New e-bike coming from Giant?

[Tom Bombadil]

A sales person at a Giant dealership told me that Giant will be releasing a new e-bike within the next few months. Said it was a big step up from the current Suede model, would have a range of 70-75 miles, and the price was going to be in the $2000 range.

Anyone here heard of this?

[succeedpeople]

I don't know yet. but you may enter Giant's web to confirm.

[bedian]

I found this http://www.electricvehiclesnw.com/main/twist.htm

[succeedpeople]

seems good! But I don't think there are any special points in this bike. I think the frame material is alloy as well. Don't know the performance of it. Hope someboday will buy it when launch out then report the details report here. The USD2000 is not low.

[Tom Bombadil]

Good catch on the name, I didn't get that from the dealer.

Here's a link that confirms both the $2000 price and 75 mile range:

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/03/giant-twist-freedom-dx-electric-bike.php

[AllenG]

Looks like they are moving from nickel to Li batteries, and they are much larger in size than what came with my Twist (Lite in the US).
I don't like the fact that it is a hub motor, I really like the bottom bracket motor on the original Twist.

[Robert C]

Here in China Giant sells a huge variety of electric bicycles. I was commenting to a friend that this may be the area that China steps in front of the world. They have very compact cities and have a tremendous number of electric scooters. This is giving them reason to develop and a large test fleet.

The laws that make electric scooters neither bicycle or motorbike adds to their popularity. There are things that can go wrong that may reverse Chinas leadership; however, the prize is there for China to take. While the Giants are expensive here, they show how well it can work.

The Hub motors are more popular here because they are cleaner and have less to go wrong. Chains and gears require maintenance, which does not happen much in China.

[GMS]

This is on Giant's website. Retail $1070
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/lifestyle/1272/29755/