Bolstered by 6.7 inches of active Maestro Suspension travel and a burly but beautiful ALUXX SL aluminum frameset, you’ll conquer rough allmountain terrain like never before. Stable geometry, a tapered OverDrive headtube and air or oil shock-compatible shock mounts make Reign X the master of all terrain.
Fox 36 TALAS FIT Float RLC with 20mm thru-axle,
120-160mm travel, tapered steerer tube suspension fork,
Fox DHX 5.0 rear shock
SRAM X.0/X.9 componentry with Avid Elixir CR disc brakes
Giant Contact AM handlebar and stem with Crank Brothers
Joplin 4-R seatpost
Submitted by
cascademtnbiker
a All Mountain Rider
from Myrtle Creek, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2012
Strengths: This review is for the 2011 Giant Reign X0 frameset only since no components are oem.
The frame is light, strong, easy to climb; pedal platform is awesome when in the 36T chainring, more bob when on the 22T. This bike rails corners and feels great in the air. Frame is light for such a capable bike weighing in at 6.3lbs (without shock for the large). Complete bike weighs around 32lbs with the Fox DHX air, and 34.5lbs with CCDB.
Weaknesses: Bottom out bottom out bottom out. I weigh 180-190lbs. I send it all the time, but max drops are less than 4 ft to flat, and I bottom out every time. I used the original Fox DHX air and ran it at max bottom out resistance with 200psi, 280psi in main chamber. Then I switched to the Double Barrel w 650# spring running low and high compression maxed out I still bottom out. There's something with the suspension geometry that doesn't like me. The pedal platform is sweet but it seems the leverage ratio must be increasing throughout the travel stroke. The good thing (or bad) is that the upper shock mount bolt bends to relieve some of the stresses when maxing out the travel. Just bunny hopping on the pavement I use nearly all the travel.
Other than bottom out there's no weakness that I've experienced.
Bottom Line:
I like this bike for aggressive trail riding but doing moderate to big jumps/drops not so cool. When I switch to this ride my speeds increased noticeably and guys I ride with can't keep up. I'd give 5 chilis if the bottom out issue could be solved. I'm surprised there's not more people complaining about this issue. I haven't broken the lower links, yet!
Similar Products Used: '02-04 Specialized Enduro, others not worthy enough to mention.
Bike Setup: Cane Creek Double Barrel w/ 650# coil, Fox 36 RLC, Crank Bros Joplin 4, Raceface Atlas 36/22 with black spire bash and tensioner, Syncros 32 DH rims, Nevegal tires. Avid juicy brake with 203/185 rotors
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
jj nicholas
a Racer
from Laguna Beach CA
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2011
Strengths: With a 7inch travel fork it can handle pretty much anything like the very capable faith, but the reign x can climb when it is needed
Weaknesses: Not the best climber, but I also have it set up for very and I mean VERY aggressive riding.
The rims are solid but the rear hub is weak sinse it is an XC racing hub
Bottom Line:
The best aggressive AM bike on the market, it tackles the hits and drops with ease, at the end of the day you can pedal it anywhere. light, agile and the miestro suspension is very smooth and ramps up well
Submitted by
M1
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2010
Strengths: Value. Factory spec. Weight. Performance. Geometry. Climbs great and decends even better.
Weaknesses: While I love the geometry, the low bottom bracket takes some getting used to. Pivot bearings only lasted about 1 year. Stock tires. Not much to complain about considering all the positives.
Bottom Line:
Fantastic bike at a great price. When I initially purchased it, I was primarily riding and racing cross country, but this bike has elevated my interests to include primarily much more agressive trails now. It has been able to handle eveything I've been able to throw at it including downhill bike park runs. I haven't riden every brand out there, but do find it interesting that a reviewer would claim this frame doesn't compare to the "higher quality frames out there" and then list a bunch of frames made by Giant for other companies as a point of reference.
Similar Products Used: 2005 Giant Reign, Trek Remedy, Specialized Enduro, Raleigh 2500XT and many older designs that aren't even really comparable.
Bike Setup: Stock 2007
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Nakusp, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2009
Strengths: Top notch componentry, slack geometry, low center of gravity. Avid Elixirs are superb brakes with amazing modulation.
Weaknesses: Chain guide a bit noisy, but easy to get used to.
Bottom Line:
At first I thought I was buying too much bike for my style of riding, but I am so happy with this ride! It is a solid climber, wicked descender, suspension is easy to tune to your preferred riding style, and it looks darn good! I am far more confident on the steep stuff now and not afraid to hit the jumps. This bike loves to fly and is forgiving of less than perfect landings. The low center of gravity feels great and the bike handles like a charm. The 67 degree head angle has impressed me completely. I'm looking forward to getting it onto some long epics.
Submitted by
sofarider1
a Downhiller
from medford, oregon
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2009
Strengths: lightweight. corners with precision.climbs like a goat. very good all mountain/light freeride set up. hauls up and hauls down. beautiful lines. love the top tube seat stay lines.this bike is truly the best all around performing bike i have owned.
Weaknesses: low bottom bracket takes time to get used to.smashing pedals. not really a weakness because the low bottom bracket makes this thing rail corners and way stable.
getting to shock for bottom out resistance is tough. once you set it though your good.
Bottom Line:
of all the bikes i have owned this bike is the best all around performer. i feel i have finally got my true all mountain/light freeride set up. slam the fork and raise the saddle and this thing climbs like a goat. raise the fork slam the seat and it mobs. the best cornering ability of all my bikes. this thing is truly a trail eater.
Similar Products Used: bikes i have owned/still own.... santa cruz chameleon, jamis dakar, craftworks frm 125, ellsworth joker, kona stinky deluxe, heckler, transition bottle rocket, turner highline.
Bike Setup: custom build. picked up a brand new 08 frame with dhx 3.0 coil for $800. already had all the parts on my heckler....fox 36 talas rc2, fox dhx air 5.0, thomson x4 elite stem & seatpost, shimano xt crankset,gamut bashgaurd,stinger,sram x9 rear, shimano xt front,trail king pedals, wtb lazer titanium, juicy 7, dt swiss hubs, mavic 235 hoops, tioga factory dh 2.3
Strengths: Light for what it is. Excellent value for money. Versatile Easy to manual. Pedals very efficently. Build kit is excellent (Float36rc2, X0, Raceface etc).
Weaknesses: Flexy. Mid stroke wallow. Not enough brake for intended purpose - needs bigger rotors. Stock Kenda tyres are pathetic. Anodising is cheap and easy to scratch.
Bottom Line:
I purchaed this bike for use as a heavy duty trail/light DH bike. I already had a Heckler which I use for more general trail duties, but I still needed a bike which could climb to reach some of the more remote jungle and alpine trails around here. Sadly, the ReignX didn't live up to expectations. It climbed fire roads pretty well, was well balanced in the air and on buffed single track it decends competently, but on technical terrain it was disapointing. There is significant flex in the rear end, and the DHX air wallows around in the mid stroke more than on some other designs. Its a poor technical climber, and pretty average for low speed highly technical descents. There were chainline issues as well. At speed it's stable and corners OK, but to be honest the lighter duty Heckler is better, and so was my old Bullit. Compared to the Bottlerocket which replaced it the Reign was markedly inferior - the BR totally outclasses the Reign on high speed descents, jumps and technical terrain, although it is a little less efficent on the climbs.
You could partially fix the shorcomings of the Reign by fitting a smaller air can to the DHX and using a bolt thru rear axle, but I didn't consider it worth the effort. I sold the ReignX0 frame and kept the (excellent) build kit.
I think the ReignX0 is fantastic value, and would make a great fun bike for people who are just getting into freeriding or heavy duty trail riding, but for those that have been riding for a few years and are used to higher quality frames the shortcomings are a little too obvious. I guess you get what you pay for.
Bike Setup: stock besides maxxis minion tires 2.7 and cranks bros 5050xx sealed petals and a e13 drs chainguide, im also gettin a set of 24' halos to dirt jump it.
Strengths: Pedals great, stiff frame, slack geometry, solid build, decent room in the cockpit, great stand over, low seat tube, shorter chain stays (super easy wheelies, and quick handling), very low center of gravity (super stable in corners and in the air).
Weaknesses: BB a hair low some days if I'm not on it or riding through a lot of rocky climbs where I need to pedal the whole time.
Bottom Line:
If you are an aggressive trail rider with an interest in jumping, the Reign X is one of the best all around bikes I’ve ever ridden. They hit it right on the head with this design. The cockpit is just long enough for trail riding (I’m 5’10” on a medium) and yet the bike is very flickable and easy to get the front wheel up when needed. The 24/36 chain ring setup is getting to be something I really like. I compared it back to back with a Nomad setup for the same weight and the Nomad felt like it had an inch less travel and had noticeable, in a bad way, pedal feedback. The reign gives you just a little chain tension as the back wheel hits something while pedaling, but it’s just enough that your foot’s momentum pushes through and the bike just sticks to whatever it hits. Also, the Nomad feels way shorter in the cockpit which is fine for descending steeps but sucks to pedal. The Reign X feels more like the SX trail in geometry, but is built lighter out of the box and that makes it a much better trail bike IMHO. I think with a coil they are within ½ lb for the frameset, but the Reign can run an air shock while keeping 6.75” of rear travel, so it can be built much lighter if you want.
The only real issue I have had is getting used to such a low BB. (13.8” with my current tires and fork) I think they should have spec’d it with shorter cranks to make up for some of that. Oh well, when I get some extra cash I’ll put on some 165 or 170’s. It does try to drop the chain a bit, but I think I’ll add a Blackspire Stinger to help with that. Usually it just drops it to the small ring and one pedal stroke puts it back up, but I’d rather not have to deal with it. Pretty common for most longer travel bikes I’ve ridden. Some of it is my tendency to back pedal as I come up to techie stuff. Old habit ;)
The low top tube and seat tube is so nice when I put the saddle as low as possible and take the bike to the dirt jumps or crank berms. The frame just slides back and forth under me and can be laid way flat while keeping my body pretty upright for traction. Tons of space in the cockpit. This bike is my one bike I travel with. I have a 5”+ travel all mountain/XC bike and an 8” DH bike and this is the only bike I would never leave behind. The last two weekends in Moab have been heaven. I just wipe it off and lube the chain and it’s ready to go again. Definitely 5 flamin' chilis.
Similar Products Used: SX trail, Gemini, Stinky, Coiler, 7 point, Nomad, Bighit, Ellsworth ID, GT Idrive
Bike Setup: Med frame - 66 light, Gravity Dropper, WTB Ti saddle, 108pt Hadley rear hub w/Mavic 719 rim. 2.35 Nevegal DTC's, Ghetto tubeless, MG1 pedals, 34.4 lbs!!!
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Downhiller
from Gaithersburg, Md
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2008
Strengths: This things is crazy for being classified as an "all mountain" bike. The suspension design stiffens while pedaling. The slack gemoetry of the bike allows it to fly down hills and progressively gain more and more control with the greater speed you get. The amount of travel on the suspension is astronamical.
Weaknesses: I've yet to find one. It is my first full susp. bike, so i feel like the rear tire is always flat, but thats just me.
Bottom Line:
Holy Sh&t balls. I took this thing on a 15ft. drop. Didn't feel a thing. Buy one. You'll love it
Bike Setup: Stock with a 7' rotor in the rear, E13 DRS guide, and Kenda Blue Groove in front and Nevegal in the rear.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2008
Strengths: Great price, amazing suspension, solid components
Weaknesses: low bottom bracket means you are banging your pedals on rocky climbs (this is completely offset by the bikes handling on the descents and something you will quickly adjust to)
Bottom Line:
This is truly a do everything bike. Climbs slowly (but in truth, regardless of bike I have ALWAYS climbed slowly). inspires tons of confidence, my biggest concern now is carrying too much speed. The bike handles the rough stuff so well and with so much poise that when I do get into trouble, I quickly find out just how far beyond my normal comfort level this bike has taken me. I have been on this bike for almost a year now, and can't think another biek I would rather be on, regardless of price.
Bike Setup: mostly stock, AMP seatpost, 50/50 pedals
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jack Jacometti
a Downhiller
from Werribee Vic Australia
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2008
Strengths: This bike is super light, corners really well, very stable, floats well in the air and drifts pradectably.
Weaknesses: At the start i had the rear shock set up a bit soft and it seamed there was not enough travel. But since then i have stiffend up the rear shock and now i have no complaints.
Bottom Line:
I am light (60kg padded up) so this is the ultimate dh bike FOR ME. It is light (around the low 16kg mark) well balenced i dont feal there is not enough travel when it is set up right. It is the best bike i have owned. I ride mostly DH and free ride stuff. It performs unreal through the ruff chatery rock gardens jumps like i am Steve Rominuk. It has made a better more confedent rider. I gave it 1 chili for value because i dont now how much it has cost me and i dont want to no. If you are a big person it might not be the bike for you if you want to do DH on it.
Similar Products Used: I am a dh kind of guy so this is my first shorter travel bike but i used to have a 2006 big hit 3 which i was going to keep but i was so inpressed with the reign x i got rid of it as the reign is a better DH bike for lighter ridder. My frinds have these bikes and i have ridden them all as well iron horse sunday, 2006 kona stab delux, demo 8 and my gt ruckus hardtail.
Bike Setup: I changed a lot of parts as this is my dh bike. So her it goes i have 2007 66 RC2X fork, 690mm syncros bar low rise, truvativ 40mm long 0 rise stem, odi ruffin lock on grips, juicy 7's 8" rotor up front 7" rotor out back, syncros dps 32 rim with a dt swiss hub up front, doubel track rim dice hub 36 spoke out back, sram xo medium cage derailer, x9 shifter, e 13 lg1 chain guide (it is a 9 speed), bontrager 165mm king earl cranks, crank brothers 5050xx pedals, dhx 5.0 coil rear shock with a 450 pound ti spring and mixxis minnion front and rear spacific tyers 2.35.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
john
a Weekend Warrior
from sydney aust
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2007
Strengths: great handling heavy duty trailbike/freeride,due to good geometry and low bb all components well thought out
Weaknesses: as above,low bb can hit if you dont concentrate,dhx5 would be better than 4
Bottom Line:
this is an excellent bike,typical giant value,a great light freeride bike ,not a massive big bike but can take a fair pounding
Similar Products Used: bullit,sx trail,faith,black diamond triple,gemini
Bike Setup: stock except for maxis tyres and syncros stem considering putting a totem fork on
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Lloyd
a Cross Country Rider
from Hood River, OR
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2007
Strengths: This bike has just blown away my expectations of what a freeride bike can be. It used to be that if I wanted to huck big, I needed a bike like my A-line and if I wanted to pedal up I needed my Blur. This bike weighs 35lbs fully built with a RockShox Totem Coil in the front. It climbs like a big blur and descends...like....well let's just say this. It'll bring the biggest smile to your face. This bike can huck all the stunts and jumps and still be a pleasure to climb on. And not just climb because you have to, but truly go out and do a cross country ride. It can't do the 4hr cross-country rides, but it can easily do a 1 hr climb and you'll feel good about it. As a jumper it is nimble and light but very plush.
Weaknesses: I can't find one.
Bottom Line:
Buy it. Amazing value, the most fun you can have with a bike.
Strengths: Descends better than all of my past downhill bikes except my VP Free (very confidence inspiring), Very planted feeling, corners like its on rails, accelerates very fast, no brake jack, reliable design, climbs better than some shorter travel bikes (four bar bikes), able to handle reasonable size drops and stunts with ease, near perfect spec.
Weaknesses: Only that the 18" is a bit small and the 20" is a bit big. I am 5'10.5".
Bottom Line:
The only other bike on the market that even remotely compares to this bike's ride caracteristics is the Santa Cruz Nomad (but the Giant has a lower center of gravity and much better decending mannors because of it). This is the ultimate freeride bike (meaning climb up and ride just about anything). If you want to feel like a better more confident rider instantly then get one! If you're a big move hucker than just deal with the fact that you need a heavier, toucher DH bike (try a Glory, you won't be dissapointed, they kill every other DH bike out right now)
Similar Products Used: Santa Cruz Nomad, Santa Cruz VP Free, Santa Cruz Blur LT, Original Giant Reign (2005), Santa Cruz Heckler + tons of DH bikes. (shop employee)
Bike Setup: Stock but with a Blackspire Stinger Guide, Easton EA70 mid-rise bar, Havoc 65mm Stem and Mavic 321/DT 340 wheel set.
Just starting out at mountain biking looking at buying my first downhill/all mountain bike. I will mostly ride it downhill but will not be riding hardcore.
I'm 5'6" and weigh 6 Read More »
Hi all.
I looked everywhere and I cant seem to find weights for these bikes nor decent review. Does anyone know the weight for these two? Is it same as 2010 weight. Any feedbac Read More »
At the end of last season I picked up a new Reign X0 frame which came with a DHX 4.0 Air shock. The stroke on this was 2.0" rather than 2.25", so I swapped it out with a Marzocchi Read More »
Not sure about the gold/bright orange anodised linkages but hey I can live with it:thumbsup:
[IMG]http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee218/jeffgre_6163/IMG_0107.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]ht Read More »
Just curious. Not sure I'd pull the trigger right this second, but since they didn't sell in the U.S. last year, I was curious if anyone could point me in the right direction to l Read More »
