Keep up with the times and the time won’t pass you by. Giant probably had this saying in mind when presenting the new Stance E+ for the 2023 season. The last more extensive update of this full-suspension trail e-mountain bike was a few years ago. So it’s no surprise that the manufacturer has done some major work here once again.
However, all fans of the Stance E+ can sit back and relax. The predecessor and successor have a lot in common. The model remains a candidate that could be interesting for people who are just getting into mountain biking or are thinking about a fully e-MTB for the first time. With 140 millimetres for the suspension fork and 125 millimetres for the rear shock, its travel has increased by ten millimetres and five millimetres respectively compared to the past. However, the values are still in the range of a trail bike that can cope with very different types of terrain and shines with its balance, especially on longer tours. In other words, a classic all-rounder.
New level of dynamics and safety
The changes to the frame geometry are more pronounced than those to the suspension system. Here, however, there was also a bit more catching up to do. On the data sheet, you can definitely tell that the Stance E+ has been around for a while. However, Giant has done its homework and brought the bike back to the present.
In this, many bikers simply ride at slightly different angles. That’s why the seat tube now rises a considerable 2.5 degrees steeper. At the same time, the steering angle drops by 1.5 degrees. This may sound like minor adjustments to some of you. In fact, however, they result in a noticeably different riding characteristic. On the new models, you go uphill more dynamically and with greater pedalling efficiency. If, on the other hand, you’re racing downhill, you’ll do so with more control in the future.
All this happens in a moderate way. Giant deliberately avoids the extremes. If you are new to this kind of bike, you should feel relaxed and safe at all times. The riding position is therefore less stretched, while a still sufficiently long chain stay provides plenty of stability.
Mountain bike with road approval
Despite the optimisations for riding on the trails, Giant continues to think about those who roll with the Stance E+ on the road for longer periods of time. Fully equipped EX models with mudguards, rear carriers and lights remain part of the range. Basically, every frame has the mounts for these add-on parts. So, you can also adapt one of the bikes designed purely for mountain biking to your individual requirements. However, there will be one small difference from the 2023 season. Giant is giving the EX models a mullet wheelset. The 29-inch front wheel will be joined by a 27.5-inch rear wheel.
Update also includes motor and battery
In addition to the development of riding habits and frame geometries, a lot has of course happened with regard to technology. In the meantime, new drives and new batteries are available from Giant. Understandably, these also want to be incorporated into the model range. This is done according to a familiar pattern. In other words, all models with the addition “Pro” in the product name will receive the current top motor SyncDrive Pro2 with a torque of 85 Newton metres. Where you don’t read “Pro”, Giant has installed the SyncDrive Sport2, whose torque is 75 Newton metres. Both support you with a maximum of 400 percent.
Giant’s batteries provide more power as well. You may have already come across the largest EnergyPak, which now features 800 watt hours of capacity, in one of the manufacturer’s other new products for the current season. It is part of the standard equipment on the Pro models. Just like the option of the range extender, the EnergyPak Plus with 250 watt hours. This adds up to an impressive 1,050 watt hours of total capacity. Under optimal conditions, Giant even considers ranges beyond 200 kilometres to be feasible.
In the cheaper models of the Stance E+, there is the EnergyPak Smart 625 with 175 watt hours less. However, both the Stance E+ and Stance E+ Pro are based on the same aluminium frame with the AluxX SL. If you want, you can also buy an EnergyPak Smart 800 as a second battery afterwards in addition to the EnergyPak Smart 625.
Giant Stance E+ for the 2023 season at a glance
- Variants: Stance E+ 0 Pro, Stance E+ 1 Pro, Stance E+ EX Pro, Stance E+ 1, Stance E+ 2, Stance E+ EX
- Motor: SyncDrive Pro2, SyncDrive Sport2
- Battery: EnergyPak Smart 800, EnergyPak Smart 625
- Control unit: RideControl Dash 2in1
- Suspension fork: RockShox 35 Gold RL DebonAir, RockShox 35 Silver, SR Suntour XCR 34 LO-R
- Drivetrain: Shimano Deore XT LinkGlide, Shimano Deore, Shimano Deore LinkGlide
- Brakes: Shimano SLX M7120, Tektro HD-M745 Orion, Shimano Deore MT420
- Maximum permitted total weight: 156 kg
Pictures: Giant Deutschland GmbH
