Stormguard E+ SUV Ebike from Giant: No Is not an Option.

Well, it can be assumed that Giant has quite enough work to do usually. Nevertheless, the manufacturer has taken on a special challenge – the use of a belt drive on a full-suspension bike.

At first glance, many people would rather keep their hands off such a project. Why? Because, from an engineering point of view, it is anything but trivial to ensure that there is a sufficiently high belt tension over the entire travel range. On a bicycle with a classic chain drive, the rear derailleur does this job. However, this component is missing with the belt version.

Starting from scratch

With its new Stormguard E+, Giant has nevertheless solved this task. According to reports, the manufacturer spent over four years working on this completely new model. A large part of the development work is said to have gone into the rear triangle. It was already clear at the beginning of the project that Giant’s well-known Maestro and somewhat simpler Flexpoint rear systems would not be suitable.

This is why you will encounter the Stable Link for the first time on this SUV ebike. Behind the name is a raised swingarm with a single pivot point. Giant combines it with a pulley that tensions the belt coming from the bottom bracket. It is connected to a spring and can thus react to the compression and rebound in the shock.

Designed for long and bumpy adventures

Decoupled from the Stable Link and thus from the swinging mass, the massive rear carrier is attached to the frame below the saddle clamp with two sturdy mounts. This separation proves advantageous as soon as you come very close to the carrier’s maximum load of 15 kilograms with your payload. The rear wheel can move without affecting the load on the rear carrier.

One result of this design is a kinematic system that convinces primarily with its comfort and less with a maximum of sportiness and efficiency. According to Giant, this is aimed at quality-conscious trekking fans who are looking for a very comfortable ride and at the same time like the look of a mountain bike. Accordingly, the Stormguard E+’s geometry supports an upright, relaxed sitting position on the bike. Both the suspension fork and the shock with a travel of 100 millimetres each fit coherently into this concept.

The frame is not only comfortable, but also contemporary. All cables and wires run inside the tubes. The top tube is lowered, which should make it easier to get on and off the bike. At this point, the dropper seatpost can help as well. On all four available frame sizes S, M, L and XL, Giant uses a 27.5-inch wheelset. The 2.6-inch wide tyres have a sturdy tread and underline the off-road character of the ebike.

Powerful and enduring at the same time

When a bike like the Stormguard E+ is designed for long tours, it seems only logical to also install a powerful e-drive. Giant probably feels the same way and has opted for the top motor in the current range. The SyncDrive Pro2 has received a tuning update for the 2023 season. Apart from that, it is the drive that some of you may already know. Its torque is 85 Newton metres, the assistance ratio reaches up to 400 percent.

New, however, is the EnergyPak 800 battery integrated into the down tube, whose capacity of 800 watt hours is extended by an additional 250 watt hours in the top model Stormguard E+ 1 with the EnergyPak Plus Range Extender. With optimal conditions, this should be enough for a range of about 200 kilometres, according to Giant.

More luxury or rather save some money?

A second decisive difference between the Stormguard E+ 1 and the 1,500 euro cheaper Stormguard E+ 2 becomes apparent when looking at the gearing. Here you have the choice between the stepless automatic gear system from Enviolo and the simpler Shimano Nexus Inter-5E. The difference in class between the two gear hubs is illustrated by the respective gear ratio range of 380% for the Enviolo and only 263% for the Shimano. With the more premium Enviolo version, you can even set your preferred cadence in the app. Based on this, the Enviolo will automatically adjust the gear ratio while riding so that you pedal at exactly this cadence at all times. You also don’t need to worry about the stability of this solution. Giant uses the Heavy Duty version of the gear system, which can permanently withstand a torque of 100 Newton metres.

Giant Stormguard E+ 2023 at a glance

• Variants: Giant Stormguard E+ 1, Giant Stormguard E+ 2
• Motor: SyncDrive Pro2
• Battery: EnergyPak Smart 800 incl. EnergyPak Plus, EnergyPak Smart 800
• Display: RideDash Evo
• Control unit: RideControl Ergo 2
• Suspension fork: Fox AWL, SR Suntour XCR 34 Air LO-R
• Drivetrain: Enviolo Heavy Duty Automatiq, Shimano Nexus Inter-5E
• Brakes: Shimano M6120, Shimano MT420
• Colours: Hematite / Black, Good Grey / Black
• Maximum permissible total weight: 156 kg
• Price: from 6,499 euros

Pictures: Giant Germany GmbH