Six inches of aggressive Maestro Suspension offer maximum control when it’s needed most. With a balanced ALUXX SL aluminum frame, including a super-stiff OverDrive front end and 15QR thru-axle fork for maximum control, you’ll master technical climbs and flow down rough descents on the all-new Reign.
Fox 32 Talas FIT RL with 15QR thru-axle, 120-150mm travel,
tapered steerer tube suspension fork, Fox
RP23 Boostvalve with XV sleeve, rear shock
Strengths: Best Damn value in the bizness. If your new to the sport buy a giant. They give you everything necessary to get off on the right pedal(LOL).
Weaknesses: Once you can distinguish between frames you'll want something burlier.
Bottom Line:
I loved my reign, but i need a more capable AM bike. The thing is sick and you will never regret spending the money on one. Only reason im buying a diff frame is because i wonder if a diff bike really can make you ride better. I'm getting a nomad and im wondering if my skills will get better. Rider or equipment?? Dont know yet.
Similar Products Used: Nomad, tracer, blur, and a 29er specialized.
Bike Setup: stock reign zero components
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Submitted by
chpnke
a Cross Country Rider
from Mexico
Date Reviewed: December 15, 2010
Strengths: Sturdiness, Who cares about how much this bike weights, it is absolutely capable of tackling steep climbs and on the descent feels like a DH bike
Weaknesses: Frame dents easily, lack of bottomless feeling
Bottom Line:
This review is sets after years of ridding XC 100mm rigs (Element 70)
When climbing feels as efficient as the Element 70 (except on pavement uphills) i Was surprised how efficient climbing was, all i had to do was pedal in riding position where i felt as if i was walking on air. Usually on the element 70 i have to move all around the saddle alot while climbing somtimes as if im drowning, havent yet documented wich one is fastest to the top, but i can say the reign is fun to ride uphill. on the way down is a WOW, this is the true all mountain bike. I blazed through parts of the trial where i usually had to walk down. i went down parts where i havent even attempted. I had so much fun i did another lap.
This is the True All Mountain bike.
Strengths: The bike is very strong had no problems so far. It is also easy to though around and gets over most things that get in it path. Loving IT!!!
Weaknesses: None Yet! If you where going to cross-country it can be a bit slow but you could set it up for it if you got the money.
Bottom Line:
Great bike well worth the money. Strong recommend this bike to people who wont to upgrade to downhill.
Submitted by
stevieg9876
a Downhiller
from West Yorkshire, UK
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2010
Strengths: Looks Sh1t Hot!
20 inch frame great for 6ft 2 person
Great kit for money
Weaknesses: DHX5 shocker bit on the soft side but you soon get used to it!
Bottom Line:
Had to wait 10 weeks for the bike to arrive due to out of stock, I almost cancelled it, but man am I glad I didn't - well worth the wait. This bike looks and goes great, and with the addition of the Pure Race seat dropper it is a fantastic bit of kit. I am 6ft 2 and my cube ams pro (2o in frame too) was a bit on the small side, but the Giant Reign 0 fits like a glove. I now know what the reviewer mean when they say you site into a bike. I always felt to sit on the top of my cude, but with the reign you feel part of it. It has done wonders for my downhill confidence levels - go and buy one!
Similar Products Used: Previous bike was a cube ams pro 100
Bike Setup: Talas 32 RLC,DHX5 Rear Shock, added a Pure Race i900 gravity dropper seat
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Submitted by
thedustybin
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2010
Strengths: Does everything very well. The bike to do it all. Downhill, uphill jumps... if you land pretty smooth i would be happy for 4 foot drops no worries.
Weaknesses: On downhill runs the forks feel a little on the light side. A pair of fox 36 talas would be simply awesome, however it would reduce the xc ability. Could think about swapping the rear shock for a rp23 if you dont do downhill type riding.
Bottom Line:
2010 reign 0. This bike is fantastic. I rode for 40min up the hill to get to the top of the downhill track. Wind the front forks down and put pro pedal on and you are riding a xc bike (but it weighs 13.2kg). Pedals very well especially out of the saddle. With some xc tyres on like a crossmark it would be fine to do the odd enduro and xc race (as long as you dont plan on beating the pros). Then on the way down wow! It really felt like i was on a DH bike. If you had a set of fox 36 you could race it on the less rough DH tracks. It is nimble, sticks to its line, is stable at speed and immediately feels at home. The brakes are magnificent as is all the running gear. Wheels are strong and light, and it is very well priced. Rear shock set up can be fiddly so get it dialed at the shop, then it is sweet. Buy one. you will be very happy!
Strengths: Everything!! This bike is light, stiff, amazingly capable. Don't even bother learning how to corner, this bike will do it for you. Rocky steep climbs... pfsit... No problem. Rocky technical descents... double pfsit... I even pulled way from my husband a few times. This bike has changed my world!
Weaknesses: doesn't come in pink. Jury's out on the WTB wheels.
Bottom Line:
I am a girl expert level DHer who has been using a Coiler Deluxe as an all mountain bike, and suffering mightily on the climbs as a consequence. Where I live you have to climb in order to descend. I didn't want to give up descending quality for climbing efficiency so I suffered to the point of not wanting to ride anymore. I couldn't be convinced that a 30lb, air sprung bike could meet my descending needs... Boy was I wrong! This bike ROCKS, I ascended & descended my local favorite trails faster than ever before.
Bike Setup: Fox DHX 4.0 air shock, Fox 32 15mil TA Float, Elixir brakes, X9 shifters, WTB wheels.
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Submitted by
Michael Ball
a Weekend Warrior
from Spain
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2009
Strengths: Frame finish,climbing,descending,geometry,specification for the money
Weaknesses: Standard tyres
Bottom Line:
This bike does everything.I've had to spend virtually nothing on this bike after 2 years of hard use apart from routine maintenace and pads and tyres.
I keep thinking about changing it but i can't see a bike that can rival it for the money,or give me as much pleasure as this bike does.Some people say its bland,what they mean is its really competent and gets on with the job.
Bike Setup: Reign 0 2007 standard,slightly wider bar.hope bottom bracket(raceface one lasted 2 month).
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Submitted by
kimi rossi
a Weekend Warrior
from manila, philippines
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2009
Strengths: very very light, fox dhx 4.0, high quality build
Weaknesses: the seatpost don't go way down you. have to cut about 50-70mm of your seatpost but still won't be able to slam it, limited color choices, limited choice of headsets
Bottom Line:
bought a 2008 giant reign frameset. very light. build quality is like a high-end bike. came with a fox dhx 4.0 air. colors available here is brushed silver only. quick climber and feels like it really has minimal power loss during heavy pedalling. plush and feels precise on descents. for my style of riding it is a very good all-rounder.
Similar Products Used: Specialized Stumpjumper FSR 120
Bike Setup: grips by ODI, Syncros FR stem, Eston DH EA50 hi - rise handlebar, SRAM X.9 (mod.2010) deraileur, front rotor 203 mm, rear 185 mm
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Submitted by
henry
a Cross Country Rider
from cardiff
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2009
Strengths: Everything, this bike is absolutely brilliant, however if you fall off and you get your leg tangled, it is hard to get out due to the shape of the frame.
Weaknesses: Nothing really. However if you go over a bump and a stone hits your suspension (bit sticking out at the bottom) it can leave quite a mess.
Bottom Line:
gREAT BIKE TO have, heavyer than trance, but has more suspension, sturdier build.
Similar Products Used: Giant glory dh giant trance x zero
Bike Setup: sTOCK
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Submitted by
qcbiker99
a Cross Country Rider
from Québec
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2009
Strengths: Maestro design really works. Well specked for the price.
Weaknesses: Many defective parts right out of the box: the rear hub was slack, discs were warped, the chain broke on first ride ravaging the xo and hanger and damaging the frame. waited 2 weeks for giant representative to see the bike. all this to hear that giant takes no responsability for any crappy parts they put on their bikes; you have to deal with the companies.
This mess made me realise that the dropouts are way too thin for an all-mountain bike. they took off 1.5 pound of aluminium compared to last model. its nice to reduce weight, but not when it compromises frame resistance.
Bottom Line:
This is why giant is cheaper than many other bikes; the warranty only covers the frame if it breaks by itself. dont expect any service if a part is involved in the process of wrecking your bike.
Wake up giant! it is unacceptable to have no quality control on 3000+$ bikes!
I have had ploblems on all 3 brand new giant full susp I've bought...beleive me, this is the last one!
conclusion: very good all around bike if you are lucky enough to have one with good parts. Giant warranty is virtual, quality control is non existant and service is worth nothing.
Similar Products Used: Trance 05, Reign 06, scalpel, slayer
Bike Setup: stock 2009
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Submitted by
mugen939
a Weekend Warrior
from Union, NJ. USA
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2009
Strengths: Lightweight, good groupo,
Weaknesses: DHX air is bit tricky to set up, and heavy
Bottom Line:
This bike is just amazing. The Maestro suspension design really shines. All you have to do is point the bike up a hill and pedal. Climbs like damn ski lift. And once you get to the top you're rewarded with the an awesome decent. This bike just soaks up everything. Pick a line? pshhh, forget that. Just go anywhere you want, the bike will not lose it's composure. The bike does great on twisty singletrack as well. The 69 degree head angle really makes this bike handle sharply.
I really can't see how other bikes in this class can outshine such a great value. A tool like this should really not be allowed at this price. In my opinion giant has made and star here.
Lightweight: 28 lbs stock
Quick: Maestro suspension really lends itself well to great takeoffs.
Submitted by
dlinnell
a Cross Country Rider
from Pemberton, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2009
Strengths: Well... everything!
Weaknesses: None so far.
Bottom Line:
Ok, as you can see above, I've owned quite a range of bikes in the past 5 years. I'm 38 now and have been epic riding & racing mountain bikes since I was 16. I've had a lot of really awesome bikes over the years. The Intense 6.6 was awesome but a bit on the heavy side for all the cross country I do and of course all the climbing we get ourselves into around Whistler/Pemberton. I did the Trans Rockies last year on the Anthem Advanced and it was a fantastic bike but this year I decided to dial back on the racing and just have fun. This bike seemed to tick all the boxes and when I looked at the new Intense Tracer and compared price, the Giant just couldn't be beat. Especially with the specs on it. It's got all the components I would have chosen if I were building it from scratch. Ok, I would have put Sram XO instead of X9 and I may have put carbon riser bars instead of alloy but hey, for the price why niggle on the little things.
So, today I picked up the bike and did my usual local 1 hour loop. One that I know well and ride weekly. The bike is amazing! It's 28 lbs right out of the box and it rides like my Anthem. Not quite as quick of course but it's light enough to climb like nothing. You can point it at anything and the 6 inch travel eats it up and of course on the technical descents were a joy. Where I ride, the descents are steep with dropoffs and lots of butt over the rear wheel surfing. This bike had no problems with any of it and I actually cleaned one section that I always get off on and this is only my 2nd ride of the year!
Cut to the chase. Buy this bike if you ride technical terrain more so than logging roads. It's gonna handle the logging roads fine but if you're in more Whistler-style terrain like me this is the absolute one-bike weapon for your season. Go buy one. I can't wait to ride mine again tomorrow. I might even sleep with it tonight!
browsing thru CRC online store but dont know which bashguard with chain guide would fit.anyone can guide me in choosing the correct one?bike is all stock condition with raceface de Read More »
No specific answers for this thought id ask, just starting they have great deal on 2008 reign 0, i demoed the medium giant FS (anthem i think 2010) in medium demo guy had to cut se Read More »
Hi
need some advise as I need to make a decision asap as LBS won't be putting these 2 bikes on reserved list as they don't have the reign in my size in stock and won't place an Read More »
OK, i hadn't moved this since having the air sleeve serviced. I figured i wanted two more clicks of rebound, but i could not move it.
The only way i can turn the red rebound kn Read More »
The new Yeti SB-66 and the Giant Reign 0 are pretty close in price and both seem to be good bikes. They do have their differences though (head angle, suspension, etc) I'm wonderin Read More »