Giant's Reign 2 boasts 150mm of fully active rear suspension and 140mm in front to blast through rock gardens and everything else you want to attempt. Plus, the bike's lightweight aluminum frame surges forward, free of pedal-bob, for incredible pedaling power on the climbs.
Submitted by
huffman
a Cross Country Rider
from Hickory, NC USA Date Reviewed: November 17, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Bent Creek, Thompson (Tasli), Dupont
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Clark's Bicycles, HI
Strengths:
Floats over roots and rocks like nothing else I've ridden.
Weaknesses:
Front seems heavy and dives in jumps, blown fork after 14 months, being covered under warranty. Rear end likes to drift to the outside of a turn and downhill.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale M800 and Super V-1000
Bike Setup:
Stock except swapped the front Nevegal for a Short Tracker
Bottom Line:
This bike fly's faster downhill than any mountain bike I ridden and provides the suspension and braking to back it up. Rear suspension has been easy to deal with, not so the fork. Setting the sag at 20% and you blow through the other 80% pretty fast. I'm running more pressure & 10% sag still trying to get it dialed in but the blown fork hasn't helped. The fork lockout will only stay put at wide open or completely closed. I really wish the bike was lighter, 31 lbs for a large, really noticeable on jumps where you have to pull the front end up. My Super V-1000 weighs the same but you don't have to think about the front end when launching off a jump. I still think it's a great value for the entry fee.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AnewMadrid
a Cross Country Rider
from Silicon Valley Date Reviewed: June 5, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Strengths:
Can Handle tough rides but does with Finesse
Weaknesses:
Hayes Ride brakes while they stop you, they can be heard all around..super noisy.
Bike Setup:
Stock except XO rear mech and X9 shifters, 2010 Race Face Deus Cranks
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike in early January 2k9. I was going to get the Reign 1 but I just dug the color of the Reign 2 (not into the two toned thing)
Anyhow it's a bit on the heavy side but riding it you don't feel it too much. It bullets downhill and jumps and ruts and whatever you want to go for. I have had an issue with 44tst forks with oil leaking but I think the LBS will take care of it. The Hayes brakes aren't my favorite as they howl like nobody's business but they work. I upgraded the rear mech and shifters just because of preference and I just got the 2k10 Race Face Deus Crankset. I think it's a great bike and a great pricing point with quality components and longevity.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
manny40
a Weekend Warrior
from Escondido, CA Date Reviewed: November 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Sycamore Canyon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Wheel World
Strengths:
Exceptional ride quality. Please note this is for the 2006 Reign 2. Great cammo paint job, decent Race Face components, primo Maestro suspension linkage, Sram x-9 derr. The list goes on.
Weaknesses:
Manitou Nixon super 145 fork. It should be illegal to spec such a worthless piece of junk such as this, on any bike. Stiction is unbelievable, even on the lowest air pressures. Like riding a rigid at times. It claims to be 145mm, but it's actually 130mm travel. I confirmed this with Manitou. Replace immediately! I don't like the fact that the bike has an integrated headset. severely limits my options. Besides, this integrated set-up is not viewed as very reliable from an engineering standpoint in terms of durability. Giant offers no contact information on their web site.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Coiler, Iron Horse Warrior Pro.
Bike Setup:
Race Face Atlas stem 70mm, Rockshox Domain U-turn 115-160mm, Azonic Outlaws (white), RF Atlas AM bar, Tioga MX pedals, RF bashguard, all else stock.
Bottom Line:
This bike really rocks. WAAAAY better than the Kona Coiler I had. This thing climbs like a goat. Low bottom bracket takes some getting used to. I used to hit rocks all the time when turning, but once I adjusted, I found the bike more responsive, more stable, and more manageable than the Kona tank. As for the descending...forget about it, this bike shines on the downhills.
You won't need to buy too many upgrades, as the bike has some decent components. When jumping, the bike is stable in the air and the RP3 shock works as it should to minimize the impacts when landing. If you buy this bike, you'll be glad you did. I gave it 4 chilis on the overall for Giants' lack of contact information, and for the lousy Manitou fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
vdancer
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: July 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Various on South Mountain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Cactus Bikes, Ahwatu
Strengths:
Besides looking great, it is a very comfortable ride, feels very sure footed on most terrain. For the price, the included equipment is a good value. Compared to my last bike...this one made me a better rider. I want to get out on it way more than my last one (and I do).
Weaknesses:
Small complaints. When using the smallest gear on the front (1 of 3) the chain clicks a lot against the frame over rough terrain. (maybe design flaw, maybe me) It does not cause trouble so far, but is noisy. Does not come with pedals, or water bottle cage which for this price you'd think it would.
Similar Products Used:
This is my first FS.
Bike Setup:
Stock. 2008 Giant Reign 2
Bottom Line:
This bike was more than I originally wanted to spend (1500), but after reading tons of reviews and asking friends, etc, I decided to go ahead and get it. I have had the bike now for 3 weeks and have been out 10 times. My last bike was a trek 6000, and compared to this Giant, it was scary on the same trails. I test rode a bunch of other bikes, even giants, and this one just felt the best to me. If this bike feels good to you...get it, you won't regret it. The biggest advice I can give is test ride a bunch of bikes (I tested 13, before deciding finally on this). As I have more feedback, I may append this review.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Centennial, CO, US Date Reviewed: June 23, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Arapahoe Cyclery
Strengths:
Plush feel, good fit
Weaknesses:
Tires can lock against the frame in heavy mud, gears slip, and the chain can come off durring descents
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
The geometry of this bike is great, it feels stable and the bike looks good. I was debating between this bike and a Fezzari (a company from Utah). I went with the giant because of the marzcchi fork opposed to a rockshox fork and the added comfort of local bike shop. The bikes cost the same but the Fezzari has better components. After reading the owners manual, I found that although the Giant is advertised as an all mountain bike the front fork says specificaly not to use on all mountain terrain so the fork turned out not to be the deciding point I thought it was. It's still a good bike but I think the Fezzari would have been a better value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SuperflySTG
a Cross Country Rider
from St. George, Utah- USA Date Reviewed: June 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Anything on the Boulder Mountain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Sunset Cycles
Strengths:
The suspension is outstanding. I love the ability to lock out the front and put the back on pp and the bike is solid for peddling hard. Then if you want to start using the six inches of drop just flip a switch and 5-6 foot drops will feel like nothing.
Weaknesses:
My bike weighs 33lbs with everything I have on it. Maybe just a touch heavy. Well worth it in the long ride.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher, Rocky Mountain
Bike Setup:
No upgrades. I didn't feel the need. Just straight from the bike shop.
Bottom Line:
This is the real deal. The price is really good for the quality of bike. It looks like a warrior- just mean looking and ready to chew up anything in it's path.
I use the bike around town and on the trails and it's one of those bike that are good for anything you have planned.
The day I bought it I ran to the LBS to pick it up- and then road it 16 miles before going home. The next day I followed it up with 22 miles some road, dirt, sand, rocks and some big air!
If your sitting on the fence about this bike- don't! It's a winner.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
G Man
a Weekend Warrior
from Ventura, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Sisar/ Gridley
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Strengths:
Incredible suspension and the light weight for a 6 inch travel bike.
Weaknesses:
Handlebars a little too narrow.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Santa Cruz, Cannondale, Trek, GT and Giant.
Bike Setup:
Upgraded handlebar, seat and seat post. Everything else stock.
Bottom Line:
Climbing machine and a downhill bomber. A bike that I can ride all day in comfort. This bike just kicks ass.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erich
a Racer
from Colorado Springs, CO, USA Date Reviewed: May 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
captain jacks or ski resorts
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Bought everything separate, built it up custom to me
Strengths:
Bike is strong, extremely good at any type of riding, and very durable. I've taken it on some mean trails, jumps, and drops and it just wants MORE.
Weaknesses:
Heavy as hell. I have some really light parts on this thing and it still weighs in at 34 lbs. I have two more upgrades to drop weight but it won't be very noticable.
Also, the rear suspension bolts get loose quickly. I tighten them before every ride and it seems they always get loose. Loctite helps.
06 Reign 2 frame, Fox RP3, 07 RS Lyrik soloair, 7's, x.0 shifters, x.9 mid r. derail, rhyno lite rims, other good parts I chose and bought for this bike
Bottom Line:
I race Super D here in CO. I used to ride a hardtail. It limited my riding speed because I just couldn't go faster than my dying wrists and legs allowed me to. With the coming of this bike, my hardtail is very lonely. I have a great setup for any ride, light as possible with high quality components. I have a set of race tires (minion and the captain) that have unbeatable traction in any conditions. I rode this in Moab for about 100 miles on Slickrock, Porcupine Rim, and Amasa Back. I traded to ride my buddy's hardtail for a bit on Slickrock. It was absolute HELL. To switch from the Reign to that was just impossible. The Reign, you just don't feel the trail I did all kinds of jumps and drops on Porc. Rim and I never knew it until my buddy would yell in pain as he landed hard. Look back, what, that was a drop?!
This bike can climb too. Put the shock in PP and not much energy is lost to bobbing. If you can balance the bike properly it won't bob at all.
I have had some sketchy issues with handling. At speeds turning can take a lot of skill as it unpredictably can over or understeer.
It is extremely stable in jumps and drops, you would be surprised. The fork doesn't dive and it is easy to balance the bike in midair.
On techy trails you just have to lean back a bit and tell the bike where to go. It does the rest. Literally, you don't really have to worry about the jumping around or getting trown off balance.
Overall I just bought the bike on a whim and boy am I glad I did! Best investment I've made recently, except maybe the fork :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, B.C Date Reviewed: May 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
The Hartland
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$399.00
Purchased At:
Wheelworld.com
Strengths:
- Maestro Suspension design and Fox RP3 (with pro pedal) virtually eliminates pedal bob. - Strong frame, taken it off 8ft drops!!! - Great control, nimble quick. - Pretty light weight in my opinion. - Excellent Giant Warranty!!!
Weaknesses:
- 1 1/8" Headtube, wish it was oversized. - A low seat will graze back tire landing a big drop, no big deal.
Bike Setup:
06' Giant Reign 2, 06' Boxxer Ride (U-turn)
Bottom Line:
This frame is amazing. Words cannot describe. Truly all-mountain, you can climb like a goat and descend like a champ. I've setup mine more for aggressive Freeride, light DH. When RP3 is set in plush mode, it does exactly that, PLUSH 6" of pure travel. When set in ProPedal mode, it gets down to business and stiffens up, almost like a hardtail. I've done 4 hr road rides with this thing, AND gone nuts on the trails. I couldn't have asked for a better do-all bike. I cannot stress how good the Maestro design is. Giant is a solid company, not the mention the largest bike manufacturer in the world. You get good deals with their bikes with good specs, and you get a damn good warranty. Break a frame? They'll send you a new one, or a free upgrade to a better frame if they stopped making yours.
CHECK THIS MOVIE OUT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VHHk3nP3wc
It will show you the Maestro Suspension design IN ACTION. It definitely illustrates how it reduces pedal bob. The rear wheel and triangle is fully active, however the frame remains still, giving you a smooth, pedal efficient ride.
Go and get one, or at least test ride one to see what I mean.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jacko
a Weekend Warrior
from Plymouth, England Date Reviewed: May 9, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Frame, build and design, the suspension technology works really well to give plush travel but no bob when climbing.
Weaknesses:
I had my shock bushes wear out after about a year. i found the original stem too long. the hutchinsom bulldog tyre that came as stock were poo!
06 Reign 2, Mavic CrossMax Xl's with Maxxis Highrollers (tubeless, 2.35 60a rear, 2.5 62a front), DMR conrod stem(65mm), Specialised alias seat, raceface bashring, DMR chain reator (MKII), gusset slim-jim's, cheap lock-on grips! Soon to have Marzocchi AM 1's.
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike! when i was looking at new bikes, i saw the spec for the reign, n decided it was too expensive, too much travel, too heavy etc. The bike shop had a test bike which they pursuaded me to to take out, and i bought mine the same day! The Maestro technology works brilliantly. The bike climbs easilly with no bob from pedalling, whilst still having active suspension, and descends beautifully! A perfect all round bike for someone who wants to ride all day, but be able to give every downhill their all. I use mine for everythign from XC club rides, through playing on the street, to sessioning the DH trails with the daft lads...!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CHRIS
a Weekend Warrior
from Manchganistan, NH Date Reviewed: March 25, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Strengths:
Just FYI, it's the 2008 Size Medium Model.
Front forks, rear shock, solid frame
Weaknesses:
No weaknesses realized yet
Similar Products Used:
'06 Rocky Mountain Slayer 50, '07 Trek Fuel EX, '01 Specialized Big Hit, '03 Specialized P3. Those were all tested, but it's replacing my current '96 Proflex 756 with horrible RS Judy XCs and no-name coil over rear suspension with '96 xt components
Bike Setup:
Stock '08 Reign 2 riddin' by a washed up mid-20s MTB'er breaking the tape at 5'10" and snapping the scale at 185lbs.
Bottom Line:
I researched for about 6 months basically every brand I could find info on, with my preference for the bigger brand names. My style of riding can best be described as mostly XC but with a strong propensity for hitting jumps and drops that would give a XC only bike hell.
For the money, I felt the Giant accomplishes everything I want a bike to do. The suspension can be locked out on the fly, and even when it isn't, it rides with less peddle-bob than my '96 Proflex and the 'Flex is supposed to be more XC oriented than the Reign. However, I think I could hands down outride the 'Flex on XC trails with the Reign, nevermind factoring in my inclination to hit trail jumps, drops and stunts. It's amazing how far the MTB tech has come in 12 years!!
The 'Flex saw some pretty good abuse during it's hay-day: I snapped the handlebars off a jump, snapped the crank off another jump, warped a second crank, and snapped the rear triangle off the bike as well (was given a new frame off warranty, thanks proflex!)
I'll probably delete this post and update it after a few months of hard riding to re-evaluate the bike, but I anticipate that it will stand up to some decent abuse, otherwise I never would have plunked down my hard earned cash for this trail-spanking chick magnet of a MTB.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chad Howard
a Weekend Warrior
from West Coast Carolinian Date Reviewed: February 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Poplar Tent (Beech Springs)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Spirited Cyclist
Strengths:
The Maestro is insane! Solid welds and frame design w/ the Aluxx design.Fox is plush and floats very nice. Marzocchi, the bomb! (no pun intended)
Weaknesses:
Seat is a little hard. Currently on the hunt for a new saddle. (Personal preference)
Fox RP2,Marzocchi Bomber 600TST2, Hayes Stroker Ryde Hydros,SRAMX7-Rear, LXfront,SPD's RaceFaceCranks,Handlebars,Stem and seatpost.WTB Speed V seat, ODI Lock Grips and Nevegals 2.35s with Laser Discs. All stock except grips.
Bottom Line:
Well, I researched for over 8 months and did my homework. So here it is. I'm 5'11 and a "huskie" 230 ;). My local trail here was perfect for the first test ride, drops, techy roots, boulders, steep ledgy 20 ft descents, quick single track tech, and my favorite... JUMPS!!I read that it would take anything. So, that's what I gave it! Can you believe it laughed at me??? And said that's all you have??? I felt like I needed Whistler or something. Dropped a small 4 footer and landed on a cloud. Had the Maestro rear dialed in at about 150 w/the FOX RP2, might stiffin it up a little for larger drops. This thing ate rock gardens for appetizers. The Kenda Nevegals aren't called sticky for no reason. Loose muddy dirt was not a problem. I flew over small boulders with ease. I think I heard the Bomber ask me "is there anything larger around here, I'm getting bored." This thing just wanted more!!! In about 40mins. my confidence level and riding level that I had been bottled up for so long was quickly released. In fact it doubled with aggressivness. I needed a good solid bike that would let me dish it out and the 6' travel REIGN2 did it! Being a dude that's not small, climbing and I don't get along but when they say no bob with the Maestro, they are not lying. Took hits very well and it I climbed stuff that my HT wouldn't be able to touch. The weight (27lb. Trek HT-> Giant Reign 2 31lbs) and frame set up enabled me to climb very very well and I HATE climbing. The Hayes stopped on a dime. I LOVE MY HAYES!! In summary I have been riding for 8 years and was ready for a full suspension. I wanted to invest in a something that I could test ride before I purchased it. My expectations for the last 8 months of what I read about the Reign did more than live up to the expectations, it's surpassed them. This bike is for the one that really wants to step up his riding with a chunk of travel. I highly recommend this bike to any aggressive all mountain rider. Jumps, Drops, Climbs like a monster but without the weight. Just a sick bike,and it's mine! For the money and the style of riding I do, like Toyoto says I couldn't ask for anything more! Those Chili's are Habeneros!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JUI CHI
a Downhiller
from Taipei Date Reviewed: February 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Holly Valley trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Taipei
Strengths:
framset is great.
Weaknesses:
part is weaker than expect, especially the wheel.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bottom Line:
Product has the basic quality, but the service of Giant in Taiwan is pretty low end and out of date.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Supa
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: October 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Da Don and Durham
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Fall bike sale
Strengths:
Great suspension design and excellent parts on it.
Weaknesses:
Hayes 9 disc's suck Seatpost creaks after a couple rides The stock fork wouldnt use the last 1" of travel. barely enough room for a water bottle (got mine to fit better with some material removal from the waterbottle cage) But still a way too tight fit. Weight is on the heavy side but the 08's are a pound+ lighter.
Bike Setup:
06 bike with AM SL 05 fork and XTR parts. 30 lbs with 2.5's
Bottom Line:
Great bike as everyone that rides it ends up loving it as most of my friends that rode it plan on buying a Reign or Trance now. Toss the Manitpoo fork for a Fox or Marz 150mm fork and you cant go wrong!
Gave it 5 for value only cause I got it alot cheaper then most stores were selling it even on sale.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane Australia Date Reviewed: October 27, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Chocolate Buddha
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Tom wallace cycles
Strengths:
versatile and worth upgrading. Strong and flex free frame with great geometry. Great value.
Weaknesses:
Upper swingarm bearings are probably a bit under sized and were not good quality. Paint is really soft. Bit heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Giant VT, Gt STS 1000
Bike Setup:
Its really a Reign 3 but I originally speced it like a Reign 2 05 using the best stuff off my VT plus Nixon platinum forks. Now its got 07 Fox Float RLC forks , RP23 shock and XT cranks. Enduro bearings replaced stock suspension bearings
Bottom Line:
The only mechanical issues Ive had is the Raceface Evolve cranks would never stay tight and the upper swing-arm bearings disintegrated (at about 14 months) leaving the outer bearing race stuck in the frame. Luckily my local bike shop was able to remove the remnants and replace them with Enduro bearing kit. I would highly recommend replacing the stock suspension bearings A.S.A.P. on 05/06 Trance and Reign frames as there quite a few cases of total bearing destruction. The Enduro bearing kit was cheaper than the Giant genuine replacement parts and so far are holding up well.
This bike has really opened a new world for me. I never did jumps and drops before I owned a Reign. Amazingly it climbs OK and totally rips on flowing single track. The suspension eats four inch logs but still allows me to claw my up rutted climbs. The only downside is when the trails get really twisty, with sudden ups and downs, I really struggle to keep up momentum and will often stall out. I dont think there is anything wrong with the static geometry, its just sudden shifts in weight make the bike rock between the back and front long travel suspension which changes geometry drastically . This causes the bike to over or under steer and front wheel to lift on up hill switch backs. To be fair this is only a problem on really tight tracks. I guess what Im saying is its not a XC bike. Having said that, its not a free ride bike either, but its great for everything in-between.
Anyway, to sum things up, this bike has taken me down every thing Ive had the balls to try and every where Ive wanedt to go. Ive been so impressed with this bike Im taking delivery of a new 08 Reign 0 in two weeks!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pawel
a Cross Country Rider
from Lodz, Poland Date Reviewed: August 5, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2065.00
Purchased At:
Dynamo Lodz
Strengths:
A suspension design that works - RockShox TORA up front is a great fork, feels very active and allows for sprints or climbing out of the saddle (motion control with lockout and pre-set floodgate). Maestro suspension with FOX float R2 with pre-set propedal platform does not bob under power and does not jam when rear brake is applied. It remains active if there is any "ground input" and eats up anything it encounters along its path. Although it's fairly easy to bottom it out on bigger jumps (1 meter?). Both for and shock are very easy to set up and require no maintenance (so far).
Solid parts specs - all of the supplied stuff gives a feeling of a well thought-out bike.
Predictable handling - the best example: take hands off bars, take heavy backpack off, take jacket off, put jacket into backpack, put backpack on back, put hands on bars again - the bike will keep in a straight line even if the ground gets rough. And it flies well too.
Nice wheelset - WTB rims allow for fast tube changes, you can take the tire off with your little finger.
Cool brakes - Juicy 3's may be the cheapest of hydraulic Avids but they work very nice.
Weaknesses:
Wooden saddle - this is the only part that should't have been even put near this bike. It's like a wooden plank. And if you sit upright like on the Reign it will just make your a$$ sore and make you wish you stayed at home.
Tyres made of gelly - KENDA Blue Groove and Nevegal are supposed to be used for downhill but I can't really think how the would be useful. They slide in the mud, they slip on the rocks and can be tricky in fast corners. On hardpack or tarmac they need a nuclear powerplant to propel them. After 200km the tread on them was already in shreds.
Race Face crankset - My RF Ride XC has a bent middle ring which makes the chain rub the front derailer cage. Ver annoying.
Similar Products Used:
Just tested friends' fullys. Apart from that it was hardtails all the way.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for f'izi:k GOBI saddle and SRAM X-9 rear derailer. Expecting further changes real soon (Nobby Nic tyres, some carbon piping).
Bottom Line:
I love the bike although it sometimes makes me suffer (tire drag). A good purchase for someone who wants something more than XC all their life. It will keep reminding you of all the good epic mountain rides you did on it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trevor
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland Oregon Date Reviewed: July 18, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
used craiglist
Strengths:
The whole package is great. good climber and great on downhills
Weaknesses:
Hutchinson tires are fine for hardpack but awful in soft or wet conditions. Front forks don't firm up very well, so there is some back bob during climbing.
Similar Products Used:
First Mountain bike in a long time.
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Really fun climbing and decending. Not to happy with the front forks when climbing. There is alot of bobbing. The rear works really well climbing without a lockout or pro-pedal. just firmed up the shock to alittle bit above the 0.5" sag. But it is a fast bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tyler schott
a Racer
from Fort Collins, CO US Date Reviewed: July 9, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Full Cycle
Strengths:
the bike is killer on the downhill and on tight technical climbs, decent components
Weaknesses:
fork
Similar Products Used:
specialized stumpjumper, giant trance
Bike Setup:
2x9 with ethirteen bashgaurd, x9 rear der, nixon elite fork, rp3 shock, hayes 9 hydraulic brakes
Bottom Line:
if your the type of rider who wants big travel and quality components without a super high cost then giant is the way to go, the reign may be a bit heavy but that is virtually unnoticeable witht the maestro suspension
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George Brown
a Weekend Warrior
from Simi Valley, California USA Date Reviewed: May 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Lang Ranch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Newbury Park BS
Strengths:
Heavy, but very supple and agile. Best ride i've ridden. My Yetti Koko and NRS are my lightweight racers, but my '06 Reign rules the downhill. It is so much more fun! You can fly over the roughest terrain with easy. Tricky ST with rocks is NO PROBLEM. Stock parts work very well. Thanks Giant! The Spec Enduro SL was in my sights, but the Reign2 was more bike for the money.
Weaknesses:
Weight, but it's not that bad. Only 32lbs? The bike does climb VERY WELL.
Similar Products Used:
Yeti Koko, Giant NRS 1 upgraded.
Bike Setup:
Bone stock.
Bottom Line:
The best bike for the money for what it does best, ride up well and bomb down best!!! Can't wait to do JPL El Prieto on my new rocket!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CRAIG DAY
a Weekend Warrior
from SOUTH AFRICA Date Reviewed: March 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
wolrds view XC
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Maverick Cycles SA
Strengths:
Awesome hill climber and bush basher. Best ridden with the SPV Manitou rear shock. Gives a good XC ride with 6 inch give.
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy stock but after some upgrades it's quite light!
Similar Products Used:
Maverick ML8 and 7.5
Bike Setup:
SRAM Chain crossstep and 990 Cassette with XT shifters rear and front mech XT White spoke Spinergy wheelset,Easton monkey lite SL DH bars. Formula discs and my best white spank Grips
Bottom Line:
Once you ride this bike you always think of buying a better bike BUT when you start looking you never find one better than the Reign. Just lighten it up and you'll have an allrounder with plenty of GO GO GO!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dylan
a Weekend Warrior
from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia Date Reviewed: March 9, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Plush, fast, not too heavy, climbs well, descends better. Good spec for the price
Weaknesses:
Difficult to achieve cable routing that doesn't rub, paint job not super tough. Like my clicks a bit more positive than the X7 shifters give (have 9.0SL gripshift on my other bike and XT triggers on my _other_ other bike).
Similar Products Used:
Test ridden stumpy 120, owned race XC hardtail.
Bike Setup:
2007 Reign 1 stock Australian spec (Fox 32 Float RL, RP2, DT wheels, SRAM X9 rear/LX front, X7 shifters, Juicy 3 6" brakes, Raceface Evolve XC finishing kit). Swapped M520 clipless to MSHBKS sealed bearing flat pedals. Plan to switch to 7" rotor on the front.
Bottom Line:
This bike has made me a much better rider - faster, better skills, more confident, and I'm having more fun on the rocky technical trails around home than I used to.
One of the most telling things I can say is that as a keen rock climber who climbed at least twice a week last aussie summer, I have only touched rock once since I bought my Reign in October - I'm just having too much fun on the bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michal
a
from Chelm, Poland Date Reviewed: December 30, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Montauk Bike Shop
Strengths:
Excelent for climbing, no bobs, accelerates great, not to heavy, good brakes
Weaknesses:
Hutchinson tires suck- whenever it rainse or is muddy they loose grip,
Similar Products Used:
giant trance, NRS,
Bike Setup:
Crank Brother's Mallets, Rohloff chain (Shimanos's torn after 1,5K km), slime in tubs
Bottom Line:
I adore this bike, it allows me to ride wherever I want to, and as fast as I want to.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ron
a
from Highlands,NJ,US Date Reviewed: December 27, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Well to start the frame is really sturdy. The suspension is also great. On the climbs, if I'm seated with propedal switched on, there's no bob. It also accelerates extremely well; noticed this on the first test ride. I think this can be attributed also to the suspension..., and the geometry.
Weaknesses:
The paint chips easily but that doesn't really bother me all that much. Also, as everyone here has already said, the tires the bike came with were horrible. Hutchinson should simply stop making them, terrible. Weight maybe, but that doesn't really bother me.
Similar Products Used:
This is my first mountain bike since I was 13 so no.
Bike Setup:
Currently: Zoke Z1SL, hussefelt stem (burly), Nevengal tires, Fox RP3 rear shock (came stock), easton EA 70 bars, rest is stock
Bottom Line:
This is a great ride. It climbs really well and the downhills are a real thrill. The bike just keeps up foward momentum. I 've noticed I'm riding faster than most riders on lesser rides while passing them with what looks like considerably less effort.
It's also is a bit heavy, but if you don't mind weight and want travel for drops and smoothness on the downhill it works. Word to the wise, go with wider bars they improve steering greatly.
Just keep in mind this review is for an 06 Reign 2 with different fork and some other things replaced. The Z1 made the bike track even better. With good tires the Reign comes alive.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jakecub Burnsery
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Victoria, AUS Date Reviewed: December 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
canada
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1999.00
Purchased At:
Gold Cross
Strengths:
awsome suspention all round, nice mediumish light frame and good tyres
Weaknesses:
Gear changer broke within a few days (after my 1st stack)
Similar Products Used:
GT i5, Giant stp2
Bottom Line:
Great bike love it and will keep suping it up until its the best in the world and if you are looking for a bike this is a great Buy!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
oli
a Weekend Warrior
from carlisle uk Date Reviewed: December 15, 2006
Favorite Trail:
ae forest
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
palace cycles
Strengths:
weight,,no pedal bob
Weaknesses:
poxy paint cheap spokes lots of bushes that arnet covered under the warrenty
Similar Products Used:
orange 5,yeti 575,scott genius
Bike Setup:
bonty x lite wheels kenda nevegal and bluegroove goodrige hoses wider bars,sdg belair lizardskin lockons other than that pretty much stock
Bottom Line:
great bike goes up nealy as good as it comes down but constantly broken replaced rear bushes lots had fork resealed twice replaced bottom bracket every thing seems to break on it it could just be me who knows
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
barry
a Cross Country Rider
from toronto, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: September 24, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Cyclepath
Strengths:
Rides great. Climbs like a goat and you don't really feel the added wieght.
Weaknesses:
The stock tires suck. I had the same issue with my NRS. Giant needs to stop specing the Hutchinson tires. They have no grip at all, it really is a let down. I switched mine out after the first ride
Bike Setup:
Stock with the exception of a set of Kenda Stick-e's/
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. Rode the bent rim trail today and the improvement over my NRS was amazing. I'm riding it as a XC bike over really rocky terrain mostly and I love it. You don't really feel the added weight and it climbs as well if not better than my NRS. The suspension set up gives a lot more feedback than I thought it would, you can feel what's going on under you.
The only let down I have found so far was the OE tires. Don't even take the bike out with them, change them out before you leave. If you can negotiate a new set as they are landfill.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, Oregon Date Reviewed: September 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Gales Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
The 05 Reign is a fully capable all mountain machine. Hayes 9 brakes perform well on this platform, Nixon Elite (w/extra firm spring)is plush, burly - burly - burly while climbing like a champ
Weaknesses:
Needs the 8" front rotor, Bulldogs are suspect at best, not a downhill bike :)
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Stock except for 8" front rotor, 2.3 Continental Gravity tires and an extra-firm shock upgrade on the Nixon
Bottom Line:
An awesome trail bike for doing ANYTHING other than dedicated downhill/freeride. I will not out grow this bike for my everyday rider here in Oregon. It has opened up so much more terrain and confidence in my riding and allows me to hammer up as well as bomb down. It survived, kind-of, three days at Whistler, but was most certainly at the end of it's rope. Logical up grades are the larger front rotor, a pushed RP3(or 23), and a Gravity Dropper. Upgrading the basics when they wear out. Sweet, Sweet bike and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. My LBS has been awesome as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
david
a Weekend Warrior
from teesdale, victoria, geelong Date Reviewed: August 31, 2006
Favorite Trail:
you yangs
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
degrandi
Strengths:
good grip and suspension control, excelent brake modulation, good gearing for climbing and decending, remote fork lock-out helps climbing in the middle of a ride, solid construction
Weaknesses:
name brand bikes are expencive The front and rear gear levers opperate in the dirrection. (eg. the big lever shifts down on the right/rear but it shifts up on the left/front). This occasionaaly results in wrong shifts in the heat of battle. The rear derailer hangs low and is prone to being jammed with sticks that flip up. This is common to all fully suspended bikes with gears on the rear axle.
stock except MSHBKS pedals and NINJA VEE RUBBER tyres
Bottom Line:
An excelent bike for riding up hills and having fun on the way down. Forget the clip-on pedals unless you want a lot of injuries going downhill. I have not slipped off the MSHBKS yet. The vee tyres have good grip on soft surfaces but vibrate a little on hard surfaces. Cables rubbing through the paint can be prevented using transparent tape or the transparent stickers Giant suplies.
I chose this bike instead of the others because; the hard-tails had no grip as they bounced from bump to bump, the GT I5 did not appear robust enough for downhill, the Faith was too heavy, the Reign 3 brakes felt terrable and upgrading them brought the price close to the reign 2 without getting the other good bits, the Stinky was a very close call but the suspension gave less control.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bass
a Weekend Warrior
from Fremont, CA Date Reviewed: August 28, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Wilder Ranch
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1650.00
Purchased At:
Fast Bicycles, San Jose
Strengths:
Fast acceleration, no bobs in climbing, comfortable ride on tough terrain.
Weaknesses:
A bit too heavy. Bad traction in mud with stock tires.
Similar Products Used:
K2, Yeti
Bike Setup:
Stock - except for pedals and tires
Bottom Line:
My only purpose of buying this bike is for steep climbing which I do 3 times a week. I have been doing this for years with my hard tail. The climb is 2,000 feet elevation gain in about 2.5 miles. This trail is pretty much in my back yard.
The only concern before I made my decision on a Reign 2 was its weight. It is 8 pounds heavier than my hard tail. Climbing 2,000 feet in 2.5 miles pushes my limit. I wasn't sure I can make it with this bike. But after reading so many reviews I decide to give it a try.
No question about it, the Reign 2 climbs as good as a hard tail. You simply don't feel the additional weight. Coming down the hill with a 2,000 feet decend in 10 minutes is no longer a threat to me. It is just pure fun. The brake is powerful and cornering is tight. This trail is full of dirt and loose gravels, but I can always control my turns without skidding.
The only problem is with the stock tires in the winter when it is muddy or wet. The Hutchinson Bulldog has no traction at all which greatly affect my climbs. After replacing them with Continental Vertical Pro's I no longer have this problem. So this is an easy solution.
The shock and fork absorb bumps in high speed decends thru dry stream beds very well too. I used to reduce to a much lower speed when crossing them with my hard tail, but now I can almost fly thru.
I already wore out 2 sets of brake pads in 10 months.
I thought about getting an NRS which I know is the best climber. But if you also want to be rewarded with the fun of decend, Reign 2 is the one. Oh, and it does not bob at all. I have seen other riders bobbing like hell in front of me.
If you are also looking for pure breed of the best climber and downhill like me, you should try this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Terrell Thruston
a Weekend Warrior
from Roseville Date Reviewed: August 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Foresthill Divide Loop
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Auburn Bike Works
Strengths:
Suspension travel, no pedal bob, good all around ride. Great climbing, excellent for attacking the downhills.
Weaknesses:
Stock Race Face bottom bracket stinks. Sorry grips. Cable routings need some work.
Bike Setup:
Stock except, Easton Monkey Lite XC HR bar, 8 inch from rotor
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike because i wanted a bike i could ride all day long, go anywhere and do anything. This is a great all mountain bike. Excellent climbing, great descents. it shines on technical stuff. I enjoy it on all day epic rides, or quick weekday rides. I am a 195lb rider and the stock Nixon spring was too soft so upgraded to the stiff spring - well worth the effort. Also swapped out to an 8" from rotor, well worth it for a heavier rider. It doesn't come with the best components, but good value for the money. I truly love this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Manny Wheaton
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise Date Reviewed: July 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Connie
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Bob bikes Boise
Strengths:
A lot of travel and no bob.
Weaknesses:
A little heavy but I can lose this on my butt.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Blur, Rocky Mtn. Element, K2 rzr back
Bike Setup:
LX low end components
Bottom Line:
Can't find a better deal out there for what you get here. This is a $3k bike in a $1k deal. Anyone whom doesn't check this bike out is making a mistake. I bought a Blur for much more and this rides as good or better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ted Radford
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth, Western Australia Date Reviewed: July 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
John Forrest, Green Mount 20 km circuit
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
TBE Belmont
Strengths:
Comfort, handling, braking, climbing, desending. Good components for the price.
Weaknesses:
Hutchinson Tyres, Cheap saddle, Yucky grips, over length cables.
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumper, Santa Cruz Blur.
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox Revelation Forks(std), ODI Grips, Maxxis Ignitor 2.35 tyres, Race Face cranks(std), Avid Juicy hydraulic disc brakes(std), Body geometry saddle.
Bottom Line:
I started mountain biking about 5 years ago for fun and fitness. My younger brother has been riding for about 20 years and we ride every weekend. I've had to learn fast to keep up with my brother. My first bike, a Giant ATX 860 with Z2 Bombers on the front, was awesome and fast, but unforgiving. Four broken helmets, knees and elbows covered in scars. My old body was suffering big time. Then I read about the Reign 2. I bought myself one for Xmas. I can now ride up hills that bucked me off on my old bike. The back wheel stays put over tree roots, gum nuts and loose rocks. Giant have got the gearing just right, even with 4 lbs of extra weight, I can clear hills that would normally have me walking. I can hammer down ruts, over drop offs and through rock gardens, still spattered with my blood, with much less terror. I can even over-take my brother down some tracks. The longer wheel base and awesome brakes helps with the precise handling. I've yet to find the limits of the Maxxis tyres, they are like riding on rails even on pea gravel(and that's saying something). Though I'm sure the suspension has a lot to do with that. The Revelation forks are plush and easy to set up. The lock out lever is easy to use, and makes a huge difference when you stand on the pedals to crank it. The Maestro is where it all comes together. No bob, no bottom, no bumps, no worries. Just aim it and hang on tight. Every time I ride my Reign it impresses the hell out of me. I can honestly say I love my Reign, and so does my aching back. For anyone who has just turned 50, like me, I can recommend this as a bloody good buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Perth Western Australia Date Reviewed: May 30, 2006
Favorite Trail:
John Forrest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
TBE Willetton
Strengths:
Rear suspension, DT hubs and Mavic317 rims, XT gears, price.
Fox Talas 130RLC forks, Kenda Nevegal tyres, Answer Pro Taper oversize bars and Truvativ 90mm-5degree stem, Thomson Elite seatpost, Odi Ruffian grips.
Bottom Line:
I am writing this review as a direct comparison to the VT2 for those thinking about upgrading, I originally struck this bike off my wish list because it was heavier than the VT and I struggle on long climbs. After testing other bikes and talking to many other guys, I thought I'd give one a try. The VT was an awesome bike but I had some major issues with build quality and The rediculous Minute One forks. To get the fork thing out of the way, any of the current crop of forks would be better than the oil leaking, knocking, hammering, flexible MInutes. The Reign rides great off the showroom floor. No badly aligned, sticky calipers, gost shifting or terrible chainline. The cable routing for the rear brake is not good and it gets jammed between the rocker arm and the frame- easily fixed. The Hutchinson tyres are always crap, I think the only people who buy their tyres are Giant. Not that their is anything wrong with the EA50 bars and stem, I just wish they would spec a trailbike/freeride? bike with stiffer oversized bars and stem, it makes a huge difference, especially on technical downhill stuff. This bike just blew me away with it's amazing pedalling, it just doesn't bob. I find I am riding up the hills easier and I'm less shattered towards the end of the ride. DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE EXTRA WEIGHT it goes up hills better than the VT! The rear suspension tracks straighter in all technical conditions, especially on rutted downhill chutes, drops, log rollovers and jumps. It has WAY more lateral rigidity and the back wheel is always on the ground during braking and acceleration. No brack jack at all. My forks even work better than they did on the VT as the rear end is not trying to overpower them. This bike is inspiring new confidence in me to ride harder and faster, jump more often and go bigger. I am enjoying my riding more and feeling less worn out after the ride. What more can I say, GO OUT AND BUY ONE!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DANE
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
firebreak-mt. Tam
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
ceasars cyclery
Strengths:
fast, light, 6-inches of travel, maestro suspension, inexpensive, shimano XT, high components, $500 FORK!!!
Weaknesses:
fork adjustment feels cheap, hard to control in the air, suspension not too responsive to little bumps. chain hits frame when landing hard.
Similar Products Used:
kona coiler
Bottom Line:
I have had this bike for three months, since I am 15 years old I am still in the hands of school, and can only ride on weekends, but when I do I go to the top of Mt. Tam and bomb down the 40-miles of illegal singletrack!!! Even after rideing this hard for 3-months, this bike has taken it all, from 35mph down a smooth single track to 7-ft drops on Mt. Tam. Since it has maestro suspension my 3 hr. journy to the top isn't as bad as it good be, like rideing on my last bike, an old 40lb kona coiler. And boasting a whopping 6-inches of active suspension, they do mean "all-mountain" when they say all-mountain.
there are some downsides to this bike-the manitou nixon fork is a good fork but its adjustment features feel cheap, and unefective, since its an air-shock in the rear, landing from a huge drop feels a little uncomfortable, apposed to a coil shock, which absorbes the big impacts better. It takes some getting used to.
This bike is perfect for haveing fun going up hill as well as down. but if you are looking specifically for DH, and you want a heavy 11-inch travel beafy bike, I would look away from thi bike. (but who actually needs a pure DH bike)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DANE
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
firebreak-mt. Tam
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
ceasars cyclery
Strengths:
fast, light, 6-inches of travel, maestro suspension, inexpensive, shimano XT, high components, $500 FORK!!!
Weaknesses:
fork adjustment feels cheap, hard to control in the air, suspension not too responsive to little bumps. chain hits frame when landing hard.
Similar Products Used:
kona coiler
Bottom Line:
I have had this bike for three months, since I am 15 years old I am still in the hands of school, and can only ride on weekends, but when I do I go to the top of Mt. Tam and bomb down the 40-miles of illegal singletrack!!! Even after rideing this hard for 3-months, this bike has taken it all, from 35mph down a smooth single track to 7-ft drops on Mt. Tam. Since it has maestro suspension my 3 hr. journy to the top isn't as bad as it good be, like rideing on my last bike, an old 40lb kona coiler. And boasting a whopping 6-inches of active suspension, they do mean "all-mountain" when they say all-mountain.
there are some downsides to this bike-the manitou nixon fork is a good fork but its adjustment features feel cheap, and unefective, since its an air-shock in the rear, landing from a huge drop feels a little uncomfortable, apposed to a coil shock, which absorbes the big impacts better. It takes some getting used to.
This bike is perfect for haveing fun going up hill as well as down. but if you are looking specifically for DH, and you want a heavy 11-inch travel beafy bike, I would look away from thi bike. (but who actually needs a pure DH bike)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DANE
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
firebreak-mt. Tam
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
ceasars cyclery
Strengths:
fast, light, 6-inches of travel, maestro suspension, inexpensive, shimano XT, high components, $500 FORK!!!
Weaknesses:
fork adjustment feels cheap, hard to control in the air, suspension not too responsive to little bumps. chain hits frame when landing hard.
Similar Products Used:
kona coiler
Bottom Line:
I have had this bike for three months, since I am 15 years old I am still in the hands of school, and can only ride on weekends, but when I do I go to the top of Mt. Tam and bomb down the 40-miles of illegal singletrack!!! Even after rideing this hard for 3-months, this bike has taken it all, from 35mph down a smooth single track to 7-ft drops on Mt. Tam. Since it has maestro suspension my 3 hr. journy to the top isn't as bad as it good be, like rideing on my last bike, an old 40lb kona coiler. And boasting a whopping 6-inches of active suspension, they do mean "all-mountain" when they say all-mountain.
there are some downsides to this bike-the manitou nixon fork is a good fork but its adjustment features feel cheap, and unefective, since its an air-shock in the rear, landing from a huge drop feels a little uncomfortable, apposed to a coil shock, which absorbes the big impacts better. It takes some getting used to.
This bike is perfect for haveing fun going up hill as well as down. but if you are looking specifically for DH, and you want a heavy 11-inch travel beafy bike, I would look away from thi bike. (but who actually needs a pure DH bike)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kako
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney Date Reviewed: May 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Red Hill, NSW
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1680.00
Purchased At:
Lawrencia Cycles Pty Ltd
Strengths:
Frame shape, Weight, it climbs well (thanks to the Maestro susp), components = value for money.
Weaknesses:
Aussie model (2006) comes with a 5” fork. Cables – position, they will damage the paint. Brakes – Noisy and Wavy avid Juicy 5. (Too much vibration on the rear brake). They lack on braking power. Rear Hanger – a bit week Tyres - I replaced these before leaving the shop. Grips - Not comfortable.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6500 04 – Kona Coiler 04
Bike Setup:
Stock except: Shimano DX pedals, Maxxis Larsens TT (2.35 single ply) rear/front tyre, ODI Lock on grips. Next Upgrade: two new 7” round (not wavy) shape rotors.
Bottom Line:
Australian Reign 2 2006 (Blue Frame):
The bike climbs like nothing else - it doesn't seem to bob at all (even out of the saddle). It also absorbs 3/4 feet drops easily. Downhill wise it is just perfect. The rear shock is really good.
The Avid Juciy 5 need new rotors for more power and less noise/vibration
Rockshox Revelation fork (dual air, 130mm) is very good… I wish it was a 6” but you can’t have it all for the price. Do NOT use the Manufacturer’s settings! Test your own!
It is a great bike and I do recommended for aggressive X-Country
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Lampright
a Weekend Warrior
from Syracuse, UT, USA Date Reviewed: March 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Snow Basin trail system
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1750.00
Purchased At:
http://www.ilovemybike.com
Strengths:
6" of amazing travel, stable yet nimble platform, traction on uphill grinds, ergonomics, brakes, just about everything about the bike...
Weaknesses:
Could stand to loose a pound or two...but that's the price you pay for suspension this good. It doesn't bother me in the least. Jumping takes getting use to...the suspension absorbs so much during the initial hit that it's hard to pre-load the suspension and clear big hits. Needs better Tires!
Similar Products Used:
1997 Proflex Animal
Bike Setup:
so far the suspension is setup per Giant's recommendations and it feels pretty close to perfect. I lower the front end to about 100mm during uphill grinds. I might upgrade the front rotor to 8".
Bottom Line:
Before I upgraded from my proflex I really didn't know if spending $1800 (end of year 2005 closeout price) on a new bike was really worth it...my preflex was a pretty good bike, but I wanted more suspension. I wanted a bike with 5-6" of travel, disk brakes, around 30lbs, a do-everything all-mountain bike. Had bikes really improved that much in 8 years? The Answer: Oh My God, YES!!!!
Every time I ride the Reign I'm so impressed with it. I'm still in awe of how good this bike is and I think I will be for a very long time. The suspension can absorb things that I would have never dreamed of hitting on my proflex. I was told to try hitting a 6" street curb full speed without pulling up on the bars...I nervously tried it and with a *thump* *thump* I was over the curb like it was nothing. I rode a trail with two buddies that had 3 flat rock garden sections and they were struggling while watching me cruise through these sections with relative ease. I just kept a nice steady pedal and rode right through them while my friends got beat to death and weaved around the bigger rocks...one was even on a Cannondale Jekyl. The guy on the hardtail was ready to throw it over his shoulder and walk through it...lol. I think they were the most impressed in that section by my bike than anything else.
On the trail this bike is perfection for me. I'm not in the greatest shape in the world and I have no problems grinding this bike to the top of any trail. The amazing traction the rear tire gets on ascents is incredible and makes it very easy to remain in the saddle 99% of the time in a smooth pedal to the top. Climbing on my Reign is easier than my proflex which was about 1.5lbs lighter. My buddy on a hardtail climbs hills the same speed as me...so the extra wieght I'm peddling doesn't seem to make much difference. At times when traction is minimal, I actually climb better than him. As long as your pedal strokes are smooth you don't get any bobbing in the suspension...even when you are not smooth the bobbing is barily noticable.
I just don't understand why non-racers obsess over 2-3lbs...it's rediculous. Two of my friends shopping for new bikes think my Reign at 31lbs is too heavy...they insist on buying a 27lb bike. Dude, just buy a 6" travel Reign and a month later your body will be 5-10lbs lighter becuase you've enjoyed riding it so much that you've burned your gut away...this obsession of a couple extra pounds on a mountain bike is really quite insane. (for non-racers)
The ergonomics fit me great. I'm 6' and riding the 18" frame. The very low standover height is wonderful for getting on/off in difficult terrain and knowing you won't be racking yourself. Brakes are amazing, although I am tempted to upgrade to an 8" front rotor. Tires are a poor choice for a bike of this price level. I love the 2.35 size, but the oem tires are pretty poor for most riding..especially in turns at an angle. I just got some Kenda Nevegals to try out...they should be much better.
I can't imagine a bike being any better for all-mountain riding than the Reign...I'm so happy with my purchase! Now if the snow would hurry up and melt so I can start riding again!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matthew Gilbert
a Weekend Warrior
from boone,nc Date Reviewed: March 3, 2006
This was a custom build from Clarks Bikes in Hickory NC. My first FS bike, and what can i say...it performs beyond my expectations. I can bomb down runs that i would normally crawl down on my hardtail. It is a little slower on the ups, but more than makes up for it going downhill. Havent done any huck worthy drops yet (had it a week) but im sure it will do great. The Rear suspension is great and compliments the amazing AM 1 fork (Marzocchi is the only way to go). Ive looked at all bikes in the 6" catagory and im more than pleased with the reign and dont regret my purchase one bit. Anyone who is looking for a do it all bike this is the one. 5 Flamin chilis for me!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt wilson
a Cross Country Rider
from plesent hill, ca, usa Date Reviewed: February 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
mach 5 in lime ridge
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
mikes bikes
Strengths:
06 reign has fox rp3 shock a 20 mil thru axle 7 in rotar out front lighter frame
Weaknesses:
tires but quickly fixed with a wierwolf out front and trailbear out back and youll never lose traction
Similar Products Used:
kona kikapu and giant ac 1
Bike Setup:
wierwolf out front and trailbear out back goodridge hose to the back brake
Bottom Line:
the rein is a kick ass bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Austin Wilson
a Weekend Warrior
from Granite Bay, CA Date Reviewed: January 16, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
SpinCity Bicycles
Strengths:
It goes up and down the mountain verry well and is a beautifull ride.(gets lots of compliments on the trail)
Weaknesses:
Shimano components heavy rims, wind down feature on fork is crap when your on the go anf the fork is a little soft when the rider is close to 200lbs.
Similar Products Used:
Marin Muriwoods
Bike Setup:
Hope Gothic rotors X0 rear derailer and grip shifters and Kenda Kenetics tires.
Bottom Line:
This bike can climb better than most 30lb. bikes but that not why I paid a couple grand for it. This bike is nasty when your your going downn the hill. 35mph is nothing on a wet and rough fire trail. The bottom line is this thing is a beast.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a
from Minot, ND, USA Date Reviewed: December 7, 2005
I am looking for a bike that has more than four inches of travel, I have a bad back. I have demoed a few bikes and I like this one the best. I could roll over everything with easy. The front suspension might be to soft for hard core riding but over small endulations it is very smooth. I tested a FSR 120 Expert and a cheaper Enduro model. The FSR 120 was lighter but I couldn't tell a significant difference between my 25lb. Schwinn and the FSR 120 other than the 120 weighs more. Shifting to the Enduro or the Reign I noticed a significant difference. Both swallow bumps like they weren't even there. The reign seems to have a more compliant ride and a better pedaling platform. I demoed this bike three times before putting it on lay away. I had my heart/mind set on an FSR 120 but I am glad I demoed the Reign. Since I already have a light weight full suspension bike the reign will be used when I go on rougher terrain or when I just want a smooth stable ride. I had a lot of fun demoing this bike, I don't think you would be disappointed in its performance unless you are looking for a huckster or a trail burner. I do not like the shifting on this bike. My other bike has shimano XT/XTR components. Although it does ghost shift from time to time it is silky smooth most of the time. In contrast, I felt like the rapid rise system on the reign is jerky and slow. Any suggestions?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from ACT, Australia Date Reviewed: November 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Strengths:
Incredibly smooth ride, climbs well, decends even better & value for money. Paintwork has improved over the old powercoat.
Weaknesses:
Tyres - I replaced these before leaving the shop. Lock on grips - not thick enough (diameter)
Similar Products Used:
Giant VT2 - my last bike, which I had for 18 months.
Bike Setup:
Standard except: Crank Bros Candy SL pedals, Lopez Bling-Bling front tyre, Larens TT (2.35 single ply) rear tyre, dual compound grips off my old VT.
Bottom Line:
This is a review for the Australian 06 spec.
Giant have somehow managed to improve over the VT2 which I loved. The Reign is incredibly smooth in comparision - small to medium bumps are barely noticeable, and it doesn't seem to bob at all (even out of the saddle). I've only had the bike for 3 weeks and done about 200kms. I did notice that the weight seems to be up a little on the VT, but you don't notice it when riding. And having the weight low down is a good thing too. The Avid Juciy 5 brakes took a little while to bed in (including getting the calipers mounted centrally...LBS could have done this better) but stop very well, perhaps even better than the Hayes. Roxkshox Revelation fork (dual air, 130mm) is also very smooth. I'm 70kg (155lbs) and have both the +/- chambers set to 100psi. Rear shock setting is 65 (SPV) and 135psi. Although it's still early days, I'd certainly recommend the Reign. It's a great trail bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dann-o
a Weekend Warrior
from Kelowna, BC Date Reviewed: November 7, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
cyclepath
Strengths:
The bike can climb once you get used to the geometry. As well, the bike can decend and jump. Huge bang for your buck when compared to similar bikes with similar components.
Weaknesses:
Cable routing is a problem. Giant designers rout the cable over areas where there is the greatest movement on the frame. Of course it is going to wear the powdercoat. Not to mention cause "out pouching" of cables when riding. This is irritating as you pedal. Had to totally re-route the cables along the down tube, over the bottom bracket to take care of the problem. Tires kind of suck but who cares? Buy different ones. No squeek in the linkages but had one because of a loose derailer hanger. An easy fix.
Similar Products Used:
santa cruz heckler,
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Bottom line is this bike is the best bike I have ridden at this price point. If you like to climb and decend aggressively all in the same trip then this is the bike for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eddy b
a
from courtenay, bc, canada Date Reviewed: October 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
mountain city cycle
Strengths:
maestro.
great one-bike. light enough to pedal far and high. big enough for drops and steeps.
the bike shop service
Weaknesses:
soft paint job. routing of front brake cable - contact point with the frame was worn after a single ride.
horrible stock tires. while braking the bike broke away from under me on offcamber, dusty and steep trails. tires underperformed on wet and rooty terrain.
6" front rotor were okay but a little non-committal. handlebar grips were a little thin. bottom braket was defective after the first few rides but was replaced quickly and easily by the bros at the bike shop.
Similar Products Used:
upgraded from a '95 rockymountain equipe.
Bike Setup:
minion dhf/r, our glory lock-on grips, ring-god rock guard, shimano m647 pedals, 8" front rotor. re-routed the front brake cable away from frame.
Bottom Line:
was an old-school hardtailer who's girlfriend told him to stop trying to upgrade a '95 rocky into a lethal downhill machine.
the first part of the season i trained and rode the bike (different tires) for the Test of Metal (67 km) and for the second part of the season, sharpened my downhill skills at mt. washington, whistler, silverstar and nelson.
to the chagrin of the bike shop mechanics i began doing bigger and bigger drops. was repeatedly reminded by the boys that it's not a downhill bike. at 150 lbs i still had fun and had my ass saved a couple of times by the dependable squishies.
i feel queasy about pushing bike my bike uphill but love the feeling of free riding. the reign's a nice compromise.
there's this massive grey area found here in b.c. between pure x-country and super sick freeriding/downhilling. this bike matches that colour beautifully.
too bad about the soft paint job...it cost the bike a chili
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Durango, CO Date Reviewed: September 22, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Strengths:
I have ridden it hard for 6 months and it's holding up fine. No pedal bob unless you stand on the pedals. I adjust the fork travel down when climbing to get more of an XC feel, and then let it out before the downhills.
Weaknesses:
The paint isn't that great and chips easier than I'd like, but I've beat it up good on rides so some scratches are to be expected.
Similar Products Used:
Fisher, Trek, Specialized
Bike Setup:
Stock except for a shortie stem for better drop/jump handling and a set of Maxxis Minion tires.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike in the spring. I've now gone through one set of tires and a chain and ridden it in places like Moab and the North Shore. It rides great as an XC bike but handles great in light free riding (3+ ft. drops/jumps) too. I ride with folks whose bikes are 2-3 times as expensive as my Reign-2, but they don't give you anywhere near 2-3 times the value of this bike. This is a very forgiving, versatile bike and a heck of a value for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Jones
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane Date Reviewed: August 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Daisy Hill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Strathpine
Strengths:
Climbing, Handling, Downhill confidence, travel, value for money, spec
Weaknesses:
The only thing is some rubbing on the cable running thru the rear suspension link to front der. - will get this looked at.
Similar Products Used:
Giant NRS, Giant VT, Specialised enduro
Bike Setup:
Changed quite a bit - now has full XTR dual control, Mavic Crossmax rims, Easton carbon seat post and bars, easton Mag stem
Bottom Line:
This is without doubt the best trail bike out there - climbs better than my NRS Air, weight is not too bad for 6" travel bike. Desends with the confidence of a downhiller. Fantastic handling. I definitely ride better with this bike. The only reason I changed the spec to XTR was I had it already, the original spec on this bike is great. Get this bike if you don't want to pay a fortune and still want the best - this is it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Rubottom
a Cross Country Rider
from San Pedro, California Date Reviewed: August 15, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim - Moab
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1999.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Plush,Stable, very stable goes where you point it, Well balanced front and rear suspension feel,No Bob or Brakejack, Great BB height, a good value and bang for your buck.
Weaknesses:
BB height; it's a compromise, I notice the pedals hitting things more than they used too. Tires really suck! Switched to a better griping, better rolling tire, Panaracer Cinders. Wheelset is kinda heavy, I have a knew one one the way.
Mostly stock, except for the Bars, stem, seatpost, saddle,and tires.
Bottom Line:
This this the first bike I've ever had made overseas. I've always went with the high dollar US frames and bulit them up myself. Well finding myself a little short on dough and needing to "keep up with the Joneses" I picked up one of these little beauties. The fit was prefect right off the bat. I'm 5"8" and went with the 18" frame. I like a long Top Tube, short stem combination. I just returned from a trip to Crested Butte and was thorughly stoked on how this bike handled, it's a little heavy going up hill, but just keep in mind that the Downhill is going to be worth the suffering.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MattB
a Weekend Warrior
from Littleton, CO Date Reviewed: August 12, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Plush, takes the little stuff and the big stuff with out complaining. Stable, very stable goes where you point it, gives me more confidence than any bike I’ve ridden. Well, everything so far...
Weaknesses:
The engine is a little weak... Me, seriously it will be a while before I can find the limits of this bike. It will also take some time to learn how to ride it best.
Similar Products Used:
Came from a NRS and hardtails before that...
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Admittedly I have only ridden the bike for about 10 miles, but this is the best start I have ever had on a bike. I'm no lightweight at 190+lbs, and the suspension on this bike has delivered so far. Took it on a 1200+ climb last night and it did well, better than I expected. Not as efficient as my old NRS, but more forgiving when I can't make the line. A few pounds heavier, but not brutally so. The downhill was much different, I was gliding over stuff and had much more control. Could bash over and through stuff that made the NRS shutter and skid. It made the rock gardens look much smaller climbing and downhill. For me the weight penalty is of no concern now, theoretically I could loose more than the weight increase just off of my big old trunk.
I would think that this bike could race very well, very fast, stable and fairly efficient.
My position on the bike feels much better than on the 'xc racer' position of the NRS and other bikes I've had. It needs to be dialed in, but initially it is a lot better than before. I have to change the way I ride, body position on the steep stuff and such, but so far seems great.
The 4-inch travel bikes are ok, but this is a much better class of bikes for me. I think I can do epics on this bike much easier than the NRS. I would recomend this bike to anyone, xc racer to full freeride.
I miss my old NRS, but whoever took it made me by a better bike, so mixed feelings now...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stan
a Cross Country Rider
from Indianapolis Date Reviewed: August 10, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1850.00
Purchased At:
BGI
Strengths:
Solid chassy, all mountain performance, Nixon fork
Weaknesses:
Weight, rims, shock options
Similar Products Used:
Many high end rides
Bike Setup:
Reign 2 w/ 3way coil, Vertical Pro tires, Monkey lite carbon risers, Wellgo magnisium pedals, 8inch front rotors
Bottom Line:
I've got so many emails asking if the coil shock clears the frame. When I asked giant they told me yes, but the only way you can get it to clear is if you have the preload at full. Giant still guarantees the frame with this shock. There are still more pros than cons compaired to the swinger air. The only cons are small bump absorbtion, and at high speeds large impacts send you flying like a bucking bronco. On the other hand, this shock adds huge amounts of lateral stiffness to this bike, no pedal bob at all, and it works very well. This bike rides like a heavy race hardtail. After I installed the tires and shock I took a trip to Green River state park in Kentucky. These trails are a great test for any bike. Steep 3 quarter mile climbs and 40 mph+ downhills with many small drops and fast bermed corners. Suprisingly the shock works very well in all situations. On one downhill I was hitting 50 mph+ when I hit a series of rough water bars. The first pass I almost got buck over the bars, it wasn't very bad but I had bought a 350lb spring, that hasnt been installed yet(I had a 450). It is a 2 inch stroke which seems less than the original shock. I might have less travel than originaly. If any one knows email me. I wont be changing shock again though. The only thing I want to change now are rims. Alex rims are junk. They have stayed true, but when I hit sharp egded bumps they make this horribal ping noise that sounds like they will taco any time. I feel like I ride very smooth as I have never bent a rim. Overall this bike rocks. If you have the cash build up a frame custom.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ro J
a Downhiller
from Whistler, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: July 23, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Tunnel Vision
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
BSP
Strengths:
Light (Im use to downhill bikes). 6" of rear travel that I can pedal uphill very easily. Great component spec for the price.
Weaknesses:
Rims and tires. Squeaking linkages.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Big Hit, Giant DH Team
Bike Setup:
Crank Brothers Candy SL. ODI lock on grips. VDO cycle computer. Rest is stock till I get enough money to change the wheelset and tires.
Bottom Line:
Until three months ago the only riding I did was downhilling partly due to the fact I live 5 minutes away from the Whistler gondola, however since I purchased the Reign 2, my time is consumed by all day epic trail riding and downhilling MIGHT be the thing of the past. This bike is so much fun and this new sensation of pedaling up a hill is amazing. Get this bike, quit your complaining and ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kurt
a Cross Country Rider
from Moab, UT(curently Denver) Date Reviewed: July 15, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim/Goldbar-Portal
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Slickrock Cycles in Moab, UT
Strengths:
PLUSH, Reasonably Agile, NO BOB!, NO BRAKEJACK! Versatile, Laterally Rigid/Lots of Forgings, Killer Weight V. Plushness Factor, Great BB Height/Oodles of Standover
Weaknesses:
Uhhh....Stock Wheelset is Heavy BUT Durable, Needs REAL 2.3-2.5" Tires, A Little Slow Steering in the Tight and Twisty, Wouldn't race it, Some of GIANT's dealers are complete clowns(Sorry GIANT guys)
Admittedly, I was pretty psyched for this bike after the GIANT rep left one(Reign 1 w/ Nixon Elite) with me for a few weeks last Fall(Former Shop Mgr.). I have been riding mine since March and I am still blown away by this bike. I have always been an FSR guy(TURNER does it right!). I have owned 2 575's and though the Yeti is gorgeous and the best of the non-FSR bikes...MAESTRO is the proverbial "better mousetrap".
Amazing. No Bob. No brake jack, and VERY laterally rigid. Experiment with the shock as 10 psi either way can make a HUGE difference in the ride. If you have(or upgraded to) an SPV fork, turn the red adjuster in and get bottomless travel. Giant has hit a home run with this bike. This bike will do 3-4' to flat without a wimper, and way bigger with a transition. It is a WEAPON on rough XC terrain(think Moab). I can pedal SEATED through terrain that has the 4' boys crying for Momma. The comfort make 65+ mileage days realistic, and I plan to ride a 125 on mine.
My bike isn't remotely stock, but prior to the component swaps, the stock build really impressed me(RF cranks are STIFF). Sure, the stock wheels are a little heavy, but think about the velocities that a 6" bike can generate in rough terrain, and they make sense(Buy an XC specific wheelset for..well, XC). I orignally had the IT feature w/o SPV(Upgrade), and as with other IT fork owners, mine failed quickly. To Manitou's credit, they took care of me Pronto! and admitted the IT failure issue(Thus the OE Air w/SPV Nixon Super PLUS). Now, I have SPV on both ends...SWEET. I have had ZERO problems since. If you have the stock Nixon, be happy. The stock fork's adjustable travel addresses my only real complaint, SLIGHTLY slow steering, which is fine for the speeds at which this bike can descend, but could get annoying in woodsy singletrack
It is an amzing bike for someone on the Aggro end of the XC spectrum. The BB height is perfect(Hello Specialized) and the bike goes where you point it, even through the nastiest compressions on Slickrock. Most bikes(that I've ridden) wind up torsionally with that much force and traction. Not the REIGN(or a TURNER).
Buy with confidence if you are tired of suffering with your big hit rig, are a big boy/Aggro XC rider looking to hurt your XC buddies in the technical, or are simply looking for ONE bike to do everything(but RACE). If you want a plush bike that you can race occasionally, buy a Yeti 575. I am a reluctant convert, but GIANT has done it right with the REIGN.
BTW Moab is still the suff of lore, and it is only getting better now that the local riders and town have kicked it up a notch.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
richard bowman
a
from marin calif usa Date Reviewed: July 13, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1249.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
stiff frame light for 6"
Weaknesses:
dry bearings, lower piovt bolt would not come out,like theres machining problems, ie miss alinement
Similar Products Used:
truth mono mono heckler sgs
Bike Setup:
fox vanilla chris king gravey wheels tru vativ sram x9 hope mini thomson stem seat post easton monkey lite wtb seat tires
Bottom Line:
thank the gods performance gave me a refund
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stan
a Cross Country Rider
from Indianaplis Date Reviewed: July 11, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Bicycle Garage Indy
Strengths:
Suspension design, fork works very well, stiff frame, very fast acceleration
Reign 2 w/ 8 inch front rotor, Monkeylite carbon riser bars, Wellgo magnisium platform pedals
Bottom Line:
My last trail bike was a VT2. If it hade'nt been stolen Id never dreamed of buying another bike. With better tires, fork, and a few carbon parts this bike was close to perfect 5.75 inch trail bike. That being said, when it was time to buy another bike I wanted another VT2. Everyone at my local bike shop kept talking about the new Giant Reign so I decided to test ride one. Immediatly any one who has ever ridden a mountain bike will notice how fast it is. Next is how heavy it is. This could be fixed easily by swapping out some stock parts. In pursuit of the perfect all mountain bike for the money I ordered a Reign 2. I am very picky about how certain bike components perform. The first problem I came across was the swinger 3 way blows compared to the 4 way. The bike barely bobs at all but as the suspension progreses it blows through its travel to quickly. The 4 way is so efficeint it spoils the rider. The 3 way performs very well in all situations but without the bottoming adjustment this shouldnt have even been considered for this bike. With the technology in the frame design it should have been mated to a better shock. After 2 weeks I ordered a coil over 4 way with a 450 lb spring. Im hoping giant comes out with a titanium spring for shorter stroke shocks. The shock and Contenental Vertical Pros are in but I havent installed them yet(Ill give an updated review later). Giant must be getting bulldogs cheap to be putting them on these bikes. There only good for going straight. almost all hutchinsons are trash. Even new model Hayes disk brakes sqweal often. They do stop well though. I read many bad things about Nixen Elite forks but I think they work very well. Im never going to get more than 5 inches of travel out of it. It makes the best psylos look very bad. Defintitly stiffer but not by much. Without a chainstay gard the chain would easily destroy the paint within 200 aggresive riding miles. The frame has so many holes its bound to collect enough dirt to add weight. As much as the rimset weighs they better be extreamly strong. They wouldnt have been my first choice of rims. My Cannondale Chase 1 only weighs 35.5 and it is very beefy with 1.5 headset and singletrack rims. Even though it sounds like Im bashing Giant that is not the intent. The VT was amazing but the Reign takes it to a completly new level of performance. For 2200 dollars it would be tough to find a better bike. When Im done im sure the frame will be the only original part. I would suggest buying this bike to anyone who loves to ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, Co USA Date Reviewed: June 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Flagstaff-Walker Ranch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1929.00
Purchased At:
Full Cycle
Strengths:
Price, componetry, and long travel. Suspension design is flawless.
Weaknesses:
Front fork, a little to plush even when cranked up all the way and a lot of brake dive (stock elite).
Bike Setup:
Upgraded to the Nixon platnium w/ 20mm through axel and spv valving. Amazing fork to match the rest of the bike. New front wheel for axel upgrade. Rest stock
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks. The bottem line is the value. At just under 2k there is nothing else on the market with this kind of travel and ability. At 33.4lbs it is a little beeffier than some true cross country bikes but it pays off on the descent. This bike climbs anything like a champ. I would recomend this bike to anyone who likes to ride period. Great on the single track and sweet on the downhill. Not bomb proof but most riders will be content with the speed at which you can descend. With both shocks having the spv valving riding uphill is like riding a fully rigid bike, super efficant. The new fork with the IT travel adjustment lets me slam the fornt end down for great climbing angles and then instantly back to 145mm for the downhill. Again if you are thinking about spending some cash buy this bike and have no regrets. Save the cash on an expensive bike and buy some new skis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan Greatorex
a Weekend Warrior
from Middletown, NJ, USA Date Reviewed: June 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
The Oaks Blue Mountains Aust.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1650.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Suspension design, balanced front and rear suspension feel, cool looks, very comfortable riding position, heaps of travel but very precise steering and handling
Weaknesses:
Hayes brakes. Rear brake continues to squeel for no apparent reason. Annoying mystery to be solved!
Similar Products Used:
Sana Cruz Heckler (original model), GT LTS, Santa Cruz Superlight, Trek Liquid, Santa Cruz Heckler
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Oury lock on grips, Shimano platform pedals, Serfas RX saddle.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a great move up from an original Heckler with about 4.5 inches of travel. The suspension is smooth and supple over small and large obstacles and it makes riding a much more comfortable experience. It is heavier than the SC but not in a tragic way, because it climbs so well. In fact the 6 inch front fork makes it easier to go up and over roots and logs than before. It does get air quite easily and is stable at all speeds with a surprisingly tight turning circle. Excellent value and design all around. Great frame and shock would justify other upgrades when necessary. No regrets about this purchase. A clear winner. If you want more travel but still want to ride cross country go for it, 6 inches is definitely better than 5. I can see this bike being my new trail buddy for a long time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jb H
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix area Date Reviewed: June 17, 2005
Favorite Trail:
mormon/national
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Purchased At:
tested today
Strengths:
- Great frame/shock design. Gotta give Giant big kudos for the Maestro (or whatever it's called) design. Noticed no pedal bob. Front shock (Nixon) rode quite nicely. Bike felt fine even at 145mm setting while climbing. Dialing it down some will only help. Rear susp nice (Swinger 3 way). Bike looks sharp, nice drop down top tube design provides clearance
- 6 INCHES OF TRAVEL!!!
- Great saddle
Weaknesses:
- HEAVY! Yes I know it is light for a long travel bike...but...HEAVY FOR ME!
- Wheels...heavy. I took off the front tire and compared it to my Crossmax Enduro with heavy tubeless tires. The Alex wheels (these are not tubeless) weighed a lot more. Felt like a pound, no kidd'n.
Similar Products Used:
None in this travel range. Have not even considered trying anything else due to the weight of most long travel bikes.
Bike Setup:
This was the Reign2. Nixon/Swinger. Alex wheels, Hayes 9 brakes. WTB something or other saddle (I really liked it).
Bottom Line:
Great bike if it's what you want. I give Giant all the credit in the world on this design. I have been riding a 27-28lb XC bike with 4inches for almost 2 years now and its great, but like so many others I wanted an even more capable susp system for hitt'n the downhills and rock gardens but still be able to pedal up. I only rode this bike for 1 1/2 hours today but it floats over crap that will make my bike shutter and hop. The problem, of course, is I really noticed the weight when climbing. Don't get me wrong. This bike climbs with authority, stays straight but requires a lot more umphhh to get up than i'm used to providing. - Bottom line: I was excited about having a really kick ass ride over rocks and downhill but I now know the trade off is not going to worth it to me. Compared to my Tomac98 this is a TANK.
Suggestions if you buy: Stay away from the Reign 3. That Splice fork is crap. Go to the 2. Also. Have the LBS trade out those bricks they call wheels for some Mavic crossmax or 717's or whatever the heck you like that don't weigh 5 lbs.
If this is an everyday rider for you and you your rides don't involve a chair lift more than twice a year, do yourself a big favor and demo this bike before buying. I spent $33 today just to ride for an hour or so but the way I see it is that I just saved $2,167!!! And now have piece of mind.
Check out the 2005 Stumpjumper 120 with 5 inches of travel. It has the travel i'm looking for but comes stock (the Expert) at 27lbs. Nice combo...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ty
a Weekend Warrior
from Golden, CO Date Reviewed: May 31, 2005
This is a great bike, it feels as efficent as my road bike and climbs better than my old hardtail it also goes downhill better than my straight 8 did.
It turns as if on rails, the ride is very sooth. This bike can really do it all and would make a great ride for anyone who likes to bomb down hill (but doesnt want to race) but doesnt like to push. this bike is so amaizing i would pay $3000 and still be happy with it, get one while you can!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Sierra Vista, AZ Date Reviewed: May 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Kentucky Camp
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Sun-n-Spokes
Strengths:
Nice, smooth ride, color
Weaknesses:
Weight (but it's a HD bike), Fork not good enough for heavy riders even with the x-firm spring kit. Bulldog tires are not a good choice, I switched to Specialized Enduro Pros, a world of difference it made.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Heckler, Turner Burner, Trek Fuel 90, Kona Stinky......
Bike Setup:
Replaced Nixon with a Marzocchi Z1FR, XT derailleurs, ONYX Hubs and 817 rims, the rest is stock
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome. I have rode many bikes in the same catagory as the Reign but this one is by far the best. It is heavy but it is a "freeride" bike. I use it as an all-mountain bike and it is awesome on any terrain. I just sold my Turner Burner and I can honestly say that the Reign can outclimb the Burner. I did change out some of the stock parts to lighten it up some, even better now!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Nederland CO. USA Date Reviewed: May 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Dot trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Performance boulder
Strengths:
The suspension performs like a dream. I knew what I was looking for and the giant ended my search. It chews up my rocky rutted terrain. All I need to do is point and shoot and nothing gets in it's way. I have the rear spv set at 75 psi and I can't detect any bobb out of the rear end. Not even cranking out of the saddle makes it move if you peddle smooth circles. I can't wait until all the trails open so I can clean em all! This thing has openened many new doors for me.
Weaknesses:
The bull dogs are a little scetchy in the corners and loose rocky stuff. I'm gonna put some fatty kendas on it soon. I went on a really wet spring ride and the rear brake started singing and think the bottom bracket is squeeking. I took it back to performance for the 60 day new build once over. well see what is up when I get it back.
Similar Products Used:
Many hard tails. Rocky mtn slayer 70, Rocky mtn element, Trek liquid. Yeti asx
Bike Setup:
Stock for now
Bottom Line:
I can't belive this bike. Giant is on the ball! It might be too heavy for NORBA guy's and true xc riders (on the heavy side for multi mile climbing),but for the person who wants a sweet peddaling do it all bump swallowing machine... look no further.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sdh
a Cross Country Rider
from great white north Date Reviewed: May 16, 2005
Favorite Trail:
valley of 5
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Stud performance, eats up the tiny and big alike, solid componentry and an appetite for all that stands before it, the hayes are tight along with 6 inches of float, sweet value and bang for the dollar
Weaknesses:
sissy rubber, You work up a good lather do to the excess weight on climbs,
Bottom Line:
As far as Im concerned one very tight ride for the dollar. Upgrade the rubber and you have an all mountain genius not afraid of tackling rough stuff or dropping in stud on your own line, unbelievable on climbs all though a touch beefy for the die hard cross country among us, however the suspension more than makes up for the overall weight. This bike will turn you into a warrior and never again will you skirt around the tiny obstacles which once owned you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Hackettstown NJ USA Date Reviewed: May 13, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Deer Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Cycleworks
Strengths:
Great parts spec. No pedal bob on uphills.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
This is my first full suspension bike.
Bike Setup:
Stock except traded time pedals for shimano spd and Velociraptor tires.
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome. Fly's uphill almost as fast as downhill. both front and rear suspension eat up roots, rocks, logs, and dropoffs. If your looking for a lightweight XC bike this aint the bike your looking for. But if you want a bike that eats up anything the trail can throw at you, you couldnt pick a better bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cakes
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Cruz, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Braille Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
The Bicycle Trip
Strengths:
It's true, no pedal bob! I am heavy at 240 lbs and the bike does not bob when pedaling. The Hayes hydraulic brakes are nice. Shimano stuff shifts great. The Race Face crankset is solid. Time pedals are superior to SPDs.
Weaknesses:
The stock tires are dangerous on hardpack and pavement! (Crashed twice because of this) I am heavy so I was never happy with the front brake so I upgraded to an 8" rotor with a few simple parts from Univesal Cycles, it really makes a difference coming down hills.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper Pro hardtail (my old bike) Giant AC-1 Specialized Enduro
Bike Setup:
Stock except for an 8" rotor upgrade for the front brake ($55).
Bottom Line:
Sweet, I love it! I was apprehensive about the price but I wanted something beefier than a standard full suspension cross country bike but I didn't want a full on freeride bike either. This is an "all mountain" bike. Bikes like this make me confident to tackle tougher terrain. This bike has been the perfect choice for me. I demod a Specialized Enduro but the Giant beats the enduro hands down. I demod a Santa Cruz hecklar that was comparable in performance but far more expensive. Note to *serious* downhillers, I would take a good hard look at the faith instead which also comes with no bob pedaling. I would rate the reign 2 as more of a cross-country bike rather than freeride.
One great thing is that I find this bike to be much kinder to my back compared to my old hard tail. No pedal bob yet a nice plush ride, how can you beat that?
One thing to do if you buy this bike is to be sure to spend a little time fine tuning the suspension. If found the front suspension to be too "springy" when bombing down a trail with small fast bumps. With a simple adjustment, I fixed this. Also, play around with the air settings in the rear shock. I needed to pump this up pretty substantially for my weight.
A lot of people complain about disc brakes being to difficult to work on. I found the Hayes hydraulic brakes to be EASIER than my old Avid V-Brakes. The Hayes are much superior in terms of raw stopping power as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: April 24, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
for a plush 5 inch travel bike, it is really compossed on climbs showing no bob when seated. Eats up decents, this bike was willing to do more than I was. For the price, I havn't seen a better speced bike that cna deliver in any situation.
Weaknesses:
Felt the weight on long climbs. small price to pay for what the bike delivers.
Similar Products Used:
Blur, stinky
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
I'm 5 ft 10, weigh 190 and ride a bike like a linebacker. I tend to charge through obstacles instead of skirting things. I was looking for a bike that would give me a suspension to soak up big hits, could take a beating, would still be able to climb well, and wouldn't land me in divorce court when it showed up on the credit card statement.
I demoed the reign yesterday at my LBS and shot out to Hood River in the rain. When all was said and done, I found the experience to be bitter/sweet.
Sweet because the bike is truly amazing. It was a sloppy day and the bike clung to the single track with tenacity. It took everything in stride, rewarded agressive riding in the corners, inspired confidence under braking, and was easy to collect under spead when things got a little squirrly. Getting used to the rear shifter working oposite of what I'm used to did make for a few comical moments in technical areas. After the first half of the downhill, I found myself really letting the bike run. With every turn and every straight away, my confidence in the bike soared. Even on the climbs (which have never been my strength), the bike was solid. No bobbing at all when in the saddle. The fork can be adjusted on the fly to shorten travel and steepen the head tube angle, but I ended up leaving it at the full 145mm travel. It still tracked well and climbed true.
The bitter part happened at the end of the day when I handed the bike back and realized I was going to have to pony up the cash asap. There was no way I will be happy jumping back on my old rig.
I cna't wait to throw a leg over my own Reign. Give the bike a shot if your in the market, You'll enjoy the permanant grin it will give you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cliff Dangers
a Downhiller
from Canada/BC/Kootenays Date Reviewed: April 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
too many to list
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Strengths:
the meastro suspension floating pivot this in my opinion the the greatest strenght in this bike! wich leads to all the other strengths, I have no Bob on this bike but i only weight 130lbs, still have never felt such solid peddling,climbs super fast, fast and smooth downhill with very controled turning! the weight of this bike is great for what can be done with it!lots of fine tuning options on the front and rear suspension wich also helps this bike be an even better all mountain bike! u can even huck this bike if you want. and lets not forget to mention the price tag. this is a very affordable bike considering all the new technology behind it. I think giant is one step ahead of the game here.
Weaknesses:
other than a few minor mods like fat tires, cutting the seat post shorter, and maybe shorter handlebar stem I,m having a hard time finding any weaknesses with this bike for myself.
Similar Products Used:
kona stinky, Giant vt-faith-trance
Bike Setup:
stock except fat tires, bash guard, shorter seat post
Bottom Line:
Simple!!Buy this bike if your looking for that bike that will do it all, cause this is it (for now!) my suggestion is borrow one, test one, buy one, then i can save on all the typing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a
from Thornton, CO, USA Date Reviewed: April 18, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
This bike is better than I am. It goes over rocks that last year on my Trek Fuel would have sent my on an endo. After a couple of rides I decided to leave the fork at 145mm travel and it climbs well. The front tire stays down. I read a review in a mag that said they were concerned about the bottom bracket height. I have had 0 problems and have been riding some technical trail.
Weaknesses:
One nasty laydown on a 90 and the bike is scared pretty badly. Better paint job? Cables do rub the paint as well.
Bike Setup:
Thompson seatpost and stem
Bottom Line:
I wanted more of a free ride bike than cross country. This bike does it for me. It is stable on technical descents and climbs well with smooth pedaling. I have not really noticed a weight penalty in climbing comapred to my Trek Fuel. Up hill is up hill. Pedal bob is virtually non-existant. I am really excited about this riding season on this bike. It is challenging me to ride stronger and attempt tougher stuff. This bike is for all riding abilites and styles. Except gonzo downhill.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve O
a Weekend Warrior
from Durango, CO Date Reviewed: April 17, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Strengths:
Very stable. Plush suspension. No pedal bob when in the saddle. Pedals well even for a heavier bike.
Weaknesses:
Heavier than I'd like, but hey... I want a 5lb. bike with 10" of travel, so consider the source....
I wish the frame was anodized for more chip resistance. You should definitely plan to protect the paint from the cables too.
Similar Products Used:
Last bike was a '01 Fisher Sugar 3. I also tried the Specialized SJ Expert 120, the Giant Trance 2 and Reign 3.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Shimano clipless pedals.
Bottom Line:
I've always ridden XC bikes, but lately I've been crashing a lot because I try and ride more all-mountain terrain. I wanted something more slack for improved stability, and I wanted better downhill performance. The Reign 2 fills the bill nicely and for a reasonable amount of cash.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
b _train
a Weekend Warrior
from Kelowna Date Reviewed: March 15, 2005
Favorite Trail:
vapor trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3400.00
Purchased At:
Cyclepath
Strengths:
Light for FR bike. Yes it can be a fr bike, with a few mods. Rear fells bottomless on a 6"! If you turn on the gas it responses immediately. NO PEDDLE BOB unless you’re standing and crank’n, then it may bob only an inch at most. Very responsive turning since is not big ass dh bike. May post another review as season progresses and more opens. If you do need to peddle for more than couple of minutes, it won’t kill you. Raise the seat post up and climb a mountain then lover to bomb down.
Weaknesses:
Still some xc aspects that a few mods will take care of. Mod the seat post so I can get it lower and the handlebars for a more “in the cockpit” feel.
Similar Products Used:
Stinky D
Bike Setup:
Stock except: Bash guard, handlebar riser, bigger tires, new seat post, flat peddles. Want's: High rise bars, stiffer front spring
Bottom Line:
Looking for that crossover bike that can do it all. You may just have found it for less than $4K. Fast, light and tight is the best to describe this one. 5 foot drops are not a problem, only my skill level is holding this one back. Toss it around b/c it's so light and get on the gas to pass anyone else on the hill, just point and peddle. Got to love that Thai green. Did I mention that the Maestro suspension is awesome?
I would give 4.5 for overall do to the few minor additions to get the xc components out of it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
b _train
a Weekend Warrior
from Kelowna Date Reviewed: March 15, 2005
Favorite Trail:
vapor trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3400.00
Purchased At:
Cyclepath
Strengths:
Light for FR bike. Yes it can be a fr bike, with a few mods. Rear fells bottomless on a 6"! If you turn on the gas it responses immediately. NO PEDDLE BOB unless you’re standing and crank’n, then it may bob only an inch at most. Very responsive turning since is not big ass dh bike. May post another review as season progresses and more opens. If you do need to peddle for more than couple of minutes, it won’t kill you. Raise the seat post up and climb a mountain then lover to bomb down.
Weaknesses:
Still some xc aspects that a few mods will take care of. Mod the seat post so I can get it lower and the handlebars for a more “in the cockpit” feel.
Similar Products Used:
Stinky D
Bike Setup:
Stock except: Bash guard, handlebar riser, bigger tires, new seat post, flat peddles. Want's: High rise bars, stiffer front spring
Bottom Line:
Looking for that crossover bike that can do it all. You may just have found it for less than $4K. Fast, light and tight is the best to describe this one. 5 foot drops are not a problem, only my skill level is holding this one back. Toss it around b/c it's so light and get on the gas to pass anyone else on the hill, just point and peddle. Got to love that Thai green. Did I mention that the Maestro suspension is awesome?
I would give 4.5 for overall do to the few minor additions to get the xc components out of it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Maybee
a Cross Country Rider
from Salmon Arm, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: January 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Lumpy
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Suspension lives up to its claims with very stable platform to pedal from. Nixon fork is like butter, with lots of damping control. Tons of standover. Great spec. Decent weight considering the changes.
Weaknesses:
Weight up from VT2. Missed the Minute fork with SPV, but will see if it makes a big difference. Tires will most likewly stink.
Similar Products Used:
Giant VT2, Kona Dawg, Norco Fluid, Sanata Cruz Bullit, Kona Coiler
Bike Setup:
Stock, for now
Bottom Line:
This bike is it! I pedalled it uphill in middle ring and high at the back, standing up, and got maybe 5 mils of movement on the rear shock. It is awesome. It feels like a beefed up VT, but pedals much better. Weight can be altered easily with some lighter wheels, pedals, forks, but I think stock will work prety well. I'm sold!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc Sommer
a
from Cumberland B.C. Canada Date Reviewed: January 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Variety makes the best trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Mountain City Cycle
Strengths:
No pedal Bob. Light for 6" travel.Light enough for XC yet cushy enough for FR.A FR bike you can pedal for hours if need be.Air shock is easy access unlike my Team DH.
Weaknesses:
Comes a little heavy for XC . Shed 3 lbs with a few changes. Set screws for Hayes Carbon Levers seem a bit sketchy. Very tight and hard not to strip.
Similar Products Used:
AC1, Bullit
Bike Setup:
Race Face Deus Crankset,XTR Cogset,SRAM XO R.Der. and X9 Trigger shifters ,Maxxis High Roller Exception Front and Rear.FSA Poly Bash Guard.Wellgo MG1 flats.
Bottom Line:
This bike rides awesome. Very quick to turn but very controlable on the stunts.Pedals well and seems to eat up the roots and drops.It's been very wet and slippery and still seems to stick quite well to everything. I have Front and Rear SPV at 75 lb. Air Spring front and rear at 130 and I weigh 175.I use flats and it seems a little bouncier than my Ac1 with sherman slider but thats to be expected.I'l try a little less air in the rear and that should smooth it out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa, FL Date Reviewed: January 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Alafia River State Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
AJ's Bikes and Boards
Strengths:
Maestro Suspension does all that Giant says it does. Nixon fork is nice and supple. Almost no noticable pedal bob, even when standing on the climbs. Really plush ride. Wheels are sweet, Hayes brakes are smooth like butter, geometry is really comfortable.
Weaknesses:
Wasn't thrilled with the Bulldog Airlights, sort of heavy, so I swapped for my Conti Veritcal Pro's
Similar Products Used:
This bike is an upgrade from my Giant VT3
Bike Setup:
Stock except Thomson seatpost, Conti Veritical Pro Tires, going to throw my Thomson stem on next time I hit the LBS.
Bottom Line:
When the guys at my LBS went to Vegas for Interbike, they came back wow'd by this bike. Actually, by the whole line of Maestro bikes. I loved my VT and didn't really see any need to change....until they got one in and I rode it. It was love at first ride. The suspension design does exactly what Giant says. I've put close to 200 miles on it so far, and love it more each ride. I've ridden some of the most technical trails in this area (Alafia River State Park) and the thing just sucks up the roots, rocks, etc. I was a little apprehensive about the weight, as it weighs more than the VT, but the suspension is so efficient, that it makes up for the extra few pounds. I've literally stood and cranked and noticed almost no bob at all. I've cleaned trails that I was not able to clean on my VT, with no problem. Also, my average speed on trails I ride almost daily increased right from the first ride. If you want a great bike for agressive XC/All Mountain, this is it. I'm not sure about it being listed as a Freeride bike, it doesn't strike me as a Freeride ride. The Faith is what you want if you are looking for serious freeriding.
The component package that this bike is spec'd with is great. For the money, I don't think it can be beat. I know that 200 miles is not enough for all the bugs to fall out, but I'll post another review in 6 months. For now, I'm happy, and I'm riding the hell out of it and that is all that matters to me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
michael cerasy
a Weekend Warrior
from wa Date Reviewed: January 23, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2199.00
Strengths:
pretty lite for a 6" platform, sweet parts, the santa cruz vpp design for alot cheaper w/ the floating rear triangle-takes care of just about all pedal bob, and brake ramp-up,...
Weaknesses:
color, felt a little long for an all mountain bike-shorter stem seems to be better,
Similar Products Used:
Stinky dee, NRS, ....
Bike Setup:
stock except shorter race face stem, conti tires,
Bottom Line:
I saw these bikes at the world demo in taiwan and they were all the talk. I demo'd one there and had to have it. the new virtual pivot point with floating rear triangle is a spin-off of santa cruz's design but way cheaper. I have only had two serious rides on it and it is in my opinion the best pedaling all moutain bike, with some great control.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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