First Look: Giant’s Aluminum Stance E+ uses Flex-Stays

If you’re familiar with Giant bikes, you’ve probably seen their dual link Maestro suspension layout, but the Stance E+ e-MTB simplifies the design to offer a more affordable platform. Starting at $4,000 USD, the Stance E+ rolls on two 29” wheels and is aimed at less aggressive riding, fitting into their range alongside the Trance X E+. The aluminum frame uses a single-pivot flex brace. Giant calls FlexPoint, a design primarily seen on carbon frames. Compared to its predecessor, the new Stance E+ has increased engine performance and a totally redesigned battery with more juice.

There are also two models that mix a full-suspension hybrid commuter with off-road capabilities. These builds use a configuration with mixed wheels, integrated accessories and lower rolling resistance tires.

Giant Stance E+ details
• Wheel size: 29″
• Aluminum frame w/ flex struts
• Travel: 125mm rear / 140mm fork
• Engine: 85Nm Yamaha SyncDrive Pro2 (selected models)
• Battery: 800Wh 22700 cell type (selected models)
• 65.5° head tube angle
• Reach: 425, 450, 480, 510 mm
• Chainstay length: 468 mm
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Price: $4,000-5,300 USD / €3,999-5499 EUR
• giant-bicycles.com

Frame details

One of the main talking points with the Stance has to be the flex strut that drives the swingarm to produce 125mm of rear wheel travel that’s mated to a 140mm fork. Giant is one of the few companies that builds an aluminum bike with this suspension design. FlexPoint forgoes their dual-link Maestro design, eliminating hardware and likely reducing manufacturing costs.

Another feature that clearly stands out on the Stance E+ is the improved engine spacing. Giant has also beefed up the rear axle to a 12mm diameter and routed the cables inside the down tube for a more rugged look. To add to the frame’s girth, the newer standard E-bike oversize head tube comes into play with a 1.5-1.8″ tapered head tube, while a built-in fork bumper protects the down tube.

Because of the mixed disciplines that Stance covers, the EX models come stock with accessories like fenders, pannier racks, and a kickstand can be bolted to the specific mounting points. The Hybrid EX builds also use a 27.5″ rear wheel.

Battery and motor

Yamaha continues to take care of Giant’s engine production needs with their SyncDrive Pro that achieves up to 400% support ratio. The unit itself weighs 2.5kg and produces 85Nm, 15 more than the previous model.

The battery capacity of the EnergyPak has also been increased significantly from 500 to 800 Wh in a Giant exclusive design that uses a 22700 cell type, while most other E-bikes have the common 21700 and 18650 type.

As for connectivity, a RideControl Ergo 2 remote connects wirelessly to the RideControl app and displays on the bar-mounted display. An integrated fender-mounted rear light connects to the main battery, as well as a pole-mounted headlight for commuting or night rides.

Geometry

Giant has taken the longer, lower, slacker approach, slackening the head tube angle from 67 to 65.5 degrees and steepening the seat tube angle to 76 degrees. 29” wheels are used in all four frame sizes, with the range ranging from 425 to 510 mm. At the rear, chainstay lengths measure a mere 468mm, even on the smaller frames.

Models and prices

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