[Liq2]

So just got back from my first downhill experience at Northstar and has made me want to get back into biking. I was riding a Santa Cruz Blur and a Mongoose Triple Diamond. I liked the feel of the mongoose and the Santa cruz was great, but a little unsteady at high speeds, although the maneuverability was pretty awesome.

So I've been trying to find and research the bike that could be in between the two so that i don't limit myself to only doing downhill. Came to the Giant Reign X1 and X2. I can't really tell the difference between the two online so hoping for some advice. Looks like they have 6.75" of travel which is right in between the goose and the santa cruz. They are 31lbs which makes me feel that it will be a great mutliuse bike. I still want the flexibility to go on causal up and down rides in the local hills.

Am i missing anything? another bike to consider? Help my n00bness. Thanks guys!

 

[streetlightpoet]

the frame would be the same between the two, the only difference would be the x1 having better parts hanging on it.

 

[LoozinSkin]

IMO, to build a Reign X that is fit to stand up to resort level abuse, you'll most likely end up somewhere around 35-38 lbs.

I've made some minor changes to mine from the pics here but it is still sits right around 36 with lighter single ply tires.

regardless, its still a fun bike that is highly stable at speed, has great square edge and small bump compliance and jumps decent too.

 

[Bryguy17]

the frame is the same on both (save for color and decals). just a matter of parts quality. I'd just go with the X1 unless you plan on upgrading a lot of parts right off the bat.

the X1 will handle pretty much everything quite well. I would definitely consider stronger wheels, and a bigger fork for DH duty though. some outlaws and a totem for days on the lifts would be a very good idea IMO. that will keep it climbable for day to day stuff, but still make it capable of dealing with the gnar.

with the big wheels and a big fork, you're still looking at around 36-38 lbs like loozin skin says, depending on the tires.

 

[Liq2]

As I'm a bit new to these bikes, is there another bike that would be a better fit right out of the box? Thanks.

 

[LoozinSkin]

yes... like a million if you don't plan on climbing. I still think the Reign X is the best choice if you plan on only having one bike and do a bit of everything.

 

[Liq2]

yes... like a million if you don't plan on climbing. I still think the Reign X is the best choice if you plan on only having one bike and do a bit of everything.

yeah really trying to be one and done on the bike for now.

 

[Nick_M2R]

The reign x serious is a pretty bombproof all rounder bike, it can handle long rides, climbs jumps and DH very well. X1 will have better parts than the X2

With regards to other bikes, i think the reign will be the cheapest seeing as the other bikes im thinking of that are like the reign are frame only , but dont hold me to this

I say definatly go for the X1

A mechanic at te LBS in the city had one with a pair of 66 ata's and he said it was a blast to ride, drop the forks to 140 for XC and climbing, pump em up to 180 for DH

 

[essenmeinstuff]

Couple other ones to consider would be sx trail, trek remedy, sc nomad etc. Lots of bikes on the burly side of AM... :thumbsup:

You'll find though, if you get bit by the bug, you'll want an AM bike for trail riding, and a proper DH bike for resorts...

 

[The Dude]

IMO, to build a Reign X that is fit to stand up to resort level abuse, you'll most likely end up somewhere around 35-38 lbs.

I've made some minor changes to mine from the pics here but it is still sits right around 36 with lighter single ply tires.

regardless, its still a fun bike that is highly stable at speed, has great square edge and small bump compliance and jumps decent too.

hey man, could you measure the seat tube on that? i am guessing its a small. i am about 5'8 to 5'9. just wanted to know how much seat tube i would have to work with.

 

[Bryguy17]

Yeah, if you don't wanna climb, there's a ton of better options, but if you're sticking all around, the reignX is definitely a good way to go.

You don't HAVE to upgrade your wheels or fork, and the bike will haul arse no matter what. it's just nice to have a light set of wheels for lighter days, and a burly, wide-ass set you can just throw on for days on the shuttles or lifts.

the fork is fine. I reallllly like the geometry of the bike with the taller fork (I actually run a boxxer on mine, as I'm not concerned about warranty), so I would recommend that for a future upgrade. Totems seem to be a good fit for the bike though. even then, it's hard to go wrong with that fox Van 36 on there.

 

[The Dude]

Yeah, if you don't wanna climb, there's a ton of better options, but if you're sticking all around, the reignX is definitely a good way to go.

You don't HAVE to upgrade your wheels or fork, and the bike will haul arse no matter what. it's just nice to have a light set of wheels for lighter days, and a burly, wide-ass set you can just throw on for days on the shuttles or lifts.

the fork is fine. I reallllly like the geometry of the bike with the taller fork (I actually run a boxxer on mine, as I'm not concerned about warranty), so I would recommend that for a future upgrade. Totems seem to be a good fit for the bike though. even then, it's hard to go wrong with that fox Van 36 on there.

yea i am goin to climb. i am just like smaller bikes. i will probably get a telescopic post for it.

 

[strangeland2]

I recently picked up a used x1. So far its going to be an awesome bike. Its a bit under sprung so Im waiting for the stiffer springs to come but so far I think it was a great choice.

Other bikes in my riding group are SX trails, Nomads, Bullits, a few Big Hits, Prophets, Hecklers, and a few Im missing. The Trails, nomads and Bullits are all about the same as far as the Reign x. The reason I went with the Reign was mostly a price point thing. All the used SX Trails Nomads and Bullits were out of my price range. Until I got the X then I found several of the others for the same price. lol

The Big Hits are a little over kill but they are both Rohloff (sp) equipped. They re still in the 45+ lb range. Thats alot of weight for the cross stuntry stuff we re doing.The Hecklers and Prophets are on the exact opposite end. I actually just sold a Prophet cause it was bottoming out way to much. For the 7 in travel (or close to it) the Reign X is a great buy.

I was actually considering the Glory and doing a similar build to the Big Hits but decided the Reign X would more than get the job done for me.

If you can spend the extra for the x1 over the x2 its definitely worth the money. The Marz 55 R on the x2 has some pretty scary reviews.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/mountain/2415/32131/ If you switch between the three different model it will list the differences in "key upgrades" right in the overview portion.

Forgot to add mine is mostly stock. With the platform pedals I have on it it weighed in at 36.6 lbs.

 

[Liq2]

Thanks for all the help guys.

Went to my local shop where a friend of a friend is an owner and picked up a 09 x1 for $2100 (free lifetime tunes). Feelin pretty good about the deal and am super excited to get the bike. Scored a new pressure suit, lock and knee/shin guards for another $100. Def an expensive day, but one that's goin to lead to some amazing weekday rides and sunday DH bombing.

 

[strangeland2]

Thanks for all the help guys.

Went to my local shop where a friend of a friend is an owner and picked up a 09 x1 for $2100 (free lifetime tunes). Feelin pretty good about the deal and am super excited to get the bike. Scored a new pressure suit, lock and knee/shin guards for another $100. Def an expensive day, but one that's goin to lead to some amazing weekday rides and sunday DH bombing.

Thats a really good deal. I had a shop make me a similar offer on a new X1 but the price was still out of my price range. Good score on the extras.