Giant is coming in hot with not one but two new drop-bar e-bikes. Meet the Defy Advanced E+ Elite and the Liv Avail E+ Elite. There is no need for a cleaver naming conversation, as these models are based on the Defy and Avail models. Its more than an e-road bike; its about giving a ride like a traditional road bike without the weight and cumbersome feel of a heavy mid-drive motor.(All photos by: https://www.instagram.com/tomjoyphoto)Defy Advanced E+ Elite and Liv Avail E+ EliteWhat separates the Defy Advanced E+ Elite and the Liv Avail E+ Elite? We cant thoroughly discuss what makes this bike different without discussing the motor. The new SyncDrive Move Plus motor powers both ranges. Giant claims the new motor weighs 1.7kg (3.75 lbs) and is a rear hub-driven design. The motor and rear hub drive system uses Giants e-road exclusive riding pattern.What does that mean? Its a roundabout way of saying, It rides like a traditional road bike. Youll notice the motor lurch and kick in less. If youve ridden an e-bike (road or MTB), you know that feeling when the motor kicks in/off. A slight drop when coasting or a lurch in power when you start from standing still. These are the sensations the SyncDrive Move Plus looks to eliminate.Pedals Like a Real BikeNo matter how advanced these e-bikes get, they always aim to emulate the feel of a traditional road bike. Giant and Liv balance this with the new motor location, which rewards natural pedaling feedback.How fast will it go? Most e-bikes depend on where you live: 28mph MAX in the USA, 20mph MAX in Canada, and 16mph MAX in Europe. What Are the Assist Modes?The new Giant/Liv Defy Advanced E+ Elite and the Liv Avail E+ Elite have five different pedaling modes, plus an auto option. The modes gradually offer more support as the rider toggles through them. All modes are controlled via a control button integrated into the frames top tube or on the shifters, depending on the level. The Ridecontrol app allows rider customization and changes each modes top out and battery consumption.How far can you ride on it?The SyncDrive gets its juice from a Panasonic Energypak 400 with a 400Wh battery run time. The battery integrates into the frames down tube and has a pretty unassuming look compared with others on the market. If youre looking to ride far or explore, riders can also opt for the 200Wh range extender, which will get you around 90 miles, as Giant says.For safety, the EnergyPak 400 arrives covered with an aluminum casing, protecting it against daily use and hazards. It also benefits from temperature monitoring, with individually cased cells to prevent overheating.Frame DetailsThe Defy and Avail framesets use Giants Advanced composite carbon, the same carbon used to create the traditional version of the bike. Other Giant and Liv staples are the D-Fuse seatpost and handlebars, which reduce vibration and weight.The frames will both clear 38mm tires, so riders are clear to explore and ride slightly gravel-curious adventures.Build OptionsThe Defy Advanced E+ Elite and the Liv Avail E+ Elite exclusively use SRAM AXS groupsets. The top-of-the-line Elite 0 models get full SRAM RED AXS with bar blips. The spec cascades down the line. The Elite 2 and Elite AR come with SRAM Force AXS, with the all-road version utilizing a single-ring setup.Defy Advanced E+ Elite and the Liv Avail E+ Elite PricesPricing for the Giant Defy Advanced E+ Elite and the Liv Avail E+ range starts at $6,500 / 5,999 for the AR models and tops out at $11,000 / 9,999 for the Elite AR bikes.Livcycling.com The post Giant Defy Advanced E+ Elite & Liv Avail E+ Elite Go All-In For Rear Drive appeared first on Bikerumor.