LAfree Sport
Step-thru and slope frames by Giant Bicycle
+ Click images to enlarge.
LAfree Sport Slope Frame
Color choices: burgundy or cobalt blue
LAfree Sport Step-Thru Frame
Color choices: burgundy or pewter
The top-rated* LAfree, designed from the ground up, hybrid electric bike incorporates a torque + speed sensing, pedal-activated system, a VPC (variable power control) twist grip, an aluminum frame, front shocks, and a very supportive, upright riding position. The 400W continuous / 1,000W peak rated motor is placed in the bottom bracket and drives through 7 speeds. Allowing the motor to drive through multiple gears provides unequaled efficiency, leverage (for serious hill climbing), and motor protection.
What do I need to know prior to getting on the new Sport?
You'll find the 7-speed gear shifter on the left and a brake handle on each side of the handle bar. These are standard bicycle components, and are operated just as on any bicycle. Turn the key in the battery lock, and turn the handle bar switch to "on". The state-of-charge gauge lights up and a friendly beep welcomes you onboard.
Where on the handle bar is the speed control?
None needed. Just ever so lightly step on a pedal, feel the surge of power rushing on, and you are smoothly under way with a minimum of effort. Should you so prefer, you can do most or all of your riding in this automatic mode.
What is the VPC feature, and how do I use it?
A fast Fall ride on the LAfree along Seattle's Ship Canal. Photo by Phil H.Webber
This is the unique Variable Power Control mode. It allows you to increase the ratio of motor-to-legs power. Twist the grip on the right, and the motor will do more—delivering up to 1,000W of peak power—until you merely need to "pretend" to be pedalling (depending on grade, of course). Release the grip and you are instantaneously back in regular "50-50" mode.
What about all those other new features?
The new instrument panel includes a shift indicator. This is a particularly useful feature that tells you when to shift down in order to maximize hill climbing ability. There is also an automatic cruise control setting with indicator light. Another feature is that you can choose between power "on" and "eco" settings on the handle bar switch. The latter provides ample (60%) power for light riding conditions, while maximizing range. In "eco" mode the new Sport can also be operated without the need to pedal, i.e., no pedal-activation is required.
If I don't keep pedalling—how ever lightly—does the motor shut off?
With the handle bar switch set in the "on" position the motor will shut off a few seconds after you stop pedalling. (It has a very keen sense of fairness). However, if you prefer to occasionally ride without even pretending to move your legs you may turn the handle bar to the "eco" position, twist the VPC grip, cease pedalling...and the motor stays engaged! For those of you hesitant about whether to buy a hybrid (pedal-activated), or throttled electric bike the Sport now offers the best of both worlds: Ride it as a pedal-activated bike, or ride it as a throttle bike.
What other features make the Sport stand out?
While your typical throttle-only electric bike allows its motor to drive in a one fixed ratio the Sport's motor drives through seven speeds—providing superior leverage (take-off, hill climbing), efficiency, and motor protection.
This perfectly balanced bike excels in the toughest riding conditions, and brakes with authority. Its rigid aluminum frame, long wheel base, front shocks, wide supportive seat, and upright seating position add up to a most enjoyable, comfortable, and safe ride. The sturdy Sport is built to handle the twists and bumps of real-traffic riding.
The prominently placed instrument panel includes a state-of-charge gauge, shifting, and cruise control indicators.
The maintenance-free, non-spillable, lockable battery pack slides in and out with the greatest ease from its well. It can be recharged on or off the bike. The portable (3.5 lbs) smart charger plugs into a standard 110 VAC socket. The SLA (sealed lead-acid) batteries do not have a memory and can be opportunity charged (topped-off) anytime. If the pack is fully drained charging takes 4.5 hours.
This highly reliable electric bike requires not much more maintenance than any quality pedal-only bicycle. The battery pack will typically need replacement every year and a half at a cost of $70. Even if you ride daily, your cost of charging should amount to less than a dollar per month. In our experience the product and tech support offered by Giant Bicycle is unequalled in the industry.
Model Differences
The 2003 LAfree model—called LAfree Sport (to differentiate it from LAfree Lite)—is now in our show rooms. By the way, the "LA" is not pronounced as the French definite article but as in the abbreviation of Los Angeles (where Giant Bicycle Company's U.S. headquarters are located). The differences between the 2002–2003 Sport and the 2001-1/2 model include:
An highly visible instrument panel (with state-of-charge gauge, shifting, and cruise control indicators) has been installed on top of the handle bar. Note: There is still room for an optional headlight, bell, and mirror.
The handle bar switch now includes an "eco" (economy) setting. This setting reduces the energy draw, and thus extends range.
A cruise control feature has been added.
The Sport can optionally be operated without the need to pedal at all by using the twist grip (in eco mode). In another industry first the Sport introduces the unique feature of being both a pedal-activated, and a throttle-controlled electric bike.
The earlier seafoam color, available on the step-thru model, has been replaced by pewter.
The slope frame model comes with heavier all-round tires.
LAfree Ebike Specs
| Model | LAfree-602 XU | LAfree-611 XU |
| Sizes, colors | 18", Electric Blue, Burgundy | 15", Burgundy, Pewter |
| Frame | Sloped Main Tube Design, 6061 Aluminum T6 w/ full braze-ons. | Step-through Design, 6061 Aluminum T6 w/ full braze-ons. |
| Fork | RST 801 comfort suspension fork coil spring w/ poly insert, 1.6" travel. | RST 801 comfort suspension fork coil spring w/ poly insert, 1.6" travel. |
| Crankset | 170mm w/ alloy crankarms. | 170mm w/ alloy crankarms. |
| Pedal | VP 607 alloy/ rubber w/cromo axle. | VP 607 alloy/ rubber w/cromo axle. |
| Chain | KMC ZB-51RB anti-rust | KMC ZB-51RB anti-rust |
| Handlebar | Custom 3" riser, satin finish. | Custom 3" riser, satin finish. |
| Stem | 28.6 Dia., 60mm Ext. 30 degree rise, satin finish | 28.6 Dia., 60mm Ext. 30 degree rise, satin finish |
| Grip | Giant custom. | Giant custom. |
| Brake Set | Tektro 841 "V" style brake. | Tektro 841 "V" style brake. |
| Brake Lever | Tektro custom w/ brake sensor. | Tektro custom w/ brake sensor. |
| Hubs | Joytech QR Front & Rear; 36H alloy. Rear cassette type. | Joytech QR Front & Rear; 36H alloy. Rear cassette type. |
| Rims | ALEX alloy 36H, double wall. | ALEX alloy 36H, double wall. |
| Spokes | 14ga. Stainless steel. | 14ga. Stainless steel. |
| Tire | CST 26 x 1.75 skinwall, specially formulated for electric bike use. | CST 26 x 1.75 skinwall, specially formulated for electric bike use. |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Acera RD-330 | Shimano Acera RD-330 |
| Shifter | Grip Shift SRT 4.0 custom, 7sp. | Grip Shift SRT 4.0 custom, 7sp. |
| Cassette/Freewheel | 13-28, 7sp. cassette. | 13-28, 7sp. cassette. |
| Seat | Lafree comfort, special design. | Lafree comfort, special design. |
| Seatpost | Alloy special design for Lafree, 29.2 x 320mm, w/ hinge. | Alloy special design for Lafree, 29.2 x 320mm, w/ hinge. |
| Energy Set | double 12v, 12ah Yuasa batteries and built in 30 volt charger. | double 12v, 12ah Yuasa batteries and built in 30 volt charger. |
| Motor | 400 watt, DC brush type. | 400 watt, DC brush type. |
| Weight | Bike 58 lbs + energy set 20 lbs = 79 lbs. | Bike 58 lbs + energy set 20 lbs = 79 lbs. |
| Extras | Nylon fender set, Giant QR seatpost lever. Security front fork lock. Sturdy dual leg support stand. | Nylon fender set, Giant QR seatpost lever. Security front fork lock. Sturdy dual leg support stand. |
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