Time for an upgrade... (Giant Full E 1.5 Pro)

[zalle]

Hi guys,

I've been riding a Focus Thron 4.0 for the last year and, even though range is great (612w battery), I decided to go for an upgrade.

I've got some problems with my back, so a full suspension is a must.

2018 Giant Full E 1.5 Pro with minor cosmetics damage and 10 miles on the clock, 40% off, £2400 (RRP £3990).

Here are the specs:

Giant/Yamaha motor

Frame: ALUXX-SL Grade Aluminum

Fork: Fox Rhythem 34 27,5+ 140mm, Grip Damper, tappered steerer ‘Boost’ 110x15QR

Shimano Deore/XT 2x10-speed Drivetrain

Brakes: Shimano BR-MT500 203mm Disc

Wheels: Giant GE35, Tubeless ready, 27.5″ 35mm aluminum, e-bike optimized

Battery: Giant EnergyPak 500, 36V 13.8Ah Rechargeable Lithium-Ion

Remote height adjust seatpost

What do you guys think about it?

 

[argoose]

Sounds good. They ride great.
Two things I would change, brakes, you do need four pot brakes, and front chain ring to 1 @ 34 tooth. From new I had chain suck with extra torque.
I changed tyres to tubeless and more sidewall stiffness plus contact points to suit me.
All in all a very comfortable and capable bike

 

[zalle]

Hi Argoose, thanks for your input. Nice ebike you've got there

So you recommend ditching front derailleur completely? Can't I just leave 28 or 38 tooth?

 

[argoose]

Yes, But 28 tooth too low, you'll only use bottom half of rear cassette and spin too fast to make motor work.
38 tooth too tall you will strain on steeper hills.
34 tooth in the middle so suits the motor output and cassette range.
If you spend more time on gravel roads and flat you could try a 36 tooth.
If you struggle on climbs and don't spin high cadence on flat a 32 would suit.
You can , by all means, keep the 2x front rings and you might not suffer chain suck.
Only happened to me twice, both times on a change just before really steep climb. But was too much for me so opted for 1x drive. Suits my style of riding.

 

[zalle]

Thanks for your reply,

Where can I fit a water bottle on this bike?

I just ordered it from the partridge cycles in Devon, and it's being shipped to Portugal, where I'm from. I'll get it next week.

 

[argoose]

Never looked to fit a water bottle, I've always used a hydration pack. Too many UTI's due to water bottles in the past.

 

[Dom T]

Nice bike.
You could get a fidlock
http://www.fidlock-bike.com/produkte_en.html
bit pricey but might be an option.
Like Argoose I use hydration pack.

 

[zalle]

Well, I put it behind the seat, even though it's fiddly due to the hydraulic seatpost, and rear tire clearance,

 

[argoose]

Lastest upgrade

Ridecontrol one

 

[zalle]

What's the difference?

 

[soundwave]

What's the difference?

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/global/showcase/ridecontrol-one

 

[argoose]

No screen, Bluetooth connectivity, lot cheaper to replace if damaged in a crash.
Evo screen £300, control switch £125.
Ride one £65.
5 assist levels instead of 3.
And it looks a lot neater

 

[zalle]

Oh, I see. But did you brake your display?
Mine's got the Evo display, I believe it's got bluetooth connectivity as well, and I've got 5 assist levels. But if I ever damage it, I guess that's a good solution

 

[argoose]

mine was 2017, it fogged up a couple of times. No Bluetooth and I've always thought of it as a bit gimmicky.
really like the minimalist ride one, a few buttons and led's is all I need.
I use a lezyne GPS which will do all the distance, time and elevation.