eBike Touring

We recently spent a wonderful few days with a Giant TranceE+2 and got to really love the black and electric blue allrounder. Vastly different to my usual steed - a 3 year old Haibike Sduro FullNine, it took a ride or two to get used to the stretched out handling. But what about the other bike we tried - the Giant Liv Embolden E+?

"I wonder what they mean by embolden"? So I Googled it:

embolden /ɪmˈbəʊld(ə)n,ɛmˈbəʊld(ə)n/ verb 1. give (someone) the courage or confidence to do something.

Synonyms: give courage, make brave/braver, encourage, hearten, strengthen, fortify, stiffen the resolve of, lift the morale of;

What an attractive looking little bike, decked out in high gloss black with  turquoise accents (I've just been going through the specs and I see that the colour is not turquoise, but teal!). It has the same motor and battery as the Trance E+2 giving the bike oodles of power to tackle even the most arduous terrain. 120mm rear travel and 130mm in the front help smooth out the bumps and, like it's big brother, it boasts 27,5 plus wheels and tyres (2,6 instead of 2,8) The head angle is a conservative 67,5° making this ladies bike nice and manoeuvrable, and at 728mm, the stand over height for the small frame version is appropriate for the intended user.

Pat took this bike out and while she is not a "technical" rider, she really enjoyed the 'look' of it, it's stopping ability, comfort and "the way it rode". Alas, the bike was too small for me to make any meaningful comments, except to say that it seemed delightful. Certainly more "twitchy" than the Trance, it climbed well and the cockpit layout was nice and clean, the handlebar-mounted RideControl ONE being easy on the eye and a synch to use.

What we like:

- Great looking ladies bike.

- Plenty of power.

- Nice nimble geometry.

- Great stopping power

What we like less:

- No digital display - speed, cadence, odo etc. (various displays and an app are available)

Specifications:

Sizes: XS, S, M, L

Colours: Black/Teal

Frame: ALUXX SL-grade aluminum, 120mm FlexPoint suspension system

Fork: SR Suntour XCR 27.5+, 130mm travel, tapered steerer, Lockout, 110x15 Quick-Loc thru-axle

Shock: RockShox Monarch R, 184x44mm, Standard Eyelet, custom tuned

Handlebar: Giant Connect TR, 30.9mm

Stem: Giant Connect Seatpost: Giant 30.9mm, 2-bolt Micro Adjustable, Forged Aluminium

Saddle: Liv Contact upright

Shifters: Shimano Deore Rear

Rear Derailleur: Shimano SLX, 10-Speed, Shadow+

Brakes: Tektro HD-M735, 4/2-piston, hydraulic disc, 203mm

Brake Levers: Tektro HD-M735

Cassette: Shimano HG50-10, 11-36T, 10sp

Chain: KMC e.10 Sport, e-bike optimised

Crankset: Forged Alloy minimal Q-factor, 36T Steel Direct Mount ring

Rims: Giant AM 27.5+, Tubeless ready, 35mm inner width, e-bike optimised

Hubs: Giant eTracker, Sealed Cartridge bearing, IS 6-bolt, [F] 110x15 [R] 141x9mm Quick-Release, e-bike optimized

Spokes: Stainless Steel

Tyres: Maxxis Rekon 27.5x2.6", Exo protect, Tubeless Ready

Motor: Giant SyncDrive Sport, 80Nm powered by YAMAHA, 350% tuneable support

Sensors: Giant PedalPlus 4-sensor technology Display: Giant RideControl ONE, remote button

Battery: Giant EnergyPak 500, 36V 13.8Ah integrated Lithium-Ion

The Giant Liv Embolden E+ 2 is available at a RRP of R58 870.00 from Ride Life in George (wonderful service), from Greer Sports in Hoedspruit (we've also had some excellent dealings with them) or a Giant dealer near you.