Cortina E-Octa vs Giant Explore E+ 2
Comparison 2026 — Electric Bikes
VS
Our verdict
Based on our weighted scoring, the Giant Explore E+ 2 edges out the Cortina E-Octa with an overall score of 87/100 against 78/100. It scores particularly well on motor performance (85/100) and comfort (89/100), making it the better all-round pick in Electric Bikes.
The Cortina E-Octa remains a sensible alternative if price is your main concern — it lands at €1999.00 versus €2799.00.
Motor performance winner
Giant Explore E+ 2
13% higher than its rival
Value winner
Cortina E-Octa
8% better value for money
Specifications
| Specification | Cortina E-Octa | Giant Explore E+ 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €1999.00+40% | €2799.00 |
| Rating | ★4.3 (680) | ★4.5 (760) |
| Overall | 78/100 | 87/100+12% |
| Motor & Drivetrain | ||
| Motor | Bafang M200 middenmotor | Giant SyncDrive Sport (Yamaha) |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 80 Nm+33% |
| Support modes | Eco/Normal/Sport/Turbo | Eco/Basic/Active/Sport/Power |
| Gearing | Shimano Nexus 7-speed | Shimano Deore 10-speed+43% |
| Drive | Ketting | Ketting |
| Battery & Range | ||
| Capacity | 450 Wh | 500 Wh EnergyPak+11% |
| Range | 50-90 km | 60-110 km+20% |
| Charge time | 5 uur / 5 hours+11% | 4.5 uur / 4.5 hours |
| Removable | Ja / Yes | Ja / Yes |
| Frame & Comfort | ||
| Frame material | Aluminium | ALUXX aluminium |
| Frame type | Lage instap / Step-through | Trekking diamant / Trekking diamond |
| Wheel size | 28 inch | 28 inch |
| Suspension | Geen / None | SR Suntour NEX 63 mm |
| Seatpost | Standaard / Standard | Standaard / Standard |
| Safety | ||
| Brakes | Mechanische schijfremmen / Mechanical disc brakes | Hydraulische schijfremmen Tektro / Hydraulic disc brakes Tektro |
| Lighting | AXA LED 25 lux+733% | Supernova E3 60 lux |
| Lock | ART-2 ringslot / ART-2 ring lock | Optioneel / Optional |
| Top speed | 25 km/h (wettelijk / legal limit) | 25 km/h (wettelijk / legal limit) |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 24.5 kg | 23.9 kg+3% |
| Max load | 125 kg | 136 kg+9% |
Pros and cons
Cortina E-Octa
Pros
- Sharply priced under €2,000 with a mid-motor rather than a cheaper rear-hub motor
- Recognisable Cortina retro design available in several colours
- Sturdy rear rack suitable for heavy grocery bags
- Low step-through and city geometry ideal for short trips around town
Cons
- The Bafang motor lacks the refinement and silence of Bosch or Shimano units
- The 450 Wh battery is smaller than the 500 Wh average of competitors
Giant Explore E+ 2
Pros
- SyncDrive Sport motor delivers strong 80 Nm torque for hills and headwinds
- Sporty trekking geometry combines speed with comfort
- SR Suntour front fork with 63 mm travel for unpaved paths
- Shimano Deore 10-speed with wide range for both city and dunes
Cons
- No integrated rear rack or mudguards as standard
- Yamaha motor has a smaller service network than Bosch in the Netherlands