new member from Brisbane Australia

[almikel]

Welcome Mike! I'm in Brisbane too and just upgraded from an NCM Moscow to a Giant Fastroad (same motor and similar spec to yours but flatbar) and I love it. Fabulous ride and really makes my 38km commute a pleasure.

Hi Equaliser,

In another thread on this forum ( https://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/anyone-with-a-2020-revolt-e-pro.31114/page-2 ) I saw a Giant drop bar road bike that I don't think ever made it to Australia.
I looked at the Giant FASTROAD E+ 2 PRO, but being a flatbar, I opted for the gravel version Revolt that had drop bars - entirely based on superficial/"image" reasons

I used to regularly do group rides on my acoustic roadie, but age and creaky knees meant over time I couldn't keep up with the bunch - and I haven't done group rides for about 5 years.
I have maintained commuting to work on my acoustic as my primary mode of getting to work...but the hills just keep getting steeper

One of the things I'd like to do again is participate in social group (road) rides.
Call it peer pressure, call it image, whatever - for me, it would be hard to turn up to a group ride with everyone on drop bar road-bikes if I had a flat bar bike (or worse would be a bike with front suspension).
I'll still cop loads of derision from the group turning up with an e-bike...but the Revolt sorta looks like a road-bike, so the others in the group won't be too embarrassed having me ride with them.

The 25km/hr limit on ebikes in Australia is an issue - the crew from work that ride regularly average 30-35km/h.
I'll need a dongle before I can keep up with them

cheers
Mike

 

[TheEqualiser]

I a

Hi Equaliser,

In another thread on this forum ( https://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/anyone-with-a-2020-revolt-e-pro.31114/page-2 ) I saw a Giant drop bar road bike that I don't think ever made it to Australia.
I looked at the Giant FASTROAD E+ 2 PRO, but being a flatbar, I opted for the gravel version Revolt that had drop bars - entirely based on superficial/"image" reasons

I used to regularly do group rides on my acoustic roadie, but age and creaky knees meant over time I couldn't keep up with the bunch - and I haven't done group rides for about 5 years.
I have maintained commuting to work on my acoustic as my primary mode of getting to work...but the hills just keep getting steeper

One of the things I'd like to do again is participate in social group (road) rides.
Call it peer pressure, call it image, whatever - for me, it would be hard to turn up to a group ride with everyone on drop bar road-bikes if I had a flat bar bike (or worse would be a bike with front suspension).
I'll still cop loads of derision from the group turning up with an e-bike...but the Revolt sorta looks like a road-bike, so the others in the group won't be too embarrassed having me ride with them.

The 25km/hr limit on ebikes in Australia is an issue - the crew from work that ride regularly average 30-35km/h.
I'll need a dongle before I can keep up with them

cheers
Mike

Totally understand. I did prefer the Revolt, I just couldnt justify the extra cost for me, and I got a good deal on the Fastroad. I still have a Giant TCR (acoustic) for when the mood takes me and I am just back from a quick ride on my full suspension MTB but I would find the TCR a chore if I commuted on it all the time - now and again is OK. When I do commute on the TCR I average well over 25km/h and so I do find the AU/EU limit on e-bikes artificially low, especially for people who are used to riding bikes (and motorbikes) for years. The deciding factor as far as dongles for your bike will probably be whether the magnet for the speed sensor is attached to the spoke or the brake rotor. Feel free to PM me as and when you know and if you want to do anything about it.

 

[PDoz]

very cheap insurance after all - it got put on my list after you mentioned it in your first reply

Is there anyway to tell easily whether it's a PW-X or PW-X2?
I don't have the bike yet - I have to pay for it over the next few pay cycles - but once I have it can you tell by visual inspection? it will only have "Giant SYNCDRIVE PRO" on it.

Thanks @FlatSix911

FlatSix911's post shows some mounting bolt pattern variation across the Yamaha range, but it doesn't include the old PW-X1, which I expect is identical to the X2.
On Giant models with their OEM version of the Yamaha motor, how can I determine whether it's an X1 or an X2?

cheers
Mike

The build date will be a good indication, I know by feb 2020 giant were only installing pwx2's , I think some of the jan bikes had pwx1's - to be honest your chances of scoring something older than that are pretty low? Besides, if the bike turns up with a pwx1 , you can point to the advertused spec sheet showing 6 sensor technology ( pwx 2 has 6 sensors, pwx1 has 4) . Ie don't worry - order the bike and then if the torque drops off at 80 cadence then back to the shop.

Both have the same mounting bolts , and giant now replace faulty pwx1's with 2's . They looked identical on the outside to me .

 

[almikel]

The build date will be a good indication, I know by feb 2020 giant were only installing pwx2's , I think some of the jan bikes had pwx1's - to be honest your chances of scoring something older than that are pretty low?

I would agree - e-bikes have been selling like hot cakes, so the chances of a Jan 2020 build Revolt E+ Pro being on the floor of a bike shop in Jan 2021 is pretty slim...with none available from Giant (Australia) anymore I had to search for a Brisbane shop that had an XL in stock.

Ie don't worry - order the bike

Deposit was paid to secure the bike after my test ride on Wednesday (6 Jan)...the bike is sitting in the bike shop's storage (no-one else can ride it) while I come up with the remainder of the funds to bring it home...should be no later than mid Feb 21...

cheers
Mike

 

[FlatSix911]

Is there anyway to tell easily whether it's a PW-X or PW-X2?
I don't have the bike yet - I have to pay for it over the next few pay cycles - but once I have it can you tell by visual inspection? it will only have "Giant SYNCDRIVE PRO" on it.

Thanks @FlatSix911

FlatSix911's post shows some mounting bolt pattern variation across the Yamaha range, but it doesn't include the old PW-X1, which I expect is identical to the X2.
On Giant models with their OEM version of the Yamaha motor, how can I determine whether it's an X1 or an X2?

cheers
Mike

Hi Mike,

According to the Giant tech specs, the Syncdrive Pro is equipped with the new PW-X2 and supports higher cadence limits.

It also appears that the PW-X and X2 have identical bolt mounting patterns for the motor. Hope this helps.

 

[Kayakguy]

My first post on this forum, after googling for reviews of the Giant Revolt E Pro...and found this thread:

Anyone with a 2020 Revolt E Pro?

Very nice! Did the lbs need to do any drilling or major mods to get a fit?

electricbikereview.com

I joined the forum after reading this thread - great info, helpful people!

I thought I should introduce myself.
I live in Brisbane, Australia, and commute 8km each way to work, almost always on a Cannondale "acoustic" roadie (only learned that term from the thread above, but I love it!)
I got back into cycling about 25 years ago when a mate suggested I try mountain biking - what a blast!
I added the Cannondale roadie to the quiver (GT duallie and GT hardtail) about 12 years ago.
I don't do much mountain biking anymore, but the duallie gets out occasionally on the trails, and the hardtail is used for commuting if the roadie is in the shop, or if it's wet (the hardtail has disc brakes)...although if it's properly raining I'll normally slack out and take the bus (yes I know - soft).

Brisbane is quite a hilly city (not San Francisco hilly, but it's not flat like say Melbourne), and over the last few years, age and creaky knees has made my commute into a chore - especially the ride home as we live at the top of a steep hill - I've been riding around it for about 5 years now, but even the gentlest way home has become a challenge for my knees.

I started investigating peddle assist e-bikes mid last year to help me up the hills.
I wanted to get a road style drop bar e-bike, and I liked the concept of the rear hub drives - no more stress on the chain/rings/cassette than an acoustic bike and very "stealth"...
I took an Orbea hub drive for a test ride (I think around 40Nm torque), specifically seeking out hills similar to my commute and I was quite disappointed with the assistance it provided on the steep hills, even in the lowest gear.
The bike shop let me next test a Focus mid drive with a bit more torque (I think around 55Nm) - again it didn't give me enough assist up the hills, but noticeably better than the hub drive...
...time to look for e-bikes with more torque!

The bike shop recommended the Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon 4 - what a beautiful bike! but at AUD$8700 it was never going to get approved ... my top end was between AUD$5-6K
...but that led to investigating what other bikes had the Bosch Performance CX (Gen 4) motor, and other motors of similar torque (eg Shimano EP8, Yamaha PW-X etc).
These motors are typically found in e-mountain bikes, but crossing over to gravel bikes like the Cannondale Topstone, Canyon Grail:ON...both too expensive for me.
Focus has some flat bar hardtails with the Bosch gen 4 motor, and Merida has similar with the Shimano EP8 motor...but I wanted drop bars and no front suspension and something under 20kg (44lb).

I "stumbled" across the Giant Revolt E+ Pro 2020 through random google searching for bikes with the Yamaha motor...
For some reason when I review all the e-bikes on the Australian Giant website https://www.giant-bicycles.com/au, the Revolt E+ isn't there...
...If I search on the same site (https://www.giant-bicycles.com/au) for Revolt E+ it appears...WTF?...

...anyway, the Giant Revolt E+ Pro seemed to tick all the boxes - Giant branded Yamaha motor with 80Nm torque (I think it's a re-branded Yamaha PW-X), drop bars, reasonable groupset...in my price range...
...further googling found this forum and the thread I linked to above with mostly good reviews of the bike.

I visited a Giant store in the CBD of Brisbane close to work, but they only had a medium and a large, and I needed an XL, and only floor stock was available - with no possibility of ordering an XL in ?...? - I asked him about the Giant Revolt E+ Pro 2021, which is available in New Zealand, but he said they didn't come to Australia...
The proprietor suggested I get on the phone to find a Brisbane shop that has an XL sized Revolt E 2020 on the floor.

I located another Brisbane shop that had an XL in stock (their only model) and test rode it the next day...found some steep hills...and wow, this thing is the bomb.
I'll have no issues getting up our steep street home !
I don't have it yet, as I only put a deposit down to secure it - the bike shop puts it in storage (ie no-one else test rides it etc) - and I'll pay it off over the next few pay cycles...
...can't wait to get it...

...I'm very much looking forward to my cycle commute being a joy again!...

Great forum!

cheers
Mike

Welcome to the gang! My wife and I visited Australia back in '06, and spent part of our time with friends living in a suburb north of Brisbane. What a beautiful city (we rode into town almost every day). Also kayaked in the Whitsunday Is., then rented a car and got up to the Daintree, and then inland. Didn't get as far west as Ayer's Rock, however. Loved the vegetation (saw the Cathedral Fig), and of course fabulous animals. I'd like to go back.

Sounds like you found the right bike for your needs.

 

[almikel]

Welcome to the gang! My wife and I visited Australia back in '06, and spent part of our time with friends living in a suburb north of Brisbane. What a beautiful city (we rode into town almost every day). Also kayaked in the Whitsunday Is., then rented a car and got up to the Daintree, and then inland. Didn't get as far west as Ayer's Rock, however. Loved the vegetation (saw the Cathedral Fig), and of course fabulous animals. I'd like to go back.

Glad you enjoyed what you experienced of Queensland/Australia!

Sounds like you found the right bike for your needs.

I reckon so...just haven't got it yet ...it's waiting at the shop for next pay day (mid Feb)...
...thinking 1st extra will be a power supply that can selectively charge less than 100% to look after the battery, and 2nd extra will be a dropper seat post to get off road again...
...clearly I've watched too many "gravel" e-bike videos on youtube...given my acoustic duallie mountain bike sits there idle gathering dust...

Mike

 

[pmcdonald]

Glad you enjoyed what you experienced of Queensland/Australia!


I reckon so...just haven't got it yet ...it's waiting at the shop for next pay day (mid Feb)...
...thinking 1st extra will be a power supply that can selectively charge less than 100% to look after the battery, and 2nd extra will be a dropper seat post to get off road again...
...clearly I've watched too many "gravel" e-bike videos on youtube...given my acoustic duallie mountain bike sits there idle gathering dust...

Mike

Hey Mike, a simple plugin timer might do the job for charging. With my Explore I ride down to about 30% then charge with the time on 2.5 hours. That takes it up to about 80%, no babysitting required.

Congrats on the purchase, should be a lot of fun once that final paycheck clears!

 

[FlatSix911]

I use this simple smart plug and phone app to control the charging time... it also tracks instantaneous kWh usage.

AmazonSmile: Beastron S31 Yellow Wi-Fi Smart Plug Outlet Works with Alexa Timer Switch Socket Energy Meter Wireless Remote Control your Electronics from Smartphone or Tablet Yellow 4 Pack: Home Improvement

 

[almikel]

Hey Mike, a simple plugin timer might do the job for charging. With my Explore I ride down to about 30% then charge with the time on 2.5 hours. That takes it up to about 80%, no babysitting required.

pretty sure I've got a timer plug somewhere, will dig it out - certainly a good option

this simple smart plug and phone app

they look good also

cheers guys!

 

[almikel]

Picked up my shiny new Giant Revolt E+ bike today
Great ride home - a bunch of the usual Brisbane hills.
Shocker headwind for a long stretch - on my acoustic it would have been awful - on the e-bike it was just a nicer breeze!
I've been riding around our steep home street for 5 years (14%) - this afternoon I rode up it 4 times.

Enjoy the bike, but KEEP THE ELECTRICS DRY - smear some dielectric grease on ever connector - giant build good bikes but their waterproofing wouldn't match a brisbane downpour.

The charging port, and after removing the battery, the battery connections are the obvious candidates for some dielectric grease - where else do you recommend?

cheers
Mike

 

[Frank/Delaware]

Picked up my shiny new Giant Revolt E+ bike today
Great ride home - a bunch of the usual Brisbane hills.
Shocker headwind for a long stretch - on my acoustic it would have been awful - on the e-bike it was just a nicer breeze!
I've been riding around our steep home street for 5 years (14%) - this afternoon I rode up it 4 times.


The charging port, and after removing the battery, the battery connections are the obvious candidates for some dielectric grease - where else do you recommend?

cheers
Mike

I have a Revolt E+ also, never had a problem with moisture - but I never ride in the rain and I ride on pavement only - Enjoy your ride

 

[almikel]

Light rain forecast all day
Still think I’ll ride though

 

[TheEqualiser]

Light rain forecast all day
Still think I’ll ride though

I keep a little sandwich bag and some electrical tape in my bag. If the rain gets heavy (or is forecast to) I can just cover up the control panel with that and keep it dry. This morning was just showers though really - not too bad.

 

[almikel]

What a great ride - loving this bike (Giant Revolt e+ Pro 2020).
I’ve been consistently commuting to work by bicycle for the last 15 years or so, but over the last 5 it has become a chore, whereas I used to look forward to it.
The e-bike has made it fun again!

It’s been years since I just took the bike out for a ride- just me, cruising around.
Smashed some stupid steep (25%) hills just for fun...
I haven’t ridden up hills for “fun” for a very long time...

I hit the 25km/hr limit constantly on the road, and I could do with a bigger front chain ring on the 1X, as my primary use is road commuting, and down hills I run out of gears...but this bike just brings the fun back to riding again!!

cheers
Mike

 

[PDoz]

Picked up my shiny new Giant Revolt E+ bike today
Great ride home - a bunch of the usual Brisbane hills.
Shocker headwind for a long stretch - on my acoustic it would have been awful - on the e-bike it was just a nicer breeze!
I've been riding around our steep home street for 5 years (14%) - this afternoon I rode up it 4 times.


The charging port, and after removing the battery, the battery connections are the obvious candidates for some dielectric grease - where else do you recommend?

cheers
Mike

Chances are you will have a connector between the bar switch and the motor - just beyond where the cables go into the frame. This has been the most problematic on my bike. If it's at all difficult to get out you coukd just ask the lbs to smear grease on when they do the first service / analytical ( thus us where they plug the computer in)

If you regularly ride in rain, it might be worth doing ALL the plugs - but dropping the motor and fiddling with the spaghetti system can be a source of trouble if you trap any wires or put them in a spot they will rub.

 

[PedalUma]

Nice bike! Excellent choice.
When I wanted a similar setup I put a riser/drop/flare bar on a regular acoustic mountain bike and made it acoustic-electric. I swapped the 11-speed drivetrain for a 9-speed for a stronger chain to take the Nm. I enjoy builds that do not look electric.
Check your chain regularly for stretch and change it often.

 

[almikel]

My sister just bought the same bike as mine (Giant Revolt E+ pro) in a medium frame - looking forward to some rides with my sis'

Mike

 

[almikel]

Nice bike! Excellent choice.
When I wanted a similar setup I put a riser/drop/flare bar on a regular acoustic mountain bike and made it acoustic-electric. I swapped the 11-speed drivetrain for a 9-speed for a stronger chain to take the Nm. I enjoy builds that do not look electric.
Check your chain regularly for stretch and change it often.

that's stealth - where's the motor/battery?

Check your chain regularly for stretch and change it often.

understood - cheers
Before I bought my mid drive Giant Revolt I looked first at rear hub drive bikes primarily to avoid all the motor torque going through the chain...but none of the hub drives I tried had anything like the torque/assist that mid drive motors like the Yamaha PX2, Shimano EP8, Bosch CX have

I have my chain checker, and will be replacing chains as needed.

cheers,
Mike

 

[almikel]

My Giant Revolt went in for its 1st service today, 7 weeks from purchase...I'll pick it up tomorrow (I love bike shops that are open Sundays)
The only niggle was a slight looseness in the headset, which I couldn't identify off the bike, but I could feel it on the road.

The guy in the LBS where I bought it did the same thing I did, ie apply front brake, turn the handle bars, and rock back and forth...with no noticeable play...
...then he checked something I'd never seen done before - he checked to see if the spacer rings under the stem could be rotated while holding the handle bars still - which they could...identifying there was a tiny bit of play requiring a slight snug up to the headset bearings.

While I was in the shop, the LBS guy checked the chain for wear (as expected, basically nil after only 7 weeks and <500km) - I was apologetic on how dirty the chain was - I'd taken the chain off for a decent clean the previous weekend, but commuted all week in the rain, so the chain (and bike) were grubby...
...he laughed..."not many of our customers ever clean their chains!...your chain is pretty clean"

I have found that a clean and lubricated chain is more important on my e-bike than on my acoustic.
Shifting gets clunkier faster on my e-bike than on my acoustic starting from a service and a clean chain...

...by clunkier I mean:

• shifting with chain/derailleur gears has always required de-loading the cranks - but more so with an e-bike
• shifts are clean/sharp/precise immediately after a tune up and chain clean on both my acoustic and the e-bike
• once the chain starts to get grubby, the shifting quality/precision on the e-bike drops more rapidly than the acoustic
• on shifting to a bigger cog on the rear with a dirty chain, it may not shift properly and you need to feather the lever to achieve the gear (I've never used electronic shifting - maybe this fixes this issue?)
• when dropping to a smaller cog on the rear, you don't have the ability to "feather the lever"...if the chain won't shift you're only option is to go to a smaller rear cog

I'm not sure why, but my e-bike shifting deteriorates faster than my acoustic as my chain gets dirtier...clean the chain and the shifting is clean and crisp again.

cheers
Mike