Giant Talon E+ EX - Test: Can the lightweight SUV e-bike from the bike giant convince?

Innovations only ever in the top drawer, new developments only with a wide range of models? Not at Giant. The bike giant has just unveiled its new motor in the mid-range Stance E+ model. And the Talon, with just two affordable variants under €3000, is also getting a complete makeover for 2026.

Light & slim: Giant Talon E+ EX

The special feature of the Talon is the reduced motor system. There is a powerful Syncdrive Sport2 motor with 75 Newton metres in the bottom bracket. However, the battery only has a capacity of 430 watt hours. This is also made possible by the very slim and relatively light chassis of the Talon E+ EX. Overall, the Talon E+ EX weighs in at 24.2 kilos, despite a hefty 156 kilos weight allowance. Conventional trekking and touring e-bikes weigh three to four kilograms more.

Despite the lightweight design concept, the Talon should remain user-friendly. For Giant, this also means that the 430 watt-hour battery, which weighs just two kilos, can be removed in the classic way. This means that the bike does not have to be parked right next to the socket for charging. Optionally, the range can be extended using a range extender in the bottle cage.

Seamless look, and the price: well under 3000 euros

Giant has just redesigned the controls. The display is sharp and stylish, some values such as the battery status are just a little small. The bike can be tracked via Apple "find my". A good idea, but unfortunately Android users miss out.

Price: 2749 Euro >> available here

Giant treats itself to polished weld seams in the head tube area for a seamless look, otherwise the Talon E+ is set on an austerity course. But with a price of well under 3000 euros, this is hardly surprising. The gears are shifted by a Shimano Cues 4000 drivetrain with nine gears.

The suspension fork is simple, the saddle, lights and mudguards come from Giant themselves. If you want even better parts and are prepared to spend a little more, you will be disappointed. There is no premium version of the Talon E+ EX.

Conclusion: MTB bonds - how the Giant Talon E+ rides

For the most part, the simple add-on parts are not detrimental to the riding experience. You need to know that: The Talon E+ is also available without mudguards and lights as an MTB hardtail. Accordingly, the geometry also borrows from mountain bikes. As a result, the Talon E+ shines with good directional stability and high riding safety, even when the gravel gets rough. The tyres offer plenty of grip.

However, the Talon E+ EX is not very manoeuvrable. The wide handlebars also play a part in this. If you expect maximum comfort, you won't get your money's worth with the sporty position either. The weak suspension fork is limiting on real off-road terrain. However, the Giant cuts a fine figure as an SUV bike for sporty, active people who are hoping for a little more safety on the bike in everyday life and on gravel.

A little caution is required with the range. The motor is powerful and dynamic, and the standard Auto mode is powerfully tuned. This quickly drains the small battery. It is better to set a more moderate level of assistance. Then tours of around 50 kilometres are no problem.

>> More off-road: Giant Stance E+ 1 in review - what the affordable touring eMTB with 100 Nm can do

Strengths

• High driving safety
• Slim look despite attractive price
• Powerful motor...

Weaknesses

• ...which quickly drains the small battery
• Simple suspension fork