Giant Ebike Novelties 2022: Appetite for Adventure

Update 25th January 2022

1. Giant Trance X E+ 2022: The Supposed Underdog
2. Giant Trance X Advanced E+ 2022: Bound for new shores
3. Giant Reign E+ 2022: Big at the front, small at the back
4. Giant Revolt E+ Pro 2022 with new drive

1. Giant Trance X E+ 2022: The Supposed Underdog

You almost want to feel a little sorry for the Giant Trance X E+ for the 2022 season. The new model comes onto the market two months after the Trance X Advanced E+. Of course, that in itself isn’t a major setback. Nevertheless, it is now struggling to attract the attention of customers and is seemingly on the losing end. The disadvantages compared to the newcomer in the range weigh too heavily. No super-light carbon frame. And no suspension that automatically adapts to the riding situation. Or is it not so clear-cut after all?

Aluminium vs Carbon

Let’s first look at the things that are obvious. With the Trance X E+, Giant relies on its proven aluminium called AluxX SL. Through many years in use, the manufacturer knows the material inside out. This is reflected in the construction. Where high stresses occur, greater wall thicknesses are used, and where one can afford it, the weight is reduced. In the end, the scales show about one kilogram more for the frame of the Trance X E+ series compared to the carbon models of the Trance X Advanced E+ series.

Electronics vs. own decision

The comparison is easier when it comes to the suspension. There, the Fox E-Live Valve with its sophisticated algorithms is up against your intuition and experience. On the one hand an adjustment with a frequency of 1,000 Hz, on the other hand stop, readjust the air pressure via valve or pump and ride on. Or ride the entire tour with one and the same setup. It’s clear who has the edge here. To be fair, it must be mentioned that the suspension elements themselves, i.e. suspension fork, shock and rear triangle, are technically equivalent or identical on both model series.

Top motor and drivetrain

For the first time, there is a tie when it comes to the electric drive. All three models of the Giant Trance X E+ are equipped with the SyncDrive Pro2 motor, the current top-of-the-line power unit. This means you can draw on plentiful power. Torque of 85 Newton metres, support of up to 400 percent. More is currently not possible with an ebike from Giant.

The gears and brakes are also on the same level. As with the Advanced series, you’ll find a single-speed drivetrain paired with a 12-speed cassette. All components come from Shimano. Depending on the model, we find ourselves between the XT groupset and the Deore groupset. The same applies to the brakes with their four brake pistons.

Is the range the deciding factor?

Some of you may decide whether the Trance X E+ or the Trance X Advanced E+ is the more interesting model based on the battery. This is where the duel between the two bikes gets new food for thought. With 750 watt hours, the cheaper model has a clear advantage over the “only” 625 watt hours of the more expensive model. In everyday use, the difference of 125 watt-hours can be the deciding factor in favour of the Giant Trance X E+. Riding longer tours and having to reach for the charger less often are two key arguments. Especially since you will benefit from it for the entire life of your bike.

By the way, the reason for the difference is the smaller tube diameter inside the down tube of the carbon frame of the Trance X Advanced E+. There is simply not enough space left for the larger battery.

What is in your wallet?

If you compare two such similar model series with each other, the price naturally also plays a role in the end. There is a gap of 2,300 euros between the top models of both series. In contrast, there is only a gap of 1,500 euros between the cheapest models of both series. Nevertheless, the cheapest Giant Trance X Advanced E+, the Trance X Advanced E+ 2, still costs 200 euros more than the most expensive Giant Trance X E+, the Giant Trance X E+ 1.

Overall, a rather tricky decision, at least from our point of view. However, you won’t really be wrong in any case. Both are great trail bikes whose balanced handling qualifies them for a wide range of uses.

Giant Trance X E+ 2022 at a glance

• Variants: Giant Trance X E+ 1, Giant Trance X E+ 2, Giant Trance X E+ 3
• Motor: SyncDrive Pro2, 85 Nm
• Battery: EnergyPak Smart XL 750 Wh
• Control unit: RideControl GO + RideControl Ergo 3
• Display: SG Display compatible, RideDash Plus compatible
• Suspension fork: Fox 36 Performance, Fox 36 Float Rhythm, RockShox 35 Gold RL DebonAir
• Drivetrain: Shimano Deore XT
• Brakes: Shimano Deore XT, Shimano Deore
• Colours: Amber Glow/Black, Sapphire, Black Diamond
• Maximum permitted total weight: 156 kg

Update 23rd November 2021

2. Giant Trance X Advanced E+ 2022: Bound for new shores

Up to now, the Trance X E+ has always been in the middle of Giant’s full-suspension e-mountain bikes. For the 2022 season, this traditional pecking order will be shaken up. Carbon frame. Electronically controlled suspension. Most powerful motor in the range. In terms of suspension travel, the old order still applies. Technologically speaking, this is much more than mid-range. Oh, the name is also new – Trance X Advanced E+.

Even with its mountain bikes, Giant has always insistently relied solely on aluminium as the frame material. There is little to say against that. At the most, carbon has established itself as another material that tops aluminium in terms of weight and stiffness. Yes, it costs more in the end. However, more and more customers are willing to dig a little deeper into their wallets for that extra sporty feeling.

Lighter and smarter

Giant seems to be reacting to this trend. Quite similar to the new product for the 2022 season, the new high-performance carbon is called “Advanced Carbon”. For the production, the manufacturer has a factory in its own hands. In the later frame construction, the front frame triangle is made from a single piece. The frames of the now presented models Giant Trance X Advanced E+ 0, Giant Trance X Advanced E+ 1 and Giant Trance X Advanced E+ 2 weigh almost exactly one kilogram less than their aluminium counterparts. However, these will not be on show until next year.

The next premiere awaits you when you take a look at the suspension fork and shock. Fox 36 Factory and Fox Float X Factory are of course not new to a Giant bike. What is special about the versions installed here, however, is their coupling to the E-Live Valve from Fox. Somewhat more than a year ago, Fox presented the electronically controlled suspension system for ebikes – exclusively in cooperation with Bosch. Giant is now the first manufacturer to equip pedelecs with E-Live Valve in combination with an alternative e-drive as standard.

Electronics replace manual adjustment

Visually, the easiest way to recognise this system is a small bulge on the underside of the top tube. The control unit is integrated there. This solution is much more inconspicuous than on Giant mountain bikes without e-drive, which already have this feature. Giant has clearly come up with something at this point.

Thanks to E-Live Valve, you no longer need to worry about the right setting for your suspension elements. Fox’s logic will take care of that. Acceleration sensors and 3D sensors determine data on the respective riding situation thousands of times per second. They recognise whether you are going uphill or downhill, whether both wheels are on the ground or in the air and on which surface you are riding. Based on this information, the system permanently regulates air pressure, etc.

Battery somewhat more modest

Like its big brother, the Reign E+, the Trance Advanced E+ is also equipped with the SyncDrive Pro2. In its current version, the motor has a torque of 85 Newton metres. The fact that it has become smaller and lighter is absolutely beneficial to the sporty approach of the new Trance.

Where the bike actually has to cut back a little is in the capacity of the battery. Due to its smaller dimensions, the down tube of the new carbon frame simply doesn’t offer enough space for the EnergyPak XL 750. As an alternative, the EnergyPak Smart Integrated 625 with its 125 watt hours less is sufficient. Considering the rest of the features, this is probably acceptable.

Giant Trance X Advanced E+ 2022 at a glance

• Variants: Giant Trance X Advanced E+ 0, Giant Trance X Advanced E+ 1, Giant Trance X Advanced E+ 2
• Motor: SyncDrive Pro2, 85 Nm
• Battery: EnergyPak Smart Integrated 625 Wh
• Control unit: RideControl GO + RideControl Ergo 3 – SG
• Display: SG Display compatible, RideDash Plus compatible
• Suspension fork: Fox 36 Factory Live Valve, Fox 36 Performance Elite Live Valve, Fox 36 Performance
• Drivetrain: Shimano Deore XT, Shimano Deore SLX
• Brakes: Shimano Deore XT, Shimano Deore
• Colours: Metallic Navy/metallic Blue, Panther/Phantom Green, Starry Night
• Maximum permitted total weight: 156 kg

Update 3rd August 2021

3. Giant Reign E+ 2022: Big at the front, small at the back

Giant has already won numerous laurels for its Reign E+. The racy e-fully earns envious glances on many an enduro course. Apart from the victories in several renowned bike tests. In season 2022, however, fundamental changes will take place. The new Reign E+ comes with a mixed-wheel configuration. In future, a 29-inch wheel will lead the way. At the rear, everything will remain the same with 27.5 inches. This will have a noticeable effect on the riding characteristics.

The new edition of the top model Reign E+ 0 also features the recently developed SyncDrive Pro2 motor. Its torque of 85 Newton metres now matches the values of comparable motors from Bosch and Co. At the same time, the engineers have been able to take a few grams off the drive. Due to its more compact dimensions, the ground clearance of the Reign E+ has increased by 37 millimetres, which will make it much easier for you to overcome any obstacles.

The more powerful motor comes with plenty of battery capacity. The Giant EnergyPak XL installed in the two top models provides 750 watt hours. This allows for even longer off-road excursions for you to ride. In general, this model range is becoming somewhat clearer. The number of bikes is reduced from five to four. However, the batteries of the two cheaper models guarantee long-lasting fun with 625 watt hours each.

Another welcome innovation on the Reign E+ 0 and Reign E+ 1 for 2022: With the Fox 38 Float Factory and the Fox 38 Float Performance Elite, two suspension forks with a great performance are installed, which have a suspension travel of 170 millimetres.

Giant Reign E+ 2022 at a glance

• Variants: Giant Reign E+ 0, Giant Reign E+ 1, Giant Reign E+ 2, Giant Reign E+ 3
• Motor: SyncDrive Pro2, 85 Nm
• Battery: EnergyPak XL 750 Wh, 625 Wh Smart Integrated
• Display: RideControl GO + RideControl Ergo 3 – SG
• Suspension fork: Fox 38 Float Factory, Fox 38 Float Performance Elite, RockShox ZEB Select, RockShox Domain
• Drivetrain: Sram X01 Eagle, Shimano Deore XT, Sram GX Eagle/NX Eagle, Shimano Deore
• Brakes: Sram Code RSC, Shimano Deore XT, Sram Code R, Shimano Deore
• Colours: Phantom Green/Black, Good Gray/Black, Black Diamond/Black, Amber Glow/Black
• Maximum permitted total weight: 156 kg

Original post 6th July 2021

It feels like the whole topic of e-gravel bikes is still relatively new at Giant. But in fact, the Revolt E+ Pro is already in its third season. And from our point of view, it has never done as well as now for the 2022 model year.

4. Giant Revolt E+ Pro 2022 with new drive

Why? Because Giant has taken a noticeable look at how the fun of riding can be increased even further. The manufacturer’s approach is as follows: simplify operation and work on the important components such as motor and brakes. Compared to its predecessor, the most obvious difference is therefore the change of motor. From the SyncDrive Pro, behind which Yamaha stands, Giant now goes to the SyncDrive EP8. You can tell from the name that behind it, of course, is the EP8 from Shimano.

Since its introduction last year, the unit has received largely good reviews. Quiet, powerful, yet well-dosed support, less prone to overheating and thanks to the low Q-factor with a quite natural riding feeling. Therefore, this decision seems quite understandable. The SyncDrive Pro, on the other hand, was often said to react a little too sensitively and to push forward even with very light pressure on the pedal, which is not everyone’s cup of tea.

Safer and cleaner

In view of the power of the motor solution, the simultaneous upgrade of the brakes is particularly positive. The diameter of the brake discs has increased by 20 millimetres. You will benefit from this regardless of the terrain on which you are riding the Revolt E+ Pro. There is simply more happening when you pull the levers. At the same time, the discs heat up more slowly on long descents.

The rather large display and the control unit have disappeared from the handlebars. Some of you may have found both of these a little out of place on a bike like this anyway. From now on, the bike is controlled via a control unit embedded in the top tube. RideControl Go is the name of the new connection to the motor. Two narrow colour bars and an on/off switch, that’s all there is to it. The left bar shows you via different colours which support mode you have selected. Divided into five sections, the right bar shows you the capacity of the battery.

Standard equipment easy to upgrade

The RideControl Go is based on the smart gateway technology introduced by Giant in 2021. Those who don’t like this purist design have a few alternatives. Actually, the Smart-Gateway components are compatible with each other. For example, you can later expand your Revolt E+ Pro with the RideControl Ergo control unit and the RideDash Evo display.

The rest of the e-gravel bike’s package is of the same high quality as before. Handlebars and seatpost made of carbon, Di2 electronic gears from Shimano, battery with 500 watt hours and even mountings for sidestand, rear rack and mudguards on the frame – not bad. For the 2022 season, Giant is also adding a tubeless kit.

Giant Revolt E+ Pro 2022 at a glance

• Motor: SyncDrive EP8, 85 Nm
• Battery: EnergyPak Smart Compact 500 Wh, EnergyPak Plus compatible
• Display: SG Display compatible, RideDash Plus compatible
• Fork: Carbon, 12 x 100 mm
• Drivetrain: Shimano GRX Di2 RD-RX817, 11-speed
• Brakes: Shimano GRX BR-RX810, 180 mm
• Colour: Rosewood
• Extras: tubeless kit (fluid, valves, tyre levers, valve core remover, instructions)
• Weight (Size M): 17.8 kg
• Maximum permitted total weight: 156 kg

Pictures: Giant Bicycle, Inc.; Giant Deutschland GmbH