With the general growing popularity of ebikes, there are more and more manufacturers who are also providing electric support for the next generation of cyclists. Woom, KTM and Mondraker are just a few examples. With the Fathom E+ Jr., Giant also already has an ebike for children in its range. Now two new models have been added. Actually, there are four.
The uncertainty about the number is due to the fact that, in addition to Giant, Liv is also launching two ebikes for girls and boys for the first time. All of them could be added together because Giant and Liv are two brands of the same company. What is more decisive, however, is that their models are technically identically equipped. Only the brand and model names on the frame and the colour design differ. It is therefore obvious to review the Giant Talon E+ 24, the Liv Tempt E+ 24, the Giant Talon E+ 26 and the Liv Tempt E+ 26 together.
Made to measure
All four bikes are hardtails that have a suspension element in the form of a suspension fork. The basis is a frame made of Giant’s original Aluxx aluminium. As is generally known, this material does not provide additional damping. However, it ensures that the weight of the frame and thus of the entire bicycle remains relatively low. Despite the motor, this is still a decisive factor for children aged eight to 13. It is precisely for this age range that these e-mountain bikes are designed. Typically, children of that age have a muscle mass that is rather low in relation to their body weight. Consequently, every kilogram they have to move means a disproportionately higher physical effort than for us adults.
As expected, more components are specifically designed for the youngsters. This is most obvious with the wheels. Both manufacturers launch one model each with 24-inch and 26-inch wheels. Children between 130 centimetres and 155 centimetres tall should be able to ride these quite well. The smaller size comes with shorter cranks of 152 millimetres and narrower handlebars of 620 millimetres. The cranks of the 26er models are 160 millimetres long and the handlebars are 640 millimetres wide.
Less power for more safety
Giant and Liv are similarly deliberate when it comes to the question of what level of propulsion the e-drive should offer riders of that age. Both limited its power capacity and followed the guidelines of other manufacturers. For example, the motor installed in the rear wheel hub only provides support up to a maximum speed of 20 km/h. Anything beyond that requires the full commitment of the children. At the same time, the torque of 30 Newton metres of the SyncDrive Move gives the bikes the necessary liveliness that makes mountain biking a real pleasure even for the youngest.
The motor might still be relatively unknown to some of you. The Momentum brand, which also belongs to the Giant Group, presented it for the first time this spring in two sporty urban ebikes. It was developed in cooperation with Panasonic and weighs just under two kilograms. Based on data from several intelligent sensors, the SnycDrive Move regulates its assistance automatically. The so-called SmartAssist technology determines, among other things, how much power the rider is putting on the pedal. In the version installed on the Giant and Liv bikes, the motor offers three support levels: Eco, Active and Power. Behind the Power mode is a 10-second extra boost. After this, the drive automatically switches back to Active mode.
More practical than beautiful
We find it a bit of a shame that both Giant and Liv have not taken the same approach to integrate the drive as Momentum has. The brand opted for the EnergyPak Micro, a battery with 250 watt hours that is permanently integrated into the down tube. Talon E+ 24/26 and Tempt E+24/26 have the same capacity. However, this originates from the EnergyPak 250 mounted on the down tube, which functions as a range extender on other ebikes from Giant and Liv. In this case, it looks like a foreign body and doesn’t really fit into the otherwise very appealing design of the children’s ebikes. Perhaps the down tube of these frames did not provide enough space to accommodate the battery inside. After all, the manufacturers promise an average range of 40 kilometres to 90 kilometres. With the accompanying EnergyPak Smart 4A Charger, it is supposed to be fully charged within 3.5 hours. And there is even room for a bottle cage on the seat tube.
Bring on the mountains
The other drive components are basically well suited for joint off-road adventures with the whole family or friends. The suspension fork mentioned above works well in off-road sections that don’t yet demand everything from the children technically. Bumps, minor jolts and jumps are feasible tests for the 80 millimetres of suspension travel. Fast and safe braking should also not be a problem due to the hydraulic disc brakes. Instead of the 160 millimetre brake discs, the next size with 180 millimetres would have been well conceivable.
However, we cannot exactly estimate how happy each child will be with the derailleur. With Shimano components, it should work perfectly. However, the cassette with its nine sprockets only covers a range from eleven to 36 teeth. Since on the models with the 26 inch wheels the chainring of the 1x drive also has 36 teeth, the smallest gear ratio is just 1:1. As long as the battery is charged, this should be sufficient. However, if the e-drive stops working on the way, it can quickly become quite exhausting for the children on more serious climbs. Especially since the weight of the ebike becomes noticeable compared to a conventional bicycle. Whether a sudden bad mood threatens here probably depends on the remaining route and the fitness of the girls and boys. On the variants with 24 inch wheels, the smallest gear ratio is somewhat lower at around 0.94.
Soon in the shops
At the end of the day, Giant and Liv seem to have done a lot right with the four novelties. Especially the change to the new SyncDrive Move seems promising. You can check out the ebikes for yourself from July 2022. Then they will be on sale for 2,199 euros. Unfortunately, only one colour is available from each manufacturer in each size.
Giant Talon E+ 24/26 and Liv Tempt E+ 24/26 at a glance
- Variants: Giant Talon E+ 24, Giant Talon E+ 26, Liv Tempt E+ 24, Liv Tempt E+ 26
- Frame: Aluxx aluminium
- Suspension fork: SR Suntour XMC HLO 26ΚΊ, SR Suntour XCT 24ΚΊ
- Motor: SyncDrive Move
- Battery: EnergyPak 250
- Control unit: RideControl Dash
- Drivetrain: Shimano Alivio
- Brakes: Tektro HD-M282, 160 mm
- Weight: 18,3 kg (Giant Talon E+ 24, Liv Tempt E+ 24), 19,1 kg (Giant Talon E+ 26, Liv Tempt E+ 26)
- Colour: Terracotta, Deep Lake, Milky Way, Ocean Wave
- Price: 2.199 Euro
Pictures: Giant Bicycle, Inc.