Best reviews around. Appreciate your thoroughness, thoughtfulness, and enthusiasm. Inspired me to get the Giant Talon E29 version. One week in and I love it. Life changing.
I have a Roam e+ gts about 2 years now. Newer knew it had bluetooth and an app for it :D. So thanks for the info. Sent from near my bike, waiting for the 13 firmware upgrade to be completed...
Ah yes been waiting for this review! Wife and I got a couple of these with the high-step 'large' frame a few months ago, based substantially on your review of the Giant Explore E+ 4 GTS. They have been absolutely excellent for city, bike trails and fire road kinda riding, and I love the simplified clean cockpit look. I'm 6'2" and 200lbs and can get 30-35 miles of mostly level riding with the boost on Auto (you missed Auto mode in your review!), while my wife's 5'9" and much lighter frame gets 5-10 miles more out of a pack. The app also FWIW will deliver software updates as well, already had one show up. Thanks for the years of excellent reviews, keep up the good work!
Thanks Carl! Will you explain Auto mode a bit more? I had limited time for this review and wasn't shown that feature, I did miss it when researching too.
@@ElectricBikeReview From the Giant manual: "Smart Assist (AUTO): The SyncDrive motor automatically adapts the power output to the circumstances to optimize ride comfort and range. • Press and hold the 'Assistance level up' (C) or 'Assistance level down' button (B) for 2 seconds to activate Smart Assist. • Power assist indication LED (F3) will be lit to indicate Smart Assist is active. • If a RideDash is connected, it will show the Smart Assist level as ‘AUTO’ on the screen. • Press the 'Assistance level up' (C) or 'Assistance level down' button (B) to return to manual assist level selection."
@@ElectricBikeReview All that being said, it feels not significantly unlike just having the boost on max (level 5), nor is the the resulting range much different. So maybe it's more marketing fluff than nifty engineering...
@@ElectricBikeReview Ah, I found a Giant video on RUclips that says it's using incline (are you going up a hill) and peddle pressure to provide more (or less) assist automatically. Again in feel, not a huge difference, seems to just give lots of boost.
Hi Carl! Seriously considering this bike, but wondering whether 250w/50nM is powerful enough for some moderate trail/off-road riding, as well as gravel roads with some decent hills. How was the power/assist for your bike trails/fire roads? Thanks!
I like that you did not allow this to be referred to as low step. 36 volts and only 400wh's is really behind the times now. This bike has soo much potential, what a shame they went soo cheap.
Dude that giant definitely looks like a really good city commuter light weight also looks like it has good tire roll as well love the colour i can see commuters picking this bike up right on man 👍
I was just watching your review on the Specialized Tero 4.0 (considering the Tero 5.0 for my transAmerica trail trip I'm planning to do next year). Now I will also consider this bike as it has similar features. It seems like specialized is a bit sturdier and looks more modern, but man 5k!
Cool! Sounds like an awesome trip Oscar :D are you going to make a video or write about it as you go? As for the bikes, both companies make good products, I like how the Specialized bikes look and notice the little details and custom design points... but they do cost more for sure. Anything from Giant, Trek, or Specialized should be an excellent choice since they use premium drive systems, have so many dealers, and have better than average warranties.
@@ElectricBikeReview I am not really good at vlogging or even video recording (also no video editing skills at all lol) so I might just post some public instagram stories or tiktoks. Thanks a lot for your recommendations I've tried and owned regular Trek and Giant bikes, it may be my first specialized bike ever so just a little bit nervous, as far as the trip planning goes, my main concern is that I need to make sure I can still pedal the bike comfortably without any assistance and be prepared to spend more money on at least one extra battery. Thanks a lot for taking some time to reply and for your super helpful reviews!
I did opt to go with the Specialized Vado over this and some of the other Treks. They are quite a bit more expensive than the Vado when you look at the components and options you get (Class 1, Deore, no front shock and so on)
Thanks for the request Sayoni! I will put it on my list and try. I reached out to them earlier this year and have covered one of their older models, but not the newest S3 electricbikereview.com/brand/vanmoof/
I like how friendly you are, honestly, its so refreshing!!!! I wondered about those 'ride by' video-shots and your equipment...good call. I was surprised at how quiet the motor was on this one.
I have this bike, but in the GTS configuration. Fantastic bike! I pretty much agree with all the Pros you mentioned with only a few complaints 1. The pedals suck like you rightfully mentioned. They’re too narrow and made of jagged steel, which can easily injure you if you miss a pedal. 2. Remote lockout is a notable omission for this bike. It goes pretty fast, so you need it to efficiently pedal after 20mph. For the price, it should be included. 3. The shifting can be clunky if you try to shift while pedaling. You have to ease off the pedaling while shifting to avoid it, which makes you lose speed. 4. They should include a cap to cover the battery connections when the battery is out. Sometimes, I just want to ride with no battery to reduce weight. Not sure why they didn’t think of including that.
Just have to be sure you have the power and range for the routes you will be taking . Easy for me to get that with my Bafang BBS02 build for about the same price. Of course i have to provide the warranty support myself. Andm8 had to to buy some tools to do the build. And of course there are many who would never manage a build on their own. I got a ton of range and power with a 48v system and a 20ah premium battery. This is definately the summer of the e bike, seeing them everywhere now!
Thanks for your great reviews, I am planing to buy Giant Talon E+ 2 which has the same mid drive motor, but I am in a city that it is near mountain so I have many up hills and I can't ride normal bike, Can this ebike handle hills easily?
ElectricBikeReview I appreciate this review. I got a bit criticism that’s not related to the video, it your website. As of late I’ve been using the advance search tool on your website and sometimes the scale options won’t slide and the year isn’t as accurate with the E-bikes when I hit the search option. This morning it worked but I find out it works and don’t work every so often maybe do some checks on the website please. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Hey! Thanks for the heads up. The current site has some issues and development support is paused because I’m planning to re-launch an updated design and features in a couple of months. Hang in there :D
like to see four way e-motor comparison of same class/category from Yamaha, Bosch, Shimano, and Specialized. I have ridden Shimano, Bosch, Specialized, and Shimano e-motor was quietest and power transition was smoothest and love their dashboard [e6010] and phone integration is excellent and simple to use.
It seems like most of the big mid-drive manufacturers use 36 volt and are rated at 250 watts nominal to comply with European Class 1 regulations. They don’t re-design them for North America because the market is smaller.
Would you compare the Roam to the Explore? I have the Explore, I like it but it appears heavier and not as nimble as the Roam. The Explore has been been good for multi day supported tours including a 1200 New York State trip last summer. I wonder how the Roam would do on a like tour.
Best reviews around. Appreciate your thoroughness, thoughtfulness, and enthusiasm. Inspired me to get the Giant Talon E29 version. One week in and I love it. Life changing.
That’s awesome Tyler! So glad you’re enjoying the bike. I appreciate your encouragement and kind words :)
Ride Safe!
Hard to swallow $2700 no LCD screen or throttle. Great review and good looking bike.
I’ve clocked 7,000 kms in 10 months on this bike!
I have a Roam e+ gts about 2 years now. Newer knew it had bluetooth and an app for it :D. So thanks for the info. Sent from near my bike, waiting for the 13 firmware upgrade to be completed...
Ah yes been waiting for this review! Wife and I got a couple of these with the high-step 'large' frame a few months ago, based substantially on your review of the Giant Explore E+ 4 GTS. They have been absolutely excellent for city, bike trails and fire road kinda riding, and I love the simplified clean cockpit look. I'm 6'2" and 200lbs and can get 30-35 miles of mostly level riding with the boost on Auto (you missed Auto mode in your review!), while my wife's 5'9" and much lighter frame gets 5-10 miles more out of a pack. The app also FWIW will deliver software updates as well, already had one show up. Thanks for the years of excellent reviews, keep up the good work!
Thanks Carl! Will you explain Auto mode a bit more? I had limited time for this review and wasn't shown that feature, I did miss it when researching too.
@@ElectricBikeReview From the Giant manual: "Smart Assist (AUTO): The SyncDrive motor automatically adapts the power output to the circumstances to optimize ride comfort and range. • Press and hold the 'Assistance level up' (C) or 'Assistance level down' button (B) for 2 seconds to activate Smart Assist. • Power assist indication LED (F3) will be lit to indicate Smart Assist is active. • If a RideDash is connected, it will show the Smart Assist level as ‘AUTO’ on the screen. • Press the 'Assistance level up' (C) or 'Assistance level down' button (B) to return to manual assist level selection."
@@ElectricBikeReview All that being said, it feels not significantly unlike just having the boost on max (level 5), nor is the the resulting range much different. So maybe it's more marketing fluff than nifty engineering...
@@ElectricBikeReview Ah, I found a Giant video on RUclips that says it's using incline (are you going up a hill) and peddle pressure to provide more (or less) assist automatically. Again in feel, not a huge difference, seems to just give lots of boost.
Hi Carl! Seriously considering this bike, but wondering whether 250w/50nM is powerful enough for some moderate trail/off-road riding, as well as gravel roads with some decent hills. How was the power/assist for your bike trails/fire roads? Thanks!
I like that you did not allow this to be referred to as low step. 36 volts and only 400wh's is really behind the times now. This bike has soo much potential, what a shame they went soo cheap.
Dude that giant definitely looks like a really good city commuter light weight also looks like it has good tire roll as well love the colour i can see commuters picking this bike up right on man 👍
Yeah, and the price is decent considering the higher end components, motor, frame sizes, and dealers :)
I was just watching your review on the Specialized Tero 4.0 (considering the Tero 5.0 for my transAmerica trail trip I'm planning to do next year). Now I will also consider this bike as it has similar features. It seems like specialized is a bit sturdier and looks more modern, but man 5k!
Cool! Sounds like an awesome trip Oscar :D are you going to make a video or write about it as you go?
As for the bikes, both companies make good products, I like how the Specialized bikes look and notice the little details and custom design points... but they do cost more for sure. Anything from Giant, Trek, or Specialized should be an excellent choice since they use premium drive systems, have so many dealers, and have better than average warranties.
@@ElectricBikeReview I am not really good at vlogging or even video recording (also no video editing skills at all lol) so I might just post some public instagram stories or tiktoks.
Thanks a lot for your recommendations I've tried and owned regular Trek and Giant bikes, it may be my first specialized bike ever so just a little bit nervous, as far as the trip planning goes, my main concern is that I need to make sure I can still pedal the bike comfortably without any assistance and be prepared to spend more money on at least one extra battery. Thanks a lot for taking some time to reply and for your super helpful reviews!
I did opt to go with the Specialized Vado over this and some of the other Treks. They are quite a bit more expensive than the Vado when you look at the components and options you get (Class 1, Deore, no front shock and so on)
Your reviews are so much detailed. Loved them. Can do a video on vanmoof S3
Thanks for the request Sayoni! I will put it on my list and try. I reached out to them earlier this year and have covered one of their older models, but not the newest S3 electricbikereview.com/brand/vanmoof/
@@ElectricBikeReview Yes i saw that video.. the new one has a really cool matrix display.. which i liked personally
Bike was pretty easy to put together and rides very well
I like how friendly you are, honestly, its so refreshing!!!! I wondered about those 'ride by' video-shots and your equipment...good call. I was surprised at how quiet the motor was on this one.
I have this bike, but in the GTS configuration. Fantastic bike! I pretty much agree with all the Pros you mentioned with only a few complaints
1. The pedals suck like you rightfully mentioned. They’re too narrow and made of jagged steel, which can easily injure you if you miss a pedal.
2. Remote lockout is a notable omission for this bike. It goes pretty fast, so you need it to efficiently pedal after 20mph. For the price, it should be included.
3. The shifting can be clunky if you try to shift while pedaling. You have to ease off the pedaling while shifting to avoid it, which makes you lose speed.
4. They should include a cap to cover the battery connections when the battery is out. Sometimes, I just want to ride with no battery to reduce weight. Not sure why they didn’t think of including that.
Thank you for this informative review. I bought one today!
Just have to be sure you have the power and range for the routes you will be taking . Easy for me to get that with my Bafang BBS02 build for about the same price. Of course i have to provide the warranty support myself. Andm8 had to to buy some tools to do the build. And of course there are many who would never manage a build on their own. I got a ton of range and power with a 48v system and a 20ah premium battery. This is definately the summer of the e bike, seeing them everywhere now!
Probably the best Ebike ever made
Giant products are definitely up there. They use nice parts, the designs are all custom, great dealer support, and I love the wide range of sizes.
@@ElectricBikeReview Auto mode? Integrated display?
This is an amazing video. Really well done.
Thanks for your great reviews, I am planing to buy Giant Talon E+ 2 which has the same mid drive motor, but I am in a city that it is near mountain so I have many up hills and I can't ride normal bike, Can this ebike handle hills easily?
ElectricBikeReview I appreciate this review. I got a bit criticism that’s not related to the video, it your website. As of late I’ve been using the advance search tool on your website and sometimes the scale options won’t slide and the year isn’t as accurate with the E-bikes when I hit the search option. This morning it worked but I find out it works and don’t work every so often maybe do some checks on the website please. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Hey! Thanks for the heads up. The current site has some issues and development support is paused because I’m planning to re-launch an updated design and features in a couple of months. Hang in there :D
@@ElectricBikeReview oh ok lol. Thanks for the reply.
Nice, Definitely one to consider. I may also check out the Liv Amiti E+ 2 which seems similar with some added features.
Great bike,I just bought mine,and with your review,learn more about it,thanks for the video.
By the way,can I upgrade with a monitor to view speed ?
like to see four way e-motor comparison of same class/category from Yamaha, Bosch, Shimano, and Specialized. I have ridden Shimano, Bosch, Specialized, and Shimano e-motor was quietest and power transition was smoothest and love their dashboard [e6010] and phone integration is excellent and simple to use.
I'm thinking the lighter motor mid drive motor might keep it more bike like
We don’t have 28 inch wheels in the UK. We have 27.5 or. 29 “
Why would Giant go with a measly 36 volt instead of a 48 volt system?
It seems like most of the big mid-drive manufacturers use 36 volt and are rated at 250 watts nominal to comply with European Class 1 regulations. They don’t re-design them for North America because the market is smaller.
Would you compare the Roam to the Explore? I have the Explore, I like it but it appears heavier and not as nimble as the Roam. The Explore has been been good for multi day supported tours including a 1200 New York State trip last summer. I wonder how the Roam would do on a like tour.
Gr8 bike but why is it sooo much cheaper in U.S and Canada... We get ripped off in UK 🙄
Maybe it has to do with currency conversion rates?
Vat and the one your probably looking at is a newer version
Boris Johnson?
I have two, only gripe has been with the APP. it fails to update and reading online it can also birck your bike... hm
Quietest ebike I’ve heard, ever! Nice! 👂 🔌 🚲
Yeah, it’s a quiet one for sure :D
When are you going to test a Cannondale Supersix Evo Neo or an Orbea Gain?
Is this version for 2022? I can find stagger only 2021..
hello. tell me if anyone has such a bike and if it's worth buying. does it work. I'm thinking about buying it. greetings from Slovenia
Hey man what do you think of the g-force t42 e bike foldable
Great vid
Seems to be to be pricey for what you get.
😊
I don’t want to girls bike.