Considering a replacement of 2011 ebike - opinions desired

RandallS said:
Not sure if I really care about the upgraded controller display as a smartphone will likely be in play anyways.
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You do. The RideControl app is very poor, works badly (at least for me), and it certainly doesn't replace the real display. However, with the situation you are describing, don't buy the E+ 4. It is very poorly specified...
 
Update.
I ordered a Vado 5 two weeks ago, and it was to arrive today. Got a call from the owner of the LBS and he was very apologetic, but Specialized stiffed him (and me) on the order. Likely a poorly maintained stock database at the warehouse.

Anyway, he offered to try to source one for me but I've decided to spend around 50% less and go with Giant, at least for now.

The Vado 5 was $5999 and the Giant E +4 is $2799 (Canadian before taxes).

They've set aside an Explore for me. It's a stepthrough E+4, and although I really wanted the +2, I may accept the compromise of that model. Browneye and others seem to really like theirs and the value proposition is quite good IMHO. Additionally, I think I may be doing more trails and I think the Giant may be be more suitable. With Canadian laws, the value of a speed pedelec like the Vadoo is different from the US.

I suspect I'll be able to negotiate a few extras as compensation, as I could have gotten an E +2 up to a few days ago from another shop 300 kms north of here. Thie local shop I am dealing with is quite well respected and seem to be suitably motivated for the business. I like that it was the owner who reached out and not one of his staff.

Test drive is tomorrow...on a medium. As I'm 5'7", I hope it fits as they have no smalls!
 
Sorry to hear that Specialized stiffed you on the Vado... that said, you will likely be very happy with the E+4. ;)
 
Stefan Mikes said:
Congratulations!

Could you tell me, Randall, what the actual size of the tyres on your new e-bike is?
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According to the Giant Canada website, they are: Giant Crosscut Gravel 2, 700x45c (622x45), Tubeless Ready W/O Reflex. I'll try to confirm tomorrow.
 
RandallS said:
There seems to be a lot of models named Marathon is there a specific one (and size) you're referring to?

TIA
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Marathon E-Plus.

RandallS said:
According to the Giant Canada website, they are: Giant Crosscut Gravel 2, 700x45c (622x45), Tubeless Ready W/O Reflex. I'll try to confirm tomorrow.
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That's a bit funny because a friend of mine who bought E+ 0 Pro had the same tyres as yours listed but indeed she's got 2" ones! That was a pleasant surprise, hence my question.
 
Congrats on the purchase! Another very contented Explore owner here. I've just passed 1200 trouble free kilometres.

Spend a few hundred getting it to your liking (don't want to chew into too much of your IPA money) and you'll have a very capable and willing bike. The Marathons (or similar), Tannus Armours, fenders, rack, and a new saddle would be on my list, but see how you like it stock.

Enjoy!
 
RandallS said:
According to the Giant Canada website, they are: Giant Crosscut Gravel 2, 700x45c (622x45), Tubeless Ready W/O Reflex. I'll try to confirm tomorrow.
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The demo Explore E+4 had the tires as described. More on the test ride later. I'm still processing the experience.

20200703_115340.jpg
 
Rode a Giant Explore E+4 M as well as a Fastroad E+ EX Pro small today. I liked them both but although I loved the pro motor on the Fastroad, the geometry doesn't work for me at all. Too forward a position - I'd be in agony in no time. Tech said that he didn't think there was going to be a way to make that bike work for the body position I want to get.

The Explore probably still has all the torque that I need as there's a hill right by the bike shop that can be quite taxing to climb. Absolutely no problem - I did it mainly in level three and was flying up that hill! Overall, looks like super value for the money. But, now I fully understand people's attitude towards the fork. I am fairly broad shouldered as I wear a 48 jacket, and as I am currently around 210 lbs (hopefully heading for 195 this summer) , that fork is way too mushy. There's no way I'm getting down to 160, which is where I think that fork would probably work reasonably.

As I was pressed for time, and wanted to ride both, I didn't get the tech to lock out the fork (as I presume it's possible). I'll go back Monday and try it again as I still think I can make that one work. It looks like a superb all-rounder and with a few mods (including a taller stem and different tires), should suit my current requirements. It's still got my name on it at the shop.

However, does anyone know when Giant announces their 2021 lineup? If they are going to bring an Explore to Canada with the Pro motor, I may just wait for it and keep riding my current rig, range anxiety and all. It still puts a smile on my face and is comfortable.

Thanks to everyone who's commented with their thoughts and experiences. This is a great online community!

Randall
 
RandallS said:
Rode a Giant Explore E+4 M as well as a Fastroad E+ EX Pro small today. I liked them both but although I loved the pro motor on the Fastroad, the geometry doesn't work for me at all. Too forward a position - I'd be in agony in no time. Tech said that he didn't think there was going to be a way to make that bike work for the body position I want to get.

The Explore probably still has all the torque that I need as there's a hill right by the bike shop that can be quite taxing to climb. Absolutely no problem - I did it mainly in level three and was flying up that hill! Overall, looks like super value for the money. But, now I fully understand people's attitude towards the fork. I am fairly broad shouldered as I wear a 48 jacket, and as I am currently around 210 lbs (hopefully heading for 195 this summer) , that fork is way too mushy. There's no way I'm getting down to 160, which is where I think that fork would probably work reasonably.

As I was pressed for time, and wanted to ride both, I didn't get the tech to lock out the fork (as I presume it's possible). I'll go back Monday and try it again as I still think I can make that one work. It looks like a superb all-rounder and with a few mods (including a taller stem and different tires), should suit my current requirements. It's still got my name on it at the shop.

However, does anyone know when Giant announces their 2021 lineup? If they are going to bring an Explore to Canada with the Pro motor, I may just wait for it and keep riding my current rig, range anxiety and all. It still puts a smile on my face and is comfortable.

Thanks to everyone who's commented with their thoughts and experiences. This is a great online community!

Randall
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In addition to a stem riser, you can get something like the Jones loops bar or Surly Moloko that should make your riding position much more upright and comfortable.
 
2021 range should be announced around your Fall I think. I got in on the mid year sales around March.

My Explore shocks were set up super mushy by the shop (if they looked at them at all). I eventually bought a shock pump and found they were around 50 psi. They're now around 105 and ride much nicer. Well worth testing at the correct pressure to see if it's the shocks or the setup.

My observation/opinion is the Explores don't get the buzz around here because they lack the sex appeal of the Vados and Allants, but out of the big three they're great value, use decent componentry and hold their own in the reliability stakes. It's early days yet but I find mine a very sure-footed and capable commuter.

Ownership-wise the worst you're likely to content with is a crappy app (hopefully soon to be addressed) and reports of water ingress issues with the cockpit electronics, which Giant seem decent at honouring and replacing.

There seems to be very few users reporting motor issues, which is reassuring given I'm aiming for a committed long term relationship with mine.
 
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I've declined the purchase of the E +4. It's just spec'ed too low in too many regards for me, especially battery and fork. From what I am hearing about the 2021 Giant Explore models I think I'll wait until fall and start looking again.

If what I hear about a the MY21 Explore E +1 is true, (600+ battery and Pro motor) I will spend the extra money.

Thanks again for all of your comments and insights, but my Bionx powered Townie will have to keep me going a while longer. Time to get off the internet and back on the bike!

Stay safe everyone 😷🚲😁
 
RandallS said:
I've declined the purchase of the E +4. It's just spec'ed too low in too many regards for me, especially battery and fork. From what I am hearing about the 2021 Giant Explore models I think I'll wait until fall and start looking again.

If what I hear about a the MY21 Explore E +1 is true, (600+ battery and Pro motor) I will spend the extra money.

Thanks again for all of your comments and insights, but my Bionx powered Townie will have to keep me going a while longer. Time to get off the internet and back on the bike!

Stay safe everyone 😷🚲😁
Click to expand...
Good on you @RandallS! The impulse to buy immediately is powerful so it takes good judgement and patience to defer a purchase if you're not 100% sold on the options. The 2021 rumours sound good and would make for an ideal ride for years to come.
 
Ended up changing lanes significantly. Now the proud owner of a Giant E+1 Pro hard tail MTB size = small.

Really had a tough time deciding on small or medium, but with the medium, I would probably have had no room to add a suspension seat post.

I guess that should bring this thread to a close but ideas and questions will continue in the eMTB and Giant sub-forums.

Ride safe everyone!
 
Please report your experiences Randall, and we are waiting for photos of your Fathom!
Congratulations!
 
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