Because of its Class 1 status, the Giant Talon E+ is legal to ride just about anywhere that traditional bikes are. Check your local laws to be safe. The Talon E+ is most at home on the trail or urban streets.
Giant Talon E+ E-Bike Review
Written by: Nick Cowie | August 12, 2026 | Time to read: 5 min
Check out what happens when Giant electrifies one of their most popular budget mountain bikes. The Talon E+ is a Class 1 e-Bike that features a hardtail platform and a Yamaha-engineered mid-drive motor.
More about the Author: Nick Cowie
Nick is a writer with seven years of experience in the cycling industry. In his free time, he enjoys swimming, Jiu Jitsu, and spending time outdoors.
As the biggest bike brand in the world, the Giant lineup is well documented. The Talon has long been known as an affordable but capable hardtail for trail adventures or urban commutes. Giant decided to keep the same vibe of this popular mountain bike and convert it into an e-Bike.
The Talon E+ strikes an important balance between performance and affordability that is often overlooked in the tech-first world of electric bikes. With the Talon E+, you can count on a strong and capable frame, compliance and stability where you need it, and a responsive motor that was created with the help of Yamaha. Get ready to explore on and off the trails on the Giant Talon E+.
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Table of Contents
Giant Talon E+ Specification Highlights
Like most Giant bikes, the Talon E+ comes in a variety of versions, all with different specifications, so you can find your perfect build. The base Talon E+ is great for trail riding and cross-country, while the Talon E+ EX is geared more toward urban commuters and touring riders. Both versions have the same frame but are equipped with different components and accessories to suit their respective goals.
Key Specifications:
- Frame: ALUXX-grade aluminium, internal cable routing, integrated kickstand and carrier mounts
- Fork: SR Suntour XCM ATB / XCR 32, 100mm travel suspension fork, tapered steerer, lockout
- Motor: Giant SyncDrive Core (Base/3) or SyncDrive Sport 2 (Gen 2/Premium) mid-drive units
- Motor Torque: 50 Nm to 75 Nm
- Maximum Assistance: 20 mph / 32 km/h (US Class 1) or 15.5 mph / 25 km/h (UK/EU limits)
- Peak Power: 500 W to 600 W (depending on exact SyncDrive configuration)
- Battery: Giant EnergyPak 400 Wh or EnergyPak Smart 430 Wh lithium-ion options
- Optional Range Extender: EnergyPak Plus 200 Wh range extender compatible
- Estimated Range: Up to 130 km / 80 miles on a single charge (Eco mode)
- Tire Clearance: 29" x 2.4" (maximum tire width with integrated mudguards)
- Drivetrain: Shimano Altus/Alivio 9-speed (Base/3), Shimano CUES 9-speed (Gen 2), or Shimano Deore 10-speed derailleur setups
- Weight: 21.7 kg to 23.5 kg (depending on component tier and battery configuration)
What bike features does the Giant Talon E+ come with?
Because there is already an analog version of the Talon, the E+ version retains a lot of the tech that makes it such a popular bike. From its durable and practical hardtail frame to its components that balance affordability with performance, the Talon E+ is a true mountain bike that comes with an extra kick.
- Frame: Giant used their ALUXX aluminum for the frame of the Talon E+. This material is lightweight but very high strength for rowdy trail and urban riding. Its geometry includes a lower top tube, providing a more accessible standover height for descending and practicality at stops.
- Compliance: Hardtail doesn’t mean a lack of comfort. The best hardtails benefit from the agility of a solid frame, but make up for compliance in other areas. The Talon E+ features a suspension fork at the front which provides 100mm of travel. The seat tube is fully compatible with dropper posts if you decide you want to take on more technical trails and descents.
- Components: 29-inch wheels make the Giant Talon E+ great at rolling over obstacles and picking up speed. The alloy rims feature high-volume, high-grip tires to deal with varying trail conditions. The bike also comes with hydraulic disc brakes to make your ride more controlled. Integrated utility mounts are included throughout the frame, making it easy to mount cargo, fenders, and extra bottle cages.
What are the electronic highlights of the Giant Talon E+?
The Giant Talon E+ is a Class 1electric bike, meaning it can provide up to 20 mph of pedal assistance and does not feature a throttle. It comes with a mid-drive motor, downtube battery, sensors, and even a command center, keeping you in full control of your ride.
- Drive Unit: Giant Talon E+ models use the Giant SyncDrive Core or Giant SyncDrive Sport motor, which features higher torque. Both versions of the motor are distributed by Giant, but were developed by Yamaha. Because Giant has the rights to their own motor, they are able to give riders a better price for Yamaha technology.
- Battery: This bike comes with a removable, side-release EnergyPak 400 Wh or EnergyPak Smart 430 Wh battery. If that’s not enough battery capacity, you can equip the EnergyPak Plus 200 Wh range extender for additional backup. The bike comes with a smart charger, which monitors battery health, preventing overcharging and maximizing battery life.
- Bonus features: PedalPlus 6-Sensor Technology takes constant measurements of stats like cadence, power, speed, and torque. The smart sensors communicate with the motor, so it can provide smooth and natural assistance without overtaking your ride. The cockpit includes a command center with a colored console that allows you to adjust assistance levels or put it into walk assist.
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Who is the Giant Talon E+ for?
The Giant Talon E+ is made for the rider who wants to have fun on the trail without spending a ton of money on tech that they might not necessarily need. This bike is a hardtail with an aluminum frame, which keeps the price reasonable. For the vast majority of riders, it is still enough to handle the kinds of rides you want to do daily. Topped off with a Giant motor created with Yamaha, the Talon E+ makes electric trail riding more affordable.
This is not a bike that is mostly motor. Some e-Bike propell your forward with so much power that it takes away the fun of riding a bike. The Talon E+ has sensors to monitor exactly when and how much assistance you need to ride comfortably. It is a bike that works with you. The Giant Talon E+ is a great choice for riders who want to ride the trails or commute with an extra kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I ride the Giant Talon E+?
Who makes the motor for the Talon E+?
The brand name on the SynDrive motor says Giant, but Yamaha manufactured it in conjunction with Giant. This gets you a motor from a reliable company for a great price.
Where can I buy a Giant Talon E+?
Upway is the best place to get a great deal on a Giant electric bike. We refurbish electric bikes, allowing us to sell them for a fraction of MSRP.
Key Takeaways
- The Giant Talon E+ is a capable MTB: A low price doesn’t mean cheap. Giant made their price cuts wisely, leaving riders with a durable, agile, and fun frame to ride along with a powerful motor and strong battery.
- Adjust everything from your cockpit: The RideControl Command Center is a handlebar-mounted color console. It allows you to adjust assistance levels or put it into walk mode if you want to push your bike.
- There are two versions: The standard version of the Talon E+ is designed for trail riding, but the EX version comes with racks, lights, and integrated mudguards for more city-focused riding.
