Giant FastRoad E+ EX Pro (2022)

GIANT FASTROAD E+ EX PRO 2022

The Giant Fastroad E+ EX Pro is unique. It combines speed, range, comfort and versatility in a very stealth package. In this preview, we'll go through the details and explain exactly why this urban e-bike should be on your shortlist to consider.

THE FRAME

Giant uses 2 types of aluminium for their e-bikes; ALUXX and the more sophisticated ALUXX SL. The Fastroad E+ EX uses the ALUXX SL grade. What exactly is so good about ALUXX SL? First, it's lighter. Giant places a little more effort and time in making these frames. Each frame member is assessed and material is removed where it's not required and added where it is. It delivers a better strength-to-weight ratio. All this stuff equates to better handling and response; smoother cornering, better descending control. Paired to the ALUXX SL frame is the same level fork, to keep the weight low and front end steering light. Internal cable routing keeps the frame looking clean and sophisticated. Another important design is the use of thru-axles to hold the front and rear wheel into the frame. These larger diameter axles significantly improve how the Fastroad E+ EX corners and handles - especially with the added weight of an E-bike. 

THE ELECTRONICS

At the heart of the Fastroad E+ EX is the Yamaha SynDrive Pro motor. It offers a substantial 80Nm of torque. And support of up to 360-percent. What this means is the motor multiplies 100-percent of your effort by 3.6 times (full Power mode). As you can imagine, this helps a lot coasting on flat terrain and the inevitable climb!

The assistance is controlled by a very minimalistic controller called RideControl Ergo. It's where you turn the bike ON/OFF, displaying battery level and assistance modes. RideControl can also connect to your phone with the Giant e-bike app (called RideControl too). The app displays a lot more data such as maps, riding time, elevation, average speed, calories, distance, motor tuning and general setup. Axa Blueline lighting is integrated front and rear. Use them as daytime riding lights for extra safety or at night to see.

Unlike the 2020 Fastroad E+ EX, the 2021 model now uses a larger 500Wh battery (instead of a 375Wh). This means more range. Riders can charge the battery on the bike, or remove it and charge it inside the house. Giant's EnergyPak charger has a Smart Mode. When activated (using the button on top of the charger), the charge process stops at 60%. 60% is the charge level required for long term (less than 3 months) storage of Giant's battery. This ensures proper battery health long term. 

THE MECHANICALS

A mix of Shimano Tiagra/Shimano RX400 (the same level components as Tiagra) are used throughout. Both Tiagra and RX400 are excellent mid-range performance (not recreational) level parts. A single front chainring is paired to 10 gears on the back. The rear sprocket has a massive range; from the high-speed 11-tooth sprocket to the climbing friendly 36-tooth sprocket. Both are paired to a 42-tooth front chainring to generate good speed on flat terrain.

Shimano brakes are benchmarks for this type of e-bike. They have a smooth lever feel and superb power delivery and modulation. For smaller hands, the lever's position can be adjusted to sit closer to the handlebar. 27.5-inch wheels are paired to large volume 2.40" wide tyres. It's a combination we don't often see - but it makes a lot of sense. 27.5-inch wheels partially offset the weight of the e-bike, and create a zippy and agile ride. Perfect for suburban streets.

Large volume tyres act like suspension; muting high-speed vibrations and delivering a smooth ride. The Kenda Kwick.Seven tyres are designed for durability in mind, yet have excellent puncture protection and grip. They also feature a puncture resistant strip on the main tread area.

SPECIFICATIONS