E-Bike Overview
Ideal as an e-bike for getting about city streets with the odd adventure on a gravel track, the Giant Roam E+ is a comfortable all-rounder.
We love the Giant SyncDrive Core power system as a hassle-free means of riding an electric bike. This can impact range, however, as in Auto Mode, it will select power output for you according to the terrain. On manual, you can add range — up to an almost-unheard-of 93 miles in ideal conditions — by choosing a lower power setting. The 700C wheels and 63mm travel forks will give a comfortable ride on unpaved routes.
You can choose from two different models: the Roam E+ GTS and the Roam E+ STA. The GTA is a typical step-over, while the STA is a step-thru — more convenient for people with shorter legs.
Reasons to Buy
Riding an e-bike can have the added complexity of changing power settings on big hills and flat stretches. This is a thing of the past with SyncDrive Core motor and power unit, which allows you to simply get on and ride like an analog bike.
While Giant claims you can get up to 93 miles, a more realistic estimate is a 35-mile range with the 400 Watt-hour (Wh) battery. While this isn’t comparable to a leg of the Tour de France, most people won’t need a full battery’s riding range on a typical day’s use.
With a 63mm travel fork and 700C wheels, this e-bike can be fun on light trails, too. A 9-speed Shimano gear system will enable economical riding when range could be a challenge. Its Tektro hydraulic brakes will slow you down on a fast hill in wet weather, offering safety even in challenging conditions.
Things to Consider
Giant has been a bit over-enthusiastic in claiming the Roam E+ is an off-road machine. Take it on gravel and forest paths, but don’t try singletrack or a hardcore cross-country ride! The shocks, 9-speed gears, and 700C wheels just won’t handle harder terrain, and with the relatively meek 50Nm of torque, this won’t get you up a very nasty hill.
The SyncDrive power system can be power-hungry. We recommend only using the Auto mode when you aren’t planning big mileage. When you are planning to do a 30+ mile epic, keep the power setting in Manual and try to use Eco Mode as often as possible, as you could get 45+ miles.
