2026 Giant & LIV Talon / Tempt E+ Range | Buyer Guide NZ
Here’s your key to unlocking more New Zealand trails. The 2026 Talon/Tempt e-hardtails deliver a natural, responsive ride with serious assist so you can explore further, climb harder and enjoy more.
The 2026 Giant Talon E+ and LIV Tempt E+ continue to strike a smart balance between trail-performance and value. Backed by the lightweight ALUXX / ALUXX-grade aluminium frames, a sleek integrated battery system and the powerful SyncDrive Sport 2 motor delivering up to 75 Nm of torque, these bikes are built to get you off the beaten track, fast.
Key Highlights
- SyncDrive Sport 2 motor with ~75 Nm torque for big-trail pushes and climbs
- EnergyPak Smart 430 Wh battery (with optional +200 Wh range extender) integrated neatly in the down tube
- 100 mm front suspension fork and 29″ wheel (on most sizes) for trail control and stability
- New RideControl Dash 2 controller/display + Smart Assist with six-sensor support for natural ride feel
- Security tech: E-Lock (PIN/app lock) + Apple Find My integration on compatible models
- Battery life & safety: smart BMS, fast-charge to ~80% in just over 2 hours, designed for a long service life and certified to major global safety standards
Motor & Assist Tech
Across both the Giant and LIV builds you’ll find the SyncDrive Sport 2 motor — significantly upgraded for 2026. The extra torque (≈ 75 Nm) and smart sensor system means the bike doesn’t just assist, it feels like natural power under your legs rather than a blunt shove.
The six-sensor Smart Assist system monitors your pedal input, cadence, speed and terrain slope, adjusting support fluidly — so you ride how you normally would, but with substantially more backing.
On the RideControl Dash 2 unit you’ve got five support modes plus a walk-assist function for when things get steep or technical. In short: it gives you the tools, the motor gives you the muscle, you still ride like a rider.
Battery & Range
The frames hold a cleanly integrated EnergyPak Smart 430 Wh battery. It runs on a 36-volt system, proven, reliable, and efficient, rather than the higher-voltage systems used on some heavier e-MTBs. While older Talon/Tempt models offered 500 Wh options, Giant’s newer 430 Wh pack paired with the SmartAssist motor delivers very competitive real-world range without the added weight or bulk. Most riders can expect comfortable trail rides of 40–80+ km depending on mode, terrain, and rider weight.
In addition the system is range-extender ready: an optional +200 Wh pack can easily be clipped on if you’re doing epic rides or want to minimise charging stops. Charging speed is strong – the system gets to ~80% in just over 2 hours in most cases. Real-world range will of course depend on rider weight, terrain, support mode and conditions, but for trail-riding in NZ this battery-motor combo gives you serious punch.
Frame, Components & Ride Feel
Both the Talon E+ and Tempt E+ (including the EX versions) use ALUXX or ALUXX-grade aluminium frames. For 2026 the frames are sleeker, with internal routing, modern tube profiles and the geometry tuned for off-road agility. For instance the medium size Talon is listed at 21.7 kg — a standout figure for an e-hardtail.
The 100 mm suspension fork smooths out the typical firm-NZ-trail bumps without turning it into a full-blown downhill machine. A 29″ wheel (on most sizes) gives rollover stability and confidence. The geometry strikes a good balance: trail-capable without being overly aggressive.
The EX versions are worth calling out: these come with added practical urban/trail-hybrid touches — such as mudguards, integrated lighting, a kickstand and MIK-compatible rack mounts. If your ride plan includes commuting + trail sessions, these extras raise the value.
LIV Tempt E+ — What’s Different?
LIV Tempt E+ isn’t just a Talon with different paint — it’s designed around female riders. The “Women First” approach covers geometry and contact points: women-specific grips with extra padding to reduce hand fatigue, and a women-specific saddle for better comfort on longer rides. Wheel size is matched to frame size for handling that feels right from the first pedal stroke:
- XS & S: 27.5″ wheels for agility and easy handling
- M & L: 29″ wheels for rollover speed and stability
Tempt E+ frames also build in everyday versatility from the start — two bottle mounts, plus mounts for fenders, kickstand and a MIK-compatible rack — so you can add gear as your riding evolves.
Security & Smart Features
Latest-gen security is baked in: E-Lock lets you lock the bike via the app or with a PIN on the controller (pedal assist disabled when locked, with an alarm if the bike is moved). Apple Find My integration helps you locate the bike and set separation alerts — a big confidence booster if you park around town.
Talon E+ | Tempt E+ Range Overview
Here’s how the four models present in this 2026 lineup:
Giant 2026 Talon E+
The core Giant version. ALUXX aluminium frame, SyncDrive Sport 2 75 Nm motor, 430 Wh battery (range extender compatible), 100 mm fork, 29″ wheels (sizes M+). More trail than commuting, yet capable. Ideal for riders who prioritise trail performance over extras.
Giant 2026 Talon E+ EX
Builds on the core by adding the commuter/trail hybrid kit: lighting, rack, kickstand, mudguards. Same motor/battery/geometry DNA but with more versatility. Great for buyers who’ll use the bike for both weekend trail sessions and everyday use.
LIV 2026 Tempt E+
The women-specific version of the setup. Same fundamental e-system (motor, battery, assist tech) but with LIV’s “Women First” geometry and contact points for comfort and control. Wheel sizes are matched to frame sizes (27.5″ on XS/S; 29″ on M/L). Excellent performance with tailored ergonomics.
LIV 2026 Tempt E+ EX
Same women-specific performance platform, upgraded with the added kit (lighting, rack, kickstand, mudguards) just like the Giant EX. Ideal for riders who want trail capability and everyday versatility without compromising fit and ergonomics.
