Giant Twist Electric Bikes
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 all this at a remarkably low price.
Twelve 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 had a hand in bringing the much acclaimed Giant Lite model to the U.S.
Based on our own direct experience Giant electric bikes may be the most reliable, durable and well supported brand on the U.S. market.
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 of U.S. design 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 juggle a twist grip throttle as you try to shift gears or brake.
Unobtrusively strong on hills with efficient power beyond its moderate nominal Wattage.
Dual 9AH or 18AH total Lithium-Ion Polymer battery packs for exceptional range (miles per charge). A lockable, quick release battery pack is placed on each side of the rear rack.
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 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.
Front fork and seat post suspension assures wonderful riding comfort even on rough roads.
The Shimano Nexus 8-speed internal hub shifts ever so smoothly and crisply whether at stand still or under way.
Comes with a custom dual pannier set, which also renders the batteries anonymous.
The Freedom DX models weigh 53 lb plus two quick release, lockable 5 lb batteries.
The step-thru (Women's) frame model comes in Metallic Grey (dark shade) with Tangerine striping and is offered in Regular and Small frame sizes. $2,100.
The slope (Men's) 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 (which in case need is replaceable with a modified, standard size pannier).
In Metallic Black with Grey striping. $1,750.
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 at 48 lb plus the 5 lb battery and offers a sportier, less 'cushioned' ride. The Express incorporates derailleur shifting, comes with a different saddle, flatter handlebar, less adjustable stem, with a chain ring protector rather than a complete chain guard and without front fork suspension. In matte black with deep blue striping. $1,550
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 moderately the Twist's sophisticated drive system puts every Watt to work in return. It is the rare hill that the Twist cannot crest.
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 DX model may indeed achieve 70 miles. Our customers are reporting 50-60 mile rides in real traffic: This means probably about twice as far as most other makes/models on the U.S. market. Our own experience, and that of several customers, is that this drive system is energy efficient beyond belief. Some of us routinely ride the single battery models in real life, real traffic conditions up toward 40 mile on a charge!
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 matte black) is differentiated by its sportier non suspension ride, a flatter handle bar with less stem adjustability, 7-speed derailleur shifting, chain ring protector (rather than full chain guard) and lighter weight.
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