Giant Explore E+ 2023: the Taiwanese electric hybrid bike becomes more luxurious

With among other improvements a larger battery, the versatile Giant Explore E+ electric bike is upgrading for 2023, and therefore increasing in price…

The bicycle manufacturer Giant offers a complete range of bikes, including “E+” electric bikes. Between the VTTAEs Trance and Talon, city bikes Entour with rear-mounted or integrated Dailytour batteries, and the more road-oriented models like the Fastroad and Revolt, the brand provides electric VTCs. It is here that they have renewed their offer, first with the Stormguard E+ in fall 2022, and now with the smaller, more affordable brother, the Explore E+, a VTC that plays on versatility between everyday use and leisure. It is, in itself, a competitor to the Specialized Turbo Vado or the Moustache Samedi 27 XRoad.

What’s new for 2023?

The Giant Explore E+ 2023 features a completely new frame, noticeable by the absence of play between the two lower and upper tubes at the front. Most notably, it is elongated to provide an increased wheelbase of 2 to 3 cm and a top tube height (stack) increased by more than 5 cm. The riding position thus shifts slightly, becoming less active (more towards the rear). The Explore E+ maintains its offer of two frame options: the fully enclosed “GTS” and semi-open “STA,” but not a completely open frame like Flyer’s Gotour.

Many details have evolved, such as the lighting installed at the handlebar level, a reinforced rear rack to adopt the MIK HD standard, a new kickstand, and two additional attachment points for accessories on the frame. The wheels remain 28 inches, with hydraulic disc brakes of 180 mm, but with slightly wider tires (700x57C). The suspension fork also improves, increasing from 63 to 100 mm of travel.

The Giant SyncDrive Sport motor remains in-house, developed by Yamaha, but moves to the second generation. It develops 75 Nm (+5) at the crank through a Shimano chain transmission and derailleur. The battery, integrated into the frame and removable, increases from 500 to 625 Wh capacity, resulting in an approximate range increase of 15 to 20 km.

More torque and bigger battery!

The differences between the Giant Explore E+ 1 and 2 are the higher-end transmission (moving from Shimano Altus 9 speeds to Deore 10 speeds), and Shimano Deore brakes replacing Tektro HD-M275.

Two new versions, “Pro 1” and “Pro 0,” bring even more premium options. They feature an “Pro2” motor with 85 Nm torque and an 800 Wh battery, up from 625 Wh previously, along with a 6A charger. Similarly, the 1 and 0 are distinguished by their transmissions: Deore 10 speeds for the 1, and Deore XT 11 speeds for the 0, with 203 mm brakes upgrading from Tektro HD-M745 to Shimano Deore XT M8100.

What is the price for the Giant Explore E+ 2023?

For now, this versatile electric bike is listed in Germany. It should not take long to cross the Rhine and arrive in France. However, comparing the prices of the two generations, we note a price increase. The Giant Explore E+ 2 GTS model goes from €2,990 to €3,299, a rise of €300 (+10%).

It is also noticeable that the entry-level model E+ 3 has disappeared, which still allows offering an entry price at €2,800 in France. As for the new Explore E+ Pro 1 and 0 variants, they are obviously more expensive, ranging from €4,499 to €4,999 (still in Germany).

Also read: Decathlon LD 920E review: first hands-on and opinion on the Btwin electric bike