Test Giant Talon E+ Jr. 24: at a current price of under 2.000 euros, Giant offers a functional E-MTB for children whose appeal lies in the simple but well-functioning technology. The Talon's rear engine is surprisingly powerful, and the classic, simple look is also pleasing.
When it comes to e-MTBs for children, Giant has a solution that is as simple as it is convincing. It doesn't always have to be that complicated, and so the world's largest bicycle manufacturer combines a hub motor with a battery placed on the down tube - the "SyncDrive Move" set-up is ready, which perhaps doesn't seem quite as sophisticated as a mid-motor with an integrated one Power storage, but works extremely well.
The Talon appeals with its slim shapes, which come from the fact that there is nothing in the frame other than a few cables. This gives the bike a nice, classic look, and the battery, which visually replaces the drinking bottle, hardly bothers you at all. The 250 Wh battery is actually a range extender, i.e. an additional battery for e-bikes with an integrated main battery. The motor, in turn, practically disappears between the pinion set and the brake disc. The frame is moderately compact with a 32 cm long seat tube and should fit children from 130 cm.
The downside of this minimalist system is the comparatively modest performance data: the motor produces 30 Newton meters of torque and the battery has a capacity of 250 watt hours. However, you can get surprisingly far with both. The motor is extremely lively and pushes directly, benefiting, of course, from the low weight load on the children's bike. The fact that other drive variants have more power can only be noticed in direct comparison; Our test rider also made good progress with the Giant on steep sections. According to Velomotion laboratory measurements, you can travel almost 50 kilometers on a single battery charge on the plain, which is equivalent to a longer bike ride. In mountainous terrain the driving distance is of course shorter. The drive stops at 22 km/h, which is good if the bike is used in traffic, for example.
The drive system includes a compact display along with control buttons on the left of the handlebar, which permanently shows the battery level in percent, the speed level and another value (km/h, time, etc.). Bicycle technology is available in the form of a closely spaced nine-speed gearshift (11-36 teeth), and of course deceleration is done with disc brakes. What's interesting is that the wheels are converted to tubeless, meaning they can be ridden without a tube - a typical feature of many Giant models. This improves traction and puncture resistance. Giant uses a steel spring fork with 80 mm travel; Nothing more is possible in this price range. A side stand is also standard on the bike.
At just under 2.000 euros, the Giant Talon E+ Jr. 24 is extremely affordable, and the asking prices are several hundred lower. As an all-round e-bike that is not intended to be used exclusively for sporty off-road use, the bike is very attractive, especially since it is still relatively light at 18,2 kilos plus pedals.
