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E-Bike models (also known as Electric bikes) - which one is best for you? We get daily questions about the key differences between models and their respective prices. So here's a comparison of two of our most popular E-bikes.
We're comparing what is our most popular model the last 3 years, the Giant Roam E (and Liv Rove E) on sale at $2,200 with one of our favorites, the Giant Explore E (and Liv Amiti E), on sale at $2,900. However long the sale/special pricing lasts, at full price these bikes were already priced better than many of their competitors at other major bike companies. So these are great deals.
The Roam E+ comes in two different frame styles: The Roam E+ GTS (Step Over) and Roam E+ STA (Mid Step Through). There is also the women's version, the Liv Rove E (Mid Step Through). The Explore E also comes in a both a Step Over and Mid Step Through version and the Amiti E, a Mid Step Through. You'll notice that none of these bikes come in a really low step through version (more of a mid-step), why is that? These are performance bikes, designed to tackle pavement, gravel/dirt road and even some easier mountain bike trails. A true step through bike frame just does not have the torsional rigidity needed for such riding.
As with all Lewis & Clark bikes, these models come with professional assembly, Free Lifetime Tune-Ups, and our 30 Day Test Ride. So if you order a bike and decide it’s not the right one for you, we’ll give you what you paid and swap out for a different model. Warranty - all Giant bikes come with lifetime warranties on the frames and 1 year on all parts and components. Giant is first rate at handling warranty issues.
First, let’s look at the similarities. They're all made by Giant. Both bikes are designed for riders who want to ride on pavement or gravel/dirt, and even some beginner mountain bike trails. Both bikes have a step over model and step through model. Giants sister company, Liv, has the Rove-E, which is the identical bike (Giant Roam) in a women’s model, and the Amiti E, the sister model of the Explore E. I’m not going to go overboard on the exact details of every component specs. They have near identical specs on all mechanical components. The shape of the frames is identical, as are key mechanical components.
Mechanical: Nearly identical.
- Roam/Rove - Shimano Altus/Alivio 9 Speed drivetrain and Tektro brakes.
- Explore/Amiti - Shimano Altus/Alivio 9 Speed drivetrain and Tektro brakes
Electric/Pedal Assist:
- All these E-bikes are mid drive. As someone who rides quite a bit, I prefer mid drive. There are great rear hub drive bikes and great mid drive bikes. Mid drive have some substantial advantages over rear hub drive bikes. Rear hub drive does give the option of being able to purchase a bike for significantly less. It also gives a throttle only option, which mid drive bikes do not have. Why is that? Because on a mid drive bike, the pedals have to be move for the pedal assist to be engaged. With a rear hub drive bike, since it propels the bike from the rear wheel, that gives the ability to use a throttle.
- Mid Drive will give you substantially more pedal assist miles per charge. That's why these bikes are rated at 95 - 110 miles per charge, while comparably equipped rear hub drive bikes will get you 50 - 60 miles. Mid drive are just substantially more efficient. Since they're more efficient, they can have the same power with lighter weight motors and batteries.
- Mid Drive is a more natural feel. With a rear hub driven bike, it feels as if you're being pushed along somewhat. With mid drive, you just feel like a more powerful rider. You don't really feel the motor as much, even though the power is still there. When riding without the pedal assist on, the mid drive is also easier to pedal. Mid drive also have about 5-6 sensors (these all have 6) measuring such things as torque, speed, cadence, are you going up or down hill. That adds to the natural feel. For any mountain biking, I think mid drive is essential. Again, all these bikes are capable of some of the easier mountain bike trails here. A good example on the efficiency factor of mid versus rear drive - the Roam has a 400Wh battery that gives up to 95 miles per charge, compared to comparable rear hub drive bikes that have 500Wh batteries and will give you about 50 - 60 miles per charge.
- Roam/Rove - 50 Nm torque motor, 400Wh battery; Up to 95 miles pedal assist per charge; Pedal Assist up to 20 MPH
- Explore/Amiti - 60 Nm torque motor, 500 Wh battery; Up to 110 miles pedal assist per charge; Pedal Assist up to 28 MPH.
Other/Extras: The Explore E / Amiti E. In addition to having a more powerful motor, battery and pedal assist up to 28 MPH, have:
- Built In Rack, Built In headlight/tail light, nicer control and display. The built in lights and rack are nice extras. They can be added to the Roam / Rove, as they are outfitted with plenty of braze on's (threaded holes that allow for the bolting on of racks, etc.
Weight:
- Roam E / Rove E are around 48 - 50 lbs, depending on the size.
- Explore E / Amiti E are around 57 - 60 lbs, depending on the size.
What's the difference? It's really all in the rear rack, lights, fenders, larger battery and larger motor.
Frame shape/ Rider position:
- The two bikes use identically shaped frames. They're more aggressive geometry than bikes that have a very upright seating position, but not quite as aggressive as a mountain bike. When riding at high speeds, gravel riding, etc. one needs to be leaning forward some, instead of upright, to keep the riders center of gravity lower. You might note that with respect to the mid stand through bikes, the Explore E and Amiti E's mid bar is a bit higher. That's to give it a bit more rigid ride, which helps at higher speeds.
Ride Quality:
Both these bikes will ride pretty much identically on pavement, dirt/gravel, wherever. The main difference is the Explore E / Amiti E have more punch climbing hills, will go 28 MPH and give you more pedal assist per charge. The Roam / Rove give you 20 MPH pedal assist. Though all are more than adequate for climbing our hills. Do you need 20 or 28 MPH pedal assist? It really depends on where you ride. For our paved trails, the speed limit is 15 MPH.
I've had a 20 MPH pedal assist bike the last year. It suits me for most of my riding. The times I wish I had 28 MPH is when I commute to work, as I ride a few miles on roads with 25 - 30 MPH speed limits. That would help me keep right up with the cars (well, the ones not speeding). The other advantage to 28 MPH - there's not limits who you can ride with. Go on the paved trails at 15 MPH or with the fastest road bikers in the area.
Roam GTS & Roam STA (Step Over). The stand over will allow easier access, however, the frame won't be quite as rigid.
Explore E GTS and STA
Liv Rove E
Liv Amiti E
What's the Verdict. Overall, all these bikes are a blast to ride. The Explore E / Amiti E have the built in racks and fenders, which can be added to the Roam / Rove. They also have the built in lights, which can also be added to the Roam / Rove.
As to what type of surfaces they can be ridden on - that's identical. Paved trails, gravel/dirt, streets, basic mountain trails. The Explore / Amiti can just do it faster and with a bit more climbing torque. The Explore / Amiti can also explore a bit longer on each charge.
It's really up to you whether you want to spend the additional $700 per bike.
Whatever you get, if you decide to swap out, we’ll always have the 30 day test ride and the lifetime tune ups/adjustments! We do not want you on the wrong bike and we always want your bike to be in great working order. We can also finance it for 24 months at 0% interest when you sign up with our partner, Unify Federal Credit Union, or 12 months 0% interest with Synchrony. You can try out bikes at our Springdale location and order in-store or online. More questions on e-bikes? Feel free to email me at robmp2@gmail.com.
VIDEOS FOR ALL THE BIKES:
Liv Rove E+
Giant Roam E+
Explore E / Amiti E
