RIDE REVIEW I 2022 GIANT LIV EMBOLDEN E+ 2
P96
The FlexPoint suspen-
sion system features a
simpler design—lighter and
less moving parts than its
premium Maestro coun-
terpart–but sacrificing
very little when it comes to
stability and comfort. The
Rockshox/SR Suntour
suspension components,
with 4.7 inches of rear
suspension travel and 5.1
inches up front, give you
plenty of potential for the
rough stuff, but I'd say it's
the higher-speed stability
where the Embolden E+ 2
really shines. It sucks up
bumps and ruts on the trail
like they're not even there,
and when coupled with the
form-fitting ergos of the
bike, it makes you want to
keep plugging away, mile
after mile.
Overall com-
fort, from the
ergonomics to the plush
suspension, was the first
thing I noticed about the
Embolden E+ 2, but let's
talk about power. After all,
this is what draws the arc
across our two-wheeled
worlds.
On some of the more
casual e-bikes, a turn of the
crank is like the on switch,
and an electric drive takes
over. But the feel of the
250W Yamaha-powered
SyncDrive motor of the
Embolden E+ 2 is distinctly
more intuitive, and while
it is certainly powerful in
its own way, it serves to
complement the work you're
already doing, and does not
do the work for you. You're
still getting a workout. Just
envision yourself going for
longer, steeper, more ad-
Suspension
tuned for women's
sizes and the
FlexPoint chassis
design amount to
a very comfortable
ride right from
the start.
