Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Nakusp, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: April 29, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Seven Summits
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3900.00
Purchased At:
Gericks Cycle, Nelso
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.
Similar Products Used:
My only other decent bike was a Specialized Enduro, a completely different bike.
Bike Setup:
Original stock set-up with Fox Float 36, DHX 4.0, Sram X0/X9, etc etc.
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dannymac
a Weekend Warrior
from shirley, new york Date Reviewed: April 5, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
selden bikes and boa
Strengths:
great all mountain bike. handles declines awesome. easy climbing. jumps great. fox suspension great.
Weaknesses:
original suspension set for 150 lb rider. had to get new springs for heavier person.`
Bike Setup:
felt the angles of bike were great
Bottom Line:
AWESOME BIKE
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sofarider1
a Downhiller
from medford, oregon Date Reviewed: February 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
time warp
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
spin cycles
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.
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
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a
from CHCH, NZ Date Reviewed: June 1, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
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.
Similar Products Used:
Heckler, Bullit, Bottlerocket, Norco Six, Orange 222 and I've ridden plenty of other nice bikes over the years.
Bike Setup:
Swapped tyres out for minions. Otherwise stock.
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
billy kraebel
a Downhiller
from cutchogue Date Reviewed: May 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
diablo new jersey
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3600.00
Purchased At:
COUNTRY TIME CYCLE
Strengths:
this bike is endless, once you have the suspension tuned in perfect this bike is awesome it flys like a bird and climbs like a xc bike.
Weaknesses:
none, except mountaing a chainguide
Similar Products Used:
reign x1, anthem advanced
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.
Bottom Line:
this bike is endless. get a set of 24's for dirt jumping
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a
from SLC, UT Date Reviewed: April 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
To many to pick one
Duration Product Used:
3 months
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.
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Downhiller
from Gaithersburg, Md Date Reviewed: April 28, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Germantown Cycles
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.
Bike Setup:
Stock with a 7' rotor in the rear, E13 DRS guide, and Kenda Blue Groove in front and Nevegal in the rear.
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
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: February 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Blackrock
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3600.00
Purchased At:
Bike n Hike
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)
Similar Products Used:
Nomad, Jamis Dakar, Trance
Bike Setup:
mostly stock, AMP seatpost, 50/50 pedals
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jack Jacometti
a Downhiller
from Werribee Vic Australia Date Reviewed: January 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Travs diamond
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
G and D cycles werribee
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.
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.
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john
a Weekend Warrior
from sydney aust Date Reviewed: August 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
red hill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
cyclogy
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
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
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
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Lloyd
a Cross Country Rider
from Hood River, OR Date Reviewed: June 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Post Canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
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.
Similar Products Used:
Norco Six, Norco A-line, Santa Cruz VP-Free, Santa Cruz Nomad.
Bike Setup:
Swapped put the Fox 36 FLOAT with a RockShox Totem for more confidence on jumps.
Bottom Line:
Buy it. Amazing value, the most fun you can have with a bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a
from Kelowna BC Canada Date Reviewed: May 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Vapor and Connector (Kelowna)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Cyclepath-Kelowna
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".
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.
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)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chad Heninger
a Racer
from Boise, ID Date Reviewed: May 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Serious? Any trail!!!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3600.00
Purchased At:
Bob's Bicycles-Boise, ID
Strengths:
Light, fast, great components, at 33 1/2 lbs stock with 6.75" travel you can't beat it. Best geometry of any bike ever ridden. Climbs like a goat, no pedal-bob, decends with no brake jack when on the rear brake, SUPER STABLE at high speed. Loww BB height lowers center of gravity and makes the bike carry tremendous speed and stability through corners.
Weaknesses:
None period.
Similar Products Used:
Titus Motolite,Titus El Guapo, Rocky Mountain ETSX, Specialized Enduro, KHS Free-ride 2000. Numerous hardtails.
Bike Setup:
Stock with the exception of a Rock Shock Totem 2-step and Mavic crossmax SX.
Bottom Line:
It takes a bit of time to ride and tune the Fox DHX Air 4.0, as well as the Totem 2-step I put on the bike. After I got it figured out the bike was money! Decends like a full on DH rig and light enough to climb up about anything. If you are looking for a rig to take to the resort as well as something to pedal on your local trails, I believe Giant has created the perfect bike. The Maestro suspension is top notch! If you want to own a bike that can do anything see your nearest Giant Dealer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joey
a
from Knoxville, TN Date Reviewed: April 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Black Mountain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3300.00
Purchased At:
Harper's
Strengths:
Excellent suspension, very lightweight for nearly seven inches of travel. Climbs well and descends better. No picture can justify how good this bike looks in person.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized SX, Yeti AS-X, SC Nomad
Bike Setup:
Just put on a set of specialized lo pro mag 2 pedals.
Bottom Line:
This bike is amazing, however i broke my collar bone on my first outing with it. This review is only of my initial impressions of the bike and i will post a follow up review at the end of the summer. But as I said before the bike seems to excel at everything and I cant wait to heal up and get back on the trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: April 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Anything with dirt, roots and rock
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Bike Cafe - Kamloops BC
Strengths:
It is a most excellent all-round trail bike that you can take to the bike park and bust some big moves. It pedals real sweet, climbs well, is plush and is inspiring on the downhills. The perfect bike for just about any riding situation on Vancouver Island...and probably the rest of BC too!
Weaknesses:
It's not a cross-country race bike...but you already knew that. This sucker rocks.
Similar Products Used:
Used to have a Trek Liquid but this is a several orders of magnitude improvement. Imagine, 34lbs and it does just about everything. Sweet!
Bike Setup:
Why mess with perfection.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike that can do everything you ask of it. Great price for the component level. Confidence inspiring geometry. It certainly has exceeded my expectations. This is probably the perfect bike for 90% of the people out there. If you are a gravity sled junkie then you should probably take a pass. Otherwise, perfecto!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mitch
a Downhiller
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: March 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Race of Spades
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Sturdy Stiff and Stable light freeride rig. Despite being 32lbs it climbs very well. No bobbing whatsoever. 7" Travel bike under 35lbs with the ability to climb???
Weaknesses:
Um....Mounting a chain guide takes a bit of work. But hey, when do they ever go on smoothly.
Similar Products Used:
Glory, .243 Hardtail, Santa Cruz Chameloen
Bike Setup:
Totem solo air fork. 1 x 9 Gearing.
Bottom Line:
The best mountain bike I have ever had the chance to ride. I am going to love this season.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pinchy
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: December 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
St Helena's, Blue Mountains
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3900.00
Purchased At:
Phantom Cycles Tahmoor
Strengths:
Excellent Build Quality, Good Componentry, lightweight package - 13.8 kgs, rigid frame and plush suspension
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Kona Stinky, Wheeler DZX6000
Bike Setup:
Standard Configuration except for; Hussefelt DH Riser Bars Envy Bash Guard Third Chainring (Raceface) Woodman Pedals Maxxis High Roller LUST 2.35 tubeless
Bottom Line:
The bike's handling is brilliant and combined with air shocks front and back it produces a very plush ride which is also easy to pedal uphill. I am one of those strange guys who love to climb and the Reign X0 doesn't disappoint, digging into loose climbs beautifully and with negligible bob when you get out of the saddle. Couple this with an ability to descend at insane speeds and you really have a great all round bike. There's lots of room in the cockpit and it corners at speed with ease and confidence. Overall a very solid yet nimble bike with lightweight frame and components.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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