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Average Rating
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4.36/5
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# of Reviews
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45
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MSRP
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$ 1600.00
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Weight
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More Products from Giant
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Description:The Reign 3 is a monster-travel machine and a freakish value. Its Giant rear suspension and Manitou Splice fork offer 150 and 130mm travel respectively to handle whatever you can dish out. Plus, the sweet components from Alex, Race Face, Easton and Shimano are built for flawless function and durability.
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Submitted by
sharpbrick
a Racer
from Norwalk, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Indian Ledges | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | smart cycles, Norwal | | Strengths: | the rear suspension is great and the ride position is good. the frame is very solid. climes very well and descends like a bat out of hell! the ground clearance it good for a bike of this type too. | | Weaknesses: | the Hayes sole disk brakes [the 6in rotors are not enough] watch the rear suspension bolts, on my bike they have a tendency to come loose. [that could be because i ride hard almost every day] | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized XC, Kona Kikapu | | Bike Setup: | Hayes 8in rotors, bash guard, Fox float R, Rockshox Tora 302 air | | Bottom Line: | this as a amazing bike for what it costs, is amazing at going downhill as well as up hill and the Maestro rear suspension is great! I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BIKE TO ANY ONE WHO WANTS A ALL MOUNTAIN BIKE! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange, CA. USA
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Fullerton Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | Orange Cyclery | | Strengths: | Awesome frame, great suspension design. Solid on the downhills and a real steady climber (as long as you don't stand up to climb) I am 6'4 and can make it bob a bit when I really grind. Great bike for your buck, this was my first MTB so I was not sure how commited I was going to be....Now I am hooked. | | Weaknesses: | Hayes Brakes were a joke, I actually had the front ones break and had to send them back. The headset made me hunch over a bit too much, and I've already blown the seals on the front forks. (looks like the same complaints as everybody else) | | Bike Setup: | Easton 2" Rise Bars, Easton Neck, Serfas Grips, Avid Juicy 5 Brakes front and rear, Maxxis High Roller Tires. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for your buck, solid craftsmanship. I knew I was compromising the componentry when I setteled for the bottom of the barrel Regin "3". The frame is pretty much the same as the higher end model so at least I can build up the compenents as the wallet permits me to do so.
Overall it's a great bike for a beginer or new-comer to the sport-you can get in and not break the bank. And it's got plenty of room for improvements. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Guelbert Abellana
a Cross Country Rider
from McAllen, TX
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Climba like a goat. | | Weaknesses: | The stock hayes sole brakes and stock fork. | | Bike Setup: | Manitou nixon elite fork
Manitou 3-way SPV rear shock
Shimano LX front/rear der.
Shimano LX crankset
Shimano LX front & rear brakes with LX integrated brakes/levers
8" front/rear rotors
Easton 50 midrise handlebars, easton 50 90mm 5 deg rise stem, easton 50 seatpost
2.3 chunder tires | | Bottom Line: | This bike makes me ride like a pro! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dino
a
from T.O., CA., USA
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Procupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel World | | Strengths: | Solid frame and pivots, no bob, absorbs everything, great price for what you get, decent looking. | | Weaknesses: | A bit heavy, but how many "affordable" 6-inch travel bikes aren't? Sole brakes aren't the best; Splice fork sucked | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing with quite this much travel. I also have a Weyless XP with a Fox Vanilla RC and 5th Element-which I really like. | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Nixon Platinum fork, 2.5-inch rise h-bar, Mavic 717 wheels w/Nevegal and Pracer Smoke, Eggbeater pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money-especially if you get a deal like the one I got. With the components I added/swapped out, it's a pretty nice bike; even if still a bit heavy.
The Splice fork developed some kind of noise, so I bought a (barely) used Nixon Platinum with 145mm travel, and that really complemented the rear susp. nicely.
The Sole brakes are a bit better now, but the adjustment screw in the lever still backs out a little-probably fixable with some loctite.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jaydub
a Downhiller
from boise
Date Reviewed: October 27, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | sidewinder | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | bobs of course! | | Strengths: | Great rear shock! still running, Manitou Swinger with SPV 3 way. Wheels are sturdy and light. Great downhill bike! I am 50 years young and need the kush! | | Weaknesses: | Hayes sole brakes, ugh. Manitou Splice fork (can you say inconsistant?). The bar stem was too long, replaced with short one. I am 5'9" and the wheel base is a bit long. | | Similar Products Used: | first mtb; I own a trek fuel e6 also as a backup. | | Bike Setup: | Fox float R fork; Manitou Swinger SPV 3 way; Truvativ GXP crankset; Avid Juicy 5 hydraulic discs; Shimano xt shifters. | | Bottom Line: | A GREAT first bike! I wasn't sure I would like MTB but I got hooked and after a couple hundred miles, have upgraded most of the components. I like the frame that well but am interested in the 2008 version (lighter!). Like I said I need the kush ride it gives, especially after adding the Fox Float R. Oh, man, let it rip!
Here is what I have done with it after wearing it down! 3 chains and 3 rear tires, but it took a lot of rides to do it!
the Sole brakes broke, replaced with avid juicys; I got sick of the splice fork 6 months later, replaced with Fox float R; shifters kinda wore out, replaced with shimano xt; bent middle chain ring (soft and stressed?) and wore out cassette, replaced with truvativ gtx and sram cassette. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nam
a Cross Country Rider
from Socal
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Luge, Oaks | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel World | | Strengths: | climbs better than my old 4" FSR bike and descends a hell of a lot better. This bike has helped me really step up my game. You can fly through rock gardens with no brakes and just point the bike down and it will go there. | | Weaknesses: | seat stay bearings went bad in a few months, upgraded to Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Z1 Light ETA, SRAM X9, XT cranks, Juicy 7 brakes 203/180, custom wheel set | | Bottom Line: | for the money, it is hard to beat the package that Giant gives you. I bought the frame only so i was able to build it to my own spec, but with some changes to the stock bike it can be a sweet ride indeed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mungo
a Cross Country Rider
from Ayr
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Wolftrax, Laggan | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | It is not too heavy!! It handles round the corners really well jumps effortlessly. The maestro suspension system really works well on the uphills and on the downhills it is superb!!!!!! the forks are really PLUSH!!!! I love it!!! | | Weaknesses: | non so far | | Bottom Line: | THE BEST | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lukasz Wyrzykowski
a Weekend Warrior
from Warsaw, Poland
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | any Beskid Mountains trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Strengths: | Suspension system is owesome, guys from Giant designed rocket that allow crazy downhills and climbs easily as well. Frame looks great! | | Weaknesses: | Components: fork which seems to work like lazy bustard & brakes (Hayes Sole) that you'll replace sooner or later (I did it nex day I bought my bike). I'm sceptical as for tyres which have rather weak grip when curving. Look for new ones. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Coiler | | Bike Setup: | Stock except brakes - I replaced Sole with Shimano 535 (front) and hayes XC (rear) | | Bottom Line: | That is my first full-suspention bike. I tried a few, but decided to approach Jamis. Unfortunately there is no dealer in Poland for Jamis (so far).
Accidently I saw Giant in a store nearby and decided to find out some more. I have to admit that most info found on mtbr is true and relates to my bike as well. It's been 1 year since I ride my Giant Reign and nothing broke down.
The bike rides very well, the suspention works perfectly giving you confidence in riding downhill trails you would never try. Maestro keeps rear wheel glued to a trail and absorb every bulk. Thanks to manitou swinger it doesn't effect bouncing!
Uphill is not as easy as on my hardtail but I found out that rear susp helps a lot. You're supposed to sit and relax while maestro works making trail smooth & easy. I was really affraid of uphills on this bike but as it turned out I was wrong. Ofcourse the bike is a bit heavy but you have to make compromise: it rocks on downhills and lets you go uphill - what more expect from all-mountain bike?
One thing that seems to be annoing about this bike is soud comming from rear part, caused by rear deraileur hitting frame while landing after bigger drop-off. I cannot do anything about this...any advice from other users how to solve it?
Just to sum up: the bike is worthy the money I spend. The maestro system works fantastic. The frame along with susp system is great platform for upgrading and creating your dream FS bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Tampa,Fl,U.S.A
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Moonscape at Alafia River state Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Strengths: | everything except sole brakes | | Weaknesses: | sole brakes | | Similar Products Used: | giant trance | | Bike Setup: | put dangerboy lever
oudi lock-on grips
kenda nevegal 2.35 tires
everything else is pretty much stock | | Bottom Line: | Its a great bike with a few flaws
buy it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joshua Weinstein
a
from Craryville, NY
Date Reviewed: December 31, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | trails at coyote hill mtb camp, VT | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Berkshire Bike And Blade (five flaming chillies!!) | | Strengths: | FRAME: bump absorption, stable pedaling, solid, low price comp. to other manufactures.
IT CAN HANDLE ANYTHING. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | giant warp DS 1 | | Bike Setup: | marzocchi AM SL, Saint cranks, Deity bars and stem, flat pedals, shorter seat-post for DH/FR, stock for XC/AM, Hayes hfx-9 XC Bakes, all else stock (for now) | | Bottom Line: | brand is great, a solid bike that can handle lt. DH/FR, maestro susp. is smooth, lacks bob in seated pos. good for budget biker or newbie (frame is for all skill levels)
If you want one bike (not ring), to do it all,
rrr eeeee iiiii ggg n n !!
r r e i g g nn n !!
r r e i g n n n !!
rrrr eeee i g gg n n n !!
r r e i g g n n n !!
r r e i g g n nn
r r eeeee iiiii ggg n n !! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jess
a Downhiller
from Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Date Reviewed: December 21, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Pipeline | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | BSP | | Strengths: | suspension, climbability, shifters | | Weaknesses: | FOX Tora Fork, Hayes Sole Hydraulics, Tires | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4600 xc | | Bike Setup: | Just changed the tires to Bontrager Big Earl, and getting new Avid Juicy 5 brakes soon. Will change the fork when I can afford it. | | Bottom Line: | AWESOME BIKE! I love it. Needs upgrades, but I knew that when I bought it. I bought it 'cause the suspension is great (climbs really well too!), and just a good all around fit for my smallness and intermediate downhiller abilities. Definitely need to replace the brakes ASAP (I'm getting Avid Juicy 5's), and the tires (Bontrager Big Earls). Hayes Sole's are crap (no power), and the tires just aren't beefy enough to take what the bike can take! It's great for everything. A little twitchy..I guess that's the fork, but I don't notice it once I'm on my way...I notice it when I try someone else bike and go back to mine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
EDGAR TABORA
a Weekend Warrior
from MIAMI, FLORIDA
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | MARKHAM PARK | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | BELLS BIKES | | Strengths: | STRENGHS....EVERYTHING KICKS ASS BUT THE FOX SHOCK, NOT TO MY TASTE IT BOTTOM OUT EVEN AT 3 TO 4 FOOT DROPS...UPGRADED REAR SHOCK, FRONT FORK AND ADDED A CHAIN TENSIONER. | | Weaknesses: | ....FOX REAR SHOCK WITH PROPEDAL.... | | Similar Products Used: | HARO X SERIES...VT...MARIN WILDCAT TRAIL...CANONDALE JECKYL...MARIN ROCKSPRINGS...SPECIALIZED ENDURO 06'...ELLSWORTH MOMENT... | | Bike Setup: | PRETTY MUCH BIKE IS STOCK...UPGRADES; ROCKSHOX TORA TO A MANITOU SHERMAN FIREFLY PLUS SPV....FOX REAR SHOCK FOX PROPEDAL TO A MANITOU 3 WAY SWINGER SPV, STEM TO A TRUVATIV 4 SCREW CLAMP, ADDED A BASH GUARD AND A STINGER CHAIN TENSIONER. | | Bottom Line: | SO FAR ONE OF THE BEST RIDES I HAVE HAD. THERE IS A DESCRIPTION IN MOUNTAIN BIKE MAGAZINE ABOUT HOW THE INTENSE REAR TRAVEL WORKS, IT FEELS LIKE THEY ARE DESCRIBING MY RIDE IN THE REIGN.
THIS BIKE ROCKS, THE WAY I HAVE SETUP MY RIDE, I CAN TELL YOU IT RULES. LOVE IT IN EVERYWAY, AS AN AGRESSIVE RIDER MY JUMPS, CLEARING OF GAPS AND THE RIDE ARE AWESOME EVERYTIME.
THIS BIKE WILL MAKE YOU A BETTER RIDER AND CONFIDENSE WILL BUILD UP AUTOMATICALLY AS YOU RIDE IT EVERYDAY.
MY SUGGESTION...DO THE UPGRADES OR INVEST AND BUY THE NEXT EXPENSIVE ONE.......OR DO THE SPECIFIC UPGRADES MY BIKE NOW WITH THE REAR SHOCK 4 TO 6 FOOT DROPS, THE SHOCK COMPRESSES ONLY A 85% OF ITS TRAVEL (185 PSI MAIN TO 65 PSI AT NEG/SPV ). FRONT SHOCK AT 70PSI AT SPV CHAMBER.
HAYES SOLE WORK GREAT NO COMPLAINS....TIRES I LOVE THEM THEY ARE FAST BUT SEEMS TO WEAR KINDA FAST OR MY RIDE IS TOO AGRESSIVE...WHO CARES AS LONG THEY DO THE JOB. SHIFTERS ARE PLUSH DIAL ON THE MONEY FOR NOW.
GAVE 5 CHILLIS TO THE VALUE...ONLY WE ARE TO BLAME FOR BUYING THE CHEAPEST MODEL, BUT THE END RESULT IS GREAT.
GAVE 5 CHILLIS TO THE OVERALL... DUE THAT DURING MY RIDES WITH THE OEM PARTS THE RIDE WAS GOOD BUT AFTER MY UPGRADES THE RIDE HAS BECOME AWESOME...FANTASTIC...KICKASS...ETC...ETC...ETC...ETC...ETC
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bob
a Weekend Warrior
from goodyear
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Estrella Mtn tech loop | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Cychology by mail | | Strengths: | Superb frame! Very stable, and great with the Fox Float shock. The SRAM X7 shifters are sweet, never had SRAM before and I way prefer over Shimano so far. | | Weaknesses: | The Rock Shox Tora 302 may break in, but a bit twitchy, not as plush as I like. | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper FSR 2005 (hated that bike!!!!), chain suck and the XTR rear derailler being too fragile drove me insane. | | Bike Setup: | Tora 302 Air Rock Shox fork, Fox Float r, Hayes sole discs, SRAM x7 rear, Shimano LX front d, absolutely stock 2006 Reign 3 | | Bottom Line: | A freakin' superb bike!!!! I sold my 2005 Stumpy FSR due to the chain suck (unbelievably common, would stop my ride 3 times at least per run) and crappy XTR rear derailler that always got knocked out of whack with the smallest ding. Admittedly, the trails here are incredibly rocky and hard on bikes.
This bike rocks! The shifters are smooth, the rear shock works great with the Maestro geometry and the brakes aren't that bad (got poor write ups here). The 302 Tora fork is OK so far, I haven't got it dialed in yet. It may get better as I learn to get it tuned for my weight and riding. No chain suck!!! Climbs real nice as the rear wheel stays in contact better than any bike I've ever ridden, but it is heavy. Down the hill, its even better. This bike is good for a newbie to probably a fairly advanced rider. Oh yeah, and I love the seat. Probably too heavy for you racers, but it is by far the most comfortable I've ridden on a Mtn bike. As I said, heavy, but you can upgrade components and make it as light as you would ever need. Or, eat two less cheeseburgers per week and save 5 lbs the cheap way....
Totally worth the money, by far the nicest mtn bike for the $$$ and I've tested most of them over the past year. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al C
a Weekend Warrior
from Alhambra
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | local is best | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | frame from wheelworld | | Strengths: | great climbing bike even with the weight. | | Weaknesses: | heavey | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jekyll lefty max, Maverick ML7, Ibis hardtail(s) | | Bike Setup: | Small frame, SC32, bontreger racelite 24mm front hub, juicy carbon, 07 xt RF shifter, xtr 952 rear derl. easton monkeylite bar, raceface crank, kenda tire. Amazing enough about under 29 lbs | | Bottom Line: | I had enough extra parts to build a decent bike so I thought why not, wheelworld had the frame on sale for $400, I jump on it. What a deal!!
I like this bike, I also own a 26 lbs ML7 that's an excellent climber, this bike climb like a champ, decent great. a bit on a harsh side when set up with platform but with virtual link, I really don't feel the need just the recommended sag did the job for me already. I set it on the softer side, with 6" of rear travel who cares.
super effient climber, only on the extended climb you feel the weight of the bike otherwise it's just want to go. although, manitou swinger is not my first choice but It does its job just fine.
I recommend this bike to every one especially if you can get good deal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a
from Tustin,California,USA
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Aliso | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Excellent frame and suspension design. Bob free pedaling in most situations. Descents stable and quick. Great Technical climber. Rims have held up well under my 220 lbs. | | Weaknesses: | Component spec is a kinda shoddy.
A tad heavy (34lbs on the 21") but what 6" travel bike isn't..
The biggest dissapointments for me were the tires (slippery tread) and the hayes sole brakes. I dont care for the soles levers and the brakes seemed to regularly need alot of adjusting that I couldnt do myself. After a year they just outright failed on me.
Rear shock tends to rebound pretty fast on big hits.
People really seem to hate the splice fork but it hasnt really done me wrong so i wont jump on that bandwagon yet. Its definatly not as plush as the competition and the adjustment knobs dont seem to do much of anything but it gets the job done.
Not really a stand on the climbs kind of bike. More of sit down and churn while the suspension eats up all the rough stuff. | | Similar Products Used: | Not much this was my first full suspension bike after a few years of riding a hardtail. | | Bottom Line: | An excllent bike for someone who wants a solid base to build on. The frame and suspension design are fantastic and if you dont have the dollars for a Reign 1 you can still have a similary great ride and chip away at the upgrades when you get the money.
5 for value because you get a more budget verion of a fantastic bike. If you dont like the budget parts upgrade as needed. Not many 6" VPP bikes are out there in this price range, if any.
4 Overall because some of the components are pretty crappy. But not so crappy that they need replacing immediatly.
I've been exceptionally happy with this bike over the year I have spent with it. I'm switching over to a 29'er soon but I think I might keep the Reign around for the more heavy duty trails.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Glenn Pitman
a Weekend Warrior
from Gold Coast, Australia
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Nerang | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Great Suspension System
Tora 318 fork
| | Weaknesses: | Shimano drivetrain
Hutchinson Bulldog tyres
cable & hose route near rear suspension linkage
Giant brand of lockon grips
Hayes Sole Hydros. Ok to start with but consider upgrading. | | Similar Products Used: | Intence 5.5, Specilised Enduro, Giant Trance | | Bike Setup: | Geax Sturdy tyres
CrankBros Mallet C pedals
Odi Lockon Rogue grips
SRAM x-9 drivetrain
Upgraded front 6" rotor to 8"
Modified cable route near rear linkage
Future Upgrades
- Saint Hydro Brakes
- Fox 36's or RS Pike 454's [dreaming bigtime]
- UST Wheelset [longterm] | | Bottom Line: | Believe the hype, this bike rocks. Check the Giant Discussion forum and you will see what i mean. I love riding this bike.
I was really worried about what bike to buy. i had the choice of the Trance or the Reign and i opted for the Reign and have never regretted the decision. The bike loves to climb. Its a strong climber and combined with the Tora318 with remote lockout, its a demon.
It is however not without issues. There is a cable route issue near the rear linkage. i rectified this by replacing the c clips with zipp ties and have no problems since. there was a bearing issue early on with the first releases but i have not experienced any issues yet, so Giant must of changed the bearing type. Giant is known for "paperthin" paint jobs so spend the time and money and get some clear 3m film to cover it to stop cable rubs.
The Brakes are ok to start with, but i am looking at getting a set of Saints fitted. for the meantime i have changed the front rotor to an 8" to help with the stopping duties.
The stock tyres suck. I went with Geax Sturdies as i wanted an all round tyre that was not going to wear out in a hurry, but also handle mud and rocky conditions. so far so good.
all in all, Its a great, value for money, bike. you wont be disappointed with it. I even race Enduro's with it. its that good.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reece
a Weekend Warrior
from Nelson, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | R&R Sport | | Strengths: | Great value for money! Suspension is fantastic, eats up the knobbly stuff, while keeps nice and smooth on the flat. | | Weaknesses: | Tyres could be better, but will wear them out and upgrade. Most of the other components are pretty good for the money, only stock parts I swapped out at purchase was the Deore gear set, swapped for SRAMX-9s. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Dawg | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with SRAMX-9s instead of Deore LX (Personal Preference) | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike for a decent price. Has so far been sturdy, very easy to ride, and very comfortable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kaizen
a Cross Country Rider
from Belmont, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Waterdog lake | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Online | | Strengths: | Great handling. Amazing climber. Confidence inspiring downhill. Technically adept. Great price. Maestro is the real deal! | | Weaknesses: | Poor gruppo. Forks leave a lot to be desired. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose Pro. Demo'd Specialized Enduro. | | Bike Setup: | Thomson Post & Stem; Scott bars; Race Face Evolve XC Cranks; SRAM X.0 shifters and rear derailleur; XTR front; Spinergy Xyclone Disc Wheels; Fox Vanilla RLC Forks | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the all-mountain rider who wants to ride while he/she upgrades components. With this agile climber and confident descender you can enter the full-suspension world with competence. Buy it and inch up your components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Branden Jordan
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Chiva Falls | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Cycle | | Strengths: | The frame, suspension and overall bike geometry provide an amazing ride. Keep your butt in the seat and it climbs just fine. A good weight for a "do it all" type of bike. Not the best cross country bike or best down hill bike but handles both well and is a great all mountain bike. Very smooth suspension has made me a more aggressive rider. Giant really came through with the Maestro suspension.
| | Weaknesses: | Just about everything except the frame and suspension components on this bike were subpar. Hold out and save your money for a Reign 2 or Reign 1. If you don't then you will be spending more to upgrade everything like I have had to do. **I need to mention that mine is the 2005 model and maybe the 2006 Reign 3 is better equipped.** After shopping around I think it is always better to skip the "entry level" models and always spend the extra $ on the midrange models. This is true for all brands. You save way more than if you would have to upgrade each component seperately. For example...
The Hutchinson Bulldog tires were horrible and have been replaced with a Panaracer Smoke on the back and a Panaracer Dart on the front.
The pedals were difficult to clip in and out of, especially in technical areas. Replaced with Crank Bros Egg Beater pedals.
The Hayes Sole brakes are horrible. These entry level hydraulic brakes are always rubbing, squeeling and not gripping. I sent the front brake back when it quit working and even the new one has barely any stopping power. I am currently replacing them with Avid Juicy 7's.
I think the handlebars could be a tad wider and that the angle of the front could be a bit more slack but this is really no big deal.
Replaced the back wheel assembly as it was never really "true" even after adjustment. Finally had to replace it due to a crash. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Iguana, Specialized StumpJumper Pro | | Bike Setup: | See my comments in product weaknesses | | Bottom Line: | If you a looking for a great do it all bike then look no further. However, save your cash and make sure you get a Reign 2 or Reign 1. If you have another bike with good components then you may want to just buy the frame and swap them over. Can not say enough about the suspension on this ride!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Redenbach
a Cross Country Rider
from Whistler,BC
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | No Horses | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Co. | | Strengths: | Great Value!
Amazing ride!
Maestro suspension rules! | | Weaknesses: | Components are not the best, but if you want better ones just buy the Reign 1 or 2. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro, Norco 6, Rocky Switch, Kona Dawg, and Santa Cruz VP Free | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Gravity Dropper Seat Post | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the best in it's price range for all mountain.
Maestro suspension will blow you away, climing is bob free.
This is the ultimate All Mountain Bike for the price!
I have riden her all over Whistler's trails. http://www.whistlermountainbike.com/
Up or down this baby rocks!
I have tried many different bikes and this 1 is the best setup for the money. Gaint has the best bang for buck.
Save yourself a ton of time and check these reviews of the Reign by MTB action, Bike Mag, and Decline Mag. So helpfull!
http://www.suspensionmadeharmonious.com/press.html | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul V
a
from Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Slyvesters Source | | Strengths: | Meastro suspension is great absolute dream to ride. | | Weaknesses: | Rock Shock Tora front fork, and Race Face crank set | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Dawg, Rocky Mountain Switch | | Bike Setup: | Stock at first then Deore hollow tech 2 crankset | | Bottom Line: | The frameset blows my mind, awesome travel and tech. But on my second ride the crank cracked and broke so I replaced it. Third ride the seals in the Rock Shock Tora blew apart....IN THE PARKING LOT!!! So just buy the frameset and stock it with your components. I owned the bike for 8 days and had all these problems. So now I'm waiting for a response from giant and the retailler on how they will correct this. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
greg
a
from sydney
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | AUD | | Strengths: | Frame, suspension, value for money.. it even looks good!
It handles quick and even pedals anytime, anywhere, anyhow..
ITS FAST for a rig! quick as my hardtail with no travel.. | | Weaknesses: | hayes sole brakes - loctite will be your friend for life
hutchy tyres - super fast wearing that cost me skin!
derailler slap - nice piece of rubber cable tied to swingarm now
rims - could be more burly for this kind of bike, my rear is fkd! | | Similar Products Used: | old bike was GT idrive3, xtr, hoped, azonic'd
also own specialised hardrock hardtail.. | | Bike Setup: | completely standard apart from new set of tyres | | Bottom Line: | The bike rips! its quick and burly, handles whatever you dish out, will make your riding skill level step up! I havnt needed to touch my bike as ive gone done the upgrade money waste route with my GT, its excellent value for $$.. handles drops (apart from the derailleur slap), good for tricks (yes those manitou forks deserve endos).
Dissapointments: what i said before.. Brakes are absolute shyte, will have to go otherwise will need shares in loctite! thats why im giving it a 4 for overall, even tho its not giants fault! they should spec hope disc brakes... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamie
a
from Gainesville, FL
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Santos | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Lbs | | Strengths: | Maestro suspension. Descent component group. Sram components. Price. | | Weaknesses: | Some indivdual comonents. Tora 302 shock. | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode Cannondale Prophets, Specialized Enduro, Reign 1 and 2. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Shimano 540 pedals. | | Bottom Line: | The Maestro suspension works. It always seems active. Sit in the seat and the bike climbs without pedal bob. It soaks up the rough stuff and remains stable. I've jumped the bike and taken some small drops and it hasn't seem to phase the bike. I was impressed since I weigh 230. I went with the 18" and I'm 5'8". The next size down felt a little to small and I didn't notice a difference in standover height. The slopping top tube was a big plus over the other bikes. This frame is worth the upgrades as it's the same used by the Reign i and 2. I was looking more for the Reign 2 to start out but since this was the first full suspension I've owened, I decided to save a few bucks with the deal I got on a 2006. The Rock Shox Tora is the first major upgrade I will do also followed by brakes.The Tora 302 has really no adjustments. It's a base fork and the travel is short. The Heyes are ok, but I've always been a fan of Avids. Other minor parts are the seat post and stem. Like other Easton seatpost I've had, they always creak on me. I've got a Thomson Elite going on it, hope that cures that. Overall this is an excellent bike and platform for riding many various types of riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | In the woods | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | mtbr.com classifieds | | Strengths: | maestro suspension system, appearance, PRICE!, standover height | | Weaknesses: | Splice fork, hayes sole brakes, weight if you are looking for a climber | | Similar Products Used: | Testrode trek Liquid, Kona Coiler, GT iDrive 5.0 | | Bike Setup: | Stock 130mm Manitou Splice (non-adjustable), Azonics pedals, e13 chainring bashguard, 42mm stem, higher rise bars than factory, Maxxis 2ply DH tires, clamp-on grips, all else stock (outer front chainring removed for bashguard)
I bought the bike slightly used, all extras included. | | Bottom Line: | I've only been out for a few rides so far but overall, I absolutely LOVE this bike!
Let's start with the bad:
-The 130mm splice fork is crap. On the softest setting, it still feels like a pogo stick. Also doesn't make much sense to mount a 130mm fork on a bike with a 150mm rear suspension system. My first upgrade will be a 150mm fork, without a doubt.
-Hayes Sole Hydros...they work okay, but be prepared to replace these right away if you require a lot of braking power. My second upgrade (a few seconds after the fork), will be new hydros, not sure what I'll go with yet, but most likely 8" front rotors and 6" rear. I rode a liquid with that setup and I like it a lot.
-This bike is a little on the heavy side...32lbs out of the box, my current build probably comes in over 33lbs. If you require something more lightweight, I would look toward the Reign 1 or 2, the Reign 1 comes 28lbs out of the box which is fantastic considering the durability and capability of this base bike.
And on with the good:
Giant hit a grandslam with the Maestro Suspension....it soaks up the bumps, the jumps, and holds the tire down over rocks, roots, ruts, you bring it, it takes it. And what really amazes me about this bike, is even mine built up at 33lbs, IS a climber. I'm not going to win any uphill races, but if you pick a moddest gear, keep your butt on the seat and keep your cadence up, this bike will climb and the suspension will not suck your life away. I swear by this, and keep in mind I am running a 42mm stem...if you run the stock stem, I believe you can climb most anything you could on any other bike.
I am 5'8" and I went with the 16" frame, the cockpit feels a bit short (which is good, that's how I set the bike up), and I have plenty of standover height which was one thing I was nervous about, this being my first full suspension bike and me being vertically challenged :). Overall the bike is very comfortable to ride, I don't feel like I'm mounting a horse and it's very maneuverable on technical terrain, moreso than I ever expected from a 6" FS bike.
The bike is great at speed, the suspension keeps you in line and takes the jumps well. This bike is a pleasure to ride and I believe that it's making me a better rider.
I recommend this bike to someone that wants an all mountain bike and has a budget...someone that wants to hang on the XC trails one day, hit the ski resorts another day, and hit the technical runs any day in between. There's a better bike for each, but this bike takes all of it well, and it won't destroy your bank account. This bike doesn't have the greatest components, but that's expected at this price.
5 Chilis because so far it's taken everything I've thrown at it!
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Submitted by
Chris Taylor
a Weekend Warrior
from colorado springs, co
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | pipeline and templeton trails | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | criterium bicycles | | Strengths: | handles well, stable at speed over almost any type of terrain, has taken anything I have thrown at it including several trips to ski resorts this summer (multiple jumps and drops up to 5 feet with transition landings) | | Weaknesses: | hayes brake levers kept creeping in (just add some "blue" loctite to the adjustment screw and problem stops), cable rub in several places need to re-route cables, deralieur cables have been replaced twice and brake cable once because of breakage at the point where they have to bend when the rear suspension cycles. Original Hutchison tires are cr*p, replaced with Maxxis Minion 2.35" front and rear no problems. Makes a bit af noise over rough terrain. Just put a chainstay protector on and put a couple of wraps of electrical tape on the lower part of the front deralieur | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode Trek Liquids. Raleigh Ram XT's, Cannondale Prophets, among other similar bikes. | | Bike Setup: | stock, except for platform pedals | | Bottom Line: | This bike has exceeded my expectations and enhanced my riding capabilities noticably within the first week of riding. If you want a great handling, stable(in the air, and over anything) able to handle up to 5' drops with transition landings (from experience) and occasional ski resort weekends that also goes uphill without overly punishing someone that's not in racing shape. This is your bike. I will say that you should not just take my advice, go and ride as many similar bikes before you spend $1700 on a bike. I Did!! I gave 4 chilis on overall for the cable replacing problem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Don Valley | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Solutions | | Strengths: | Amazing Frame
6 inches of travle in the rear
Disc Brakes are great
Fork on the front is nice as a starter fork
The Maestro suspension system is pure genious | | Weaknesses: | If you're into hard riding the fork should be replaced
| | Similar Products Used: | None - First full-suspension bike | | Bike Setup: | Stock Giant Reign 3 | | Bottom Line: | An amazing bike. The Maestro suspension system is beautiful. It reall does what the adds say it does. All the components are good, but not the best. It's an amazing bike, I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's a great bike for anybody into hard trail riding and light freeride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a Weekend Warrior
from Machester, UK
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Everything - from XC to DH and freeride | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: | |
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