Giant’s Stance E +1  makes a compelling option if you’re in the market for a top budget e-bike. It looks fantastic, it comes with a punchy Yamaha motor, and it boasts the reassurance that comes with buying from one of the biggest bike brands in the business. If you are familiar with the Stance analogue bike, you’ll already know that it’s Giant’s entry-level full-suspension trail platform. You’ll also know that one of the key ways that Giant delivers the Stance at a more competitive price point is to strip back some of its suspension tech. Well, Giant takes the exact same approach with it’s entry-level e-bikes. So instead of featuring Giant’s signature Maestro twin-link suspension, the Stance E+ 1 uses a flexstay design for the 125mm rear suspension – eliminating some of the complexity and cost. Dubbed FlexPoint, the reduction in component parts should, in theory, offer a weight saving, but given that the Stance E+ 1 tipped our scales at a hefty 26.24kg, any advantage has been negated by the cheaper specification needed to hit the target price-point. Giant Stance E+ 1 Need to know Entry level e-bike platform with 125mm travel and 29in wheels RockShox 35 Silver fork pumps out 140mm travel Custom Yamaha SyncDrive Sport motor delivers 75Nm torque Removable 625Wh battery for extended range FlexPoint suspension design reduces complexity and cost Neat colour LCD controller and combined display Stance E+ 2 available for £3,499 Weight: 26.24kg size L Frame and geometry Simple does not mean that the Stance E+ 1 frame is lacking, though. Giant uses its top-end ALUXX SL aluminium, and the sculpted tubing profiles and oversized pivot hardware are all first rate. And while some entry-level e-bikes feel like the wheels will come off in under six months of abuse, the Giant frame feels reassuringly solid, so you know it will easily go the distance. And with that 625Wh battery tucked neatly into the underside of the down tube, you’ll also be able ride that much further, or in a higher power mode, than either the Yamaha Moro 07 or the Decathlon Rockrider E-Expl 520S. Both of which sport smaller, lighter 500Wh batteries. Removing the Giant’s battery for charging separately from the bike is really easy, but you do need to tighten the T25 battery latch securely when reinstalling it, otherwise it will rattle inside the frame. Also, if you want to ride further still, the Stance E+ 1 is compatible with Giant’s 250Wh EnergyPak Plus range extender. But what about the motor? Giant has partnered with Yamaha to produce a custom SyncDrive Sport motor which delivers 75Nm torque. That’s 10Nm less than on the Yamaha Moro 07 or the Shimano EP801 equipped Polygon Siskiu T7E that won this test. Which basically means you have to work harder on steeper climbs to keep up with the higher torque bikes. On the plus side, it also puts less strain on the battery, which helps boost range. Suspension Small but mighty. The Stance E+ 1 only … Continue reading With a cutting edge frame and custom Yamaha motor, Giant’s Stance E+ 1 excels on price and looks