I have expanded the title of this thread to include the sister-bike to the Explore, the step thru model and the LIV Amiti.
While we really enjoyed the hub-drive conversion on her Specialized Roll, it quit working about a month ago and so far have not been able to successfully troubleshoot it. I removed all of the parts and shipped them off to the supplier for testing and replacement under warranty.
In the meantime we decided to get her another bike, so I went thru the whole bike-shopping effort again, and finally deciding to stick with Giant since I liked my Explore so well. In between, I also got a new Trance E+2Pro mountain bike and thoroughly enjoying it.
I had forgotten, or did not realize the Explore was available as a step-thru model. Well, not until I was looking at specs online after choosing the LIV Amiti. Turns out it is EXACTLY the same bike as the Explore step thru, just a different color. Same 700c wheels, sync-drive sport motor, 400w pack, Deore shifter, Shimano hydraulic brakes.
LIV is Giant's lady's line of bicycles. They've gone all in to support the women bike riders with product. I really like what they have to offer.
We lucked out that there were a few 2019 models left in size M and L - wifey rides a M, so we were in luck. We got a killer deal, and zero-interest financing thru Synchrony bank, we already had an account from buying my Explore. So it was all very painless. We ordered the bike Sunday, it arrived Friday, we picked it up this weekend.
One nice feature on the LIV version is the integrated headlight on the stem housing, plus an additional LED headlight - you can run either-or, but not both. The on-off switch is on the RideOneControl pad.
It also comes with a bell on the bars, but otherwise is the same bike as my Explore.
As I mentioned elsewhere, there was a chip in the paint on the battery housing so the dealer kicked back some $$, nearly enough to get the Topeak GTX rack and MTX trunk bag. I had not seen this type of bag before, with the fold-out side panniers. It's a very nice design, if not a bit spendy, and easily removable with a shoulder strap included. I had a LED taillamp on hand that installed directly to the rear reflector mount on the rack.
I got the RideControl app downloaded to her iPhone, and gave her my phone mount while I order another one, and set it all up on her bike. It's even better than the little lcd displays that come on other bikes - lots more data, and full gps mapping to boot. The app prompts for a firmware upgrade to the bike - done in about 3 minutes, for the latest version and a walk-feature update. Yes, has a walk-button assist.
I also had the Marathon/Plus tires I got for mine, but decide to go balloon - installed them on hers. At least they're better than the very thin 'gravel' tires they come with.
Seems the bars are still a little low for her, but I want her to get a little more seat time before raising the bars some more, they look high enough for her stance, and she may well get more used to it. I think you can get the bars too high and then it affects your handling.
Overall she really likes it, it's very easy to ride. It does require you to pedal though, so that is different from the Hub-Drive former bike with throttle - she said she gets a little more of a workout.
Our first ride this weekend was 20miles, and I think that's pretty good for her first time out. She used 41% of her battery, I used 55% of mine.
LED day-time running light in front, plus LED headlight, integrated with the ride control pad, Schwalbe Marathon 47-622 tires:
RideControl app on plus-size phone, ROAM phone mount, and a MIRRYCYCLE mirror:
Topeak Trunk bag and rack:
First trip to Walmart Pharmacy for prescription meds. Getting old sucks. LOL
Amiti Ebike