Giant 2020 Explore E +4 Ride Control One issue
- Thread starter emill0415
- Start date
new_ebiker
Member
i have a 2019 explore e+3, also like you it doesn't come with a display on the handle bar. I used the Giant app 5 - 6 times, it was able to record my rides fine. However, i was either using it on the background and just shut off the screen, and never try to leave the screen on during riding.
The biggest reason I need to have the display is to monitor the battery life. I’ll typically go for a 30 to 40 mile ride Using most of the battery life. I like the Strava app much better for navigation and speed. The display on my iphone is small therefore hard to read.
new_ebiker
Member
i primarily rely on the 5 LED indication light for battery tracking
Browneye
Well-Known Member
Same. What are we missing here?
I have not tried the phone app yet...my bike is due tomorrow. Whoot!!
new_ebiker
Member
You are not missing anything imo.
it's funny, I had the option to get the 2018 version for a lower price, and it has the screen attached to the handle bar. However, I picked the 2019 version because it doesn't have the screen. I find end of the day, it's a bicycle, less is more. I just need to know the battery level, which provide by the 5 led lights on the ride one control module on the handlebar.
Browneye
Well-Known Member
Our LBS that carries Giant is one of the bigger ones in the area, great reputation.
They had a 2020 on the floor - it's all black. The sales guy looked online and said they had ONE 2019 left, it would have to ship from the east coast, and I could have it at a big discount. He said no changes for 2020.
So I test rode the black one and love it so ordered the 2019.
I've since found out there may have been an update at some point to a 6-sensor control verses 4-sensor. I haven't been able to confirm that, nor when it was implemented.
Oh well, I'm sure it will be fine. LOL. Besides, the color combo on the '19 was way nicer IMO.
After seeing all the e-bike displays the innocuous LED one on the Explore was refreshing. Liked it!
They had a 2020 on the floor - it's all black. The sales guy looked online and said they had ONE 2019 left, it would have to ship from the east coast, and I could have it at a big discount. He said no changes for 2020.
So I test rode the black one and love it so ordered the 2019.
I've since found out there may have been an update at some point to a 6-sensor control verses 4-sensor. I haven't been able to confirm that, nor when it was implemented.
Oh well, I'm sure it will be fine. LOL. Besides, the color combo on the '19 was way nicer IMO.
After seeing all the e-bike displays the innocuous LED one on the Explore was refreshing. Liked it!
I had a 2018 E3 which came with a readout mounted to the handlebar which I liked very much. Due to the issue with the chain coming of and getting jammed in the front gear unit several times, Giant agreed to take the bike back in exchange for 2020 E4. I got to like the display and depended upon it. I was expecting the same idea with the Giant app which they promote to use with the Ride Control One.
I spent a lot of money to purchase the bike and I expect it to be working correctly. Giant also needs to know when there are issues so it can be avoided with future builds. Giant has been great to work with and based on my previous issue, I’m sure they’ll help to resolve this issue.
I have asked my dealer to price out the Ride Control Charge and Evo to use to resolve this issue. I am just waiting to hear back from my dealer and/or Giant.
I spent a lot of money to purchase the bike and I expect it to be working correctly. Giant also needs to know when there are issues so it can be avoided with future builds. Giant has been great to work with and based on my previous issue, I’m sure they’ll help to resolve this issue.
I have asked my dealer to price out the Ride Control Charge and Evo to use to resolve this issue. I am just waiting to hear back from my dealer and/or Giant.
new_ebiker
Member
Court just did a review on the e+4
I would also like to know the difference between the 4 speed VS 6 speed.
Otherwise here are the difference between the 19 E+3 VS 20 E+4
1. 19 uses Shimano MT200 Hydraulic brake, 20 uses Tekro
2. 19 uses 180mm rotors for both front and back
3. The saddle is also different between 19 and 20
4. 2020 suspension folk has no lockout option according to Court's video
No, I’m not expecting a Giant to install the 2018 display. I would like to work with them to determine why the current system is not working. There has to be an issue with the Bluetooth signal. Like I said earlier, Giant has been good to work with.
Regardless, I will probably purchase either a Charge or Evo system. I would like to know if those units are hardwired.
Browneye
Well-Known Member
I like his reviews, if not a bit geeky, but very informative and covers all the bases. I actually thought he did another one on the same model, from the same shop - this one looks a bit different from what I remember. In any case, the yamaha mid-rive and upgraded components sold me, then the test ride - whoa!! It is way fun and goes very smoothly.
On the battery - that's a Yamaha feature - it unlatches out the side instead of lifting up or back. They can tuck it in tighter on any given frame. I like the way it's integrated into the frame, and along with the same on the motor, it's a really nice looking and clean design. IMO the gray and green from 2019 was much better looking than the 2020 model in all black with blue accents. I don't get too hung up on color, but for a big discount the other color was just icing on the cake.
My sales guy mentioned his recent test/report - it's the same shop. Fullerton Bicycles has a good reputation - I think they pump out a LOT of bikes.
Here in Orange County it seems like there's a bike shop every couple of miles. And right next door to them is Fullerton Electric Bike Shop - Sam also did a video with Court on the new Yamaha bikes. As I mentioned elsewhere, I would probably have bought one of the new ones from Yamaha but the Giant Explore had more of what I wanted in a bike, an ebike.
supposedly the 6-sensor controller was implemented in late 2019, so I'll be anxious to know exactly what I got with mine - I'm good either way.
And yes, I forgot about the Shimano brakes - I'm good there as well. Wife's Roll has the Tektro mechanical (cable) disc brakes and they're fantastic.
The saddle will probly get replaced - it looks like a medieval torture device. LOL Actually it didn't ride too bad, so I'll give it a college-try.
While there's no lock out you can run the preload way down to really firm it up. Were it a pedal only I would probly balk, but for a ebike it's going to be fine. IMO a suspension fork is a must-have for an ebike due to speeds and for comfort. It's not like your pedaling is getting absorbed by the suspension that your motor doesn't make up for. And I ordered a Satori Harmony suspension seatpost for mine. If it's just crap I'll look at something up-model from there. Just a little something to take the edge off.
I also ordered Schwalbe Marathons, and a 45* riser stem to get the bars up a little more - I'm old.
I'll surely post a more detailed review when I get it - it's due in tomorrow.
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Good luck with the new bike! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. I’m located in the Detroit area and I’ve found trails all over the area to check out. I can cover distance that I would never be able to do on a standard bike due to, like you, I’m old!I like his reviews, if not a bit geeky, but very informative and covers all the bases. I actually thought he did another one on the same model, from the same shop - this one looks a bit different from what I remember. In any case, the yamaha mid-rive and upgraded components sold me, then the test ride - whoa!! It is way fun and goes very smoothly.
On the battery - that's a Yamaha feature - it unlatches out the side instead of lifting up or back. They can tuck it in tighter on any given frame. I like the way it's integrated into the frame, and along with the same on the motor, it's a really nice looking and clean design. IMO the gray and green from 2019 was much better looking than the 2020 model in all black with blue accents. I don't get too hung up on color, but for a big discount the other color was just icing on the cake.
My sales guy mentioned his recent test/report - it's the same shop. Fullerton Bicycles has a good reputation - I think they pump out a LOT of bikes.
Here in Orange County it seems like there's a bike shop every couple of miles. And right next door to them is Fullerton Electric Bike Shop - Kevin also did a video with Court on the new Yamaha bikes. As I mentioned elsewhere, I would probably have bought one of the new ones from Yamaha but the Giant Explore had more of what I wanted in a bike, an ebike.
supposedly the 6-sensor controller was implemented in late 2019, so I'll be anxious to know exactly what I got with mine - I'm good either way.
And yes, I forgot about the Shimano brakes - I'm good there as well. Wife's Roll has the Tektro mechanical (cable) disc brakes and they're fantastic.
The saddle will probly get replaced - it looks like a medieval torture device. LOL Actually it didn't ride too bad, so I'll give it a college-try.
While there's no lock out you can run the preload way down to really firm it up. Were it a pedal only I would probly balk, but for a ebike it's going to be fine. IMO a suspension fork is a must-have for an ebike due to speeds and for comfort. It's not like your pedaling is getting absorbed by the suspension that your motor doesn't make up for. And I ordered a Satori Harmony suspension seatpost for mine. If it's just crap I'll look at something up-model from there. Just a little something to take the edge off.
I also ordered Schwalbe Marathons, and a 45* riser stem to get the bars up a little more - I'm old.
I'll surely post a more detailed review when I get it - it's due in tomorrow.
Browneye
Well-Known Member
Picked up the new bike - it's kind of fun just to get a new toy. 2019 Explore+ 3
Took a quick test ride down the street - saddle is more comfy than the 2020, has a little more padding - maybe gel?
Front forks were locked out - cool little lever on top - turn it to lock or unlock. Preload on the left, not sure what the other settings on the right lockout controller does. They did seem to work well though - my first suspension bike.
I don't know yet about 4 or 6 sensor control - not even sure how to tell. In the short ride it seemed the same as the 2020 test I did.
Batt is home on the charger - had 2 bars. Nice that you can remove it and take it in the house to charge.
Shop checked for current firmware version/update on the controller - said it was good to go. Free tune-ups for a year. [shrug]
Took a quick test ride down the street - saddle is more comfy than the 2020, has a little more padding - maybe gel?
Front forks were locked out - cool little lever on top - turn it to lock or unlock. Preload on the left, not sure what the other settings on the right lockout controller does. They did seem to work well though - my first suspension bike.
I don't know yet about 4 or 6 sensor control - not even sure how to tell. In the short ride it seemed the same as the 2020 test I did.
Batt is home on the charger - had 2 bars. Nice that you can remove it and take it in the house to charge.
Shop checked for current firmware version/update on the controller - said it was good to go. Free tune-ups for a year. [shrug]
Glad to hear everything is good! Hope you enjoy the ride.
I did upgrade to a larger saddle. Took some time to break-in but more comfortable. You could also look into the padded garment. I have a pair of Giant branded shorts or Amazon has some various padded undergarments to wear under your shorts.
Enjoy!
Browneye
Well-Known Member
I'll have to snap a pic or two...as I customize mine. Tinkered a bit on it last night and did some testing around the block. It surely gets up to 20 in a hurry! Effortless riding for sure.
I installed a 90mm 45* stem which raised the bars up at least an inch. Whoa - way so much better.
And the Satori seatpost - it's the cheapo one with the internal spring, but testing it out seems to work exactly what needed. The whole bikes is smooth and very comfortable. The 2019 seat is surely different than the 2020, I like this one better. We'll see.
And I moved over my bike bottle cage - but my SS water bottle won't clear the frame top-bar. Oh well. At least there's one there. And mounted my air pump carrier next to it on the frame next to it.
Moved my rear rack over, it clamps to the seatpost with a small expandable top bag.
And my phone mount on the bars.
It's coming along. I ordered a e-bike side stand for the 18mm mounting, waiting on it. What a hassle it is without a sidestand!!
I had ordered Schwalbe Marathons in 45mm for our paved surfaces, but decided a 2" tire would be even better - that's 50mm. But in looking close at the tires shipped from BikeTiresDirecdt it turns out one is a Marathon and one is a Marathon Plus, and both are 47's. So I'm going to keep them and install them and see how they go.
Also in looking closer at tires and wheels I was surprised to see the rims were wider on the back - 21c rear and 19c fronts. "Optimized for ebike", both rims and tires. And crossed spoke lacing. They surely beefed things up a bit for electric assist.
I played with the fork settings and dialed the preload and damping to what seemed like would work well. They're pretty smooth for a cheaper fork. The lockout and damper adjust is a little odd in that there are several clicks of adjustment, but when you get a few clicks closer to the lockout it locks out. So it's not linear, at least not that I could tell. Works pretty well though. Brakes are fantastic, and the motor is virtually silent. On mode-5 you hardly have to pedal, it's really cool.
Have not tried the smartphone app - did I see there were at least a couple of versions? Any recommendations? I did a quick browse of the owners manual and nothing about the app popped out at me. I'll have to look again.
Now anxious to put some miles on it, try it out.
Oh, and I have chamois padded bikeshorts, and padded 'motoskivees' shorts from my motorcycle days. I don't generally put them on unless there's a LOT of miles to cover. I don't like the bulk or the heat and moisture they trap. They may well be a necessity with the longer saddle times now available with pedal assist!
I installed a 90mm 45* stem which raised the bars up at least an inch. Whoa - way so much better.
And the Satori seatpost - it's the cheapo one with the internal spring, but testing it out seems to work exactly what needed. The whole bikes is smooth and very comfortable. The 2019 seat is surely different than the 2020, I like this one better. We'll see.
And I moved over my bike bottle cage - but my SS water bottle won't clear the frame top-bar. Oh well. At least there's one there. And mounted my air pump carrier next to it on the frame next to it.
Moved my rear rack over, it clamps to the seatpost with a small expandable top bag.
And my phone mount on the bars.
It's coming along. I ordered a e-bike side stand for the 18mm mounting, waiting on it. What a hassle it is without a sidestand!!
I had ordered Schwalbe Marathons in 45mm for our paved surfaces, but decided a 2" tire would be even better - that's 50mm. But in looking close at the tires shipped from BikeTiresDirecdt it turns out one is a Marathon and one is a Marathon Plus, and both are 47's. So I'm going to keep them and install them and see how they go.
Also in looking closer at tires and wheels I was surprised to see the rims were wider on the back - 21c rear and 19c fronts. "Optimized for ebike", both rims and tires. And crossed spoke lacing. They surely beefed things up a bit for electric assist.
I played with the fork settings and dialed the preload and damping to what seemed like would work well. They're pretty smooth for a cheaper fork. The lockout and damper adjust is a little odd in that there are several clicks of adjustment, but when you get a few clicks closer to the lockout it locks out. So it's not linear, at least not that I could tell. Works pretty well though. Brakes are fantastic, and the motor is virtually silent. On mode-5 you hardly have to pedal, it's really cool.
Have not tried the smartphone app - did I see there were at least a couple of versions? Any recommendations? I did a quick browse of the owners manual and nothing about the app popped out at me. I'll have to look again.
Now anxious to put some miles on it, try it out.
Oh, and I have chamois padded bikeshorts, and padded 'motoskivees' shorts from my motorcycle days. I don't generally put them on unless there's a LOT of miles to cover. I don't like the bulk or the heat and moisture they trap. They may well be a necessity with the longer saddle times now available with pedal assist!
Mtl_Biker
Active Member
Congratulations on the new bike!
I was surprised to learn from your post that the E+3 didn't include a side stand. Shame on Giant for making you buy one later. And also surprised that the front and rear rims are different widths. I don't see that from the specs and didn't notice that (but didn't measure) on my 2019 E+1 GTS.
I _think_ there is only one app... Giant RideControl. Since you don't have a screen on the E+3 it'll be interesting to see what the speed and distance will show once you change the tires. (Does the app get that from the bike, or from the GPS in the phone?) That's a weakness on the E+1 because if you change the tire size there is no way to recalibrate for the new tires. So speed and distance will be off. I didn't change away from the stock tires (yet) but did make them tubeless with sealant inside. Still trying to decide what tire (probably one of the Schwalbe models) I'll change to, and whether to stay tubeless or go back to a tube. Here in Montreal our riding season will probably be over in the next few short weeks as winter sets in, so I'll do more research over the winter and be ready to ride again in spring.
Cheers!
10/26 update: Took the bike into my local Giant dealer to resolve this issue. He now has a diagnostic software device that can look into the bike electronics with more depth than we can. It basically showed the issue was with the controller. We swapped out the controller with another controller he had in the shop and everything is now working with the exception that I ‘lost’ the “auto” level. It is no longer an option. (Perhaps the “auto” mode is new and not programmed into a older controller?)
The other issue I have is that once I end the ride and close the app, it continues to be open on my phone. I have to manually shut down my phone and restart it to make it go away.
I did order a Charge Ride Control Unit so hopefully these last two issues go away. Stay tuned.
Browneye
Well-Known Member
I have my new 2019 Explore+3 nearly setup the way I want.
Stem riser, Marathon tires in 47mm, Satori seatpost, phone mount, and got the ride-control app going on my smartphone with a ROAM mount. Transferred over from my old bike the cargo rack and bag, bottle cage, and pump. I would like to get some kind of lighting setup - looking at my options. Will probly go USB chargeable - there are some really good and cheap options.
We rode about 14 miles yesterday and the bike is like floating on a cloud, and effortless to ride. At about this distance I am usually pooped and ready to be done - today I could have easily gone twice that distance. Wife's isn't done yet so she was on pedal power - I ran in mode 2 and 3 with the led indictor on ride control, and used about 19% of the battery - it still showed I have a range of about 62 miles. Just fantastic. Love the bike! I used to smoke her pretty bad unless I rode really slow, now it's just ridiculous. LOL Hers will be ready soon - a hub conversion for her Roll.
Stem riser, Marathon tires in 47mm, Satori seatpost, phone mount, and got the ride-control app going on my smartphone with a ROAM mount. Transferred over from my old bike the cargo rack and bag, bottle cage, and pump. I would like to get some kind of lighting setup - looking at my options. Will probly go USB chargeable - there are some really good and cheap options.
We rode about 14 miles yesterday and the bike is like floating on a cloud, and effortless to ride. At about this distance I am usually pooped and ready to be done - today I could have easily gone twice that distance. Wife's isn't done yet so she was on pedal power - I ran in mode 2 and 3 with the led indictor on ride control, and used about 19% of the battery - it still showed I have a range of about 62 miles. Just fantastic. Love the bike! I used to smoke her pretty bad unless I rode really slow, now it's just ridiculous. LOL Hers will be ready soon - a hub conversion for her Roll.
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