Submitted by
sack
a Weekend Warrior
from Wellington, New Zealand Date Reviewed: September 26, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Deliverance
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2470.00
Purchased At:
Penny Farthings
Strengths:
Price, weight, XT wheelset
Weaknesses:
X7 shifters apparently
Similar Products Used:
Does my rigid single speed count? Otherwise first 'real' full sus..
Bike Setup:
Stock 09 Reign with upgraded shifters to X9 to match rear derailler
Bottom Line:
Only two decent rides so far, but fantastic for the price, there is nothing out there that even gets close... Balance between front and rear seems on the money. Bit of a change from riding hardtails but would never go back now!!! Just need to find the time to ride it!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Goat on a Bike
a Weekend Warrior
from Boise/ Nampa, ID Date Reviewed: September 11, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Bingo
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
vey lightly used fro
Strengths:
Stable and responsive on the DH, relatively lightweight, great "Swiss-Army" bike for everything from the stunt park to DH runs to XC
Weaknesses:
For my needs I found the stem was a bit too long- easily/ cheaply remedied with a switch to a DH/FR stem. That's all.
Similar Products Used:
have ridden Giant Reign X- also a great ride but was just over my price range- loved it
Bike Setup:
Stock 2008 Giant Reign 1 except for pedals (crank bros 50-50s), stem (Scott DH/FR) and grips (Petey grips)
Bottom Line:
Great bike- even if I progress in this sport and need to upgrade I will always keep this bike in my quiver and use it as often as possible.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andyboygenius
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: August 1, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Menai
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3600.00
Purchased At:
Cycology Wyong
Strengths:
The Frame with Maestro
Components for the price
Light for the amount of travel. Approx. 12.5 kg! That's sweet!
It comes with the full tubeless setup. Now you have no excuse not to go tubeless, no more pinch flats! Now you can run your tires at 32psi!
Weaknesses:
Front forks not adjustable enough. Seems to be poor balance between front and rear suspension. A Reign 0 might deliver better on this. A coke can has a more durable anodized finish than a Giant, it scratches so damn easily! Not a huge fan of the Fizik XM seat it punches your cloaca/gooch on uphills pretty bad.
Similar Products Used:
GT Force (Too heavy), Commencal 5.2 (Too slack in the geometry + weird components) It replaced my Giant XTC1 of four years.
Bike Setup:
Very balanced to pedal, tends to tilt forward off jumps which makes you consciously tilt back to adjust landings. This might be a good thing as I have a forward riding stance. Get rid of the headset spacers as soon as they are just for show.
Bottom Line:
The best budget Freeride lite bike on the market. Great first double suspension bike, it has been for me. Will push your limits and deliver an amped up grin from ear to ear. I reckon if you pushed it too hard on the jumps it would crumple though. Not durable enough for fat downhillers or young smashers wanting to copy NWD and North Shore feats of death!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
shankie
a Weekend Warrior
from London, UK Date Reviewed: May 25, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Strengths:
- The frame. There aren't enough superlatives to describe it (see below)
- Relatively light weight for a 6-inch bike
- Beautiful welds and hydroforming
Weaknesses:
Only little niggles:
- Not fully-enclosed gear cables (important in the UK, easily fixed)
- Rims not drilled for Schraeder tubes (again, easily fixed)
- RaceFace chainset with pointless retention system. Easily fixed as well.
- Too narrow bars and too long of stem
- Low bottom bracket height means frequent pedal strikes (but means better cornering)
Similar Products Used:
None. Rather in a league of its own.
Bike Setup:
2009 Reign 1 (quite different to the one in the MTBR picture). Fox 32s with 15mm bolt-up, WTB wheels, air DHX, Elixir brakes, SRAM gears etc.
Bottom Line:
Please excuse me for a few minutes while I sound like a teenage fanboy, but:
This frame is sensational. It really is something else. It is every bike in every situation. Climbs better than a lot of XC racers, hammers along single-track, descends... not sure if I should say it, but possibly better than my Commencal Supreme DH.
Maybe I would have preferred Pikes, and maybe Shimano gears over SRAM, but who cares when the whole thing works this well. Climbs, jumps, descents. It just plain works on everything - amazingly well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jamie H
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: April 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Marleys Hill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Pushbikes
Strengths:
Stable, smooth, rails the corners, eats up the rough and handles mid sized drops exceptionally well. Fox 15mm TR fork is fantastic! coupled with the better dampening of the 09 RP2 rear shock. This review is for the 09 model.
Weaknesses:
Way too many spacers on the headset making it way too tall in the front.
Similar Products Used:
08 Reign 1 ( was stolen so was replaced with the 09 model ), Kona Stinky Deluxe, Specialized Pitch pro, IronHorse MKII, Yet 575
Bike Setup:
Removed all the headset spacers including the conical one, put a 50mm 0 degree rise stem on, improves riding position and overall handling a millon fold! note: REMOVE THE HEADSET SPACERS NOW! 36T & 24T rings and a E-Thirteen bash gaurd, DMR V8 pedals
Bottom Line:
This is a great do everything bike that I would recommend. With the few small changes I made increased the performance of this bike immensely! One thing I've noticed over the 08 model is the dampening setup of the 09 front and rear shocks is way better, no mid travel wallow. Getting the sag right is critical. I'm 165lbs and I run the rear RP2 at 158lbs and the forks at 65lbs. This uses all the avaliable travel and still feels bottomless on 4-6ft drops with no harsh bottom outs. I have noticed this bike likes you to ride slightly and I mean slightly rearward biased. Many bikes I've ridden really require you to concentrate on the front. The reign works best with a more balanced body position. Setup correctly this is a fantastic ride!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jimithing_13
a Cross Country Rider
from Glendale AZ USA Date Reviewed: February 4, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2450.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Depot
Strengths:
Fast!!! Maestro suspension is super smooth and still climbs well. This bike handles better than a lot of the other all-mountain setups I rode. 6" of travel on an XC setup, need I say more!!!
Weaknesses:
High standover height, I'm 6'2" 220lbs and this is the first time I've ever rode a Large frame (my previous specialized an Trek were both XL). Not a big deal in itself, but I think it translates into being higher off the ground than necessary. The only time this affects me is in tight downhill, high consequence switchbacks. I just can get comfortable on the bike. SRAM components are average. Still an awesome bike.
Bottom Line:
Would definitely buy again, I would consider getting the Reign 0, but it was out of my price range this time and I got a great deal on this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nzmja
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland, NZ Date Reviewed: October 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Anything
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Weight, travel, comfort, traction
Weaknesses:
Stock pedals, paint job, front der
Similar Products Used:
Kona Stinky, Coiler, Specialized Stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
Stock, soon to get some good platform pedals(not sure if I will stick with clips)
Bottom Line:
Great bike for trails I have ridden at Woodhill. Will be good for any trail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dojo206
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, Washington USA Date Reviewed: October 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
All of em
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
BIke N Hike (Portlan
Strengths:
I have a 2008 Giant Reign 1. It is light for 6 inch travel all mountain bike. It climbs well and descends even better. very plush ride. This bike can be ridden on most trails. Super fun bike with good components all for a good price. Best $2200 I ever spent!
Weaknesses:
the Sram X9 rear derailuer has malfunctioned a few times while riding. Grips and seat sucks. Due to frame design, the seat post height is limited in its adjustments.
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain Slayer 70 SXC, 2004 Santa Cruz Bullit
Bike Setup:
Stock with Odi Rogue grips, E 13 bash guard, and WTB Speed seat.
Bottom Line:
Best all mountain bike for the money--hands down.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rossd
a Downhiller
from Squamish, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: August 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
McKenzie River Trail, Oregon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
privately
Strengths:
Lightweight, nimble, super fast in the corners, excellent frame design. Hayes Strokers are impressive, almost as good as Avids.
Weaknesses:
Components: matching an X9 derailleur with X7 shifters is a waste. The shifter has absolutely no positive feel when you shift.
Fork: Why does Giant put a 140mm fork on a 160mm bike? Weak.
RaceFace BB bearings are shot after 3 months riding.
Similar Products Used:
Norco Fluid LT, Specialized Enduro, Santa Cruz VP-Free (ok this one isn't very similar)
This review is for a 2008 Reign 1. With the upgrades mentioned, my bike weighs in at exactly 30 pounds.
This is one sweet bike for the price, and it is made even sweeter by the smooth Lyrik fork. Anyone who buys this rig absolutely must upgrade to a bigger fork to do the bike justice. If you're doing some moderate drops, it will pay back. Wider handlebar helps too. If you're not dropping anything, just save some weight and get a trance x.
It's definitely not as smooth as a big dh bike over small bumps, so I was pleasantly surprised when I dropped 6' and it soaked it up with ease. Very impressive for such a light build. This design is also incredibly fast through corners, much faster than my VP-Free, which is no slouch. Giant has definitely got it dialed.
Climbs like a dream. 5 chilis for up and down performance. Only gripes are with Giant cheaping out on the shifters and fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian
a
from Elon, NC Date Reviewed: May 12, 2008
The rear shock blows through the travel real easily. I'm only 180 lbs and I have the shock at 220 psi and i go through all 6 inches going off tiny drops. The seat is also real hard
Bike Setup:
08 Reign 1 with clipless pedals
Bottom Line:
Great bike that can do allmost anything. This is my first full suspension bike and I'm not the greatest rider so it makes up for any mistake I make. I kind of wish it came with a bigger fork with a through axle but the 140mm Float is good. I use the bike for mostly xc riding but i do some light freeriding every now and then. It's real light for the amount of travel and climbs very well so it's a blast on the trails but it can descend like crazy. I think it's a great bike overall and would recommend it to anybody looking for bike that can do a little bit of everything.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Palaszewski
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia Date Reviewed: April 19, 2008
None unless you count the Mavic stickers of the rim pealing off a bit...
Similar Products Used:
None - This is my first Dualie.
Bike Setup:
Stock (Australian Spec) with Truvativ flats.
Bottom Line:
this is a great product which I cannot fault!
I was tossing up between the Reign 1 or the Trance X 1 and it was a tough decision but I opted for the Reign 1 because its more suited to my riding (Everything LOL!)
The suspension is great and really plush, the travel is comparable to a coil (if not more) in its plushness. The front and back shocks feel really matched in their absorption performance capabilities.
The bike gets better as I ride it and it truly is an amazing work of art the frame. The price is awesome for the spec and the weight of it (which is really light for a 6 inch travel bike).
Overall this bike is great. Its my first dual suspension bike and my second bike Ive brought over all and I couldnt be any happier. The travel is super plush the handling is spot on and in general; Giant have manufactured a faultless bike that is worthy of every rider!
I you do buy this bike I swear you wont be disappointed. Ive spent well overt 3 months thinking and researching the bike I wanted to by - I don't buy bikes every time the wind blows so I want one that lasts and is good quality.
And after extensive looking and researching Ive narrowed it down to the Reign 1 for my budget constraints. So right here, right now I'll save you all the researching Ive done by saying, "For 2008, the Giant Reign 1 is the best money for value for performance bike you will find".
This bike is THE bike you will ever need...
Downhill? Cross Country? Trail? You want it? You got it! The Reign 1 will handle all of it and come back for more!
And a side note - If you are thinking of buying this bike and are looking at pictures on the net... STOP!
Go to your LBS and see the bike for real! It looks like crap on the net (the reason it held me back from buying it initially) So do your self a favor and go see it in real life!
his bike is THE
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan R
a
from Long Island NY Date Reviewed: April 18, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Bottom Line:
**This is a follow up review for my 06 Giant Reign 1**
After two years of riding, crashing, and fun, the bike still is holding up great! Hasn't even needed new bearings or anything else. For light free ride and trail riding the bike still performs beyond expectations. The only three problems on this bike had nothing to do with the frame at all but parts that were chosen when it was built. To date it now sports a Fox 32 Vanilla fork up front due to a problem with the Marz All Mountain. Crank Bros Eggbeaters were a bad choice but was a take off from my XC bike. A set of Candy SL's fit it so much better. I decided later to set up a better crank and sold my XT's. I now use a Shimano Saint triple on this bike with Heim 3 Guide chain wheel. Still for a bike so much cheaper than an Intense, Santa Cruz, or Rocky Mountain, I'm impressed. Three years and not a peep from the frame or the shock. Giant went out on a limb and built the Maestro suspension and created on of the best 6 inch travel frames for the money!! If your looking for a bike that can do it all. give this bike a serious look before you buy, it WILL surprise you!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jamie Hamilton
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: April 17, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Pushbikes
Strengths:
This is an update from my previous review for the 08 Reign 1.
Maestro suspension is brilliant! Very well balanced, nimble, laterally stiff, precise wheel placement
Weaknesses:
Honestly nothing major to complain about.
Bottom Line:
I have know ridden this bike in most riding situations, climbs, light freeride with 4 - 6ft drops, roots, rocks, scree slopes, single track, flat up, down all around. Every ride gets better and confidence to keep pushing myself and the bike. Having come from a DH bike there hasn't really been too much I wouldn't feel comfortable on this bike with. Of course I'm not hucking this bike, but it handles everything very well, no need for heavy handedness, just point shoot and ride out. Generally I ride with the ProPedal off and forks plush and have only really needed the lockout and ProPedal for long climbs. But I prefer to let it all just flow. I highly recommend this as a do it all bike. Corners like it's on rails, nice trail feedback, balanced, great in technical sections, VERY stable at speed, flickable in the air. I always come back with a huge grin on my face so enough said, go ride!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Park City, Utah Date Reviewed: April 16, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
brothersbikes Heber Utah
Strengths:
Great suspension, efficient, relatively light, good components
Weaknesses:
None yet...too early to tell
Similar Products Used:
Yeti 575
Bike Setup:
Large frame. Stock, but with XT crankset, 70mm 15 degree stem, vs stock 100mm 6 degree, lunarlite tubes, titanium skewers, crankbros. mallet C pedals.
Bottom Line:
This is a review of the 2008 Giant Reign 1. Rider: 6'1", 145 pounds.
Bike setup: Large frame. Stock, but with XT crankset, 70mm 15 degree stem, vs stock 100mm 6 degree, lunarlite tubes, titanium skewers, crankbros. mallet C pedals. Weight, 29.4 Lbs on an Ultimate digital scale. (With regular eggbeaters and Continental 2.4 inch Mountain Kings front and rear, 28.5 pounds). I think it could be built at about 26 Lbs pretty easily, with a light wheelset, light, tubeless tires, monkeylite bars, WCS stem, twist shifters, eggbeater pedals...if light weight is important to you. It comes with 2.35 inch Nevegal Stick E's which are wider than the WTB Weirwolf 2.55 or the 2.35 small block 8's. The tire/rim combo makes going tubeless with Stans a bit difficult unless you use Stans downhill strips, as the rim has a deep channel. Rear shock at 145 PSI, almost all of the rides on this trip were done in Propedal OFF. Even in the jump park, PP off seemed to give a better ride.
Geometry: pretty high bottom bracket height of 12.8 inches, with no wt on the bike. My set up has the bars about 2 inches higher than the seat.
Just got back from 3 days in Moab, 2 rides on Slickrock and 1 ride on Amasa Back, 1 ride in the local dirt jumping park.
Surprisingly, with the high bars, the front wheel stays down nicely, though on some of the stupidly steep climbs of Slickrock I had to really concentrate on getting forward....but hey, it's Slickrock! An adjustable travel front fork would help a bit on these steep climbs, but I don't think it's essential. On some of these steep climbs, getting out of and forward of the saddle resulted in no noticeable pedal bob.
Amasa Back has much more of a ledgey makeup, and here the rear shock setup really worked well, again, Propedal off. Some of the ledge climbs that I had trouble with PP on were much easier PP off with no loss of pedaling efficiency. Coming back down Amasa Back was a breeze on this bike. Next trip, I'll try Porcupine Rim on it...I'm really looking forward to that on this bike.
All in all, a great bike....Slickrock, Amasa Back and a dirt jumping park are 3 completely different rides, obviously, and this bike handled all three beautifully.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jamie Hamilton
a Weekend Warrior
from Christchurch New Zealand Date Reviewed: March 16, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1921.00
Purchased At:
PushBikes
Strengths:
Light weight, Strong, Plush, great cornering, great handling, Maestro suspension
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
GTi-Drive, Kona Stinky Deluxe, Keewee Stealth, Kona Coiler, Specialized Pitch
So far this has been a great do it all bike that I'm very happy with. Rails corners, stable and un-fussy handling. I'll update this review the more I ride the bike. But initial month and a bit of riding hasn't thrown up anything I haven't liked so very happy with this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SimpleSimon
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth, Australia Date Reviewed: March 6, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
price, weight, pedal efficiency.
Weaknesses:
Blows through travel! When new, zip ties for cables are too tight and need to adjust (minor)
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This brief review is for the '08 model. Good bike for the price. Pity that it blows through all 6" of travel for a standard 2ft drop. This is when running with ~25% sag.
Apart from that, the Reign pedals great when seated... not so much when you stand up. Traction is awesome as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brody Stiarwalt
a
from Alto, Ga Date Reviewed: December 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
All Lake Russell Trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Habersham Bicycles
Strengths:
This bike is light! I never imagined this bike, especially having 6 inches of travel, would be this light. It is well under 30lbs.
Well first off I am a believer of Giant's Maestro suspension design. This bike climbs really well and the back end is completely independent of braking.
The component package is very nice. I like the Sram shifting. It is really definite and quick. The Hayes brakes have a nice, progressive feel and with the easy adjuster you an easilly adjust the reach of the levers while riding. All the Fox suspension is spot on and the lockout on the fork is very nice for the steep sections. I'm also impressed with the DT Swiss hubs. I know from road riding that DT makes some nice and smooth spinning stuff.
Weaknesses:
There are only a couple of things that i disliked about this bike. First off is the saddle. Now granted the Devo is a great XC saddle I immedietely swapped it for a Rocket V. The only other issue I have is very minor. I would have liked for the Nevegal tires to have been the Stick-E variety instead of the dual compound but they are still great tires. In the future I plan on swapping to the Schwalbe Big Betty's. Other than that this bike is rock solid.
Similar Products Used:
Well this is my first long-travel all mountain style bike. I've been riding mostly XC and trail style bikes.
All stock except I swapped the Devo saddle for a Rocket-V and I plan on swapping the tires to Schwalbe Big Bettys
Bottom Line:
For the money this bike rocks. Giant does well specing their bikes. Not a whole lot you can do to this bike. To have 6 inches of travel, be $2300, and be well under 30lbs. I couldn't ask for more
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: September 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Manly Dam
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2900.00
Purchased At:
ABC Bicycles
Strengths:
Reign 1 2007. The whole Bike is well built. My first All-mountain full suspension bike.
Weaknesses:
The Stock tires that came with it, weren't to great. They lack the grip going around corners. Tend to wash out
Bike Setup:
All stock. BUT DH Minion 2.5 Front, High Rollers 2.35 at the Rear
Bottom Line:
Great bike to ride, up and down hills. Well built. Frame nice an strong. Once i changed the wheels, it handle great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from Wodonga Date Reviewed: August 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
nail can hill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
The full Cycle of Albury
Strengths:
great pedaling platform, big hit ability (never bottoms out),
Weaknesses:
juicy sevens still haven't bed in, and i never want to get off! Hutchinson tyres let go too easy
Similar Products Used:
kona stinky (crap), giant hardtail
Bike Setup:
pike team air forks, juicy sevens, raceface carbon seatpost, crossmax xl wheelset, full xt drivetrain.
Bottom Line:
i've had this bike for three weeks and i can't get enough of it. it climbs better than my hardtail!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from High Tatras, Slovakia Date Reviewed: July 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
High Tatras
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Strengths:
review for 2007 Reign 1, green and black...very good frame geometry,Maestro system works perfectly-I had Stumpjumper FSR Comp 2007 and I sold it also because of big pedal bob,components,well climbing,downhill&freeride riding...
Weaknesses:
first think what I've solved was strange cabeling on back frame side-when back springing,part of cabel stoop to outside(I put joint-tire stripe on it),I think wheels are not the strongest-I did "8" on back one just from small skipping to get mud out,somebody says weight(around 14kg) but I think my Reign is climbing better than SJ FSR Comp 2007 with 12,5kg what I had before(I was surprised also...),Hutchinson tires are also not best,but will upgrade to Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.40 Big Betty or Albert,that's all what I found till now...
Original,but I will uprade tires,wheels,fork(for RS Pike-maxle),then I change Race Face stem and riser for Specialized(from Stumpjumper-oversize)-that is great,somebody here complain on crankset,so maybe this after some damage and maybe saddle in future,but it is not so bad for me...
Bottom Line:
This is GREAT all trail bike!You can ride from XC,All mountain,Enduro to Freeride with this devil,but need modifications-for riders type of riding of course.It has small weaknesses,which you can upgrade after some time(rims and tires for me).If you are deciding for bike,you have hills,mountains in your area and you're not racer/marathon rider,you will be very happy with this bike ;)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
richard
a Weekend Warrior
from redmond, wa USA Date Reviewed: June 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
tolt mcdonald
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
redmond cycle
Strengths:
components, well built, Shock technology.
Weaknesses:
none that I have found\seen. simular bikes I have purchased had choice of clip ins or not.... this only comes clipless. which may actually be a dealer thing and not a manufacturer thing.
Similar Products Used:
last bike was an enduro, Demod varios Iron mountain bike builds, and Kona builds.
Bike Setup:
all stock except clip in pedals
Bottom Line:
WoW... after a long day of demoing several bikes for my new addition... Dealer highly reccomended this bike from his stock and WoW... Demo'd and found the SRAM X9 shifts are SO SWEEET! I have always been a shimano man... but that is a talk for another topic.
The ride was beyond plush... 6 inches of travel that seemed to only give when it was suposed too and not from peddling. Bike weighed in @ 35 pounds stock however; It did not feel 35 pounds heavy. I know that is a hard one to explain but the balance of the weight distribution and design really made it FEEL like a lighter bike.
When you hold the bike a couple of feet off the deck and drop it to bounce... No chain slap or noisy vibration... Seems well built.
One thing that made me say hmmm is the choice of shock mount below the bottom of bike.. it sticks out from the bottom and was protected by a plastic shield. I tested some small drops and rolled over some high curbs just to see how close it was to bottoming out... but did not come close.
IT FEELS LIKE A WELL MADE BIKE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston Date Reviewed: June 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Lynn Woods
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Dave's Bike Infirmary
Strengths:
This is a review for 2007 Reign 1, green and black
Weaknesses:
Weight... 34 lbs. I broke one of teeth on the outer chain ring on a big rock - for first time buyers of a higher end bike, know that the rings are less tough then the cheaper/heavier steel ones on your average low end beater. Giant offers a lot for the money but skimps on these things: paper thin paint job (cable rub is evident), cheap plastic guard around rear chain rings, hutchinson tires, cheap hard grips. Haven't had a problem with the cables yet, but wouldn't be surpised. Maestro suspension is great, but if you stand and lean forward while pedaling fiercly, you will get pedal bob (though haven't seen a suspension yet that has corrected this). Fox front fork the Fox 32 RL (I think)... know that on you can adjust the shock rebound rate and the travel... but you have to upgrade to Reign 0 to get the 3rd adjustment, which allows you to tune feedback over bumps (check out Fox website to compare forks).
Similar Products Used:
I tested a ton of bikes brand including Specialized, Giant, Santa Cruz and Kona.
Products tried include: Stumpjumper 2007, Enduro 2007, Giant Anthem 1 2007, Giant Trance 1 2007, Santa Cruz Blur LT with 160" fork Here's what I learned... Specialized as a company has the best marketing, but Giant has the best suspension. Cannondale always has whacked out wierd looking bikes. Konas are heavy as hell, but solid. More on Specialized... I wouldn't even consider this brand because the suspension has so much pedal bob on the low ends. To compensate they put on the Brain, which is extra cyclinder on top of the suspension -- adds weight and one more thing to break. The only other contender against the Giant maestro suspension was the Santa Cruz VPP (virtual pivot point) tech. Santa Cruz VPP seemed to still have a little bob when seated and pedaling hard, where Giant Maestro seemed firmer... also I think Giant's was more stiff for uphill climbs.
Bike Setup:
Stock + Lizard Skin Moab grips. Will add a bashguard soon.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike to transition from the from hardtail trail riding in Minnesota to Boston which has XC trails but tons of freeride/urban assault potential ;). I'm a budget conscious guy and this bike was perfect for me because it can be ridden on trail and for aggressive boulder fields. It allows me to push my potential and explore new types of riding without having to commit to any one or the other. Giant shaves a little on quality of non-essential parts... so know that you might be spending 100 to upgrade the wheels and grips, and later cabling and potentially the bar (depending if you want something wider). Consider a bashguard too and something to protect the paint from chain slap (electrical tape works too).
Handling is excellent, climbing has a hard feel, you can lock out the suspension and make it feel like a no suspension bike (much better than the Santa Cruz Blur LT). Takes hits well.
If I had another grand I might spring for something less heavy... but it doesn't feel heavy... you can still bunny hop like 2 feet (unlike the Enduro which feels like a train under you)
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a do-it-all under 3 Grand, try Santa Cruz Blur and Giant Reign 1 and see what you think. The Blur is about 8 pounds lighter but is a few hundred more expensive and has a worse suspension and climbing capabilities. I'm pretty happy with the Reign 1 so far... but some sub-par parts makes me worry the bike might not hold up over time (although the frame has a lifetime guarentee. Time shall tell. Also... Santa Cruz hasn't really fundamentally overhauled the suspension for years... so I feel Giant is more up to date on technology.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bruce
a
from nc Date Reviewed: June 6, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
great climber, super plush. qiuck out of turns. amazing stability down hill.
Weaknesses:
the stock wheels
Similar Products Used:
gt xcr 2000. TRANSITION COVERT.
Bike Setup:
FACTORY BUT WITH X7 TWISTER SHIFTS
Bottom Line:
I was worried coming off of a xcr 2000 that i would lose my ability to pedal, but was i wrong. I believe this thing pedals better, i for sure know it is smoother over ruff stuff. Rear end is tight and super plush.
This was the best upgrade to my riding that i could have made. Havn't had long but i trust it will hold up as well as my gt.
Anyone who loves downhill but loves also to climb and go fast through flats, should check this one out. xc'srs looking to get a plusher ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jake Kirshner
a Weekend Warrior
from London, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: May 18, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
ToWheels
Strengths:
Super-light stock build, great fork [Fox Float RL] and rear shock [Fox RP], great componant choices [X.9 drivetrain and Race-Face Evolve XC everything-else]... MAESTRO SUSP. design is incredibly pedal-efficient.. climbs like an xc hardtail and decends with a very plush fully active 6.0 inches of buttery air travel. i honestly love it... NO LIES OR EXAGERATION! did i mention that its built stock and only weighs in at just under 33lbs?!
Weaknesses:
the only two things i immediately noticed that will have to be changed were the WTB ThinLine super-stiff seat, which i frankly though was unbearably hard [even for a guy who likes a hard seta!]. The second thing that will be switched asap are the Hayes HFX-9 XC hydro brakes... now this is a personal opinion, but i frankly HATE Hayes' brakes with a passion after having ridden a set of Hope's for a season. Either way, I dont like them, but i guess they work... somewhat?!
Similar Products Used:
Old XC mongoose?.. not really similar.
Bike Setup:
2007 Reign 1: completely stock, with the current exception of the seat [WTB Thin-Line stock changed to WTB Super-V] and the pedals it didnt come with were replaced by a new set of ShadowConspiracy BMX platforms [sealed].
Bottom Line:
After I graduated from DH'ing to street/urban assault, and now from street to All-Mountain/Light Freeride, from what i have seen, this bike is simply put: friggin insane for a 2300$ 5.5&6" travel fully air beast. Climbs like a mountain-goat and decends like a freeride bike. if you cant decide between the Trance vs. Reign, test ride both, both incredible, but differend intentions [reign = am/fr, trance = xc/trail/light all-mtn] do the research on other stock bikes, but i assure you you wont regeret riding in the Reign. Value = 5 Exceptional Overall = 5 Spectacular
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ash
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth, Australia Date Reviewed: December 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Jarrahdale & Little Ovens, Yippee
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Port Kennedy Cycles
Strengths:
Like the ad says, climbs like a mountain goat then zooms down the other side....the F & R shocks are great, and the frame is the gear
Weaknesses:
Rear cable routing pretty poor, Hutchinsons a bit loose on the WA pea gravel...
Similar Products Used:
None really, just graduated to my 1st dually, and loving it! Hardtails have a definate place, but go try one of these..
Bike Setup:
Aussie spec '06 Reign. chucked on a set of pd-m540's and can't wait for my UST Conti Verticals!!
Bottom Line:
If you get the chance, get one. I know this is for the '06 spec, but this is an awesome bike. I read the reveiws and was really unsure whether the Reign or the Trance was for me, but was convinced after the 1st ride this was the better choice for me. As someone stated this is a bike that won't restrict where you ride and what you wan to do! Go get one!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dylan Sutton
a Weekend Warrior
from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia Date Reviewed: December 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
fast and flowing
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Strengths:
This is review of the 2007 Reign 1. Plush, doesn't bob, minimal pedal feedback, climbs well, light and well specced for the money.
Weaknesses:
Wish I could drop the fork travel to keep the front end down without having to kiss the stem on steep climbs. Rear derailleur cable housing was too long and poorly routed, became kinked and didn't shift properly after a week of riding. A new bit of housing fixed the problem. Could do with a 7 or 8" disc rotor on the front, will upgrade eventually.
Similar Products Used:
First dual suspension bike I have owned. Iron Horse Vice hardtail, old Raleigh Technium Chill rigid MTB (still my commuter)
Bike Setup:
Stock except for pedals (switched to flats), seat (put on my old seat) and tyres (went for something with lower rolling resistance).
Bottom Line:
A fantastic machine that really fits the all-mountain tag. Soaks up the bumps whether descending or climbing, without robbing your power through bob. Has improved my riding abilities and enjoyment on steep and technical rocky terrain immensely.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Oso Negro
a
from Nor Cal Date Reviewed: November 27, 2006
RE: '06 Reign 1 true All Mountain- not Freeride. If you want FR, go with the new '07 Reign X with 67 deg. headtube angle. If you want a do it all AM, stick with the 69 HA. Better yet, pick up an '06 and get travel adust Talas while their still around.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jack mowatt
a Cross Country Rider
from lantzville Date Reviewed: August 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
monkeys
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
arrowsmith
Strengths:
light, strong , price, travel, no bob long travel flier at whole sale pricing
Weaknesses:
cable routing.. had to reroute cables should have being better at the factory level...
Similar Products Used:
tested. trance , nomad, blur
Bike Setup:
traded sram for XTR rapid rize ( personal preferance only)upgrades . carbon bars, mavic XL wh set, nevegal tires
Bottom Line:
just over 30lbs this bike climbs great and flys down hills its a true bargin in this class, a scott Ransom spec bike at a wal-mart price
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan R
a Weekend Warrior
from Long Island, New York Date Reviewed: July 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Dirt Ones!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Six inches of rear travel, oversized tube-set, Maestro Suspention system, Super strong frame that can pretty much handle anything, Light weight too for a frame with so much travel!
Weaknesses:
None as of yet, bike was built up as a frame set so I don't see any either. Little worried about the Manitou Swinger 3-Way
Similar Products Used:
Nothing really in this type of bike, Just my Gravity Sled, built up Kona Stinky. Demo'ed a Santa Cruz Nomad, Blur LT, and Intense 5.5, this bike is on par with all of em for less money too!!
Bike Setup:
Giant Reign 1 with; Marzocchi All Mountain 1 130/150, Full SRAM X.O Drivetrain, Shimano XT cranks, Crank Bros. Eggbeaters peds, SRAM PC-991 chain, Heim 3 ring chain guide, Thomson Elite Stem and Seatpost, Salsa Flip lock seat collar, WTB Rocket V Saddle, Avid Flack Jacket cabels set, Shimano 525 Hydro-Brakes, ODI Ruffin Lock-on grips, Mavic F-219 wheelset, Shimano XT 11x32 cassette, WTB Weirwolf 2.5 tires, Easton Monkey Light Handel bar hi-rise, FSA Orbit Headset,
Bottom Line:
If your for a bike that can pretty much handle anything, within reason look to the Giant Reign series. I pretty much Freeride allot but when I decided to build up a new trailbike I wanted something that could handle a little light freeride too. I got so sick of my XC bike not being able to do this or breaking from too rough of use. So I built this bike to take it's place. I wanted something that could climb but still have fun with too. My Kona is just to heavy and built up too burly to do that with. Eight inches of travel in the back and 170 mm Marz 66 VF up front makes it just too much iron to push. This bike can do everything Climb, Decend, ride flatland, and can be pushed for hours on trail too. The suspention is so active it soaks up everything, and the pedaling platform makes the bike feel like a 4 inch travel bike, till you hit something! This bike can handle anything I've thrown at it so far. Makes riding so much fun again, not having to worry about breaking anything anymore. No brake jacking or anything bad to say about the frame at all.
The Manitou Swinger 3-way worries me, it has yet to give me problems but as all Manitou products go, to me it's only a matter of time. If only the spec'ed a Fox RP3 or DHX Air on this bike in 05 it would have been the perfect frame. Still great bike very happy with it, built up rock soild and no compromises made when building her either.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
anthony alarcon
a Weekend Warrior
from temecula, CA USA Date Reviewed: July 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Big Laguna Loop
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2499.00
Purchased At:
Local Shop
Strengths:
Bike is more than I expected. It makes me try things that I never would have on my other bike. It performs far better than I imagine. Climbs excellent for a bike with 6" of travel. Setting it up was easy and fine tuning the fox forks and shock was not hard at all.
Weaknesses:
None yet. It's heavier than my last bike, but the weight is negligible.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Prophet 1000
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I got a great deal from the local shop after my other bike got ripped off, and though I had to pay an additional 500 dollars for my insurance copay it was well worth it. I never would have attempted a drop over 2 or 3 feet on my cannondale but have already done a few 4 footers with ease.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jacob Meyer
a Weekend Warrior
from Greensboro,Ga,USA Date Reviewed: June 18, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3200.00
Purchased At:
RPM Cyclery, Lake Elsinore CA
Strengths:
This is a really fun bike to ride. The six inches of travel soak up everything. I love the componets on the bike. Even on the climbs the bike just powers through everything. I just down shift stay seated as much as possible and go. The downhills and the flats are just amazing, you just pick up so much speed. Everytime I come off a ride I always have this Sh*t eating grin on my face. As far as Hucking goes, I have yet to take it off of anything lager than a 4 foot drop, This is due to my lack of skills not the bikes.
Weaknesses:
The worst thing about this bike has to be the wheels and tires, they are just to heavy, however, they do perform well.
Similar Products Used:
Specilized rock hopper, Tuner
Bike Setup:
Sram x9, Crank Brothers mallet C, Orry lock on grips, race face crank, race face stem and bar,
Bottom Line:
All in all this is a GREAT bike, Sure it weighs 30 pounds, but I could stand to lose a little weight to. I've only had the bike since X-mas ,however, I'm sure it will last several great years.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from Burbank, Ca, USA Date Reviewed: June 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Backbone, Santa Monica Mountains
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Purchased At:
N/A
Strengths:
The 2006 model has all round versatility. VPP rear suspension works great with 6" of travel front (Fox 36 Talas R) & rear (Fox Float RP3), no pedal bob while climbing in the saddle. Pro Pedal in the RP3 works well while on long XC rides. Groupset thought out really well, love the SRAM components. Great brakes. Race Face components are strong as well as being relativly lightweight.
Weaknesses:
The front fork is the Fox 36 TALAS R 2006 model. I'd prefer the 2007 RLC due to the lockout function & the 30mm adjustments. The wheels are good, but could be lighter & more bombproof. Rear wheel slips alot when climbing out of the saddle. Weight could be saved by replacing components such as stem, bars, seatpost, saddle etc. At 31.5 lbs this is good as is.
Similar Products Used:
Various bikes over the years...
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Tioga Blue Dragon tires, some stubby bar-endz & Crank bros Mallet pedals.
Bottom Line:
If you want an outstanding XC/ FR bike that you can ride, right from the get go & then upgrade parts as you want/ need to then this is the bike for you. Giant have really thought this bike out & chose a great setup which I'll be riding for 6 months as is. I may upgrade the front fork, wheels, brakes, but these will only add icing onto this already sweet cake.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ian
a Weekend Warrior
from Adelaide, Australia Date Reviewed: May 9, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Dingles
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Standish Cycles Unley
Strengths:
Go anywhere, do anything (within reason), light ride that is super smooth, pedal through anything without loosing traction or speed. SRAM gearing changes super fast and smooth. Pikes are excellent. Top shelf kit out.
Weaknesses:
Stil get bob from rear shock when pedalling in a standing position - still playing with pressures but you sacrifice sag and plushness of ride if you eliminate bob. Watch out for cable rub - put lots of clear contact all over the place to prevent this (some even suppleid by Giant with the bike).
Similar Products Used:
Jamis XLT 2, Speci Enduro '05, Prophet. Giant definitely best value for the $$. So well spec'ed.
Bike Setup:
Pike forks with poploc (use it heaps for up hill)Xmax wheelset running Maxxis Ignitors tubeless (ex), SRAM X0 rear and X7 triggers, SPD DX pedals, EA70 all round except shorter Syncros DH stem and EA70 monkey light DH bars, Raceface deus BB & cranks.
Bottom Line:
Best bike I have ever had. Ride is so much better than the Jamis - due to the VPP system I believe. I went from Manitou Minute 2 forks to Rock Shox Pike with a lot of trepidation after previously having to ride with crappy Rock Shox Psylos but Pikes are fantastic esp with lock out. Wheelset very light but seem pretty strong so far. They do flex a bit but its all a compromise. Swinger sweet excpept when stand up going uphill to pedal. Great colour too - Cherry Black with glitter !! Suit those riders who want to do any trail any time - not for XC racers or full on Downhillers. Use it for Freeride if you want but I see it more as an All Mtn with heaps of travel and strength for those who are hard on their bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Claude
a Cross Country Rider
from Dublin, Ireland Date Reviewed: April 28, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4500.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Rack
Strengths:
Climbs as well as my Giant XTC-4. Descends at speeds I never thought were possible. Soaks up everything you throw at it.
Weaknesses:
Weight may be an issue for some people but then again a heavy bike will make you stronger!
Bike Setup:
2006/2007 UK Spec (Fox suspension). e-thirteen chain device with 26T/36T chainring setup
Bottom Line:
You need to ride this bike at high speed over rocks to fully appreciate it's value. I've been stuck on rigid (back in the day) and hardtrails all my life. I used to hate riding over rocky trails, could never keep up with the folks on full suspension bikes. This bike has changed all that, it just glides along.
Ok it's not the best bike in every discipline but it does them all very well. If you have a bit of money to spend but can't quite afford a different bike for downhilling and cross country then this is the bike to go for. 5 for value, 5 for performance and no regrets for buying it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter Row
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane Qld Australia Date Reviewed: April 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Daisy Hill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3200.00
Purchased At:
Cycle City Cleveland
Strengths:
Geometry, components,Shocks. The whole package.
Weaknesses:
Doesn't pedal itself uphill.
Similar Products Used:
Trance 2
Bike Setup:
All standard except for Stiffy 50mm stem and changed tyres from the Hutchesons to Maxxis minion dh 2.5 on front and Maxxis High Roller 2.5 on rear.
Bottom Line:
This bike is far more that I expected. Because I am a big guy (90kg+) I found that the Trance was limiting what I could do. After about 4-5 months I bit the bullet and upgraded to the Reign1. This bike is unbelievable. I have only used it a couple of times but you can't get the smile off my face. It's limits far exceed mine. I am going over bigger logs and not hitting the chain ring or pedals. I am not bottoming the pedals on rocks or stumps. I am going over rock gardens without having to lift the front wheel or slow down and I am going harder and faster overall. I love this bike. Especially the Sram XO/X9 combination. Because of the extra travel, I don't have to have the shocks so hard. The ride is really plush but still no bob. Unless you are XC racing, this bike is far more fun than the Trance. Happy trails!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Lang
a Weekend Warrior
from East Lansing, MI, USA Date Reviewed: April 6, 2006
I found this bike to have performance that I'll likely never touch, it has got a ton of control in reserve. The first ride had me telling myself that I am going to have to get my skills up to match it whereas some bikes, my prev Spec Enduro included, I could over-ride. The suspension, rear esp is excellent. I never feel as if I will lose it, although that can be a false sense of security.
Mavic wheels are pretty much wayyy over-rated in my book. The design is much too complicated to work well, the rear hub bearing mounts will not stay together and for the pressure exerted on the sealed bearings by a nut without a jam-nut to affect the freewheel is ridiculous. I asked around and it seems that all Mavic models have this problem.
The SUV I replaced it with worked great out of the box.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from NOVA Date Reviewed: January 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
all of 'em
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
As others have stated, versatility. You can set this bike up a million different ways for almost every kind of riding. Mine is set up more for downhill than purely XC, but with its stable pedaling platform, I can tear up the XC trails as well. It's a great trail bike, especially for one like me who can only afford one bike--you won't win any XC or DH races on it, but you can do both superbly. Rear suspension design is HUGE improvement over the simple single pivot Warp I used to ride.
Weaknesses:
The Nixon fork came broken. Manitou fixed it in no time, but I was still always a little wary of it. I wanted a better downhill fork, so I swapped on a Fox 36 Vanilla, MUCH better. Stock handlebars are kind of narrow, so I replaced them with Easton EA50 riser bars.
Similar Products Used:
My previous full suspension was an '02 Giant Warp DS3.
Bike Setup:
Not even close to stock. Fox 36 Van fork, SRAM x-9 shifters and rear der., Shimano XT hydro disc brakes w/8inch rotors, Mavic XM 819 rims with Shimano XT rear hub, WTB front hub, bashguard, and soon will have XT crankset
Bottom Line:
I love this bike! It is perfect for me. I can do everything on this bike: XC, DH, FR -- you name it. Of course, because it is a great do-it-all bike, it isn't super at any one of them. My bike weighs almost 35 pounds, so I'm not going to win any XC races on it, though I can still come in middle of the pack in my local race series. I'm not going to win any DH races, either. And I'm not going to be able to do any 40 foot hucks with it. But I have done 8 foot to flat and could easily go quite a bit higher with a tranny. The Maestro rear suspension works great, and the Swinger shock is pretty easy to set up, though I wish it came with the 4way. When pedaling seated there is just about no bob on this 6 inch travel bike. Standing pedalling causes a little bit, but I don't run a whole lot of pressure in the SPV chamber. Overall, this is one awesome bike and I highly recommend the Reign for anyone who wants an excellent trailbike, especially if they want to some FR, as well (just sell the Nixon and put a Fox or Marz on first, or a Pike) As for value, Giant always offers an excellent value, and especially for me, since I got the bike while I was a bike shop employee. (I won't say what I paid for it, because you'll cry).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a
from Calgary, Canada Date Reviewed: November 11, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Ridley's Cycle
Strengths:
In a word: VERSATILITY. I live on one side of a valley and commute to work on the other side, daily. In the morning, I can bomb down one side of the valley and mash the cranks going up the other side only to repeat it at the end of the day. All I can say is that it does great on both tasks. I live right next to a downhill park and an hour from the mountains. I can take this bike to either environment and have a blast. It climbs like a champ and it descends like its on rails. I was looking for a new bike this season and I can only afford one so I needed the bike to be versatile. And this bike lives up to that promise.
Weaknesses:
1) Nixon Fork: The fork collapsed within an hour of buying the bike. This was some sort of recall issue. I did not know about it when I bought the bike. I was extremely disheartened as you can imagine. However, my local bike shop set me up with a temporary fork, which did not match the specs of the Nixon - it was more like a Sherman in fact, but even with this low tech fix it was great to ride on all summer. I got my fork back recently and it is as good as new. I have not really put it through its paces yet and so close to winter I doubt I will really know until next season how it stands up (stay tuned for an updated review next spring!). 2) Hutchinson Bulldog Tires. Even the least bit of moisture or dampness and the tires pack up with mud and loose all grip. However, in dry and loose dry conditions they grip like crazy. Just be careful when its wet 3) Paint: Around the cables it wears out. I guess this is common, but it’s a bit of a shock if you’re not expecting it. I’m surprised manufacturers haven’t come up with a more rigorous fix for this problem. Your bike shop can do some tricky stuff with how they run the cables to lessen the damage and some clear tape help too. 4) High Maintenance: Be prepared for regular visits to your bike shop (or learn to do the work yourself) for regular maintenance. I think this bike is meant to be a weekend warrior. So, if you’re like me, and you plan to pound out huge mileage daily then keep your wrenches handy. Lots of pivots, moving parts, friction points etc. means lots of work.
Similar Products Used:
Reign 2 (this is the bike I wanted but it so highly sought after that I couldn’t get one in my size), Cake 1, Cake 2.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for 8 inch rotor up front.
Bottom Line:
I know I had a few criticisms, but they’re fair and minor compared to the overall quality of the bike. The fork was a serious issue but all parties (bike shop, Manitou and myself) were able to come to a reasonable compromise. And your fork may even work! I think it is important for consumers to go in knowing all the facts and I wish magazine reviewers and Manitou were more up front about the problem before I bought the bike. Nonetheless, I doubt it would have prevented me from buying the bike. And in all honesty I could not be happier with the purchase. This bike is absolutely amazing and so much fun. I know that with the fork downgrade I am really evaluating a Reign 2 and that is a perfect alternative to this bike. As I said earlier, I wanted a Reign 2 but “settled” for the Reign 1. Both of these bikes are amazing and I would recommend them to anyone who can have only one bike but wants to be able to ride everything!
I think you get more bang for your buck with a Reign 2 versus a Reign 1. So I think the value rating (cost versus benefits) should be lower. However, when I think of what two bikes of similar quality but uniqueness of purpose would cost me and I realize what a bargain either of these bikes is! So five hot, hot, hot chilli’s for value and overall she’s five chilli’s too!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig Fulcher
a Cross Country Rider
from Berkshire Bike and Blade Date Reviewed: October 31, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Wild Bill's X-stuntry park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3300.00
Purchased At:
Berkshire Bike and Blade
Strengths:
Almost everything on this bike is a strength. I love the suspension design, the wheelset, the rear shock, seatpost, crankset and those brake levers.
Weaknesses:
The nixon isn't as strong as i wanted, I changed the fork, handlebars, stem, seat, grips and tires. I mostly changed them because i can. I did change the seat cause i like the laser better and i got the fox 36 because it is sick and it matches the bike perfectly.
Similar Products Used:
Jamis XLT 1.0, Giant Faith 1
Bike Setup:
Reign 1 frame, manitou 3way swinger, fox 36, crossmax wheelset, full xt, wtb laser saddle with ti rails, fsa carbon bars, diablos stem, lizard skin lock on grips, wtb weirwolf tires( run tubeless with stans), race face carbon post, hayes hfx 9 with carbon levers , race face evolve xc crandset with external bearing bb and time z pedals.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike more than I can say. It handles like a dream on tight switchback singletrack. It climbs like a rockstar, it hardly bobs at all except for when I don't have enough air in the rear shock. The rear wheel travel feels so nice on decents, I can hardly even tell that I am on a bumpy trail when I am hauling ass down a hill. It is a good weight for the bike that it is. Like I said before I basically only change parts because I can and I am addicted to bikes and everything that involves them. So what I am trying to say is if you want an all mountain kick ass bike that will make you ride better than you ever did before, get the Giant Reign you won't regret it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from Albury NSW Australia Date Reviewed: September 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
anything technical
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3200.00
Strengths:
Sram shifting , in a word , is brilliant. Juicy 5 brakes are very powerful for 6". Pike 454's are stiff and also quite plush for an air sprung fork. The rear suspension is very active and plush on descents , but doesn't move on seated climbs. Overall , good parts spec for the price of the bike.
Weaknesses:
Bulldog tyres are disappointing. The rear has 2 holes torn in it after about 6 hrs of riding rocky trails.The light construction makes them prone to pinch flats and "rolling" laterally on the rim. Crossmax wheels are flexy laterally but aside from that are holding up well and still true. The swingarm has a little lateral flex as well , when combining the tyre , wheel and swingarm flex , it adds up to a very loose feeling rear end on fast rutted trails , almost like having a flat tyre ! The Race Face BB has a plastic sleeve between the spindle and bearing. The non drive side failed after the first 40 minute ride. The guy at the shop said he'd never seen one fail and Shimano have the same setup. Mine must have been a bad one or installed wrong.
Similar Products Used:
'03 Kona Stinky , not really similar , but the only other 6" bike I have owned. Test rode an '05 Specialized Enduro Expert.
Bike Setup:
Australian '06 spec , Pike team airs , I have fitted Stylo cranks (no plastic here thank you!), Crank Bros eggbeaters and a shorter stem.
Bottom Line:
Overall , I'm very happy with it. Despite the plushness of the rear suspension , the lateral flex in the rear makes it a little scary on high speed rutted trails , but to be fair , it's not a DH / FR bike. I'm sure a different wheelset and some better tyres would be the remedy for that type of riding. It climbs very well and the light weight is a big factor on long rides. I will be using it for endurance races and expect it will be well suited for this. Im almost 40 years old and not the fittest specimen around ! For me , this bike should do most of what I need it to do. Light , comfortable and hopefully reliable. If you really like to let it all hang out on fast , rough trails and don't mind a little extra weight, the Specialized Enduro would be worth a good look , it felt like a DH capable bike with its longer wheelbase and parts spec.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vince Yack
a Cross Country Rider
from Helena, MT Date Reviewed: August 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
pedals brilliantly. eats up the knar. IT adjustment is perfect for sudden steep climbs - just push the button, weight the bars, crank the climb, then wheelie and extend when things flatten out.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Kona Coiler, Kona Dawg, Cannondale Prophet, and test rode many others.
Bike Setup:
stock except for seat.
Bottom Line:
I still can't believe how much I like this bike! It's a cross-country and downhill bike all in one. If you like to climb then rail it to the bottom - you can't go wrong with this bike. It's the first bike I've owned that didn't have some part I'd like to change!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Murray
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: July 31, 2005
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Strengths:
LIGHT FOR THIS TYPE OF BIKE,VERY GOOD STAND OVER HIGHT, SHOCK ADJUSTABLY,6IN TRAVEL
Weaknesses:
HUTCHERSON BULL DOG TYRES,THIN PAINT
Similar Products Used:
GIANT NRS & XTC
Bike Setup:
STOCK BUT WITH 8 INCH DISCS FRONT & 7 INCH REAR,18 INCH FRAME
Bottom Line:
I SPENT ALOT OF TIME LOOKING INTO A BIKE & HAVING LIKED MY WIFE'S GIANT NRS SO MUCH IT WAS A BIG CALL TO GO AWAY FROM A BIKE THAT I LIKED SO MUCH. BUT SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO PUT FAITH IN THE BIKE MAKERS AS GIANT NEW THAT THERE WAS NO POINT BRINGING OUT A BIKE THAT WAS NOT GOING TO LIVE UP TO THE AWESOME NRS. I HAD BUILT UP A VERY HIGH EXPECTATION OF THIS BIKE IN THE 8 WEEKS FROM THE TIME I ORDERED IT TO WHEN I GOT MY HANDS ON IT & AT FIRST IT DIDN'T STAND UP, BUT AS WITH ALL NEW BIKES YOU HAVE TO SPEND TIME LEARNING HOW TO SET IT UP FOR YOUR NEEDS. WHEN SEATED THIS BIKE DOSN'T HAVE ANY PEDAL BOB AT ALL & I MEAN NONE BUT WHEN STANDING & PUTTING IN HIGH EFFORT IT DOES & WITH OUT A LOCK OUT FRONT FORK YOU WOULD LOOSE ALOT OF POWER. SOME MONTHS LATER & THROWING AWAY THE BULL DOG TYRES IN FAVOUR OF KENDA NEVEGALS I HAVE A BIKE THAT I REALY LIKE & WOULD BUY THIS MODEL AGAIN IF I HAD TO START ALL OVER. I'M NOT SURE HOW EVER IF I WOULD BUY A REIGN 3 OVER A NRS 3 AS THE EXTRA WEIGHT & WITH OUT THE LOCK OUT FRONT FORKS IT WOULD GIVE THE SAME RIDING PLEASURE,I'M 6FT & 82 KG & THIS BIKE SUITS ME VERY WELL & ALL THOUGH I BELEAVE THAT THERE WILL BE BIKES OUT THERE THAT WILL WORK A LITTLE BETTER IN THERE OWN FIELD I DON'T BELEAVE THERE IS A BIKE THAT WILL DO AS MUCH AS THIS ACROSS ALL RIDING TYPES. I HOPE THIS HELPS PEOPLE THAT ARE LOOKING FOR FOR A NEW BIKE & MUST MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE FIRST TIME.IF ANYBODY WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE U CAN EMAIL ME mnmsport@bopis.co.nz
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wayne
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: July 3, 2005
Favorite Trail:
The Reactor, Menai
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3234.00
Purchased At:
Maroubra Cycles
Strengths:
Handling on fast single track is supurb. It really rails on the corners and the bike just wants to go faster. On the downhill whether it be fast or slow technical riding it instills confidence in the rider encouraging you to push yourself. In respect to climbing if you have the legs it will keep going and there is no noticable peddle bob whilst seated. When you get out of the saddle it is a different matter however. This can be reduced by locking out the Pike Team Air fork but there is still some peddle bob. I have the Manitou 3 way set at 135 psi for the main chamber and 70 for the SPV chanber and I weigh approximately 69 kg. The forks I have found to be easy to adjust and the Pop-lock is more than useful. The avid juicy 7 brakes are just awesome. The mavic crossmax rims have copped a hammering and as of yet are not showing any signs of stress. In the air the bike feels light and easy to control. The bike has saved me on a number of occassions when I got it wrong.
Weaknesses:
The Hutchison Bulldog tyres were not suited to the riding I was doing. The front end had a habit of washing out from under me particularly if you were a bit lazy and did not get your weight foward enough. I practically wore out the rear tyre in 8 weeks and the side walls were getting shredded to bits where I had been brushing against rocks. I had a small bubble appearing in the side wall of the rear tyre so in the end I got rid of them. The cable routing seems to leave a bit to be desired. The cable to the rear and front derailleur have been badly damaged by the top linkage pinching it against the frame. At least this is what I think is happening. The bolts on the linkages were coming loose within the first 6 weeks of riding it.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized stumpjumper FSR 130 expert, Trek Liquid 25, Santa cruz Blur, Gary Fisher Joshua F1, Giant VT1.
Bike Setup:
Stock as is comes to Australia. Changed seat for Fizik Gobi wing flex, Shortened stem, Mavic Minion downhill tyres front & rear.
Bottom Line:
A great bike that encourages you to push yourself beyond your limits. I think this bike is perfect for the weekend rider who wants to fang down the hills, not kill yourself going up the other side, do a few drop offs and let you ride the technical stuff with confidence. If it wasn't for the poor tyres I would have given it 5 Chillis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairfax Station, VA Date Reviewed: May 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Fountainhead
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Pedals great uphill and down. Only weighs about 31.5 pounds--not at all heavy for a trailbike that can handle what this bike can do; pedals like a much lighter bike. No bob or brakejack. Has a well-balanced feel due to its low center of gravity. While not the most stable at low speeds, it handles well with a minimum of rider imput in a wide variety of terrain and speeds.
Weaknesses:
Handlebars are a little narrower than I would have liked; may switch them out at some point. I'll probably get rid of the carbon seatpost at some point, too.
Similar Products Used:
Previous bike was an '02 Giant Warp DS 3. I thought it was a nice bike, but now that I ride a Reign, I'm king of the trails!
Bike Setup:
Giant Reign 1, 20". Nixon Platinum fork. Mavic XM819 rims/XT hubs. XT hydraulic disc brakes and levers, 6" rotors. SRAM X-9 trigger shifters and rear derailleur. Hutchinson Spider 2.3 Tubeless tires, soon to switch for WTB Weirwolf tires. The Grind bashguard. Lock-on grips.
Bottom Line:
Excellent bike from Giant. I can do everything from XC to freeride to downhill on this rig. It's handled an 8 foot drop, no problem. I did have to send the fork back to Manitou for warranty repair because the IT didn't work and I got no travel; got it back within a couple weeks and works fine now. The ride is plush, yet pedals excellently. Only might wish it had the Swinger 4-way rather than the 3-way for the added adjustability.
Like I said, excellent trailbike. Does everything well. Not necessarily what you'd want if you are an XC racer, an all-out gung-ho freerider, or a kamikaze downhiller because it isn't designed for any of those disciplines exclusively; however, for a recreational rider such as myself who can only have one bike, yet wants to do it all to a fair extent, it is the perfect bike. In other words, probably wouldn't win any XC races, but can hold my own in the field; 25+ foot hucks are probably more than it can withstand, but 10 footers aren't a problem; won't win any downhill races, either, but can run the course with ease. The bike is also much more at home in the woods on the trails than in an urban environment.
I love this bike and believe I made an excellent purchase of an excellent bike. Value-wise, it is an excellent buy. A lot of money, but a WHOLE lot of bike; Moreover, it's still a lot cheaper than bikes of similar or even less quality from other leading manufacturers. Overall deserves a whole lot more than just 5 chilis!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Bethlehem, PA Date Reviewed: April 24, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Awesome bike, a go anywhere, run over anything, 31 lb machine. This bike peddles like a hardtail, and eats up anything you can throw at it downhill. I would definitely recommend this to anyone.
Weaknesses:
Had to send the nixon fork back to manitou, they had it about a month. IT travel adjustment didnt work at all on the fork and the 6" of travel was at about 1". basically this fork was trying to kill me. But, got it back, and havent had any trouble with it yet.
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike, even with the trouble I had with the fork, I love this thing. Just point it straight down a hill, and run over anything.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alfredo Iglesias
a Cross Country Rider
from Miami, FL, USA Date Reviewed: February 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Markham Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
Knight Bikes
Strengths:
This bike is awesome. Giant did a great job wih this bike. They were not kidding when they said you could go over and through anything. The 2.3 bull dog tires, the 6" travel and the IT system were all great.
Weaknesses:
NONE so far....
Similar Products Used:
2001 Giant NRS 1.
Bike Setup:
Stock from Giant
Bottom Line:
I will recommend this bike to any serious MTB. This is a great bike. It handled great going up & down hill and sharp corners. Bottom line it handled great all around.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, Oregon, USA Date Reviewed: February 12, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Macenzie River
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bikes
Strengths:
6" of rear travel, the travel adjustment for the front fork, SPV controls, Crossmax rims, smooth ride.
Weaknesses:
Stupid to say this considering what the bike can do but weight. With no modifications it weights 31.8 lbs
Similar Products Used:
Owned a Rocky Mountain Slayer with the travel lock down lever, Demoed a Cannondale Prophet
Bike Setup:
Stock from the dealer
Bottom Line:
I finally got to ride the bike today and did some drops and some steep climbs. Having the travel adjustment for the front fork was the one thing I loved about my Slayer and this fork is even better because it still has travel when all the way down. With the fork compressed to 60mm it was great for climbing, and I didn't notice any peddle bob. I did some 3 foot drops and wow is it a smooth landing. I can't believe a bike that is this plush can still climb better than my last bike with 4.75" of travel. I can't wait for some longer rides! I will post after a few more rides to see if it gets better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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