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Giant Reign
The new Reign is perhaps one of the most progression and modern mountain bikes to come out of Giant’s stable of bikes.
But the question we get asked the most is: “What kind of bike is a Giant Reign?”
We’re gonna answer that one first:
Technically, the Giant Reign is an Enduro bike.
This means it’s designed for riders who are comfortable on high-speed (and steep) raw and technical trails, and have good foundation fitness for climbing.
In fairness though, the Reign does climb very efficiently. Mainly because it has 146mm of rear wheel travel paired to a 170mm travel fork up front.
Compared to most Enduro bikes that have 160-180mm of rear wheel travel.
We’re going to go through a bit more stuff about the Reign - just keep scrolling down.
Giant has designed 2 different types of Reigns - the standard Reign 29 and the Reign 29 SX.
In terms of frame design and geometry, there’s absolutely NO difference between them.
The ONLY difference is that the Reign SX comes with a coil shock and the Reign 29 an air shock.
There are distinct advantages and disadvantages to air and coil.
If you’re after maximum traction and a smooth “magic carpet” ride then go coil.
That’s because the coil has a lot less breakaway force and so eases into the travel a lot smoother than air. This has the effect of the rear wheel staying “glued” to the trail, making the Reign less “chattery”.
Air, however, is a lot easier to adjust. Too firm? Reduce the air pressure. Too soft? Increase the air pressure. Not enough support? Add more volume spacers.
With the coil, you have to remove and install a different PSI spring, so it’s a bit more time consuming. But, this is offset by the increase in performance.
The range starts with the aluminium Reign 29 ($4,799.00). Mid-range Rock Shox suspension (Yari and Deluxe) is paired to a 12-speed Shimano SLX drivetrain.
Then we move into carbon (Giant calls these bikes “Advanced”).
Giant’s Reign Advanced Pro 2 is the entry-point into carbon. The “Advanced 2” build pairs the heavy-duty Rock Shox Zeb with a Rock Shox Deluxe rear shock. Drive train is SRAM’s NX Eagle (12-speed).
Finally, the range tops out at the Reign Advanced Pro 1. It’s the only Reign in the line up that uses Fox’s Live Valve electronic suspension platform. The system automatically knows what terrain you’re riding on and changes the firmness to suit the terrain. The suspension itself is from Fox’s Factory family of products, recognisable by their unique gold Kashima coating.
Then we have the aggro Reign - the SX.
Its geometry is identical to the standard Reign but it has the addition of a coil rear shock.
Basically it comes down to the trails you ride AND what sort of feel your prefer out of the bike.
If it’s smooth, composed and enormous grip; the Reign SX with it’s coil shock is going to deliver that.
But:
If you want a bike that’s a bit lighter and livelier, then go air.