhills to maximize the battery kind of like hypermileaging a car.
These things make a ton of sense and a lighter rider is able to mostly keep up with full fat e-bikes if they are on trail mode
yeah, I'm a fit 200lb rider. I've ridden the Levo SL old and looking at the Gen II version. Been struggling with this decision based on my weight that'll stay around the same. Between the Gen II Levo and a Faxua bike. I'm not a Giant guy though
@@msjj000 Giant is not as easy on the eyes due to the motor being unproportionally much bigger than the slim downtube. You really notice it with pictures of the bike on the non-drive side. It’s super bulbous.
At 200lbs, I think a slightly lighter build full fat bike might be the ticket since they offer them with 504wh battery options that help with the weight. I know someone with a Fezzari Timp Peak with 504wh battery that weighs around 46-47lbs.
I got the +2...standard stem and no live valve...for a fraction $ of the +0 lol
I got my E+ 2 Elite on sale for $6,119 USD. Amaaazing bike
@@jasper_of_puppets Nice steal. Got mine for 5.5k euro :D
Loam 🐺 Wolf? More like Loam 🦈 Shark. Awesome review!
Haha! Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed!
If this sl bike is an 8 to 8.5....which should e mtb is better than this one? I'm looking to buy my first e bike this year and I want a sl e bike.
Is it possible to upgrade and install a longer travel shock?
I saw another reviewer saying the adaptive emtb mode was not great, and when you turn the bike off it automatically reverts back to this mode, meaning you have to stuff around with your phone before every ride. This would annoy the crap out of me
No, you don't have to mess with your phone at all. When you power on the bike, it's in 'auto' mode, but all you have to do is press the power level buttons and it will go into whatever power mode you want. There was an issue with the bike not saving your customized motor settings, but that was resolved recently with a firmware update.
Bike specific live valve doesn't have a power level button. You have to use you phone. But it saves your settings. Probably because it is powered directly from the bike
all I want to know is how far is the lowest point on the frame to the ground
how long does the battery last on average riding?
I haven’t found any information about this: can you change rear wheel to 29”?
29 will not fit.
You love the bike but don’t like the live valve ? Well isn’t that contributing to why you love how it rides ?
Interesting. My Elite 3 is 47 pounds (with lighter bars and pedals). Save $8k for upgrades, or a second bike!
We would agree!
Giant: the coolest bike on this test that I have no desire for.
Question is…..full power or sl?
This very much depends on each rider's preferences, and the terrain and distance they want to ride. There's no denying you can have more "fun" on an SL eBike as they're much easier to pop and play on, but full power bikes are getting pretty damn good too..
@@TheLoamWolf 💯 I live in arizona, so we have lots of pedaling to get to
The top, and the descents can pretty techy and rough ( south mountain/ hawes trail system) I was looking at the Kenevo sl yesterday because there on sale at 5800 and I figure they would ride more like a traditional bike rather then a heavy full power bike…..with a range extender of course. Tough decisions. Can’t wait to see the other bikes
@@vetracer5046 $5800! wow. Wife and I rode the Transition Relays today in Bellingham, 19 miles, 2806' had 2 lights on the battery left. Guessing it was probably half way through that 2nd light so 15% left. We come to Arizona in the winter and the lower battery would be just fine on South Mountain, Hawes, etc. The Relay in particular would shred Mormon National. If the Relay was $5800 I would have bought 2 today. But its $11k. Think were gonna demo the Fezzari Timp Peaks in SLC on the way to Phoenix. It's a bigger bike but if I go down to the Alloy model on the Relay its 50 lbs as well.
@@battleboardstudios6952which did you end up getting?
If you don't need it, don't use it, but let those who love tech have the option
Even giant bailed on this crap. 😂 Not trying to neg you if you like it. But, I don't think it was a moneymaker for them. That's probably why it's not on any of their 2024 bikes.
$14k Holy cow. I mean this costs more than a decent motorcycle. A 2023 CBR600RR lists for $12k.
Unless you want the top of the line Fox Kashima then you can get it for 5K.
Gold medal for the ugliest one piece bar stem
Not a big fan of the small battery trend.
It's not for everyone, that's for sure. Can't deny the extra power and range of a full-fat is often welcome. But these are damn fun too!
Get fitter and you will be. These lighter bikes are waaaay more fun to ride. I went from big battery ebike to this and will never go back.