Every now and then we get an invite that’s very hard to turn down. Having previously had the opportunity to review and subsequently deliver a new top marks rating on a prior generation Giant Explore E+ build, the promise of getting a day’s riding in on the 2026 model year e-bikes, all while absorbing the stunning Fall-Lenggries region of southern Germany was not to be dismissed.
For Giant, this is an important, best-selling model with admirers across Europe. In the context of the UK market’s slightly lessened demand for the premium side of e-biking at present, this model makes a strong case for the investment, even at the entry-level price point of £2,499. For the purposes of this first impressions review, I rode the top model, the Giant Explore E+ 0, which stands apart for its automatic Enviolo gearhub, which has a stepless shift through an up to 380% gear range, as well as premium features like a dropper post, high spec lighting, plus a number of other key spec upgrades.
Range from £2,499. Giant Explore E+ 0 spec reviewed here £4,999
Giant Explore E+ 0 £4999
Giant Explore E+ 1 £4199
Giant Explore E+ 2 £3499
Giant Explore E+ 3 £2999
Giant Explore E+ 4 £2499
Giant Explore E+ 0 review: The headline details
Pros
A best-selling bike for a reason
Reliable spec
Predictable and comfortable ride
Capable across gravel and woodland terrain
Able to host a heavier or taller rider with high gross weight capacity
Five spec levels to go on sale, ranging £2,499 to £4,999
Much enhanced from last generation spec
Battery life felt solid and predictable
Automatic gearing
Excellent motor that delivers smooth power and climbing grunt
Fast charging (We were told 6A charger, though spec sheet says 4A)
Upper models have a built on radar device for traffic safety (can be added separately)
Cons
Hard to mount a lock to the pannier
Many may find the premium pricing difficult
No ABS (though this would add further cost)
Ring lock isn’t included outside Holland (but can be fitted)
Features
Safety-enhanced Panasonic battery
Turn signal navigation and Komoot/Strava sync
Built in rack and fenders
Belt drive and derailleur gear options
100mm travel suspension fork
Can take a range extender
Integrated cockpit display
Digital tyre pressure readings
Specifications
Motor: SyncDrive Pro 2
Battery: EnergyPak Smart 625, EnergyPak Plus 250 range extender compatible
Range: Up to 200km
Brakes: Shimano Deore XT hydraulic discs
Gearing: Enviolo Trekking gearhub with automatic shifting
Tyres: Giant Crosscut Gravel 2, 700 x 57c, Wire Bead, Tubeless Ready
Saddle: Selle Royal Vivo Ergo
Suspension: Suntour XCR 100mm travel
Who is this e-bike built for?
The Giant Explore platform, now in its third generation starting from model year 2026, is the world’s largest bike maker’s answer to the leisure, trekking and could-be commuter space. It’s a jack of all trades build that makes everything optional for the average rider, excluding, of course, the really rugged side of off-roading.
This is a bike for traversing European countries on the Eurovelo network, for example, but it’s equally at home as a longer-distance commuter build and one that can carry a good volume of luggage on its 27 kg-capable pannier rack (12.5kg either side and a little on top).
It’s also a bike for the larger or heavier rider, as many of Giant and sister-brand Liv’s bikes are. It;s rated to be comfortable carrying 156kg and I was informed that over the prior generation the two frame styles have both benefitted from stiffness enhancements by as much as 35% on the traditional frame and 25% on the lower stepover frame, which might be a better fit for some with lower hip mobility. I am reliably informed that the Explore E+ 2, 3 and 4 will be available in both the diamond and the lower frame options. The 1 and 0 are in the UK in the diamond frame only.
Another note about these frames is how the chainstay is now elevated, which given that this can be delivered as a belt-driven e-bike, makes things a ton easier from a service point of view since there is no need to decouple the frame to get the rear wheel out.
Giant Explore E+ 0 review: The hardware
There are lots of exciting details to pick out with the Explore E+ 0, some of which are the preserve of the top-end model, but others which are fairly uniform down the range. For the purposes of keeping it simple, I’ll focus first on the 0 model seen here.
Starting with the most obvious major detail and what is quite often the defining difference between spec levels, the gearing comes from continuously variable gearhub specialists Enviolo. If that term is lost on you, it’s simply a way to say that this gearhub can change through its range without the usual major steps and clunks between gears.
The model found on the the Explore E+ 0 is a little different in that there is no twisting grip to cycle up and down the range, but instead a handlebar remote that lets you shift either manually, or if you prefer park the gearing in automatic so that you need not ever think about the correct gear ratio for the path ahead.
This is achieved by several on-board sensors that pick up on the terrain that you are riding, plus the motor’s input, your speed and more, adjusting accordingly. I love this feature and when you’re covering lots of ground, it means you have more mental bandwidth to enjoy the ride experience, rather than be engaged totally in the bike.
An Enviolo hub naturally pairs to a belt drive, which means no oily and noisy chain to maintain and these tend to last longer than chains with less mechanical issues too. As before, this is a premium end product, but there are traditionally set up models at a cheaper price that utilise Shimano derailleur gearing if you have a fixed budget, or just prefer a derailleur for any reason.
On to the suspension and the tyre choice and you have some indication of this bike’s ability to cover varied terrain. On our test ride, we took in around 10km of Alpine terrain with lakeside and woodland paths, gravel and tarmac and one immediately striking thing was how stable and predictable this bike feels regardless of which surface you’re riding on. On tarmac it is really efficient and covers ground extremely smoothly, but take an off road detour into the forest and the SR Suntour fork really makes uneven ground as indistinguishable; I was able to keep up solid momentum off-road too.
The Giant own-label tyres are 57mm wide and never left me looking for extra grip, doing their bit to dig in as the terrain steepened and working seamlessly to help deliver the traction required to ascend on forest paths. The frame and fork will allow for an up to 62mm tyre underneath the aluminium mudguards that come as standard.
As for the small details, the ergonomic grips are really supportive and comfortable on the hands, which adds to the long-range comfort of the bike, but Giant also adapted this model year to offer up removable bar ends and thus you can plug in a mirror, if you desire.
The sophisticated E+ System software
Another cool feature associated to the tyres is a new piece of digital technology that Giant has enabled for the 2026 generation Explore bikes and that’s a hardware piece at the valves of your tyres that is able to digitally record your tyre pressure and alert you if they fall below your preset preferences for PSI.
This software upgrade comes as part of a wide range of benefits now within Giant’s E+ system software and associated hardware. I love the bright, easy-to-read head unit that forms the basis of conveying a tuneable range of ride metric information and the pair of miniature, almost perfectly blended controllers on either side of the handlebar that help you navigate the settings. The EVO 2.0 display now has a refresh rate of 60hz, which I’m told is about the same as a fairly modern iPhone, so its high-resolution detail is crisp and engaging, plus it is housed within the diameter of the stem making it look like it belongs as a single piece of design work.
There are light sensors in a few places too, inclusive of the single on/off button in the top tube, which glows to indicate the support mode chosen. Naturally, these sensors are able to inform the in-built lighting too, which comes on as soon as ambient light levels dip. At the rear its a automotive style red strip light, which is on the 0 model is built into the radar at the rear (I’ll get to that shortly). Out front, there’s a bright light from Supernova.
With Giant’s latest software developments, there’s plenty going on that adds hidden value too. These range the Bluetooth connection enabling a perimeter-based security system that can disable the motor’s assistance when you’re not nearby, an audible alarm to ward off thieves, turn-by-turn navigation cues on the display that sync to your phone, inclusive of Strava or Komoot compatibility and much more.
Related Articles
The Syncdrive motor and extra-safe battery
Found between the cranks is what is essentially Giant’s own Pro 2 motor, albeit Yamaha has some input on the mechanical side. Otherwise, the Syncdrive motors are all of Giant’s own tuning and algorithmic design.
Depending on the pairing to the gearing and the appropriate torque limits, these units can turn out between 75 and 85Nm of torque, which is a really healthy support for this style of e-bike. Certainly, during our 10km loop I didn’t encounter any moments of doubt while climbing and the motor was smooth and silent. If anything, the occasional noise came more from the gearing as it changed. Officially, Giant says that you gain a 400% support above and beyond your own pedal power and having had some time to cycle through the settings during my Explore E+ review, paired to my prior experiences of Syncdrive motors, I would put the system on par with many of Bosch’s advanced motors.
As for the battery, which is made up of Panasonic cells and comes delivered in a 625Wh or 800Wh capacity, depending on the model, this is a beneficiary of the Giant Group’s above-and-beyond work to guarantee the safety of customers, as well as delivering a strong energy density through efficiency tweaks. With quite an overboard approach to battery technology development, Giant say that its EnergyPak batteries will last up to 2,300 charge cycles.
Giant are one innovator to insulate and protect cells from thermal runaway
While I was out riding the Giant Explore E+ 0, in mixing both manual and automatic gearing use and never really needing to lean too heavily into the assist I seemed to be using about 1% of the battery per kilometre ridden on mixed terrain with a little climbing.
By the end of a 16km ride the display said I had 85% of the 800Wh battery remaining, which equated to 183km of possible assisted range left in the tank, according to the ride computer; albeit that would be a generous guesstimate based on eco assistance use.
Another small but important digital note, is the ability to tap into the Apple FindMy network as part of the bike’s GPS tracking capability.
How does the Giant Explore E+ 0 ride?
My overriding impression of the Giant Explore E+ after a good first outing is that of a bike that would really suit those who want to make a bike for life purchase, one where a bit more cash unlocks a whole lot more value, but also I think this is an excellently predictable ride for anyone who feels as though they are a more nervy rider. It’s incredibly well-balanced, predictable and an efficient mover. It’s very comfortable too on account of the large volume tyres, dropper seatpost, suspension fork and premium Selle Royal saddle.
While there is no ABS braking system, which is the usual safety cautious option similar bikes have fitted of late, there is a very well executed proximity radar system that links cleverly to the main display. This indicates incoming vehicles as far away as 150 metres and will glow the screen red if they are approaching particularly quickly. We got a demo of this in Germany and it really works. In fact, I thought it was better executed than some dedicated aftermarket radar products like Garmin’s Varia.
As before when we hosted a review of the generation 2 Giant Explore E+, the third generation, 2026 model year line up holds high promise and after an initial ride I’m very impressed.
If you are wondering, the entry-level model is photographed below and arguably this might be more appropriate for the UK market, delivering high quality, but at a more in reach price bracket. The 0 spec is your investment piece and a great match if you intend to do lots of long-distance touring and want a bike that is built to last and deliver you in comfort.
How about the competition?
You might find while browsing that a quick scan through our commuter bike buyer’s guide turns up some interesting competition, albeit some of these bikes are city-only, while the Giant Explore E+ on review here has broader capability. With that in mind, here are some more directly comparable competitors at varying price points.
MMR E-woki
£1,899 | View offer
A good wedge cheaper than the Giant Explore E+ and with a quite different spec proposition, the MMR E-Woki is our entry-level recommendation and truth be told it’s not much heavier than a standard bike of this style on account of leaning on the lightweight hub-motor Mahle solution to pedal assist. This is a stripped back, less powerful trekking model, but it’s nonetheless appealing if you want something far lighter and a lot cheaper.
Merida eBIG Tour 675 EQ
£3,950 (RRP £4,250) | VIEW OFFER
Comparable on price and from another major manufacturer, Merida’s eBIG Tour 675 EQ is worth a look too. Again, this bike has options on the frame style and packs a powerful mid motor, this time from Shimano, as well as options to carry things on a robust rear rack. There is also a similar front suspension and large volume tyre specced, which enables off-road exploration.
Read our Merida eBIG Tour 675 EQ review.
Riese and Muller Delite5 GT Pinion
Hear us out, we know this one’s probably beyond your price range, but it has thus far been our favourite e-bike of 2025 because, like the top-end Giant Explore E+ 0, the Delite5 was a top-marks review and for good reason. It is undoubtedly an investment piece and a bike for life, but it’s probably unmatched in its ability to traverse long distances efficiently, all the while carrying plenty of load and offering agility on multi-terrain surfaces. Thanks to an internal gearbox from Pinion it will also pay you back over time thanks to its vastly lowered maintenance needs, plus, this one is a dual suspension build with 120mm of travel, giving it cross country and borderline trail mountain bike credentials.