Giant is setting new priorities. The novelties for the 2026 season aim to impress with a harmoniously integrated and intuitively accessible operating concept. Smart functions are designed to create a safer and more comfortable riding experience. This is primarily thanks to Smart Gateway 2.0, the significantly enhanced ebike system for all new models from Giant and Liv. Changes to the hardware of the ebikes and the motors are therefore somewhat less prominent.
1. New elegance and variety with the Giant Explore E+ 2026
2. Entry into the e-MTB segment with the Giant Talon E+ and Liv Tempt E+
3. Giant Reign Advanced E+: Downhill riding has never been faster
1. New elegance and variety with the Giant Explore E+ 2026
Connect 4! That could be Giant’s motto for its most prominent trekking ebike. It will be in its fourth edition for the 2026 season. And even if it may sound trite, it looks better than ever. The lines of the frame flow harmoniously into one another. Giant has had the welds on the aluminium frame sanded, which gives it more shine and elegance.
There have also been some functional changes. The stiffness of the frame has been increased at selected points, especially where the individual tubes meet. The step-through height of the mid-step frame, called Stagger by Giant and Liv, has been lowered slightly. This will make it easier to get on and off the bike in future.
Design change paves the way for hub gears
Many of you will also notice the more solid chainstay. It now appears to run completely horizontally on the new model. The striking triangle at the dropout and its increasing width towards the bottom bracket clearly distinguish it from the previous design. On the new Giant Explore E+, it enables the integration of a hub gear and a belt drive for the first time. In these cases, the manufacturer installs an additional small tension pulley to ensure that the belt is held securely in place. Among the five different configurations, there are of course still models with a derailleur gear system.
On the non-drive side, there is now an interface at the end of the chainstay for attaching a trailer. This allows you to use one of the common child trailers, a trailer for your pet or a cargo trailer such as the Veolo, making the Explore E+ even more versatile. Just keep in mind that you must not exceed the maximum permissible total weight of the ebike, which is 150 kilograms. Every unbraked trailer counts towards this weight limit.
E-drive and gear system merge into one
As with all of Giant’s new products for 2026, displays, control units and some new components and features deserve special attention. With Smart Gateway 2.0, the manufacturer’s ebikes have taken a noticeable step forward. Many of the innovations can be experienced first-hand on the Explore E+. On the cockpit, for example, there is the new integrated stem, the new Giant RideControl Ergo 4 control units mounted on the left and right of the handlebars, and the Giant RideDash Evo 2.0 display. During our initial test rides, we particularly liked the way Giant integrates its ebike system with the respective gearing system – at least when it comes to electronic gear shifting. This allows you to operate the entire e-drive with the left RideControl Ergo 4, while using the right control unit to trigger the gear changes or control the cadence at which you prefer to ride. The shift lever, which is normally required for shifting, is no longer necessary, giving the handlebars a very tidy appearance.
The electric assistance can be switched on and off using the tiny Giant RideControl Go 2 integrated into the top tube. This control unit is also new.
Radar – standard or optional
Another highlight is the rear rack. Or rather, the Aegis radar warning system attached to it. It monitors the area 120 metres behind you. When vehicles approach from behind, they appear as small dots in a bar on the right-hand side of the display. Changing colours from green to orange to red indicate how far away the vehicles are and how fast they are approaching. In particularly dangerous situations, a warning tone sounds from the speakers integrated into the control units and the display. In addition, a red bar flashes at the top of the display.
The radar system is only installed as standard in the top model of the series, the Giant Explore E+ 0. However, the Giant Explore E+ 1, Giant Explore E+ 2 and Giant Explore E+ 3 offer the option of retrofitting the system. All of them have the necessary Mik HD rear rack and its integrated tail light. This already contains the ready-made connection for the radar to the e-drive.
Apart from that, the rear rack is ideal for a trekking ebike as it is approved for a maximum load of 27 kilograms. Sturdy struts, a tension strap and several eyelets make it easy to attach a wide variety of panniers and other accessories. You can also install child seats, baskets and similar items its platform with a single click.
Read tyre pressure instead of estimating it
The new tyre pressure sensor can also be a great advantage for such a versatile ebike. It comes as standard on the models mentioned above. The Tire Checker, which is screwed onto the valve, electronically measures the air pressure in the tyre. If you wish, you can display this as a separate data field on the display at any time. You can set your own upper and lower limits between which the air pressure should remain. If it falls below or exceeds a limit, the system will notify you accordingly while you are riding. It also displays the measurements for the front and rear tyres every time you switch on the ebike. Depending on the terrain, weather conditions and how much load you are carrying, you can adjust the limits to ensure that the tyre pressure is perfectly suited to the situation.
Strong trend towards mountain bikes
Essentially, a trekking ebike can be interpreted in many different ways. Details such as the motor, battery, tyres and suspension fork reveal the direction in which the manufacturers have been thinking. According to Giant, the Explore E+ 2026 is closer to an e-mountain bike. This is evident, for example, in the maximum tyre clearance of 62 millimetres. The model series comes with 57-millimetre-wide Crosscut Gravel 1 tyres as standard. But if you want, you can even go one size wider.
The motors also point in this direction. Both the SyncDrive Pro2 with its torque of 85 Newton metres and the SynDrive Sport2 with 75 Newton metres are considered powerful motors. The manufacturer combines them with a battery integrated into the down tube. Its capacity is an enormous 800 watt hours for the Giant Explore E+ 0 and Giant Explore E+ 1. The Giant Explore E+ 2, Giant Explore E+ 3 Pro and Giant Explore E+ 3, on the other hand, have 625 watt hours. In all cases, you can remove the battery from the bottom of the frame and charge it externally at any time. Even greater ranges and longer tours are possible with the Giant EnergyPak Plus range extender and its additional 250 watt hours. Please note: This is only compatible with models with a diamond frame.
With 100 millimetres of travel on the fork and a suspended dropper post, the ebike’s suspension system is also suitable for extended off-road excursions. The same applies to the Shimano Cues Di2 electronic derailleur and the mechanical Shimano Deore with their eleven and ten gears respectively. However, Giant has not included the option of installing a hub gear on the new Explore E+ without good reason. The Giant Explore E+ 0 and the Giant Explore E+ 2 are more geared towards city riding. Both use a stepless and automatic gear shift from Enviolo or its mechanical version.
In terms of price, everything is in the range between 3,499 euros for the Giant Explore E+ 3 and 5,799 euros for the Giant Explore E+ 0. The Giant Explore E+ 4 pushes the price down even further. However, we are talking about an older model here, which is still based on a frame from the previous series. At 2,999 euros, it is correspondingly cheaper.
Giant Explore E+ for the 2026 season at a glance
- Models: Giant Explore E+ 0, Giant Explore E+ 1, Giant Explore E+ 2, Giant Explore E+ 3 Pro, Giant Explore E+ 3, Giant Explore E+ 4
- Frame: aluminium
- Frame shapes: diamond, mid-step
- Suspension fork: SR Suntour XCR 34
- Motor: Giant SyncDrive Pro2, Giant SyncDrive Sport2
- Battery: Giant EnergyPak Smart 800, Giant EnergyPak Smart 625, Giant EnergyPak Smart 500
- Display: Giant RideDash EVO 2.0, Giant RideControl Dash 2
- Control units: Giant RideControl Go 2, Giant RideControl Ergo 4
- Drivetrain: Enviolo Trekking Automatiq, Shimano Cues Di2, Enviolo Trekking Manual, Shimano Cues LinkGlide, Shimano Cues
- Brakes: Shimano Deore XT, Shimano MT420, Shimano MT200, Tektro HD-M280
- Maximum permitted total weight: 150 kg
- Colours: Snow Drift, Metallic Navy, Alpine Green, Gray Down, Pyrite Brown, Terracotta, Stealth Chrome, Mars Dust
- Prices: from 2,999 euros
Giant Explore E+ 1 with diamond frame in Metallic Navy
Giant Explore E+ 2 with diamond frame in Alpine Green
Giant Explore E+ 3 Pro with diamond frame in Pyrite Brown
Giant Explore E+ 1 with mid-step frame in Metallic Navy
Giant Explore E+ 2 with mid-step frame in Gray Down
Giant Explore E+ 3 with mid-step frame in Terracotta
2. Entry into the e-MTB segment with the Giant Talon E+ and Liv Tempt E+
There are legions between the new and old Talon E+. The newcomer has basically only taken over its predecessor’s position within the range. If you want to try out an e-mountain bike for the first time or simply prefer its look to that of a trekking ebike, this is the bike for you.
New season, new image
The entry-level model looks much sportier for the 2026 season. The rather chunky down tube of its predecessor has given way to a slimmer overall appearance. The difference is not so noticeable on the scales. It has been reduced by a few hundred grams to around 22 kilograms. Based on its appearance alone, one might have expected more. Giant wanted the new Talon E+ for the 2026 season to more closely resemble the appearance of the Talon without an electric drive. And they have definitely succeeded.
Instead of a Giant SyncDrive Core, the manufacturer now uses the Giant SyncDrive Sport2. With the change of motor, the torque increases by 20 Newton metres to 75 Newton metres. This allows you to ride sportily on the trails without being overwhelmed by the motor assistance. Especially since the motor’s response proved to be very smooth during our test rides. Most of the power is available at cadences as low as 60 revolutions per minute.
Easier to use and better protected
The new Giant RideControl Dash 2 display also made a positive impression. With a total of six buttons, you can not only control all conceivable functions of the e-drive, but also access and adjust all settings. With many competitors, you would have to open the corresponding app on your smartphone to do this. At 1.5 inches, the display is not too large. However, colours and contrasts are displayed beautifully and sharply on the LCD screen. The display is as easy to read as is possible for a compact display of this size.
As part of the new Smart Gateway 2.0, the Giant RideControl Dash 2 does not come alone. E-Lock provides free electronic theft protection on top. It does not yet match solutions such as Bosch’s eBike Alarm, eBike Lock and Battery Lock. For example, because it lacks comprehensive tracking and notifications via the app. However, the foundation seems to have been laid and further developments are highly likely in the coming months and years.
The aforementioned slimmer down tube accommodates a new battery. This is the Giant EnergyPak Smart version with a capacity of 430 watt hours. That’s 70 watt hours less than in the Talon E+ from the 2023 model year. However, thanks to advanced cell technology, the yield should be quite similar. If you occasionally want more capacity, the range extender might be an option for you. Its 250 watt hours mean a whopping increase of more than 50 per cent. And when you don’t need it, it can stay at home and doesn’t add any extra weight.
Focus on leisure fun or everyday usability
The Giant Talon E+ model series for 2026 includes two different versions – the Giant Talon E+ and the Giant Talon E+ EX. In both cases, the hardtail features a suspension fork with 100 millimetres of travel and a nine-speed derailleur. The Giant Talon E+ EX is designed to appeal to those who are looking for more than just an e-mountain bike. Mudguards, a rear rack, permanently installed lighting and a side stand give it qualities that you know from trekking ebikes or urban ebikes. The complete equipment only means a surcharge of 250 euros on top of the 2,599 euros for the Giant Talon E+. At the same time, however, the weight of the ebike also increases to around 24 kilograms.
Giant Talon E+ for the 2026 season at a glance
- Models: Giant Talon E+, Giant Talon E+ EX
- Frame: Aluminium
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Suspension fork: SR Suntour XCM Coil
- Motor: Giant SyncDrive Sport2
- Battery: Giant EnergyPak Smart 430
- Display: Giant RideControl Dash 2
- Drivetrain: Shimano Cues LinkGlide
- Brakes: Shimano MT200
- Colours: Asphalt Green, Electron Blue, Metallic Navy, Meteor Storm
- Prices: from 2,599 euros
Liv Tempt E+ – Tailor-made girl power
More or less identical to the Giant Talon E+, the Liv Tempt E+ is a model designed for all female cyclists. The concept and integrated ebike system are 100% identical in both models. However, there are important differences when it comes to the frame geometry. On the Liv model designed for women, the top tube is not only shorter but also slopes more steeply. This reduces the step-through height, making it slightly easier to get on and off the bike.
Anyone who thought that the seating position would be slightly more upright overall would be mistaken. Giant has reduced the vertical distance from the bottom bracket to the top edge of the head tube on the Liv models, while increasing the horizontal distance from the bottom bracket to the head tube. This results in a more stretched, flatter seating position compared to the Talon E+.
Giant responds to the average smaller body size of women with a frame size XS, followed by three further sizes up to L. For frame sizes XS and S, the manufacturer also deviates from the standard wheel size and uses the smaller 27.5-inch wheel. The 29-inch wheels specified for the Talon E+ are then available in sizes M and L. In keeping with the usually narrower shoulder width of smaller women, the handlebar width for XS and S is 690 millimetres and only increases to 750 millimetres for M and L.
Women may still feel a little disadvantaged, at least when they look at the colour options for the Liv Tempt E+ and Liv Tempt E+ EX. Here, the range is limited to three frame colours, compared to four for the Giant Talon E+ and Giant Talon E+ EX. Let’s hope for Giant’s sake that at least the right three colours were chosen. 😉
Liv Tempt E+ for the 2026 season at a glance
- Models: Liv Tempt E+, Liv Tempt E+ EX
- Frame: aluminium
- Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L
- Suspension fork: SR Suntour XCM Coil
- Motor: Giant SyncDrive Sport2
- Battery: Giant EnergyPak Smart 430
- Display: Giant RideControl Dash 2
- Drivetrain: Shimano Cues LinkGlide
- Brakes: Shimano MT200
- Maximum permitted total weight: n/a kg
- Colours: Lunar Eclipse, Sandshell, Seafoam Green
- Prices: from 2,599 euros
Liv Tempt E+ in Seafoam Green
3. Giant Reign Advanced E+: Downhill riding has never been faster
At the beginning of this article, we mentioned that Giant’s novelties for 2026 are all about Smart Gateway 2.0, with the technical development of frames, suspension systems, etc. taking a back seat. The new Giant Reign Advanced E+ deviates significantly from this basic orientation. Here we encounter numerous innovations that are not related to the ebike system. At the same time, however, the drive is also completely new. In fact, there is hardly any detail that has not changed compared to its predecessor.
The new addition to the name of the Reign – Advanced – already signals that the model for the coming season is a completely redesigned ebike. Since its introduction, it has been an e-mountain bike whose strengths were particularly evident on technically demanding descents. The manufacturer is now emphasising this characteristic even more clearly. There is more suspension travel than ever before, more options for fine-tuning the geometry and suspension, and a lower overall weight.
Carbon instead of aluminium in future
The latter is largely due to the new carbon main frame. According to Giant, it is made of an advanced-grade composite and weighs 25 per cent less than the frame of the previous Giant Reign E+, which was still made of aluminium.
The frame of the Giant Reign Advanced E+ is clearly designed to meet the challenges of a downhill and enduro bike. The battery compartment has a striking, double-reinforced cover to protect it from major damage in the event of collisions with other objects. The motor is protected by a replaceable titanium skid plate. And the chainring and chain are protected from impacts by a suspended bash guard, whose elastomer damper absorbs shocks and thus protects the motor and frame.
Masterful heart
The heart of the bike in general and the frame in particular is the redesigned Maestro rear triangle. Now in its third generation, Giant claims it is the most advanced suspension ever built into one of its own e-MTBs. The suspension travel has been increased from 160 millimetres to 170 millimetres. The suspension fork has also been increased by ten millimetres to 180 millimetres.
With its four pivot points and two linkages, the rear triangle responds equally sensitively to both small and large impacts without ‘packing up’ during fast, successive impacts or bottoming out from huge hits. A special feature of the Reign E+ Advanced is the attachment of the lower link of the Maestro system to the frame and the motor. You can feel the stability of this solution when the rear suspension consistently delivers its performance and works without restriction, even when pedalling hard. The same applies to the response when you brake hard. The rear triangle remains active throughout and maintains contact with the ground. With double-sealed pivot bearings, Giant ensures that dirt and moisture cannot permanently affect the function.
New flip chip on the rear triangle
The Maestro system is made even better by a redesigned flip chip. These eccentrics allow you to change the frame geometry when the terrain or your riding skills require it. This was already possible in the past. But now, in addition to high and low, there is a third middle position to choose from. Depending on the setting, the angles of the head tube and seat tube as well as the height of the bottom bracket change.
High setting
- angles of head tube and seat tube become steeper
- bottom bracket height is raised
- ideal for riding steep climbs
Mid setting
- angle of head tube and seat tube neutral
- bottom bracket height centred
- best compromise for uphill and downhill
Low setting
- angle of head tube and seat tube become slacker
- bottom bracket height is lowered
- ideal for high-speed descents
Second flip chip on the head tube
Similar to the system with the eccentrics on the rear triangle, Giant also uses this principle on the head tube of the Reign Advanced E+. This time, it affects the reach, i.e. the distance between the vertical axis of the bottom bracket and the centre of the upper end of the head tube. In short, this allows you to adjust the distance to the handlebars. Once again, there are three possible settings: long, medium and short. The difference between each setting is five millimetres.
Long position
- offset of plus five millimetres
- more stretched seating position
- bike gains stability
- best pedalling efficiency
Medium position
- offset of zero millimetres
- neutral seating position
- bike well balanced for climbs and descents
Short position
- offset of minus five millimetres
- more upright seating position
- bike more agile to handle
- ideal for narrow, winding terrain
The best way to determine how the respective settings affect your ebike is to take your time and test everything thoroughly on the trails. You will probably get the best results if the flip chips on the rear triangle and head tube point in the same direction in terms of riding behaviour. However, it is also possible that one of the two setups can be selected neutrally.
New Giant SyncDrive Pro 3 motor with 48 volts
The next premiere on the Giant Reign Advanced E+ is the built-in e-drive. For the first time, the manufacturer has integrated a motor with an operating voltage of 48 volts. Giant usually uses 36-volt systems for its mid-drive motors.
In line with the suspension system, which is designed for maximum challenges, the motor also aims to excel where other units quickly run out of steam. The new Giant SyncDrive Pro 3 supports a very sporty riding style with cadences of well over 80 revolutions per minute. You’ll need to ride at this level if you want to get the most out of the motor’s peak power of 800 watts. The torque of 90 Newton metres and the maximum assistance of 400 per cent also only come into play in this range.
A duo as the first battery solution
The 48-volt system was introduced at the same time as the Giant Reign Advanced E+ and is equally new. Therefore, it currently only includes a single frame battery. The Giant Energypak 560 offers a capacity of 560 watt hours. As we have not yet been able to take the newcomer on any long rides, we cannot comment on its potential range. However, the higher voltage of the system should enable longer ranges than an equally large battery with a comparable motor on a 36-volt system.
The Giant Energypak 560 is complemented by a range extender. The Giant Energypak 280 adds another 50 per cent to the range and increases the total capacity to an impressive 840 watt hours. The shape of the additional battery is based on that of a water bottle. However, it does not fit into a standard bottle cage, but can only be attached to a special mounting plate from Giant.
First use of RideControl Go Lux display
As with all of Giant’s new products for 2026, the control units, displays and all other features of the ebike system are based on Smart Gateway 2.0. Among other things, the Giant Reign Advanced E+ uses the small RideControl Ergo 4 control unit on the handlebars in combination with the RideControl Go Lux display. The latter features a 2.4-inch colour screen and is integrated into the top tube. It shows you riding data such as speed, riding time, distance and cadence, as well as the battery status and remaining range. As Giant equips the entire model range with the new Aegis tyre pressure sensors, the display also provides you with information on the air pressure of the front and rear tyres.
With E-Lock and Apple Find My, two further Smart Gateway 2.0 solutions are included with this e-mountain bike. E-Lock gives you the option to digitally lock the motor, making it unattractive to thieves as soon as you switch off the ebike. If it happens to get stolen after all, access to Apple Find My allows you to use other Apple mobile devices to determine the current location of the ebike. Both features are included free of charge with this model.
Giant Reign Advanced E+ model series with three versions
The differentiation between the three different versions is based on the components for suspension, gearing system, brakes and wheels. Priced at 10,999 euros, the Giant Reign Advanced E+ 0 comes with a Factory-level Fox suspension system, Sram XX Eagle Transmission AXS electronic derailleur, extremely powerful Sram Maven Ultimate brakes and a carbon wheel set. The package also includes the Range Extender.
At 7,999 euros, the Giant Reign Advanced E+ 1 is significantly cheaper. However, the suspension fork and shock absorber are not quite as high-end, the Sram gear system is only mechanical and the brakes are TRP DH-R EVO.
For the entry-level Giant Reign Advanced E+ 2, priced at 6,499 euros, the manufacturer has switched to Shimano systems for the drivetrain and brakes. We consider the Linkglide groupset in particular to be an excellent choice due to its robustness and durability. The RockShox suspension fork and shock meet high standards as well.
Giant Reign Advanced E+ for the 2026 season at a glance
- Models: Giant Reign Advanced E+ 0, Giant Reign Advanced E+ 1, Giant Reign Advanced E+ 2
- Frame: carbon
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL (frame size S only available from Giant Reign Advanced E+ 1 upwards)
- Suspension fork: Fox 38 Factory Air, Fox 38 Performance Elite Air, RockShox ZEB Select Charger Air
- Motor: Giant SyncDrive Pro 3
- Battery: Giant EnergyPak Smart 560
- Control unit: Giant RideControl Ergo 4
- Display: Giant RideControl Go Lux
- Drivetrain: Sram XX Eagle Transmission AXS, Sram Eagle 90 Transmission, Shimano Deore
- Brakes: Sram Maven Ultimate, TRP DH-R EVO, Shimano SLX M7120
- Weight: approx. 23 kg
- Maximum permitted total weight: 156 kg
- Colours: Mercury, Moon Dust, Purple Haze
- Prices: from 6,499 euros
Giant Reign Advanced E+ 1
Pictures: Elektrofahrrad24 GmbH; Giant Deutschland GmbH