Giant Explore E+ 2 GTS Review - $3.4k

The Giant Explore E+ 2 GTS is a hardtail cross country hybrid that comes in two frame styles, four sizes, and one color: metallic navy blue. Feature-complete with fenders, rear rack, and lights. Sold through dealers with excellent service and two-year warranty. Powerful SyncDrive Sport motor is a collaboration between Giant and Yamaha. It offers up to 70 newton meters of torque and measures wheel speed, cadence, pedal torque, acceleration, and slope for smooth and quick operation. Premium integrated lights with good side visibility. Good battery placement with ability to charge on or off the frame. Quality ergonomic grips with adjustable bar ends. Very comfortable saddle and adjustable 63mm travel suspension fork, tubeless-ready tires with reflective sidewalls. Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors. Excellent control pad design with USB-C charging port built in paired with bright color LCD display panel and smartphone app with motor tuning. The suspension fork does not have lockout and the preload clickers can be difficult to access. Battery charger requires a dongle to charge the pack off the bike, which adds clutter and could get lost.

0:00 Introduction, Giant and Liv brands, high-step vs. mid-step
0:48 Pricing and position within Giant ebike lineup
1:22 Battery and bike weight 58.7lbs, frame sizes, touch points
2:16 SR Suntour spring suspension fork overview, seat post option
3:33 Tire: tubeless ready, 50-70 PSI, gravel tread, reflective
4:53 Drivetrain: 42T chainring, 9-speed 11-42 microSHIFT Advent
6:34 Adjustable kickstand, Motor: SyncDrive Sport 70nm torque
7:29 Crank arms and basic cage pedals, charge port on the bike
8:33 Battery charger and adapter, single-click trigger shifters
10:15 Giant company background and shops, hydraulic disc brakes
11:22 Battery positioning and removal discussion, battery specs
12:41 Powering the bike on, button pad and display, great lights
18:27 Ride test begins handheld camera, third person brake test
20:03 General thoughts about the bike from my friends
22:39 Conclusion and site resources: compare, forums etc.

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[jajavega]

I bought this bike last week from my local shop where I have been going since the 1980’s! So they know me. I am Interested in driving less and so far, this beauty has been a real gem!

Owner of 2020 Explore E+0 GTS, amazing bike!!!

[amtrakharry]

That was one of the best reviews I have ever watched !!! Well done.
By the way I just bought a Explore E +1 today . I can't wait to get out on it...:):):)

[prossi]

As you mentioned, your 'goal' is to help us? Well you certainly did! I just brought home the Explore #2 GTS yesterday and you've given me more information that the store did. Not that they weren't helpful, but hey, it's June and the store was quite busy. I did my homework yet feel you gave me much more useful information. Ride on Court and thank you! :)

[makeitso]

I bought a slight variant of this bike a few weeks ago, the 2022 explore e +1 in gun metal gray. Only differences I can see is mine comes with a 625Mwh battery and controller is different. Really good bike so far. One of the first few things I did was to buy anti puncture tape which goes in between the tube and tire as apparently the standard tires puncture fairly easily. Also thick clear tape to protect against scratches. Good review, very similar to my experience.

[jajavega]

Thank you for a great review. You have impressive filming skills while riding!

[yehumikael]

I own this bike, and for the US 2021 model (same color), I received the Life Motor, which only has 60nm of torque. Very nice bike for touring. Good range in Eco mode 75 miles plus on single charge. Love the display and controller.

[YannickS]

What an excellent review.
I just bought one today. 👍
I'm gonna have it delivered next week.
I never had an e-bike before, so I can't really compare with other brands.
With this review I'm confident that I made a good choice.
Looking forward to my first ride!

[garymitchell]

It's my first week with my Giant explorer +1 and so far I love it. Yesterday I rode on pavement and dirt trails and I feel the motor pulling when going uphill.I changed between the modes often avg speed was 34kms and rode for 3 hours. I have a 500watt battery and still had another 3/4 left. I am very pleased with my purchase!

[gx]

I love this channel. So much good content on ebikes. Bravo!

[rogerroger]

I've owned a Giant Explore E+2 for nearly 3 years. I've had to replace the mudguards which cracked. Those Giant Crosscut 2 tyres are rubbish...never had so many punctures at inconvenient times & places. I replaced the tyres with Maxxis Ramblers with tubes that have removable Presta values so I can insert puncture preventing goo.

[albern]

If have this bike too. First i have change the weels with Schwalbe GT 365 47x622. Now the bike is all seasons ready and feels more comfortable and secure.
The motor is really strong in power modus.

[gctw]

Nice idea with the comments at the end...it is an interesting bike, it has such a 'normal' look to it, but quite a bit of tech.

[skotas]

I have 2020 model and I am very happy with it. I know it was pricier then other bikes, but it's a Giant. Did 3k km so far no issues. Love it every time when I take it out from the garage... Mine is mate black and 18 gears. Looks way better than this one.

[HoraceSmith-xfnv]

Bike was pretty easy to put together and rides very well

[ruben]

Great video. Very detailed. I’m looking for an E-bike for commuting and don’t know what to get, so I’m on here looking at reviews. Thanks

[vikingdk]

Awesome review, thank you Court! Your videos are fantastic. I’m considering this bike but still unsure about size M and L. I’ve tried L and it felt fine. You mention that this is size M and that it is perfect for you. How tall are you? I’m 176 cm. Thanks :)

[MHH]

Finally a passable frame (barely) and an excellent motor. Frankly, if you need a step through frame, that mid just doesn't work. What a shame they put a low end, off road shock, that failed in The 90's, on such an expensive bike. Heavy shocks drain batteries. ALL suspension forks are designed for off road control, not on road comfort. They would have done far better saving some money using a suspension stem and seat post. Micrshift is awesome. I am impressed to finally start seeing better quality components on e-bikes. I would pit that deraileur against Deore any day. The bars, while way too wide for most (can be trimmed), are excellent and the bar ends are something that once you try you will never do without again. The brakes, while quite large, are pretty low end for this price point. If for any reason you need to remove a hydraulic line, the have to be replaced. Not a big deal, but still a little disconcerting. That keypad looks awfully fragile.

[MrMarkusmulder]

Hey, long time no see.
Thanks for the video and stay safe ✌️.

[elevenAD]

Good looking bike, i would love to give one of these a test run to see how it compares to comparably priced online bikes.