April 17, 2025 - Fat bikes are well known for their capabilities on challenging terrain, including winter conditions, which allows them to help riders explore many amazing places. With that in mind, Giant’s all-new Yukon E+ includes many winter-inspired features for a multi-dimensional machine that can easily perform on just about any terrain.
We were stoked to able to test the new Yukon E+ in late winter, and although Vancouver is considered part of “The Great White North,” and surrounded by snow covered mountain peaks, the snow conditions were lean, yet that didn’t dampen our enthusiasm.
The Yukon E+ is built on Giant’s time-proven mountain hard tail platform and features an in-house Aluxx aluminum frame complete with overdrive headtube and 12 x 197 thru axle.
The frame comes with mounts to accommodate a kickstand, rack, tool storage and two bottle cages. Giant’s own M10 integrated trailer mount accepts aftermarket trailers or the DIY sled of choice.
When designing a eMTB to endure extreme elements, only the best parts will do. The Yukon E+ comes with durable workhorse Shimano Deore 1 x 10 shifters and a Cues RD-U6000 rear derailleur with LinkGlide.
The SRAM Code R, 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes come with 180mm rotors to provide worry-free braking under any load, and foam brake lever covers are included to help insulate one’s fingers from the cold.
The Giant Contact Switch AT adjustable dropper seat post is a great addition for on-the-fly height adjustments at the flick of a switch.
The off-road inspired Manitou Mastodon Gen 3 100 mm fork enhances the plushness of the Yukon E+’s ride, while providing optimal traction on dirt or snow, over a variety of terrain and conditions.
The massive 27.5″ x 4.5” Vee Tire Co. Avalanche tubeless tires were chosen for their snow traction quality and their ability to take studs (which are included). The tires are nicely paired up with Giant’s own 75mm FT85C rims.
The Yukon E+ is also not shy on power and features a Yamaha SyncDrive Pro 2 on board with 85 Nm of torque that is customizable via the launch control settings available on Giant’s Ride Control App.
The app can tune the motor for up to 2.5 seconds of delayed torque to allow better traction in snow when starting, or it can provide instant power to get things moving on steep terrain.
The 800Wh EnergyPak battery with a range of 70-250 km on a single charge is tucked inside the downtube and secured with a bolt so no need to fumble with keys if you’re wearing big gloves, when a Torx 25 will do the job.
There is an additional range extender in the form of the EnergyPak Plus 200 Wh battery which fits into the water bottle cage. Both batteries come winter ready with low temperature protection mode.
The system is managed by the RideControl Ergo controller that offers five levels of power assist plus a Smart Assist Auto Mode, which automatically adjusts power depending on the terrain. It is also capable of operating a light system like Giant’s Recon E light series, and in keeping with the theme, the buttons are designed to be operated with winter gloves.
In preparation for my first ride, I increased the tire pressure from 8-10 psi (snow mode) to around 15 psi for a more all-round / urban excursion. Once on the road, the 85 Nm of torque quickly got me up to speed as I settled into a smooth and pleasant ride.
The Smart Assist worked like a mind reader as it intuitively adjusted the power assist to match the undulating terrain. When I took control, I could easily take it to max speed quickly using the highest setting. Plus, you hardly notice the quiet SyncDrive Pro 2 motor which is a great match for a fat bike like the Yukon E+.
I also loved the simplicity of the controller that displays both power mode and battery level, while not having a screen to overwhelm me with data.
The mountain-bike pedigree of the Yukon E+ did not disappoint when on the trails. The balanced, and upright geometry allowed for good control on technical and steep descents, and also handled tight switchbacks with ease. Who needs full suspension and carbon when you have a Mastodon shock and fat tires?
The wide Vee tires had amazing grip and allowed me to climb the steepest of loose gravel trails, while navigating wet rocks and roots was also manageable with good hook-up and steady power assist.
One addition that I’d invest in is a set of fenders. As good as the tires are at performance, they’re also capable of covering any rider with water and muck, especially on wet West Coast days.
The Giant Yukon E+ has what it takes to tackle snowy winter terrain, dirt trails, sandy dunes, or just a leisurely ride on your local bike path – and it’s also a heck of a lot of fun. So, whether you’re planning a trip to the North Pole, a cruise to an après ski party, or just a cruise through an urban landscape, the Yukon E+ just might be the e-fatbike for you.
The SRP is $6,499 and for more information visit here.
