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: sram XO/ x9 spec, chain guide, no chain slap!, plush, lightweight, adjustable travel fork, maestro suspension, the perfect all-around bike
Weaknesses: None so far
Bottom Line:
This is for the 2013 model. I wanted something with more travel and stability than an XC bike or even a trail bike for our super technical trails here in Northern Colorado. I ended up with the Reign because I didn't want a 29er for this kind of riding and no one does 'bang for the buck' better than Giant. I'm mainly an XC type rider, I guess; I ride up and down everything the mountain can throw at me and have been doing so for 25 years back when a mountain bike was just a 'mountain bike'.
But enough of that. I was pretty sure the Reign was what I wanted but I also wondered about it's weight, climbing ability, the slack geometry, etc, etc. My concerns turned out to be moot as I have found the Reign to be the ultimate do it all trail bike for me. I have cleaned all of my local technical climbs on it just as I have with my XC bike. The travel adjust feature on the Talas is very helpful for climbing...just drop that front end down when it gets steep going up and it feels like a short travel XC bike. On the climbs and the flats, the Maestro suspension rewards a smooth pedal stroke with no real bob to speak of. I run mine wide open pretty much all the time and don't bother with the fiddly compression adjustments on the shock or the fork; I'm not a real believer in compression damping and only use rebound damping on the rear to keep the pogo stick effect down. I like my suspension to be as active as it can be at all times, not choked off with damping. I do, however, use the 'climb' setting on the fork and shock for short stretches of pavement that link me from trail to trail...kind of how I used the pro pedal setting on the older Fox stuff.
Descending on this bike is a treat...it just sucks everything up you can throw at it. You'll come up on a weird rock section where there's no good line and think 'this is going to hurt' and the bike just sucks it up and flies through it with total stability and control. Amazing. On smooth, twisty descents it's very stable at speed but still reasonably 'flickable', even with the slack head angle.
The Sram X9, X0 component spec has been perfect. I was a little worried about having carbon cranks on a bike like this, especially with the rocks in my area but I've had nothing to worry about so far and have based them on a few rocks. Others that I know who have run these cranks say they are indestructible. The roller clutch equipped rear derailleur and the MRP 2X chain guide eliminate 99% of chain slap even in the roughest sections...I'm not kidding. I am totally blown away. You don't really even need to run a chainstay pad. I've become a Sram convert over the past few years and expect great durability and longevity out of this drivetrain. I was a little skeptical of the 2x drivetrain since this is my first one, but so far I like it. It's geared as low as my 3X9 bikes and is just missing a little bit of the high gearing but I can live without that; it's not really a 'big ring burner' type bike anyway. As long as it's geared low enough to get me up that steep technical stuff, I'm happy.
I have decided that if I had to only have one bike that fit the type if riding in my area and does it all pretty well, this would be it. I am totally sold on the Reign as a true 'all mountain' pedal it up and down anything kind of bike. If that's what you're looking for, then this is the one to get.
Similar Products Used: no other AM bikes but I have a Giant Anthem X (26") and had an older BMC Trailfox
Bike Setup: Stock with tubeless conversion, traded the dropper post for a Thompson, and Easton carbon bars.
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Submitted by
ecly13
a Racer
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2012
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.
Similar Products Used: Santa Cruz Butcher, Nomad. GT force, Cannondale Jeckyl
Bike Setup: Talas 32 RLC, Full XT Dyna-sys, Avid Elixir CR, Fox RP23
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Submitted by
Winnie69
a Downhiller
from Victoria
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2010
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.