With its own motor system, Giant isn’t one to follow the norm when it comes to e-mountain bikes. And now, with the latest iteration of the enduro-going Reign Advanced E+, the brand has pushed the boat out even further with an all-new drive system, an updated suspension layout, and… tyre pressure tracking?
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The SyncDrive Pro 3 goes from 36 to 48 volts
Something that’s always overlooked in e-bike motors is their voltage. However, Giant has paid special attention to the voltage of the new SyncDrive Pro 3, having boosted it from 36 to 48V. It’s said that this move allows the system to run at 30% lower amperage at the same power level. Apparently, this means that less heat builds up, and the motor should run more efficiently.
Additionally, we’re told that because of this, the motor can cope with higher torque, and it can knock out up to 800 watts of peak power. As for torque, Giant is rather quiet on what the new motor can produce.
With a new motor comes a new battery – the EnergyPak 560. As its name suggests, it’s a 560Wh battery and Giant reckons that it can offer up to 2,300 full charge cycles. It’ll charge quickly, too, as it can fill up to 80% of its capacity in two hours, says the brand. In the name of environmental friendliness, the battery is made under Giant’s CO2-neutral battery initiative, meaning that the batteries are manufactured in a CO2-neutral factory.
Back onto the details, the Reign Advanced E+ is compatible with a 280Wh range extender. There’s a neat titanium skidplate too – not for F1-style speed-sparks, but motor protection.
New motor, new battery, new remote, and display
Following in the footsteps of the likes of Orbea and Bosch, Giant has revamped its bar-mounted remote and the top-tube display. The new RideControl Ergo 4 integrates three buttons in one small unit, and with it, Giant promises improved ergonomics while flicking through the power modes.
Then, all of the details and your ride metrics can be ogled through a 2.4in, high-resolution, full colour display. As well as the most important ride data, like speed, time and distance, it’ll also display your tyre pressure.
Yep, there’s on-the-fly tyre pressure tracking
Giant says that managing tyre pressure is critical to off-road performance… So, it must be tracked all the time. That fancy detail comes with thanks from the included Aegis Tyre Checker.
As soon as you turn the bike on, the tyre pressures can be found on the bike’s display in real time. The rider can set a low-pressure limit, so when your tyres hit that, you’ll get an alert to top up your tyres, or that there’s a puncture.
These pressure sensors are powered separately from the bike’s battery and promise a 600-hour battery life. They’re compatible with tubed and tubeless tyres, too.
Then there’s all of the normal bike stuff
Built around a carbon fibre frame, the Reign Advanced E+ aims to balance weight, strength and stiffness while donning 180mm of suspension up front, with 170mm at the rear.
That rear suspension is delivered via a redesigned Maetro layout, which is said to deliver a near-vertical rear wheel bath and a linear spring curve to help it stay sensitive for small bumps but keep it smooth during successive hits, and larger bottom outs. There’s also a single floating pivot point built in that’s said to boost pedalling efficiency by counteracting pedalling forces that are attributed to pedal bob.
The system’s trunnion mount, which connects the linkage to the top of the shock, is then credited with a lower leverage ratio. That then means better pedalling and braking efficiency, says Giant. This then allows the brand to build bikes with shorter chainstays in a bid to sprinkle in a bit of agility and help with climbing performance.
Speaking of geometry, a large frame in its mid position benefits from a 480mm reach, a 63.5-degree head tube angle and a 450mm chainstay. There’s a 77.5-degree seat tube angle.
I say mid position, because there’s a flip chip on the Reign’s rocker link that allows for three points of geometry adjustment, which addresses both the head and seat tube angles, as well as the bottom bracket height. Additionally, the Reign Advanced E+ boasts an adjustable headset that offers three different reach options, adding or taking away five millimetres in the reach measurement.
The new Giant Reign Advanced E+ is available in three models with prices starting at £6,500 and going up to £10,000. Each model comes with the range extender.
