Giant Twist Electric Bikes
Express
⊕ Click images to enlarge.
The new Express arrived in our Seattle store Spring '09 to much subsequent acclaim. Compared to the two Freedom models it is lighter, offers a sportier ride and rides extra well also in power-off mode. The Express incorporates derailleur shifting, comes with different saddle, handlebar, stem, chain guard and front fork. In matte black with deep blue striping. $1,500
Freedom DX
What does the world say?
ExtraEnergy is the world's leading electric bike testing organization. Note that the Giant Twist receives the highest ranking level including special mention for greatest range and superb power application. And it accomplishes this at a very favorable price, in instances at approximately half of its competitors. Furthermore, take your pick you can buy the Giant Freedom DX in the U.S. for $2,100 while its sister model costs nearly $3,000 in Euro equivalent. For those of you who may prefer a sportier and even more affordable Giant model the Express is $1,500 in the U.S.
Ten years have passed since we began our cooperation with Giant Bicycle Company, the global manufacturer of quality bicycles. We sold the LAFree Sport model and subsequently participated in bringing the much acclaimed Giant Lite model to the U.S.
With the new Giant Twist electric bike riding has been brought to a new level:
The Twist is an elegant, superbly integrated and crisply finished bicycle that provides an outstanding, confidence inspiring, safe and quiet ride.
The Twist incorporates a state-of-the-art 250W hub motor system with built-in clutch for 'zero drag' free wheeling. Pedal-activation is basis torque sensing with three power settings: Sport, Normal and Eco(nomy): 'The power you need, the instant you need it. Without having to give it a thought.' (Or mess with a twist grip throttle as you try to shift gears or brake).
Unobtrusively strong on hills with efficient power beyond its moderate nominal Wattage.
Single 9AH or dual 18AH total Lithium-Ion Polymer battery pack for exceptional range (miles per charge) optionally concealed inside custom rear rack panniers.
Motor assist up to 15 mph.
The Twist pedals with the greatest ease also in power-off mode (terrain permitting) and positively glides on its 700x38C ('self sealing flat tire prevention system') tires.
Descends and brakes also on steep hills with ease and authority.
Infinitely-adjustable, single bolt handle bar stem assures your individual riding position. Fully enclosed chain guard, rack + fenders and rear light.
The Freedom DX comes with quick-release dual panniers and the Freedom with a fixed, small integrated left side bag (which is case need replaceable with a conventional, standard size pannier).
The Shimano Nexus internal hub—8 speeds on the Freedom DX and 7 speeds on the Freedom—shifts ever so smoothly and crisply whether at stand still or under way.
The front suspension fork and seat post suspension assures wonderful riding comfort even on rough roads.
The Freedom and Freedom DX models weigh 53 lb plus one or two 5 lb batteries. (The Express weighs 48 lb plus battery).
The step-thru (Womens) frame model comes in Metallic Grey (dark shade) with Tangerine striping and is offered in Regular and Small frame sizes.
$2,100.
The slope (Mens) frame model comes in Metallic Grey (dark shade) with Red striping and is offered in Large and Regular frame sizes. $2,100.
Freedom
While otherwise identical to the 'Freedom DX' model, the 'Freedom' comes with a single battery, a 7-speed hub, non-suspended seat post and a storage case (in photo shown open) on the opposite side of the battery. In Metallic Black with Grey striping. $1,700.
Q & A's
Q: How might one briefly describe this new bike?
A: The Twist is a 4th generation bike. It is highly evolved and
integrated, elegant, crisp, smooth, quiet, efficient and handles
superbly. And a rare pleasure to ride.
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 or over long distances. And wanting to be assured of reliability, longevity, durability and top service.
Q: At a nominal 250 Watt how does it do on steep hills?
A: If you are willing to pedal modestly to moderately the Twist's sophisticated drive system puts every Watt to work in return. It is hard to find a hill which the Twist cannot crest: Frankly the Twist does better on very steep hills than other brands which are represented as nominally 350 or 450 Watt!
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.
Photo by Jackson Lynch for Wired.com
Q: What is the range?
A: Under specific test conditions the Twist may indeed achieve 70 miles. Our customers are reporting 50 mile rides in real traffic: This means perhaps about twice as far as any other model on the U.S. market.
Q: Which model should I choose?
The frame, wheels and 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 dual batteries, i.e. 'twice the range', seat post suspension and an 8-speed internal hub (versus the Freedom's 7- speed) and a custom pannier set.
The Express model (in black) is differentiated by its sportier, non-suspension ride, a flatter handle bar, 7-speed derailleur shifting and lighter weight.
Copyright © 2010 EbikesNW
