[GIVES3]

I currently ride a 2008 Giant Reign 2, which I am a huge fan of and would recommend to anyone. It is time to upgrade this spring and I thought I had my mind set on a brand new Reign 2, until I started shopping around a little online. I found I could get a leftover 10' Mission 2 for around $1759 when the Reign 2 was going to cost me about $2200.

Additionally the Reign seems to have a weaker component lineup with a relatively similar frame design (people seem to love this knuckle box) to the Mission.

That being said, I'm looking to see if anyone has gone through this same comparison and maybe even tried out both bikes and can offer any thoughts. To me it would appear for $500 less I can get an equivalent if not better bike for my money.

Thanks!

 

[axolotl]

Ridden 2010 Reign X and wasn't as thrilled as I was hoping. Been on Commencal meta 6 08 and 4x 09 and love them both. Not a direct comparison but could be very similar to the knuckle box. It was nice to see the diamond back go to a 160 fork finally.

 

[d.n.s]

+1 for mission 2
i own it for 2 seasons, no way i will replace it

 

[onemission]

I was in the exact same boat. I went with the mission for the value, and Im very happy with it overall. I was set on the giant because I kept hearing from many people you wont find better value because giant is the biggest co in bikes, etc etc, but side by side..........

 

[pfox90]

Diamondbacks are dirty as hell. I sell them, and I have never owned a Misson, but I do have a Sortie. Love the Knuckle Box! Diamondback stacked up against any dealer in the same price class will usually win in a spec battle

 

[Blksocks]

There's your answer! Mission 2! You wont regret it.

 

[GIVES3]

Thanks for all your help. Guess my mind is made up!!

 

[037jeff]

I ride a mission 2 as well and my riding partner had
the Giant reign. Mission 2 all the way! I have had mine
a little less than a year and have upgraded a little here and
there to my liking. I know where ur getting the M2 and for
the price/component set up and ride u will not regret anything.

 

[Hotwhls]

I would go with the reign. I just bought a reign 2 and got rid of a trek fuel. The reign in my oppion does everything way better than my trek did. I love the reign.

 

[jhazard]

Those touting the knucklebox over the Reign: Why? Apart from how the bike is spec'd, does the Knucklebox really outperform the Reign? If so, how? Again, not interested in the spec, as you can outfit any bike however you wish, I'm curious about the Knucklebox actually handles...

(fwiw - I own a Reign, and an Enduro. For long climbs, I dig the Maestro suspension, but for the downhill parts, I prefer how the Specialized Horst-Link works...)

 

[pfox90]

Here's a link to the technology info.

http://www.knucklebox.com/technology.aspx

 

[jhazard]

Here's a link to the technology info.

http://www.knucklebox.com/technology.aspx

Thanks for the link, I'll check it out now.

But anyone have practical experience on both bikes, that can offer a comparison? The OP asked for thoughts about both bikes, but people just respond with "this bike rules" kind of stuff. Looking for actual comparisons between the two...

 

[pfox90]

I'm not a suspension designer so I can't tell you the sciences behind it. Nor have I owned said Reign. I'm just saying I own a Sortie which features the Knucklebox design and I like it a lot because for the money it is one of the better suspension designs for pedalbility and bump/travel compliance.

 

[kneecap]

If you end up with the diamondback, post a review comparison.
Only comparison I have is my reign that's still a light frame that climbs great, compared to an older enduro that was a bob fest on climbs, not to mention how flexy it was.
I'd check bike & frame weights if you need to peddle up some...

 

[GIVES3]

On its way

Well I just ordered the Mission, so I will know in a couple weeks. I will be sure to update this thread with a comparison. Also decided to throw on a set of Spinergys and some smaller tires since those seem to be the only two complaints people have.

 

[onemission]

Nice! I rode both side by side, I couldnt tell a noticeable difference in suspension feel. Really cant go wrong either way. Congrats, let us know how you like it.

 

[Evan55]

knucklebox is just a 4 bar design with a gimmicky linkage.

floating pivot (maestro, dwlink,vpp) is the way to go.

but all thats important is that you have fun and get out on the trail

 

[mullen119]

I have been looking at the missions as well. I have been thinking about replacing my bike with one when the time comes. I currently have a Mongoose Teocali and like it a lot. The new Teocali's look sweet... but I have heard such good things about the Missions............ tough call

 

[Moozh]

knucklebox is just a 4 bar design with a gimmicky linkage.

floating pivot (maestro, dwlink,vpp) is the way to go.

but all thats important is that you have fun and get out on the trail

Gimmicky How? It works or it doesnt no?

 

[jhazard]

Gimmicky How? It works or it doesnt no?

Hard to say, as nobody has posted a comparative opinion yet. :skep: