long-distance touring is much more popular over here (my soon-to-be mother-in-law ... 73 yo ... did a 50k ride with us on sunday and didn't even think twice about it)

and GIANT offers several hybrid bikes (hybrid really means hybrid, as pedal or battery power) not shown on the US web page

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/de-de/...evel=lifestyle

here a few pics of what they offer ...



seems that they have up to 576Wh battery capacity and the ROAM XR looks quite nice. the drivetrain is quite good and it's first 29er "hybrid" over here.

depending on how fast it's driven it has a range between 35km and 70km (about 45 miles.)

costs 2199€.