The Reign 3 is a monster-travel machine and a freakish value. Its Giant rear suspension and Manitou Splice fork offer 150 and 130mm travel respectively to handle whatever you can dish out. Plus, the sweet components from Alex, Race Face, Easton and Shimano are built for flawless function and durability.
Submitted by
BradC
a Weekend Warrior
from North Vancouver, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2010
Strengths: Value for money. GREAT entry level ride. Makes a newbie feel like a pro.
Weaknesses: Currently, I am weaker than the product so could not tell you.
Bottom Line:
Great entry level bike. I'm a newbie and have PUNISHED this ride (lotsa crashes) - no problems, it is tough. Has taken me down some of the harshest trails the North Shore has to offer. I'm not talking Flying Circus or anything, but it can handle Ned's, C-buster, Pipeline, etc. with no problems whatsoever. It has been fantastic. Locking out the Fox pro pedal on rear with Maestro makes a massive difference for technical climbing without bobbing - really great. Soaks up bigger drops than you'd expect for an all mountain, and even thought it doesn't have the head angle of the DH rigs you can still handle crazy steep roll outs. A great all-rounder that rides a pay grade above what you paid. Now I've got my eyes on the 2010 Reign X0...
Similar Products Used: '97 Kona Hahanna(!), and, once, a borrowed Kona Dawg
Bike Setup: 2009 Reign 2 - stock.
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Submitted by
red devil
a Weekend Warrior
from Scotland
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2009
Strengths: Awesome frame and shock, mostly good components, great for up and down, pretty light, good value for money
Weaknesses: Manitou Splice fork not so good... Seemed good at the time (due to lack of experience), and worked alright as a fork for about a year, then the bushings started to go, then the rebound went... Got some nice Marz AM3 now. Same situation with the Hayes Soles... Seemed good at the time, and worked nicely, but as time went by they just weren't up to the job. Hayes Strokers fixed that nicely. Rear shock, while good, does tend to lose air pretty rapidly. Maybe need to fill up about every 3-4 weeks, or less. Umm the LX mechs didn't work well for me. They worked, just not very nicely. Also the saddle is falling apart a bit now, but that's to be expected really. That about all I can complain about.
Bottom Line:
Amazing bike, when it's got the right components on it. Stock works absolutely fine, and could manage pretty much anything, it's just I'm a bit of a perfectionist and like my bike to run and stop nicely. Rear shock can handle the big stuff, from the drops to extreme brake bumps and high speed, and can handle equally the long climbs to the quick bursts rocky ascents. That is, when it has enough air in it. Most people saying it can't do up haven't got it set up right. When it is, it performs superbly. I can out do friends on hardtails due to the Maestro system giving me the stability on rocks and roots without the bob. So, I would defintiely recommend this bike if you're prepared to upgrade some parts, and if you aren't it will still do the job.
Bike Setup: Much upgraded now. Stock, except for: Marzocchi All Mountain 3 forks, Hayes Stroker Carbon brakes, Shimano XT front and (Shadow)rear mechs, Syncros Gain Carbon bars, Thomson X4 stem, Dr Bomb grips, DMR V8 pedals
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Submitted by
BlackSCRunner
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA USA
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2009
Strengths: 6" Travel, Reasonably Lighweight, Awesome frame for the money, better deal than other Reign models, upgrade to suit, save money OR get it just like you like it!
Weaknesses: Some components required immediate replacement due to my personal tastes; splice fork was junk way undersized for this rig, deraillers and shifters were terrible, this is mainly due to the foolish rapid-rise system. I swapped my old XT 9 speed triggers and deraillers in, problem solved. Stock bars are low and heavy, stock stem is to long, conti tires were terrible, trailbears rock! wtb saddle a little uncomfy for me, but not terrible...loveseat is overkill, but nice! grips were not good, oury is the way to go! The stock components work fine, I just did not like some of them. Friends have this bike stock and are happy. The bike is heavier than very high end 6" rigs, and of course high end hardtails. This is me being picky...
Bottom Line:
I haven't been looking at the newer models (from Giant or anyone else) since I bought this bike. So, I don't know if there are better bikes for the money out there now, but when I bought this, there weren't. I moved from a hardtail to this, and I rode a LOT of FS rigs (including some MUCH more expensive models) before deciding on this bike. You can ride it as is, or upgrade to suit, and the frame is killer! I only notice that my bike (sporting 2.5's) is slow/heavy on pavement or open fireroads when the XC boys blast by me, but on tight gnarly single track, steep downhills, and rock gardens, I feel right at home. I think on some stuff I am a lot faster, a lot easier on my lightweight hardtail, but on anything rough I am having a LOT more fun on this bike. FWIW I like the looks of the 2005 design better than the newer models through 08. As I look now, the '09 does look pretty sweet though! If you are looking for a 6" travel bike on somewhat of a budget, I would strongly consider throwing a leg over one of these!
Similar Products Used: Specialized Enduro, Bighit, I test rode a lot of bikes in this category I wish I could remember them all, but the Reign beat them all!
Bike Setup: Currently Marzocchi Drop Off Fork, Nixon Platinum Fork is out for repair, but works very well, not too long lived before it broke though :-/ Raceface bash ring, Oury Grips, XT standard trigger shifters & deraillers, trailbear tires, azonic loveseat, answer protaper bars, truvativ short 31.8 stem, thomson short 31.8 stem is out for replacement, stock hayes sole brakes w 6" rotors, but eyeing the elixir CR's, cateye enduro 8 computer, stock pedals, stock cranks & BB, stock swinger shock.
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Submitted by
mtnbikerb
a Weekend Warrior
from Baton Rouge
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2009
Strengths: Soaks up hits,bumps,rocks,and roots really well with little to no chain slap.
Weaknesses: Bobs like a cork while fishing for bream. Sluggish Climbs. Rear Shock needs to be rebuilt.
Bottom Line:
Good investment for entry level full suspension but I wish I could afford a Santa Cruz or Rocky Mountain which would probably reduce the bob. Nevertheless, would recommend.
Similar Products Used: Had a GT XCR 3000 Idrive before this.
Bike Setup: Standard Components but added a race face stem to shorten the feel, I'm 6'2" and ride the 21XL. The bike feels a little big sometimes even though a have correct leg angles. Added some platform pedals. Upgraded the disc brakes to Hayes 9's b/c the sole felt mushy all the time.
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Submitted by
dudezer88
a Weekend Warrior
from Longmont, CO, United States
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2009
Strengths: Great Frame Design and Rear Suspension. Really soaks up the bumps and big hits. Most components are decent spec.
Weaknesses: Hayes So1e brakes will probably break, Splice fork is heavy and not very supple, stock tires are pretty sketchy
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike to have for technical riding. The splice fork is pretty clunky and heavy. I replaced it with a Magura AM fork and everything got smoother.
The Hayes brakes are cheap. They do have good power and modulation if you're a lightweight like me (150lbs), but I can see how they would not be adequate for heavier riders. They also aren't very durable, I broke a seal or something on the rear brake after only half a season of riding.
The pedals, drivetrain, rims, and Shimano components are all top notch. If you have the scratch to go up a model (Reign 2 or 1) you may save yourself some money in the long run but this bike is perfectly upgradable down the road.
Bike Setup: Replaced Splice with Magura Laurin 130 (excellent so far). WTB Velociraptor in back Conti Mountain King up front. Will very soon have Avid Elixir CR's.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
9teen8ty4
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2008
Strengths: Bought the 2006 model of this bike last year in 2007. Have really enjoyed riding this bike at my local trails. The frame is definitely the best part of this bike, as well as the Fox Float R that comes stock. The sram X-7 shifters and rear derailleur that come stock are great too. This bike is great for riding on challenging up and down single track trails, and some light freeride stuff.
Weaknesses: The main weaknesses that I found are the, stock fork (replaced it with a Rock Shox Pike 454), stock wheel set (replaced it with Mavic 729 disc), stock brakes (replacing them next season with avid juicy 5's or 7's), and finally the stock tires (replaced them with Kenda Nevegal 2.35 Tomac's)
Bottom Line:
Stock, this is a good all mountain trail bike. With a few tweaks and upgrades this bike can be a great all mountain trail bike. Been riding it for nearly two whole seasons up here in Canada, and this bike has not given me any major headaches yet. Buy this bike.
Submitted by
Octiva
a Weekend Warrior
from Macau SAR, China
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2008
Strengths: Long travel gives more fun on stairs and lower drop-offs. Geo's very fit for me, drivetrain's fine
Weaknesses: A little bit heavy for me. Rear Shock without lockout. Tora fork sucks so I changed a Vanilla RLC on. Stock wheelset's suck too, waiting for a new X430/XTR disc wheelset. Stock WTB 2.3 tires are weak on stairs
Bike Setup: Stock bike except the Vanilla RLC and Specialized Pro 2.3 tires
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
sharpbrick
a Racer
from Norwalk, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2008
Strengths: the rear suspension is great and the ride position is good. the frame is very solid. climes very well and descends like a bat out of hell! the ground clearance it good for a bike of this type too.
Weaknesses: the Hayes sole disk brakes [the 6in rotors are not enough] watch the rear suspension bolts, on my bike they have a tendency to come loose. [that could be because i ride hard almost every day]
Bottom Line:
this as a amazing bike for what it costs, is amazing at going downhill as well as up hill and the Maestro rear suspension is great! I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BIKE TO ANY ONE WHO WANTS A ALL MOUNTAIN BIKE!
Similar Products Used: Specialized XC, Kona Kikapu
Bike Setup: Hayes 8in rotors, bash guard, Fox float R, Rockshox Tora 302 air
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Nick
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange, CA. USA
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2008
Strengths: Awesome frame, great suspension design. Solid on the downhills and a real steady climber (as long as you don't stand up to climb) I am 6'4 and can make it bob a bit when I really grind. Great bike for your buck, this was my first MTB so I was not sure how commited I was going to be....Now I am hooked.
Weaknesses: Hayes Brakes were a joke, I actually had the front ones break and had to send them back. The headset made me hunch over a bit too much, and I've already blown the seals on the front forks. (looks like the same complaints as everybody else)
Bottom Line:
Great bike for your buck, solid craftsmanship. I knew I was compromising the componentry when I setteled for the bottom of the barrel Regin "3". The frame is pretty much the same as the higher end model so at least I can build up the compenents as the wallet permits me to do so.
Overall it's a great bike for a beginer or new-comer to the sport-you can get in and not break the bank. And it's got plenty of room for improvements.
Strengths: Solid frame and pivots, no bob, absorbs everything, great price for what you get, decent looking.
Weaknesses: A bit heavy, but how many "affordable" 6-inch travel bikes aren't? Sole brakes aren't the best; Splice fork sucked
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money-especially if you get a deal like the one I got. With the components I added/swapped out, it's a pretty nice bike; even if still a bit heavy.
The Splice fork developed some kind of noise, so I bought a (barely) used Nixon Platinum with 145mm travel, and that really complemented the rear susp. nicely.
The Sole brakes are a bit better now, but the adjustment screw in the lever still backs out a little-probably fixable with some loctite.
Strengths: Great rear shock! still running, Manitou Swinger with SPV 3 way. Wheels are sturdy and light. Great downhill bike! I am 50 years young and need the kush!
Weaknesses: Hayes sole brakes, ugh. Manitou Splice fork (can you say inconsistant?). The bar stem was too long, replaced with short one. I am 5'9" and the wheel base is a bit long.
Bottom Line:
A GREAT first bike! I wasn't sure I would like MTB but I got hooked and after a couple hundred miles, have upgraded most of the components. I like the frame that well but am interested in the 2008 version (lighter!). Like I said I need the kush ride it gives, especially after adding the Fox Float R. Oh, man, let it rip!
Here is what I have done with it after wearing it down! 3 chains and 3 rear tires, but it took a lot of rides to do it!
the Sole brakes broke, replaced with avid juicys; I got sick of the splice fork 6 months later, replaced with Fox float R; shifters kinda wore out, replaced with shimano xt; bent middle chain ring (soft and stressed?) and wore out cassette, replaced with truvativ gtx and sram cassette.
Strengths: climbs better than my old 4" FSR bike and descends a hell of a lot better. This bike has helped me really step up my game. You can fly through rock gardens with no brakes and just point the bike down and it will go there.
Weaknesses: seat stay bearings went bad in a few months, upgraded to Enduro
Bottom Line:
for the money, it is hard to beat the package that Giant gives you. I bought the frame only so i was able to build it to my own spec, but with some changes to the stock bike it can be a sweet ride indeed.
Strengths: It is not too heavy!! It handles round the corners really well jumps effortlessly. The maestro suspension system really works well on the uphills and on the downhills it is superb!!!!!! the forks are really PLUSH!!!! I love it!!!
Strengths: Suspension system is owesome, guys from Giant designed rocket that allow crazy downhills and climbs easily as well. Frame looks great!
Weaknesses: Components: fork which seems to work like lazy bustard & brakes (Hayes Sole) that you'll replace sooner or later (I did it nex day I bought my bike). I'm sceptical as for tyres which have rather weak grip when curving. Look for new ones.
Bottom Line:
That is my first full-suspention bike. I tried a few, but decided to approach Jamis. Unfortunately there is no dealer in Poland for Jamis (so far). Accidently I saw Giant in a store nearby and decided to find out some more. I have to admit that most info found on mtbr is true and relates to my bike as well. It's been 1 year since I ride my Giant Reign and nothing broke down. The bike rides very well, the suspention works perfectly giving you confidence in riding downhill trails you would never try. Maestro keeps rear wheel glued to a trail and absorb every bulk. Thanks to manitou swinger it doesn't effect bouncing! Uphill is not as easy as on my hardtail but I found out that rear susp helps a lot. You're supposed to sit and relax while maestro works making trail smooth & easy. I was really affraid of uphills on this bike but as it turned out I was wrong. Ofcourse the bike is a bit heavy but you have to make compromise: it rocks on downhills and lets you go uphill - what more expect from all-mountain bike?
One thing that seems to be annoing about this bike is soud comming from rear part, caused by rear deraileur hitting frame while landing after bigger drop-off. I cannot do anything about this...any advice from other users how to solve it?
Just to sum up: the bike is worthy the money I spend. The maestro system works fantastic. The frame along with susp system is great platform for upgrading and creating your dream FS bike.
i asked many questions here before i bought one.. like this bike a lot!! a friend got a pitch just before i got this.. let him use it for a ride i could not make. pitch is for s Read More »
Hey
I've been biking for about 3 years now and my 2005 jamis Komodo 2 just isn't the greatest for singletrack, hard uphills and fun downhills. I have figured out that I want a f Read More »
[I](Note: this is a condensed version of my [I]original post,[/I] which I tried to edit previously and ended up just deleting most of it since it didn't seem to sit well with some Read More »
Hey guys I am pretty new to mountain biking, I currently ride a 2007 specialized hardrock sport. I was wondering if this was a good deal, and a good upgrade for me to start getting Read More »
Hey guys I am pretty new to mountain biking, I currently ride a 2007 specialized hardrock sport. I was wondering if this was a good deal, and a good upgrade for me to start getting Read More »
