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Giant Defy Advanced E+ Elite & Liv Avail E+ Elite Go All-In For Rear Drive

Photos by: https://www.instagram.com/tomjoyphoto
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Giant is coming in hot with not one but two new drop-bar e-bikes. Meet the Defy Advanced E+ Elite and the Liv Avail E+ Elite. There is no need for a cleaver naming conversation, as these models are based on the Defy and Avail models. It’s more than an e-road bike; it’s about giving a ride like a traditional road bike without the weight and cumbersome feel of a heavy mid-drive motor.

Rider pedaling
(All photos by: https://www.instagram.com/tomjoyphoto)

Defy Advanced E+ Elite and Liv Avail E+ Elite

What separates the Defy Advanced E+ Elite and the Liv Avail E+ Elite? We can’t thoroughly discuss what makes this bike different without discussing the motor. The new SyncDrive Move Plus motor powers both ranges. Giant claims the new motor weighs 1.7kg (3.75 lbs) and is a rear hub-driven design. The motor and rear hub drive system uses Giant’s “e-road exclusive riding pattern.”

Group of riders in the sunset

What does that mean? It’s a roundabout way of saying, “It rides like a traditional road bike.” You’ll notice the motor lurch and kick in less. If you’ve ridden an e-bike (road or MTB), you know that feeling when the motor kicks in/off. A slight drop when coasting or a lurch in power when you start from standing still. These are the sensations the SyncDrive Move Plus looks to eliminate.

Top of the bike with controls

Pedals Like a Real Bike

No matter how advanced these e-bikes get, they always aim to emulate the feel of a traditional road bike. Giant and Liv balance this with the new motor location, which rewards natural pedaling feedback. 

Riders point of view

How fast will it go? Most e-bikes depend on where you live: 28mph MAX in the USA, 20mph MAX in Canada, and 16mph MAX in Europe.

Showing the tires clearance

What Are the Assist Modes?

The new Giant/Liv Defy Advanced E+ Elite and the Liv Avail E+ Elite have five different pedaling modes, plus an auto option. The modes gradually offer more support as the rider toggles through them. All modes are controlled via a control button integrated into the frame’s top tube or on the shifters, depending on the level. The Ridecontrol app allows rider customization and changes each mode’s top out and battery consumption. 

Rider walking up the stairs

How far can you ride on it?

The SyncDrive gets its juice from a Panasonic Energypak 400 with a 400Wh battery run time. The battery integrates into the frame’s down tube and has a pretty unassuming look compared with others on the market. If you’re looking to ride far or explore, riders can also opt for the 200Wh range extender, which will get you “around 90 miles,” as Giant says. 

Bike in the road with green background

For safety, the EnergyPak 400 arrives covered with an aluminum casing, protecting it against daily use and hazards. It also benefits from temperature monitoring, with individually cased cells to prevent overheating. 

beauty shot of the Liv Avail +

Frame Details 

The Defy and Avail framesets use Giant’s Advanced composite carbon, the same carbon used to create the traditional version of the bike. Other Giant and Liv staples are the D-Fuse seatpost and handlebars, which reduce vibration and weight. The frames will both clear 38mm tires, so riders are clear to explore and ride slightly gravel-curious adventures. 

Frame details for Liv Avail + 0

Build Options 

The Defy Advanced E+ Elite and the Liv Avail E+ Elite exclusively use SRAM AXS groupsets. The top-of-the-line Elite 0 models get full SRAM RED AXS with bar blips. The spec cascades down the line. The Elite 2 and Elite AR come with SRAM Force AXS, with the all-road version utilizing a single-ring setup.

Full bike in the road

Defy Advanced E+ Elite and the Liv Avail E+ Elite Prices 

Pricing for the Giant Defy Advanced E+ Elite and the Liv Avail E+ range starts at $6,500 / £5,999 for the AR models and tops out at $11,000 / £9,999 for the Elite AR bikes.

Livcycling.com

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Sprawl
Sprawl
18 days ago

Looks like they are carefully avoiding showing us how big the rear hub is

Joenomad
Joenomad
18 days ago
Reply to  Sprawl

Pictures available on Giant’s website. Looks similar in size to other hub based motors.

Joenomad
Joenomad
18 days ago

Giant specific rear 12×145 spacing with a hub based motor, prohibits future wheel upgrades unless Giant plans on making something available.

Lakes
Lakes
14 days ago
Reply to  Joenomad

As the frame is also specific to the battery, when you buy this bike you are tied to the Giant Eco system anyway. If you want to change the drive system parts after purchase the 145 OLD hub will probably be the least of your issues, you could get a 142 and spacers to solve that.

Joenomad
Joenomad
14 days ago
Reply to  Lakes

Point being that there isn’t an off the shelf upgrade. Yes, you could always pay a wheel builder to change out the rim. Same thing happened when Specialized went with road boost spacing and very few other brands followed suit.

Roberto
Roberto
15 days ago

Hub motors, hmmm. Gotta think about that one. I believe Salsa has a hub drive bike as well, gravel I believe. Rotating weight as ballast. Doesn’t make sense at this price point.

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