This bike has classy styling. The electric aspect is subdued and best of all it bears no resemblance to a mountain bike. Its strictly for the road or cycle path but it is brilliant at climbing hills. The 5 speed rear hub gears have a very low 1st gear - so low I've yet to find a hill that it wont get up comfortably with moderate pedaling even with full panniers. The bike has quality road bike features such as full size silver plastic mudguards with mudflaps, a hub mounted 'built in' dynamo, B+M automatic dark sensing headlight, automatic motion and dark sensing rear LED light, a frame mounted rear wheel lock, front suspension and a suspension seat post. Available in 2 frame sizes M and L with the large size gents accomodating up to a 6' 5" rider.
Weaknesses:
The roller brakes are a little on the weak side when fully laden, especially considering the hills it can negotiate. Light weight riders may find them acceptable though. There is a "Hi-Power" version of the Shimano Nexave front brake available for ~£30 + fitting to improve front wheel braking. Giants price for an additional or replacemernt battery is very high at ~£250 but see elsewhere on this site for advise about overhauling existing worn out batteries for much less and to get higher storage capacity and range. User documentation is less than ideal with a 5 year old users manual for the basic Twist Lite model being provided along with numerous leaflets for all the additional, different parts used on the Comfort. Unfortunately there are some ommisions like the operation of the 3 setting automatic rear light and inflation of the tyres for those unfamiliar with the French style Presta valves used (they have a little collar at the tip which needs to be loosened in order to let air go through).
Summary:
Building on the Twist Lite, The Comfort model was also available in both Gents and Ladies versions (with and without crossbars respectively). Sadly it was discontinued in 2006 to be replaced by a completely revised hub motor powered bike keeping the Twist name but not offering the same flexibility over varied terrain. The 2005/6 "Comfort" model adds a SRAM P5 hub instead of the Lite 3 speed hub. There was a "Comfort ST" version which had SRAM 7 Speed gears as well as a fully enclosed chain guard (the standard Comfort and Lite chainguard only partly encloses the chain). The Comfort ST was only ever produced with a Ladies style Step Thru frame and was discontinued at the same time. The Twist Comfort is a pleasure to ride and very simple to operate. The only additional control to a conventional bike is a Power switch with 3 positions, 'Off' - offering no electrical assistance (but still perfectly rideable), 'On' - offering full power assistance proportional to what you put in through the pedals and 'Eco' which offers slightly reduced proportional power assistance in order to conserve battery power. As soon as you start pedalling you can feel the motor power help out and it will only help while you pedal up to 15 MPH. This is great if you want to improve fitness but are concerned about lthe option to be lazy and not pedal at all that's available on some other electric bikes. The range varies according to the all up weight, terrain, power switch setting and speed but owners have commonly claimed to get at least 20 miles from a full charge. I've only ever managed about 18 miles but them I'm 6' 5" and a little over 100 kg.
Overall Rating:
(9/10)
Reviewer:
Trevor Gray
Purchased From:
James Cycles
Purchase Price:
£1,049
Time Owned:
2 Years
Local Terrain:
Very Hilly
Strengths:
This bike has got me back to cycling to work. I have to cycle 8 miles with 500 feet of climbing. Although I have done it on an ordinary bike I wasn't fit for work afterwards. The Giant takes some of the effort out and leaves me fresh for work and when I get home. True to its name it is very comfortable, fairly fast and very sturdy. Despite the weight it is an easy ride and I really look forward to my ride home at the end of the day.
Weaknesses:
Minor gripes - the gear ratios are too low so I am peddling too fast downhill - but they are fine for work on the flat. The battery is now running down and I am having a problem finding a replacement. The front light bulb has blown and nobody stocks them any more - they're all LED's!
Summary:
A brillaint ride, fast, comfortable and durable. It looks smart and carries myself and my briefcase to and from work rain and shine with ease. haven't used the car to get to work since - despite the hills!
Overall Rating:
(10/10)
The opinions expressed are those of the authors/reviewers only. They do not represent the views of www.pedelecs.co.uk
Comment #1
(Posted by Chris Ledger) Rating
Truly a quality bicycle.
I owned a version of Twist Comfort ST with the SRAM 5 speed hub. Whilst the time I owned this bicycle was an all too brief 4 months (the bike unfortunately, getting stolen), in that time I rode the bike around 1200 miles (300 miles per month) in rain, snow(!) and sun!
The bike has a wonderfully sensitive crank motor power assist which helped you with 50 percent more power directly to the pedals, just when you need it
I found I was able to get a good 25-30 miles per charge - though I am very light at under nine stone. Average speed would be 14 mph to 15 per journey.
The battery took 4 and a half hours to charge to full capacity.
Lighting was very good, and the suspension and smoothness of the ride overall was truly impressive. I found the seat very comfortable, though have noted that some prefer more conventional racing saddles.
In the all too brief time owned, I did upgrade to Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres due to a puncture. This would be my first recommendation to those who buy such an excellent machine.
Weakneses:
Tyres as supplied are not ideal for work commuting. This highlights another concern:
The chain guard requires expert removal, thus limiting service options.
Whilst this is in some ways a weakness, it still has many positives:
Strengths:
Combined with the roller brakes and Hub, this bike is very low maintenance overall.
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(9/10)