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 Vanilla R with 20mm thru-axle, 160mm travel, tapered steerer tube suspension fork, Fox RC2 rear shock
SRAM X.9/X.7 componentry with Avid Elixir 5 disc brakes
Giant Contact AM handlebar and stem with Giant Connect SL seatpost
Submitted by
pojic
a Weekend Warrior
from Wales, UK
Date Reviewed: December 18, 2011
Strengths: The review is for a Reign X1 2010 UK model.
Great all rounder. Just about light enough to manage a long xc trail and great at descending the smooth or gnarly. I've ridden my bike at most of the trail centres in South Wales and spent 2 weeks beating the life out of it at Whistler. I think this says alot about its broad ranging abilities. There were some issues though.... see weaknesses.
The geometry will have it shaking its head and wandering on a steep technical climb but has it feeling pretty planted on fast singletrack or anything downward facing. My bike is built up at 34lbs so I feel the weight when going up the hils, but this thing feels like it'll handle pretty much most things on the smaller side of 10 ft drops or a heavy handed rider.
Weaknesses: The stock X1 comes with SRAM drivetrain and brakes which Im told are ok. Ive always liked the feel of Shimano gears so I swapped the drivetrain over straight away.
The Fizik saddle is awful. Sat on it in the shop and howled with discomfort. It even manages to look uncomfortable! They changed it for me there and then and Ive been a happier bunny since.
The bars and stem werent really to my liking. The stem too long and the bars too narrow. Shortened the stem and got some wider bars on it and it felt much more nimble and fun off the jumps. Can really dig it into the corners and berms now.
The Van 36R forks arent bad once youve got the right spring and compression dialled in. Ok, they arent the best forks out there but theyve given me no grief and have handled all the lousy landing Ive done without squealing too loudly.
I had a bit of an issue with the lower suspension link which seems to be well documented amidst the forums. Ok, Im not the smoothest of riders and Im around 190lbs riding weight, but still, this bike was meant to be designed for the rough stuff! The link snapped on the drive side. Ok, I was in Whistler giving it some pretty tough landings to deal with, but I'm no Steve Peat and I wasnt landing from a particularly big height. Well, bugger all really when it finally snapped - was warming up on B Line of all tracks. Thankfully the boys in the Bike Co in Whistler village had a spare on the shelf (think this might tell you how many of these things are snapping) so was back on the hill the next day. Better still, they fitted the upgraded version of the link. Love those guys. Much respect to the Bike Co.
Ok, still in Whistler and anly a few days after getting the link fixed.... my Fox RC2 shock blew. The low speed compression knob blew out and left me with a pogoing rear end. Apparently this is a known fault on the earlier Fox RC shocks, so not exactly a Giant problem, but worth knowing if youre thinking of getting a RX with the RC2. Unfortunately I couldnt get that fixed until I got back to the UK so was on a hire bike for the rest of my Whistler trip. A Wilson and a V10. Could've been worse I suppose.
I'm running Hope ProII hubs on the bike and the Maxle Lite with the narrowed mid section doesnt do them any favours. My hub spindle snapped because the Maxle Lite doesnt give it any support under one of the main loading areas of the hub. Rockshox have now reverted back to a non diameter reduced design to address this, so if youre looking at using this bikes potential to anywhere over 50%, you might want to look at changing the axle to a full diameter type.
A minor gripe is me not being able to get the seat height range I need. I'm 5'11" and can't get the saddle low enough or high enough with the stock seatpost. Its not far off though. I can use it for general riding but swap it for a cut down post when I go downhilling. I can see why Giant fitted the X0 with an adjustable post. Its certainly on my wishlist.
I initially ran the bike without the chain guide and found it used to drop its chain quite a bit so I refitted the chain device. The Race Face chain guide roller is noisy. I replaced just the roller with a Blackspire roller and a few washers and its been great since. Dont think Ive dropped the chain in many miles of riding, dropping and jumping.
Bottom Line:
The basic bike is a cracking all rounder. Ok, a few minor issues that will exhibit themselves on bikes in this price range, but overall this bike rarely fails to put a smile on my face. Ive upgraded bits and pieces buts thats more to do with my personal preferences rather than failings in the bike or stock components (apart from linkage of course). This bike will take you up the hill and boy oh boy it will get you down the hill fast enough to make your eyes water. Its definitely biased towards the more aggressive AM/less aggressive DH riders but the great thing is that it can still be thoroughly enjoyed on the longer XC trails too.
If I had the money to buy more bikes, I'd still keep the Reign X. It wasn't a bank buster (when I bought it as least, but that was before the manufacturers got stupid with their prices), I reckon it looks great and most importantly, it rides virtually all terrains well enough to get you home with a stupidly satisfying grin on your face. If its one bike you're after and you're not loaded with cash, there aren't many bikes that can give you what the Reign X can. I can't wait to get out on it again.
I'm not going to give it the full chilli rating because of the linkage failure and the price these bikes now retail at. It comes damn close though.
Bike Setup: Reign X1 2010, stock Van 36R forks with firm spring, Fox RC3 shock (low compression knob that blew out was replaced with RC4 compression valving unit), updated lower suspension linkage, Shimano XT drivetrain, Hope ProII hubs with Mavic 721 rims, Kenda Nevegal 2.35" tyres for general riding, Minion DHF 2.5" with Dh tubes front and rear for downhilling, 8" rotor on front, 7" rotor on rear, Spank stem with Funn bars, Spoon saddle, Blackspire roller instead of noisy Race Face item on chain guide.
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Submitted by
duffaaron9
a Downhiller
from Brevard, N.C.
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2011
Strengths: This bike can really do it all. I can clime decently, and I can bomb the DH. I have a 2008 and the bike is amazingly in good shape. DHX 3.0 is awesome,and Frame is amazing
Weaknesses: The Van 36 is ok. I've got to rebuild the Van 36 which sucks. The bike is a little heavy but I can't complain because I like the workout.
Bottom Line:
I'm absolutely in love the with this bike. I used to ride once a week, and now I ride to work then straight to the trail every day. This bike can really do it all considering a few things. Of course Reign could loose a few lbs, and I've got to rebuild the Van 36. But this bike can bomb the DH, and climb considering the rider has the legs. If you can find this bike, and buy it. You will not regret it.
Bike Setup: Juicy five front, Avid Code rear, Van 36 fork, Fox DHX 3.0, ETC.
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Submitted by
kri$han
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2011
Strengths: BEST Bang-for-buck value: Solid Frame, Decent components (for the price), perfect all-round rig
Weaknesses: Front Hub, Seat Clamp, Saddle, Stock Springs
Bottom Line:
I LOVE THIS BIKE. It fits the bill PERFECTLY for me; I'm an amateur downhiller, XC rider, and enjoy technical single track. It's perfect as an all-mountain/freeride bike.
-but-
It already needs mods: The front hub already has side-to-side play, in less than 10 XC rides. The seat post has a tendency to slip 5mm almost every ride. The stock saddle is VERY uncomfortable, and the springs are setup for a 200lb rider (I weigh 150). I got the right spring, and it's GREAT now.
As for Upgrades; all it needs is an adjustable seat-post. Overall this bike comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from me.
Submitted by
cory
a Downhiller
from williamsport, pa
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2011
Strengths: Bombproof
Weaknesses: Rear derailure grommets/routing
Bottom Line:
The addition of the Race Face bars made all the difference, besides the Nevegal out back. This bike, as set up does not like to climb- i can deal w/ it, I'll walk it or shuttle it, the way back down is that fun. With the addition of a spring appropriate to my weight, it soaks up the drops, and springs like a dream...Performs great at the local parks- (Vertical Earth/Diablo)and is burly enough to handle the local "FR/AM" trails here in central PA. Great bike.
Bike Setup: Switched to Code 5's, dropped the small ring and added a MRP G2 chainguide, Race Face Atlas FR Bar, Crank Brothers 50/50X Pedals, upgraded to metal ferules for the cable guides, ODI Ruffian MX lock-on grips, Kenda Nevagal 2.5 out back, working on getting a Maxxis Minion DHF, or another Nevagal for the front, and a spring for the shock appropriate to the rider weight.
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Submitted by
wk662
a Cross Country Rider
from Hillsboro Nh
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2010
Strengths: Awesome all purpose bike. Light enough to ride in the woods but strong enough and plenty of suspension to handle the mountain. If you are an aggressive rider this may not suit you,but for the average rider this bike will do everything you want it to and more.
Weaknesses: If I have to pick a weakness I would say could be a pound or two lighter. Nothing that I can't fix myself with a few upgrades
Bottom Line:
I absolutely love this bike.Everyone complains about suspension bob on a big travel bike. And this was big question in my mind. I don't find it to be a problem. Their is a trade off and I would rather have a little bob for the comfort that I get riding over everything. If you are a smooth sit down type of rider this works. I feel I go at a faster pace because I roll over obstacles I normally would struggle with.All in all it is such a fun bike to ride. The front suspension is Known to be soft thru the travel but you want to make full use of the travel you have. So if you are aggressive it wont work. If you are casual all around type of rider this bikes for you.
Similar Products Used: KHS 204, Jamis Parker,Giant Glory
Bike Setup: Came stock with Fox DHX 3 shock, Fox vanilla R fork,Hayes stroker trail disc brakes,Race face and Sram components
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Submitted by
ErikHo
a Cross Country Rider
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: December 18, 2009
Strengths: Superfun and superfast on the descents and also a pretty good climber(taken its descending capbls in perspective), durable, low standover and low COG.
Weaknesses: A lot of bearings and bushings to replace when its time for service, a tad to short in reach(+20mm would be nice), a bit steep HA a 1,5 ht would cure that..
Bottom Line:
A superfun machine for not that much money, whith a light/strong build it would be the perfect minidh/avalanche bike!
Similar Products Used: Reign, Stinky, glory and numerous ht:s.
Bike Setup: Stock suspension, k24, saint/slx/hone, ex721 on hopeII, sunline bars etc..
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Submitted by
sling
a Downhiller
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2009
Strengths: New Frame design saves alot of weight, Fork, Shock and Wheels
Weaknesses: SEATPOST is CRAP, wouldnt stay tight on the seat. Would be nice to have X9 shifters instead of X7. Chain tensioner is really noisey.
Bottom Line:
This bike is just plain badass! I needed the one do it all bike and this is it. It absolutly flys downhill handles drops and jumps like a full downhill rig and is light enough to use on long XC rides. This bike gives you loads of confidence going into gnarly rock gardens and lets you just float over just about anything. The only thing I would take over the X1 would be an UZZI but for $2000 less, you cant beat it. If you dont mind lagging behind on the climbs and flying past your buddies on the downs, this would be a great bike for you.
Similar Products Used: GT Force, Kona Coiler, Older Reign X1
Bike Setup: Fox Vanilla 36r FiT, DHX RC2, DT Swiss EX500's
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Submitted by
ismack
a Downhiller
from Atown, OR, US of A
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2009
Strengths: (2008 model) This bike makes you want to ride a lot. Corners very well. Good on jumps. Feels very in control at high speeds and on steep technical terrain. No brake jack. Climbs reasonably well. The frame seems very strong and the welds look a whole lot better than many other more expensive bikes(i.e. Commencal, Santa Cruz, Intense). Now about components. The Fox 36 VanR fork is not perfect, but is by far the best fork I have ridden. It is very good at small bump sensitivity and yet I rarely bottom it out. The shifters and Sram X9 derailleur work great. The Hayes Stroker Trails work good after some upgrades. The wheelset is a cheep one but is holding up just fine and isn't very heavy, just make sure you tighten the spokes after you ride for a bit.
Weaknesses: The Race Face cranks keep coming loose even with locktight. Also the spacers on the cranks compressed and had to add two new ones. The chain guide kept moving as well, not sure why the chain guide didn't use the iscg mounts, I ended up drilling some holes. The stock headset is awful, started creaking and clunking after a month of riding. Replaced it with one that had sealed bearings. The Fox fork is great but the spring does slap the inside of the stanchion and rubbed a bit, so I flipped the spring and added a bit of extra oil to that leg. The tires and tubes are a joke. The lightweight Nevgals and lightweight tubes belong on an xc bike. I probably had 15 pinchflats in the first month of riding. The brakes are exceptionally noisy, fixed with any other pads than the stock sintered metallic ones.
You have to stay in the 36ring if standing, otherwise you do get a crazy bob going(The suspension design seems to like the 36ring).
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome. I love it and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants a versatile bike. I chose this bike because I needed a bike that I could shuttle and one that I could ride up some hills. I like to jump my bike, and ride some fast singletrack. This bike does all these things well. Some of the components are very lacking, but if you can get a good deal on the bike you won't regret it. Ride it until the cheap parts act up and then replace them.
Bike Setup: Pretty much stock so far. Running a 2.3 WTB Timberwolf up front for the winter and a Dissent in the rear. Added some NS Ariel pedals and sealed headset. Moved the 7 in rotor to the back and put a 8 in up front. Plan on getting a different crankset and adding some bling when I get money.
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Submitted by
geoff b
a Downhiller
from Louisville Ky
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2009
Strengths: Good components for the $, climbs ok, very comfortable at speed, jumps well,
Weaknesses: THE DOWN TUBE, fox 36, needs adjustable seat post to be the bike it is,mine came with juicy 5 brakes that faded badly at snowshoe mtb park
Bottom Line:
I rode this bike for a year and was very happy until the down tube cracked for no apparent reason. I was just riding a mildly tech trail. giant would not warranty it since I bought it online and didnt have a sales receipt from a giant dealer. I weigh 190 and the fox 36 bottoms on any drop over 4 ft. I live in ky so it is important that it get me to the hill and be fun on the ride down. It will climb just very slowly.
Bike Setup: all stock 210 pound spring in fork and 550 pound in the rear oh and x9 rear shifter
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Submitted by
Drewski
a Downhiller
from San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2009
Strengths: Low center of gravity, good top tube clearance, excellent climber in the saddle, great small bump sensitivity if suspension is dialed, can handle almost any size jump, drop, gap, does pretty well in the DJ park if you've got a travel adjust on the fork,... great all around bike! Meastro suspension works very well.
Weaknesses: Pivots suck (I've had to replace mine too often), lateral flex in the rear end, pierced downtube, integrated headset, problems 1/4 bash guards, customer service sucks at Giant.
Bottom Line:
Good bike if you're an all around rider spending most of your time on aggressive trail. If you're riding lift access a lot, this is not your bike, you will destroy it.
Submitted by
slo_rider
a Weekend Warrior
from moved from ca coast to sierras
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2009
Strengths: geometry, plushness, efficiency. welds look surprisingly good. anodized finish is holding up very well.
Weaknesses: none yet. but i bought this after muckling my neck & spinal cord so i no longer catch air and can't comment on frames' huckability
Bottom Line:
i've owned and ridden the snot out of the bikes listed above, and although giant doesn't have the same valued reputation as sc or vent@na, the reign x has consistently performed better for me than those other great bikes. i dunno why, and i don't really care either--i thought i loved my nom@d, but i sold it to buy the giant after riding my bro's reign x on some of my favorite trails.
Similar Products Used: '03 heckl3r, '02 bu11it, '04 vent@na 6" single pivot, '07 nom@d, '03 balfa 2-step dh
Bike Setup: all parts pulled off nom@d, except '08 66 SL/ATA fork and oldschool vanilla rc coil (platform?!--maestro don't got to run no stinkin platform!). adj travel/geo 66 ATA fork and 2 wheelsets (heavy dh & lighter am wheels) maximize frame's versatility.
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Submitted by
redlineracer
a Weekend Warrior
from Syracuse,NY
Weaknesses: Some components are little to low end for this mid range bike (wheel set, cranks, seat post) and the springs are way to light for my weight. The Fox 36 Vanilla R fork is a disappointment, I have the heaviest (yellow) spring that Fox sells and it still bottoms out over just about everything. Plush for the trail, but not up to the freeride stuff.
Bottom Line:
Overall a great bike for the money. I ride it as a trail bike and it has been to the mountain (Diablo) as well. I was able to purchase from Giant as a bike shop employee and that made it an even better deal. With some parts changes this could easily be a decently light, heavy duty trail bike or a down hill sled. As it is, it is a decent all around bike. The Maestro suspension does a good job, doesn't seem to brake jack like my Bullit, just wish the Fox fork was more up to task that this bike was designed for.
Similar Products Used: My last bike a 03 Santa Cruz Bullit
Bike Setup: small frame for my 5'6" height, 450 rear spring and fox's heaviest front spring
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Submitted by
JuanValdeez
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR USA
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2009
Strengths: Strong Componets for the $$, Great Ride downhill and up, Excellent looks, sweet suspension, silky ride and decent climbing capabilities. I'm in love with this bike after a ride down Mary's peak back up and down the back side trail.
Weaknesses: I'm biased but for the $$ I can't see any. It's a downhill bike so if you wanna whine about something I guess it could weigh less??
Bottom Line:
THis bike is SICK!! Get one quick. I tried to find an 08 since they were advertised all over the internet for 1800-2000 but they were all gone!! I did a bit of researching and for my money I got strong advisories to hit up this bike. I own a GIANT HT and I loved it. So I decided to step up and take the all mounatin/DH plunge and it was worth it. Don't hesitate. If you can't get your 08 get the 09 and don't pay any more than 2500 for it. Look around and if you're willing to travel a little bit for it you can find one for that price.
Submitted by
whistlerrocks
a Downhiller
from Whistler
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2009
Strengths: Everything! Just got a 09 Fox dhx air 5.0 installed and am really enjoying it. I could never get the smooth, plush bottomless feel on the dhx 3.0 coil. Really smooth and nimble bike and very versatile cause I can take it to whistler and do all the downhill courses and pump up the rear shock and hit up the boneyard. And the strong may look skinny in some spots but it is actually stronger than most downhill bikes I have ridden.
Weaknesses: Nothing
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks and is insanely versatile! I can ride up whistler and do all the XC, all mountain stuff adn still rip up downhill which is my favourite part. The bike is really strong and my confidence shot up as soon as I sat on it. The bike has definitely saved me from some narly sections at the north shore and whistler.
Totaly worth the money so if your interested don't think about it just buy one!
Similar Products Used: nothing really except the Reign X0
Bike Setup: Giant Reign X1, Avid Elixir CR's 8/7 inch rotors, Sunline V-one bars, Fox dhx air 5.0, Raceface atlas fr in purple, E13 SRS+ in white, new wheelset, Sram X-0 components, Fox Vanilla 36 fork, Sunline V-one DH stem, Maxxis Minion 3C
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Submitted by
Jordan
a Downhiller
from Kamloops, BC
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2009
Strengths: Frame is light and strong. Fox 36 does a good job up front matched with the DHX on the back. Juicy 5's were a good spec over something like Hayes 9.
Weaknesses: Wheels, Tires,
Bottom Line:
Really sick bike, light and strong.
I used this bike all year downhilling hoping it was going to be enough without going up to a glory fr. It handles everything, Kamloops senders, sunpeaks, all the trails in Whistler. I never had any problems with the frame itself. It's light enough to climb if you want that too. My bike is built for downhilling and jumping and weighs 35lbs and I feel its the perfect weight.
The stock wheels are not the best, but not that bad. The stock tires on the other hand were just awful. Maybe as a light am/xc tire they would be alright but I flatted at least 10 time Dhing on the Hutchinsons. Since the start of summer I have been running a rear t-wolf front nevegal setup and have never flatted and have tons of grip in all conditions.
The reign x is definatley a solid bike if you want a lighter bike to downhill and jump on or are a bit lighter. Even climbs well if you want an AM bike and are looking for something more than a reign. The lifetime frame warranty is good too.
I purchased an '08 Reign X1 and I definitely need a heavier coil for the rear shock (DHX 3.0). Is there anywhere I can get some info on that or maybe some other riders can chime i Read More »
I am looking to upgrade my DHX 3. Any thoughts on the DHX 5.0 air or the RP23. Good, bad, uglies? Any other ideas. The shock does not have to be a Fox. I have a Mars 66 on the fron Read More »
My Reign X1 finally shipped this weekend!
If you have any questions or requests to see a certain part of the rig, let me know.
The blue is a different shade than I was expect Read More »
I have had nothing but trouble with my brand new Fox suspension hardware. I've seen and heard such great things from Fox and I'm confused. Do I have a bad batch? Are their new prod Read More »
Finally have enough posts to post this... Just kind of an introduction, just joined. Name's Eli, i'm a student in Colorado Springs and i've never really ridden regularly, but i use Read More »
