I’m flying up the Kitzbüheler Horn, one of the hardest climbs in Europe. I’m out of the saddle, my legs feel weightless and free. My heart rate is pegged, but I’m in control, I’ve got this. The finish line is within reach. There’s writing on the road. The fans in my head are screaming. I’m heading uphill, but I’m hitting the hairpins so quickly that I’m having to choose my line carefully. I crane my neck to make sure there’s nothing coming and I then I use every inch of the road. Outside to apex. Apex to outside.
When I reach the top I feel an empty elation. I know I’ve achieved something, but I’m not completely sure what it is exactly. For last few hundred metres a car had been shadowing me, a couple of tourists in search of a view. The man gets out. He looks slightly awed. “Are you a pro?” he says. I want to lie, but I just can’t bring myself to.
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“No, it’s got a motor.”
“Ah” he says. “Because otherwise, that was unbelievable.”
Yes, yes it was.
The truth of the matter
The bike
The ride: it’s a climbing demon and a downhill missile, but not everything went to plan
Down we go
Early verdict
Specification
- Weight: LOTS (TBC)
- Frame: Road-E+ ALUXX SL
- Fork: ALUXX SL hydroformed aluminium, tapered steerer
- Seatpost: Giant Contact Composite 30.9mm
- Handlebar: Giant Contact
- Stem: Giant Connect
- Levers: Shimano RS685
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Ultegra
- Brakes: Shimano RS785 hydraulic disc
- Power unit: Yamaha SyncDrive Sport 80Nm, 250W
- Battery: Giant EnergyPak 500 36V, 13.8Ah lithium ion
- Cassette: Shimano 105 11-32
- Chain: KMC X.11e e-bike specific
- Wheels: Giant P-R2 Disc
- Tyres: Schwalbe Durano 32mm
- Saddle: Giant Contact SL Neutral
Pricing and availability
- Road E+ 1: £2749
- Road E+ 2: £2299
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