Electric Bikes
Northwest

What does the World say?

ExtraEnergy is the world's leading electric bike testing organization. The Giant Twist received their highest ranking level, including special mention for greatest range and superb power application. And the Twist accomplishes all this at a remarkably low price.

Twelve years have passed since Electric Bikes Northwest (that's us) began its cooperation with Giant Bicycle Company, arguably the world's top global manufacturer of quality regular bicycles. We sold the LAFree Sport and SuedeE electric models and had a hand in bringing the exceptionally acclaimed Giant Lite model to the U.S.

What do our Customers say?

Based on our thousands of customers' experience since 1998 Giant electric bikes are the most reliable, durable and well supported 'human power augmented', a.k.a. electric bikes on the U.S. market.

With the new Giant Twist, introduced in 2008, electric bike riding has been brought to a new level: The Twist is an elegant, superbly integrated and crisply finished bicycle that provides an exhilarating, confidence inspiring, quiet and safe ride—truly a fourth generation model. We cannot imagine a higher satisfaction level than what's being expressed by our own customers.

Shipping

Giant Bicycle Company does not authorize any of its dealers to ship the Twist.

Product Support, Service and Parts

Electric and folding bikes are recently evolved industries in the U.S. Concerned about finding competent, experienced and committed service for your bike or power kit? Our full service department was established in 1996. It is staffed to preferentially support the owners of the bikes they bought from us—and to do so expertly, promptly and flexibly.

Giant Twist Electric Bikes

The Twist Freedom DX, Freedom and Express are versions of the Twist—the fourth generation model in Giant Bicycle Company's electric bike series (since 1997) for the U.S. market.

The 'Giant' referred to here is the same Giant Bicycle Company that is one of the world's top global manufacturers of quality bicycles.

Our own cooperation with Giant Bicycle Company goes back the the '90s. We appreciate in particular that our input was a factor in bringing the highly acclaimed Giant Lite to the U.S. (in 2002) and in the development of the Giant Twist models (which arrived in '08 and '09).

The Twist is the definitive fourth generation model, which can only be offered at its price level by a world leading bicycle manufacturer, viz:

• Elegant looks and crisp finish.
• A highly integrated design with quality components.
• A superbly enjoyable, comfortable and intuitive ride.
• Unsurpassed range and strong hill assist.
• Reliability and durability beyond industry standards.
• Committed, well established support.
• Exceptional value.

⊕ Click images to enlarge.

Freedom DX

The DX model comes with two Lithium-Ion Polymer battery packs, each of 9 Ah, for unsurpassed range (miles per charge). The battery packs are integrated in the rear rack (rather than in the frame) for the most convenient removal and to achieve a bicycle with a wheel base short enough to fit 'all' car and bus racks.

The Twist is unobtrusively strong on hills with seemingly power beyond its nominal Wattage. Motor assist to 15 mph. See also What's Watt..

The Twist handles and pedals with the greatest ease also in reduced or power off modes and positively glides on its 700x38C ('self sealing flat tire prevention system') tires.

Descends and brakes on steep hills with ease and authority.

Infinitely adjustable, single bolt handle bar stem assures your individual riding position. Fully enclosed chain guard, rear rack, fenders and rear light.

Front fork and seat post suspension smooths out rough roads.

The Shimano Nexus 8-speed internal hub shifts ever so crisply whether at stand still or under way.

Comes with a custom dual pannier set, which also renders the batteries anonymous.

Weighs 53 lb plus the two quick release, lockable 5 lb batteries.

Comes in Slope (Men's) frame, Metallic Grey (dark shade) with Red striping and offered in Regular and Large frame sizes.

$2,000.

Freedom

While otherwise identical to the 'Freedom DX' model, the 'Freedom' comes with a single battery, a 7-speed Nexus hub, non-suspended seat post and a storage case on the opposite side of the battery.

Comes in Slope (Men's) frame, Metallic Black with Grey striping and offered in Regular and Large frame sizes. $1,700.

Express

As different from the two Freedom models the Express incorporates derailleur shifting, 'performance' saddle and a flatter handlebar on a lower stem. The absence of front fork suspension etc makes it lighter at 48 lb (plus the 5 lb battery). In matte black with blue striping. The Step-thru (Women's) model is available in Regular and Small frame sizes. The Slope (Men's) in Regular and Large. $1,500.

Q & A's

Q: How might one briefly describe this new bike?

A: The Twist is a true 4th generation bike. It is highly evolved and integrated, elegant, crisp, smooth, quiet, efficient and handles superbly. A rare pleasure to ride. It is durable and reliable beyond industry standards. If any electric bike on the U.S. market deserves the label 'The Best' it would be the Twist. If any electric bike deserves the label 'Best Value' it would be the Twist Freedom DX.

Q: Who may the Twist be for?

A: Anyone who wants a 'bicycle-akin' electric bicycle rather than a 'moped-akin' one. In particular those wishing to ride in great style, comfort and safety, with great enjoyment and also over long distances—assured of reliability, durability and top service.

Q: At a nominal 250 Watt how does it do on steep hills?

A: If you are willing to pedal moderately the Twist's sophisticated drive system puts every Watt to work in return. It is the rare hill that the Twist cannot crest with fair concurrent pedaling.

Q: Why is the Twist heavier than the earlier Lite and SuedeE?

A: While the batteries are much lighter (about 5 lb each) the bike itself is indeed heavier. Of course Giant could easily have built a lighter Twist but not with the same great integration, handling, feel and durability.

Q: What is the range?

A: Under specific test conditions the Twist DX model may indeed achieve 70 miles. Our customers are reporting 50-60 mile rides in real traffic: Probably about twice as far as most other makes/models on the U.S. market. Our own experience, and that of our customers, is that the drive system is astonishingly energy efficient. Some of us routinely ride the single battery models in real life, real traffic conditions 30-40 mile on a charge!

Q: Which model to pick?

The frame, wheels, most bicycle components and the electric drive system are common between the three Twist models.

The Freedom DX (in grey) and Freedom (in black) models both include suspension front fork, fully enclosed chain guard, internally geared hub and a raised handle bar set-up that adjusts 'infinitely'.

The Freedom DX additionally offers a second battery, seat post suspension, an 8-speed internal hub and a custom pannier set.

The Express model is differentiated by its sportier non suspension ride (including a 'performance' seat and a flatter handle bar with less upright adjustability), 7-speed derailleur shifting, chain ring protector (rather than full chain guard) and lighter weight.

Copyright © 2011 EbikesNW

⊕ Click images to enlarge.

The Giant Pedal-Activation System

The Twist's motor responds instantly and proportionally when the rider steps (be it ever so lightly) on the pedal. It does so intuitively (rather than having to operate a throttle or wait for a rotation sensing system to kick in). Discover the advantages of the Giant system including when you need to restart on a steep hill or take off quickly through a busy intersection: The power you need, the instant you need it. Without having to give it a thought.

What's the life span of Twist batteries?

While obviously affected by variables such as how the bike is ridden (speed, acceleration, stop & go), by whom (weight and pedaling), where (hills, headwinds), how far, how often and charging protocol the NiMH battery of the predecessor Giant Lite (2002 to 2007) has proved to last an amazing 6-7 years for our customers.

While the Giant Twist was only introduced in 2008 there are strong indications—such as three year old batteries testing at 85% of new capacity—that its advanced Li-Ion batteries may last as long.

Giant bikes offer exceptional battery life spans—clearly significantly beyond industry averages.

Charging

Each quick-release, lockable battery removes instantly and easily for charging by the smart 2A (100-240 VAC) charger. Up to 5 hours for a full charge, partial charging is OK.

Charger weighs less than 1 lb and measures 2-1/2 x 4 x 8".

Pannier set for DX model

This pannier set serves the dual purpose of concealing the batteries and providing moderate room for carrying items. The set fits the Freedom DX model only (and is included in the price of the bike). One or both batteries can be removed without having to remove the pannier set.

Custom Panniers

Need to carry a lot? We shall be glad to discuss custom pannier solutions for bikes sold in our Seattle shop.

Related

• Twist Specifications
• Giant Twist Brochure (pdf)
• Giant Twist Owner's Manual (pdf)
• Giant Warranty
• Giant Bicycle Company
  —one of the world's leading manufacturers of quality bicycles