Giant Explore E+ 2 STA Review
- Price: $3450
- Frame: Aluminum
- Wheels: 700c aluminum
- Gear: 1×9
What we like about it: The comfortable commuting and fast pedaling.
What we don’t like about it: It’s heavier.
Rating (4.7/5)
The Giant brand has a rich history dating back to 1972 when it started as a small bike store in Taiwan. Over the years, the brand has grown and expanded its product line to include a range of bicycles. This includes electric bikes. The Explore series, in particular, is designed to provide riders with versatile and comfortable electric bikes to explore a variety of terrains.
The Giant Explore E+2 STA is a 700c aluminum frame hybrid e-bike with mid-range components and hydraulic disc brakes. It is designed for riders who want to explore different types of terrain, from paved roads to gravel roads and light off-road trails. The bike has a 63mm front suspension fork and a Yamaha mid-drive motor that delivers 250 watts and 60 Nm of torque to tackle all types of terrain with ease. The battery provides up to 500Wh of power, ensuring that riders can travel long distances without worrying about running out of battery. The bike features a 1×9 drivetrain with Shimano Alivio and Altus components for a smooth and reliable shifting experience. Overall, the Giant Explore E+ 2 STA is a great choice for riders who want a versatile and capable e-bike to explore different types of terrain.
Now let’s analyze the riding experience, main features, components and specifications, and other versions of the Giant Explore E+2 STA. If you want to learn more about bike reviews, you can follow us.
Riding Experience
As a city commuter and weekend mountain biker, I was looking for a bike that could handle both terrains with ease. I finally found the perfect bike, a hybrid electric commuter bike that has become my go-to for all my riding.
On my usual city commute, I’m always impressed with how effortlessly the bike glides through the streets. The wide tires provide stability and comfort, even on rough roads, and the powerful motor battery gives me power when I need it most. It was nice to have extra power on the climbs, leaving me feeling fresh and ready for the day when I arrived at work. In addition, the hydraulic disc brakes give me the confidence to go downhill safely, even in wet conditions.
But what makes this bike stand out is its weekend mountain riding ability. The first time I took it out on the trails I was blown away by how well it performed. The powerful motor made going uphill a breeze, allowing me to focus on the beautiful scenery around me instead of pedaling desperately. The bike’s stability on descents gave me the confidence to tackle the steepest of descents. The wide tires provided enough traction on loose terrain to allow me to confidently navigate the rocky roads.
Weekend Rides
I’ll never forget one weekend ride where I decided to take a particularly challenging trail. The climb was steep and relentless, and I was worried I wouldn’t have the stamina to make it to the top. But with the help of an electric motor, I made it to the top with ease. At the top, I had a stunning view of the surrounding mountains. The descent was equally exhilarating, with the bike’s hydraulic brakes providing reliable stopping power even on the steepest and most complicated sections. By the way, if you want to go riding in well-known terrain or special terrain, you can book your accommodation on Skyscanner. It is not only rich in variety but also easy to operate.
Overall, this hybrid electric commuter bike has completely transformed my riding experience. Its versatility is enough to handle my daily commute, but it also can tackle challenging mountain terrain. The wide tires and powerful motor and battery provide a level of comfort and control that I never thought possible. I’m grateful to have found a bike that brings so much joy and adventure to my life.
Specification
The components on this bike are carefully selected to provide a comfortable and efficient riding experience. The ALUXX aluminum frame is lightweight yet sturdy and features an integrated KS18 kickstand for added convenience. The SR Suntour NEX E25 NLO DS front fork provides 63mm of travel, making it suitable for light off-road riding. The wheelset consists of Giant eX2 rims and Giant eTracker hubs, which are both durable and reliable.
The drivetrain features a Shimano Alivio 9-speed rear derailleur and Shimano Altus shifters for smooth, reliable shifting. Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc brakes provide plenty of braking power and 160/180mm rotors add safety. Overall, the bike has a well-balanced component package that provides a comfortable, efficient ride on both paved roads and light off-road terrain. The bike is powered by a Yamaha-powered SyncDrive Life motor, which delivers 60Nm of torque, and is powered by an EnergyPak Smart 500Wh battery.
Follow us to learn more.
Learn More: Is Giant Roam E+ GTS Worth Buying? – [Giant Roam E+ GTS Review]
What do we like about it?
- The SyncDrive Life motor, powered by Yamaha, provides reliable and powerful assistance for easy pedaling and climbing.
- The EnergyPak Smart 500Wh battery provides plenty of range for long rides without worrying about running out of power.
- Lightweight and durable, the ALUXX aluminum frame provides a comfortable and efficient ride.
- The SR Suntour NEX E25 NLO DS fork offers 63mm of travel, making it suitable for light trail riding.
- Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc brakes provide ample braking capacity with 160/180 mm rotors for added safety.
- The wide Giant Crosscut Gravel 2 tires provide excellent traction on both paved roads and light off-road terrain.
- Shimano Alivio 9-speed rear derailleur and Shimano Altus shifter provide smooth and reliable shifting performance.
- The Selle Royal Vivo Ergo Moderate saddle and Giant Contact Ergo Max Plus grip provide added comfort for longer rides.
- The Giant eX2 rims and Giant eTracker hubs are durable and reliable, providing a stable and smooth ride.
- The RideDash Evo remote control provides easy and convenient control of motor and battery settings.
What don’t we like about it?
- The weight is relatively large.
FAQs
- What is the range of the EnergyPak Smart 500Wh battery?
Battery range depends on various factors such as the degree of pedal assist, terrain, and rider weight. However, the battery should be able to provide up to 70 miles of range on a single charge.
- Is the bike suitable for off-road riding?
Yup. The bike is designed for light trail riding, with the SR Suntour NEX E25 NLO DS fork offering 63mm of travel and the Giant Crosscut Gravel 2 tires providing excellent traction on light trail terrain.
- Can the bike be ridden without electric assistance?
Available. The bike can be ridden without electrical assistance. Because it has 42T cranks and a 9-speed Shimano CS-HG200 cassette, it also has aluminum platform pedals and a lightweight ALUXX aluminum frame, making it easy to ride without a motor.
- How long does it take to fully charge the battery?
The battery can be fully charged in 4-5 hours using the provided charger.
- Is the bike suitable for commuting?
Yes, the bike is a hybrid electric commuter bike designed for efficient urban commuting. It has wide tires, a powerful motor, and hydraulic disc brakes, and also features an integrated KS18 pedal bracket for added convenience.
- What heights are Giant Explore E+ 2 STA suitable for?
The size chart for Giant Explore E+ 2 STA is as follows:
These sizes are only a general guide, the true fit may vary from person to person, and the easiest way to find your size is the best way to go for a test ride.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’2″ – 5’8″ | SM |
| 5’6″ – 5’11” | MD |
| 5’10” – 6’3″ | LG |
Giant Explore E+ 2 STA Specs
Build
| Frame | ALUXX Aluminum, Overdrive 1½ – 1⅛” head tube, integrated KS18 kickstand mount Color: Metallic Navy |
| Fork | SR Suntour NEX E25 NLO DS 63mm travel |
| Rear Shock | – |
| Bottom Bracket | – |
| Stem | Giant Contact |
| Handlebar | Giant Connect Riser 31.8x690mm |
| Saddle | Selle Royal Vivo Ergo Moderate |
| Seatpost | Giant 30.9mm, 2-bolt Micro Adjustable, Forged Aluminium |
| Pedals | Aluminum Platform |
| Grips | Giant Contact Ergo Max Plus |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Alivio, 9-speed |
| Front Derailleur | – |
| Crank | Forged Alloy minimal Q-factor, 42T |
| Shifters | Shimano Altus |
| Cassette | Shimano CS-HG200, 11-36T, 9-speed |
| Chain | KMC e.9 Sport, e-bike optimized |
| Brakes | Tektro HD-M275, hydraulic disc, 160/180mm |
| Brake Levers | Tektro HD-M275 |
Wheels
| Rims | Giant eX2, Tubeless Ready, 700c Aluminium |
| Spokes | Stainless steel |
| Front Hub | Giant eTracker, [F] 100x9mm QR [R] 135mm QR |
| Rear Hub | Giant eTracker, [F] 100x9mm QR [R] 135mm QR |
| Tires | Giant Crosscut Gravel 2, 700x45c (622×45), Tubeless Ready, Reflex |
Electric Components
| Motor | SyncDrive Life, 60Nm, powered by Yamaha |
| Battery | EnergyPak Smart 500Wh |
| Remote | RideDash Evo |
Video
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Price | Drivetrain | Frame material | Components | Motor | Battery | Click view |
| Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0 | $3250 | 1×9 | Aluminum alloy | Alivio, Praxis | Specialized 250W 50Nm mid-drive | Specialized 530Wh | Click View |
| Scott Sub Cross eRIDE 20 Lady EQ | $3499 | 1×9 | Aluminum alloy | Alivio | Bosch 250W 85Nm mid-drive | 500Wh | Click View |
| Garneau e-Espace P Max Step | $3558 | 1×9 | Aluminum alloy | microSHIFT Advent | Bafang 350W mid-drive | 640Wh | Click View |
| Fuji E-Traverse 1.1+ | $2999 | 1×9 | Aluminum alloy | Alivio, Altus | Bosch 250W 50Nm mid-drive | Bosch 500Wh | Click View |
Giant Explore E+ 2 STA vs. Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0
As you can see from the comparison of these two bikes, the $3450 price tag gives the Giant Explore E+ 2 STA a very good value for money. However, the $3250 Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0 also offers great value for money, with the same aluminum frame and fork. But the Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0 uses a smaller 650b wheelset, which may be a compromise on speed.
In terms of power, both bikes use a 250W motor, but the Giant Explore E+ 2 STA uses a more powerful 75Nm torque motor. Meanwhile, the Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0 uses a larger battery. Therefore, we recommend riders who need to climb hills choose our test bike, the Giant Explore E+ 2 STA. For those who prioritize longer battery life, we recommend the Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0.
Giant Explore E+ 2 STA vs. Scott Sub Cross eRIDE 20 Lady EQ
The configuration of the two bikes is relatively similar. The same 29-inch mountain wheelset, aluminum frame, and fork. We can only distinguish the two bikes just by the battery and motor. It’s nice to see that the Scott Sub Cross eRIDE 20 Lady EQ will have a better battery and motor, and with that comes a higher price.
On the other hand, the Scott Sub Cross eRIDE 20 Lady EQ has a very short cushioning travel, which makes it less suitable for off-road riding. The Giant Explore E+ 2 STA has a 100mm cushioned fork that is only used on traditional mountain bikes, so you can ride it for long, bumpy trail rides.
Giant Explore E+ 2 STA vs. Garneau e-Espace P Max Step
The Garneau e-Espace P Max Step has the largest battery capacity on the list and is perfect for travelers who seek long-distance rides. Both bikes in comparison have good suspension travel to handle large-scale bumpy road sections.
But in terms of component configuration, the Garneau e-Espace P Max Step uses the inferior microSHIFT Advent shifting system. The Giant Explore E+ 2 STA we tested here uses the higher-end and more durable Alivio, Altus shifting system, which has lower maintenance and more durable quality.
Giant Explore E+ 2 STA vs. Fuji E-Traverse 1.1+
The Fuji E-Traverse 1.1+ is not as well known, so the price is a bit lower. Its 250W motor provides a fairly strong power output. However, the battery capacity is not large, and the suspension travel is the smallest of the bikes compared, making it unsuitable for shuttle riding on bumpy roads.
It is worth mentioning that both bikes have a relatively good component configuration, using the same Shimano high-end accessories. But the Giant Explore E+ 2 STA is very small, and this test is size L. The difference in body size between the two bikes is very large. In addition, the Fuji E-Traverse 1.1+ has a fairly low headtube, which makes it relatively more aggressive. How you choose is entirely up to you.
Summary
This is our test of the Giant Explore E+ 2 STA. A comfortable, sturdy, and durable electric bike is what every rider desires. It allows you to spend more energy observing the surrounding scenery and other things.
If you want to try high-end mountain bikes, please check out our related tests.
Finally, if you like our content, please share it with your friends. If our content has helped you, you can click the subscription button below. Thank you for your support!
Learn more : Top 11 Best Electric Bikes Under $1500 – Cheap And Practical
