GIANT EXPLORE E+ 1 (2020)

The Explore E+ 1 is the perfect bike for those who want to ride tame rail trails and bike paths, but also want the freedom of riding out in nature and not be restricted by steep hills or unsealed surfaces.

WHO AND WHAT IS THE EXPLORE E+ FOR?

At its most fundamental, it’s a hybrid bike; cross-between a mountain bike and road bike. It’s also the most versatile hybrid in the range and positions itself perfect in the grey area between road and mountain.

Scenic rail trails, daily commutes and general fitness rides, it can do everything that a recreational rider would want to do. And on any road or trail surface.

Large volume tyres and suspension deliver not only deliver superb traction on loose dirt and gravel surfaces, these components significantly help smooth out the ride.

THE EXPLORE E+ FRAME

Both 2020 Giant Explore E+ models use exactly the same aluminium frame. And they are made using Giant’s ALUXX SL.

What is this?

ALUXX SL is the best aluminium-grade and manufacturing technique that Giant employs on their E-bikes. In other words, it’s the lightest and stiffest.

How do they do that?

By using a process called double-butting. This means there is 2 wall thickness to all the main tubes; thicker where there’s more load and thinner where the extra isn’t required. It’s a far more sophisticated Process than what’s used on lower-priced aluminium frames.

Integration is also an important design requirement. And to achieve this, internal cable routing is used. This technique helps hide all the electrical cables, rear hydraulic disc brake hose and derailleur cable. Giant has also used specially designed end covers for the battery to blend it in with the rest of the downtube.

Also, unlike the Explore E+ 4, the Explore E+ 1 comes with a number of upgrades including rear pannier rack, mudguards and lights.

THE MOTOR AND ELECTRONICS

Giant’s all-around motor is used on both Explore E+ 2020 models, and it’s called SyncDrive Sport. It’s also made by Yamaha to Giant’s specifications, so it’s reliable, quiet and powerful.

And it’s a perfect fit for both Explore E+ models. It’s lightweight, silent operation and quick response makes it perfect for everyday use, commuting and weekend enthusiasts.

SyncDrive Sport delivers a maximum torque of 80Nm; it’s sufficient to power to get up 10% and steeper inclines comfortably. As soon as you apply pressure on the pedal (well in 500 milliseconds anyway), your chosen power level (or assist level) is activated.

And speaking of assist, there are 5 different modes and each has their own level of support (in %):

Auto (50%-350% support) / Eco (50%) / Eco+ (100%) / Normal (175%) / Sport (250%) / Sport+ (350%)

On the handlebar, there’s a remote control that adjusts the assistance level. This controller is called Ride Control One. And it displays battery range and assist-level.

It’s also Bluetooth compatible. So any cycling computer that uses Bluetooth will be able to sync with it to show speed, distance and cadence.

Also, Giant has designed an app to use with their E-bikes called RideControl. So instead of a cycling computer, you can mount your phone instead using a Quad Lock case or similar.

Not only will it display the above metric, but it also has a basic map showing where you are. And if there is an issue with your Explore E+ will show you how to perform a very basic self-diagnosis.

PEDALPLUS 6-SENSOR TECHNOLOGY

New for 2020 is an additional 2 sensors (it use to be 4 sensors). The 2 additional sensors are an accelerometer and an incline sensor.

The accelerometer measures the amount of acceleration and deceleration and automatically adjusts the motor output to suit.

The inline sensor measures the gradient or steepness of the slope (up or down) and also adjusts motor output to suit. For example, you don’t want more power when you’re going downhill.

Other sensors include speed, pedal rotation, torque and motor.

THE BATTERY

Giant call all their batteries EnergyPak. The Explore E+ 4 uses the EnergyPak 400. It’s a 400Wh 36 Volt Lithium-Ion battery.

The battery can be charged on the bike or removed from the Fathom E and charged inside the house. The removal process takes seconds and there is a lock on the frame too. At purchase, you receive 2 spare keys.

THE EXPLORE E+ 1 COMPONENT CHECK

As the best Explore E+ in the range, the E+ 1 comes with high-end Shimano components.

First, Shimano Deore components are used throughout. Deore is considered affordable performance. There are 10 gears on the back and 2 gears on the front, delivering a total of 20 gears.

Shifting performance is excellent. It delivers smooth and accurate shifts every time. There’s even a stabiliser unit built into the rear derailleur. This stops the chain from bouncing around and potentially derailing.

Shimano hydraulic disc brakes are not only easy to maintain (to the point where they are maintenance-free), but they are also safer. Significantly less effort is required at the lever (it’s frictionless) because you’re not pulling a cable, you’re compressing a fluid. Riders with small hands and hand stiff joints will find this welcome.

Giant CrossCut Gravel 2 tyres are paired to Giant EX-2 wheels. These are E-bike specific rims and are designed to be durable. The tyres are 45mm wide and their tread pattern makes them suitable for varying surface conditions; 30% pavement and 70% dirt/gravel.

It’s an aggressive, smooth-rolling tread and its casing has been designed for suppleness and compliance. You’ll be a lot more comfortable on a long-distance bike ride.