Electric Bikes
Northwest

Pedal activated bicycles, which ride and hold up superbly

This brief tale of the Giant Lite (2002–2007) and the Giant Twist (2008–) indicates how the 'pedal activated' electric bike of the superior 'torque sensing' design has evolved.

Giant Lite

 

In 2001 we learned about a Panasonic powered Giant model introduced to Europe. Compared to the Giant Sport (the current U.S. model at the time) this Euro model was bicycle akin, light and came with a NiMH battery. By 2002 Giant USA had responded to our suggestions and shipped us the Americanized version of what became known here as the Lite.

The Lite resoundingly exceeded our expectations. Our Lite customers were (and remain) elated and our business had found itself on a strong product foundation. Subsequently the Lite has proven reliable and durable way above industry standards and with battery longevity averaging five to six years! It was discontinued in 2006 amid an outpouring of disappointment on both sides of the Atlantic.

With the Lite we were able to provide the U.S. market with an electric bike that is superbly bicycle akin in feel and handling, smoothly mixes human and motor power, is strong on steep hills, is remarkably energy efficient and pedals with ease also in power off mode.

Giant Twist Express

 

In Fall 2007 we were thoroughly impressed riding a Twist Express prototype: A cleanly styled bike of supreme integration offering a swiftly responsive, firm, crisp, sporty ride. By Spring '08 we had received our first production bikes in Seattle.

The Lite weighs (after adding rear rack and fenders) about 42 lb + a 6.5 AH NiMH battery of 8 lb = 50 lb total. The Express weighs (it comes with rear rack and fenders) 48 lbs + a 9 AH Li-Ion Polymer battery of 5 lb = 53 lb.

Copyright © 2011 EbikesNW

May 2011

The Giant Twist Express is proving a worthy successor to the Lite: In riding enjoyment, performance, reliability, weight and price level.

The Twist offers (hardly surprisingly, designed six years later) a significantly higher level of integration, including an even smoother drive system, a quiet hub motor, a Li-Ion battery and greater range.

By now we feel assured to predict that the Twist shall provide the comparable—i.e. way beyond U.S. market industry standards—reliability and durability of bicycle, drive system and battery, as well as hard to match riding enjoyment and owner satisfaction.