Giant Explore E+ 2 GTS Review - $3.4k

[@jajavega]

I bought this bike last week from my local shop where I have been going since the 1980’s! So they know me. I am Interested in driving less and so far, this beauty has been a real gem!

[@Super-lucky-7777]

how its going after 1 year ?

[@amtrakharry]

That was one of the best reviews I have ever watched !!! Well done. By the way I just bought a Explore E +1 today . I can't wait to get out on it...:):):)

Owner of 2020 Explore E+0 GTS, amazing bike!!!

[@prossi5099]

As you mentioned, your 'goal' is to help us? Well you certainly did! I just brought home the Explore #2 GTS yesterday and you've given me more information that the store did. Not that they weren't helpful, but hey, it's June and the store was quite busy. I did my homework yet feel you gave me much more useful information. Ride on Court and thank you! :)

[@Super-lucky-7777]

how's the bike going now ?

Explore is an amazing bike. I love mine, E+0 GTS from 2020. 7500 trouble free km, battery still strong like when I bought the bike, it's fast, comfortable, stable. Just great. Love it!

[@makeitso9833]

I bought a slight variant of this bike a few weeks ago, the 2022 explore e +1 in gun metal gray. Only differences I can see is mine comes with a 625Mwh battery and controller is different. Really good bike so far. One of the first few things I did was to buy anti puncture tape which goes in between the tube and tire as apparently the standard tires puncture fairly easily. Also thick clear tape to protect against scratches. Good review, very similar to my experience.

[@garymitchell869]

It's my first week with my Giant explorer +1 and so far I love it. Yesterday I rode on pavement and dirt trails and I feel the motor pulling when going uphill.I changed between the modes often avg speed was 34kms and rode for 3 hours. I have a 500watt battery and still had another 3/4 left. I am very pleased with my purchase!

[@Super-lucky-7777]

hows it going after some time ~?

[@garymitchell869]

I taped certain areas such as forks and frame with clear tape to avoid scratches...purchased an e chain off Amazon and probably new good year rubber and I'll be all set for the fall and try the matapedia valley with the fall foliage. Love my explorer 1.

[@Super-lucky-7777]

@@garymitchell869thanks, that ride sound beautiful

[@YannickS1984]

What an excellent review. I just bought one today. 👍 I'm gonna have it delivered next week. I never had an e-bike before, so I can't really compare with other brands. With this review I'm confident that I made a good choice. Looking forward to my first ride!

[@Super-lucky-7777]

how has it been ?

[@jajavega]

Thank you for a great review. You have impressive filming skills while riding!

[@rogerroger6049]

I've owned a Giant Explore E+2 for nearly 3 years. I've had to replace the mudguards which cracked. Those Giant Crosscut 2 tyres are rubbish...never had so many punctures at inconvenient times & places. I replaced the tyres with Maxxis Ramblers with tubes that have removable Presta values so I can insert puncture preventing goo.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Thanks for the tips! Sorry to hear about the flats.

[@giovannivincenzodaprile630]

Traduzione

[@seanmulholland9007]

I’ve just ordered the new 2022 model & it comes standard with the crosscut gravel 2 tyres 😮 see how I go and change them out maybe. Thanks for the info 👍🏼

[@nosas66]

Same here , 2500 miles in, 1 cracked front mudguard, more punctures than I'd like.

[@yehumikael]

I own this bike, and for the US 2021 model (same color), I received the Life Motor, which only has 60nm of torque. Very nice bike for touring. Good range in Eco mode 75 miles plus on single charge. Love the display and controller.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

So interesting... I actually saw that spec on the website or somewhere when studying, but then saw the Sport hardware. Perhaps they changed it mid-year or it's a regional thing? I'm in Canada right now, for what it's worth. Sounds like you are really enjoying the bike, so glad to hear that! Thanks for your input :D

[@yehumikael]

@@ElectricBikeReview Because of your reviews, which are superb, I also own a 2022 Specialized Vado 4 and the Trek Allant 8s. Both are great bikes, but honestly...Specialized does "everything right." I love the Bosch motor, but do not like the goofy rear rack and the Cobi app/smarthub. Give me the unit that Specialized put together with the ability to do over the air updates. Thanks again for the great work that you do....keep it going.

[@g1x4]

I love this channel. So much good content on ebikes. Bravo!

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Hey, thanks! I do my best :D

[@seetheanimal5867]

@@ElectricBikeReview ur best is shit and or that statement of yours is a dishonest joke 👀

[@anupamsingh2943]

Did you try riding with the battery pack out? Just trying to see if any day I want to get the feel of a non-electric bike. Also debating between this and Diamondback Union 2.

[@albern2678]

If have this bike too. First i have change the weels with Schwalbe GT 365 47x622. Now the bike is all seasons ready and feels more comfortable and secure. The motor is really strong in power modus.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Nice! Thanks for the tire upgrade suggestion!

[@skotas]

I have 2020 model and I am very happy with it. I know it was pricier then other bikes, but it's a Giant. Did 3k km so far no issues. Love it every time when I take it out from the garage... Mine is mate black and 18 gears. Looks way better than this one.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Nice! Glad to hear you're happy with it! It did seem high quality and the performance was very satisfying, zippy and fun.

[@vikingdk9150]

Awesome review, thank you Court! Your videos are fantastic. I’m considering this bike but still unsure about size M and L. I’ve tried L and it felt fine. You mention that this is size M and that it is perfect for you. How tall are you? I’m 176 cm. Thanks :)

[@kevintraynor4508]

Love the frame colour on this bike

[@stevec9102]

Hi Court, thank you for the good review. I purchased my bike Sept. '22 here in the U.S. Could you show us how to reset the trip meter/distance meter? I am unsuccessful. I bought a Suntour suspension seatpost & it works quite well. Mine is a class 3. I paid extra for my kickstand. Maybe my dealer got me on that one. Mine came with a bell. I have around 1300 miles on it so far, and no real complaints. Someone just show me how to reset that trip meter, please.

[@gctw2341]

Nice idea with the comments at the end...it is an interesting bike, it has such a 'normal' look to it, but quite a bit of tech.

[@ruben3305]

Great video. Very detailed. I’m looking for an E-bike for commuting and don’t know what to get, so I’m on here looking at reviews. Thanks

[@MHH3180]

Finally a passable frame (barely) and an excellent motor. Frankly, if you need a step through frame, that mid just doesn't work. What a shame they put a low end, off road shock, that failed in The 90's, on such an expensive bike. Heavy shocks drain batteries. ALL suspension forks are designed for off road control, not on road comfort. They would have done far better saving some money using a suspension stem and seat post. Micrshift is awesome. I am impressed to finally start seeing better quality components on e-bikes. I would pit that deraileur against Deore any day. The bars, while way too wide for most (can be trimmed), are excellent and the bar ends are something that once you try you will never do without again. The brakes, while quite large, are pretty low end for this price point. If for any reason you need to remove a hydraulic line, the have to be replaced. Not a big deal, but still a little disconcerting. That keypad looks awfully fragile.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Great insights. The button pad felt as solid as others, maybe even more so than the plastic ones... though it does stick out and down a bit more :)

[@seetheanimal5867]

Naw the shame is more the assholes on the channel and their bike selection in the first place

[@inzana2]

Are they cup and cone hubs? If so they will die very quickly on a bike that heavy. Lack of through axles on a bike that heavy is also disappointing

[@elevenAD]

Good looking bike, i would love to give one of these a test run to see how it compares to comparably priced online bikes.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Yeah, it would be fun to have a back to back demo opportunity. This is why I love independent retailers that carry a bunch of brands (like Fullerton Cycles in California). The owner retired and moved to Thailand with his wife, we used to have a blast exploring the different new funky products :)

[@MikeSmith-cy7jw]

Great video post, I have this bike and love it! I do believe it's a class 3 not 1 but your the Expert. I enjoy all your posts, thanks.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Hi Mike! Sometimes they change the class depending on the region. Since I'm in Canada right now, it may have been changed to Class 1. Thanks for the feedback and positivity :)

[@MikeSmith-cy7jw]

Thank you

[@darrenhodgson1103]

Anyone have problems with rear freehub? Mine gave up after 2 years and 2500 miles. Other issue is that when it fails the wheel needs stripping and rebuilt due to design. Free hub isn't a separate component to the rear hub

[@MrMarkusmulder]

Hey, long time no see. Thanks for the video and stay safe ✌️.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Yeah! Been working on some design and programming stuff lately, but more bikes in the works ;)

[@HoraceSmith-xf1nv]

Bike was pretty easy to put together and rides very well

[@reneramminger9850]

Hi , i am riding the exact same bike for 1,5 years now. It works fine, but there are two issues. On gravel/bumps the chain can jump of the forward crank and get jammed between crank and frame if you dont stop pedaling imediatly. The other issue is the USB port on the handle unit. The seal is not locking good and if you get moisture inn there the electric will shut down. Than you pedal 26 kg of bike.

[@nosas66]

Same experience, chain doesn't come off often but if it does it jams badly, almost impossible to get out.

[@reneramminger9850]

@@nosas66 I will mount some chain guide to prevent that in future. An i will change the drive train to the new shimano link glide for more durabilety (when its finaly available)

[@CorneliaMayer-ky8es]

Thank you, excellent review.

[@HullioGQ]

Giant website says this bike is a 28mph bike in the US. That makes it a class 3 ebike, right?

[@allanrosales8672]

Love the channel Court. Could you please review the Giant Fastroad E+ EX? It looks like a great commuter bike and would love to learn more about it.

[@alafenetre81]

Is the rear rack compatible with Ortlieb QR system? What did you think of the noise level of the motor compared to Bosch or Brose? Thank you.

[@billyrock8305]

Wow ! What an incredible bike! 🤩 Giant Roam is a beauty too! But no auto feature and integrated display? Low price! Great value too! ✅ Class 1 no throttle beauty!

[@bradleybeall4670]

Isnt this a 28mph class 3 bike?

[@didiergodreau4518]

excellent video , thanks for it !! > Q : is it posible to dispaly the time on the console ??? thnaks for the confirmation

[@scott5609]

I'm really looking forward to buying this bike. I want to know if there's any problems 🚲🤔

[@heatherprosseda6316]

Id like to heighten my handlebars but not sure if I should add an adjustoble stem or just the clip on handlebar extender? I love the original handle bars but its just low for me and Ive adjusted my seat forward and even lowered my seat a bit. But Im wondering if this original stem is able to be adjusted at all...or uf others have swapped out their stem or decided to attach a full raised add onhandlebar. Thx

[@MozarkAdventures]

Awesome review, really considering this bike. Got to test ride one and it handles great and feels like a precision machine. Is there any reason why I should not get one?

[@Meshhz]

Bro definitely get one it’s a super amazing bike

[@MozarkAdventures]

@@Meshhz finally ordered and picked one up a little more than a week ago. Went for a maiden voyage, intended on going a few miles and ended up riding about 20miles! This bike is so awesome, I love it!

[@Meshhz]

@@MozarkAdventures that’s awesome man congrats

[@MotorheadRedo]

Nice! These are on sale $2900

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Sweet!! Thanks for the heads up :D

[@RagingDork]

Are these yamaha motors more reliable than the Brose?

[@km4089]

Nice review thanks.

[@obguy99]

has anyone had success bypassing the speed restriction of a 2019 explore +3? Its fixed to 20mph. How about increasing the size of the crankring? (it comes with a 42 but if you primarily use it on the road it needs a little more on the descent) 44? bigger?

[@cyclelife9179]

is this better than the vado 4.0?

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I liked it, but prefer the body geometry touch points and app that Specialized offers. I would probably go for a Vado SL model vs. the standard Vado or Giant E+

[@cyclelife9179]

@ElectricBikeReview cheers, i think ill go with the vado 4.0

[@robkettenis49]

I bought this bike 2 years ago. The frame is replacement after one year. After this I have a lot of trouble. In January the bike was "dead". The display stopped working. Week after replacement of the display the hole sh... bike went down. Giant replaced a cable and 2 weeks later the bike sometimes doesn't start. 😡. I want my money back. !!!!!

[@Rippinsmallies]

I'm trying to figure out why they're so expensive I mean I can afford to buy one but holy moly $7,000 for two e-bikes is ridiculous. I have a giant roam 3 I paid $525 for it and to make one electric it's an extra 2600.

[@frankvet1]

Just too many models to choose from and too many choices of motor, location, battery, proprietary batteries and the like. Maybe the question becomes, FOR YOUR BUDGET what is the best bike AND/OR is there a MINIMUM amount of money to spend to NOT get an ebike that will be problematic, not stand up to normal use, etc.... (I would never buy a YUGO but don't want nor believe I need an AUDI for example- is there a TOYOTA or HONDA model/make of bike that is built well, good quality, dependable but not $$$$$?)

[@SwazersC]

The Giant Explore 2020 model was so much better value at only $2500 bucks. I paid UK £2000 for mine back in June 2020. I am not a fan of this version I like the design aspects more with my own model. My Explore e+4 GTS 2020 model looks a lot better value than this one, IMO. They really are getting super expensive now.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Yeah, I've seen prices rise a lot in the ebike space recently. Sounds like you bought at the right time! How are you liking your Giant Explore e+4 GTS so far?

[@sillyDevin2015]

Literally everything is significantly more expensive from 2020

[@SwazersC]

@@sillyDevin2015 With a bit of luck the e-bike market should have a price correction soon.

[@SwazersC]

@@ElectricBikeReview Sorry for the late reply. It has been an awesome bike. I put 15500 miles on it. I have jut ordered my new bike a Giant Revolt E+ProXR. I cant wait to get it. I wish you would review this model as it hasn't had that many reviews.

[@jcoats5529]

Nice one

[@ramsdellcp]

oof that seems pretty expensive considering for the same price and a little more you can get a bike that does 40 mph+ and 40-80 mile range

[@seetheanimal5867]

That is their MO review overpriced garbage

[@ElectricBikeReview]

It's an interesting space. I've covered bikes that go "out of bounds" on speed and performance... but they introduce a liability risk if a crash happens. This is a Class 1 ebike, I cover Class 2, 3, and sometimes "other" and the prices vary. Class 1 follows the regulation and is allowable on more paths and trails. Perhaps their are less expensive comparable models. This is what Giant offers, so I covered it as best I could :)

[@klaxhu]

Could anyone who has bought or ridden one comment on right-sizing please? I am 1.83 and looking to get the XL (because cannot find L in stock), and I am 1.83, in seam 85cm so according to Giant I am at the lower end of the XL so it could work. I will use the bike as a daily commuter with some steep hills + mostly city rides, will carry normal luggage for work in two bags. I know that ebikes tend to generally be smaller than bio bikes, so this is why I am thinking I could go one size up. thank you!

[@Meshhz]

Ah man I wish I could buy this bike but it’s just so expensive

[@tomquimby8669]

Feature complete? no rear suspension makes this a missing feature.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Oh, no way! For me the feature complete is fenders, rear rack, and integrated lights. Rear suspension is nice, but rare on commuters and city models. A decent suspension seat post would go a long way, way less, and not compromise or complicate the rear rack design.

[@nosas66]

I find the auto mode really awkward, never use it, power is all over and not smooth.

[@marcomolini9338]

This bike is overpriced for what you get. No throttle, basic fork, no hub drive, low power. There are nicer, more feature-rich bikes available for less money. I own a 2019 Giant Explore E+ 4 Gts and it's been a great trouble free bike. Paid $2500 in Fall 2019. If it had a throttle and digital display it would have been perfect. Now looking at 1000 watt bikes that have everything in the $2500 range. Giant missed the boat on being competitive and offering features that are standard on other brands. I would not recommend Giant to anyone looking for a fairly priced ebike.

[@elevenAD]

That's the impression i get "on paper", i usually ride 1000w middrives and for me they are perfect. I still want to put one of these through its paces just to know how it performs and i do like the look of this bike, im a sucker for commuters!

[@chrisE815]

What brand do you recommend?

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I see it more as A.) you get a dynamic and efficient mid-drive with no throttle since none of the big European brands offer that, or B.) you get an affordable hub motor that's less dynamic or go for speed and power but introduce liability depending on the power and speed rating. There are lots of choices, which is great since there are so many ways to enjoy a bike. I try to cover a bit of everything, but these big brands reach a lot of people and I see them as important.

[@jcoats5529]

@@elevenAD it's a class 1 so no throttle

[@MHH3180]

Look for more states like Wisc & Mich to have their conservation officers writing tickets on illegal e-bikes, threatening confiscation like you see in Europe. Wattage means nothing except for illegally high speeds on flat surfaces. Torque is key and no hub motor can match any mid-drive for hill climbing torque. This bike has torque sensing. You don't need to force the crank 3/4's the way around before boost kicks in and it is far more controlled when it does. Because response is instantaneous, you need no throttle. Ride any e-bike throttle only for long and the throttle will burn out (none are high quality). After two, you'll burn up a controller. They were designed to get you going or to help if you if stuck in a wrong gear, on a hill.

[@dzonibravo7867]

Overpriced! 👎 Argument "it's a Giant" means nothing to me.

[@ldd9672]

Nice bike ugly colour

[@ElectricBikeReview]

What colors do you think would look better? I see a lot of all black ebikes, since wires, fenders, and other hardware is black by default... it blends well.