[Niall Milner]

Originally posted on the "What Bike to Buy" forum but was suggested that I post here.

After some years in the wilderness I'm returning to MTBing.
My trusty steed - A 1996 Giant ATX 870 is a great hard tail, but the lack of disc mounts, etc mean that it will require replacing. Riding is predominantly XC trail riding with some jumping, North Shore etc thrown in to the mix

A friend came back from NZ with a Kona Dawg and after a shot on that my mind was made up that FS was the way to go for general all-round riding.

After some research I've narrowed my choice down to either an 05 Giant VT2 or an 06 Giant Reign 2.

Haven't ridden either yet, but as the VT is no longer available locally I thought I'd ask the global masses that have.

I can find a VT2 online in the UK for about £950. Reign 2's are all advertised at RRP £1,750.

Admittedly the Reign is pushing down the VT's price (they're all "on offer").

But... is the Reign really that much better than the VT?

Do I get a VT and save nearly £800
Or do I get a Reign?

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Niall

 

[en are es]

Have you looked at the Trance? The Reign is heaps and bounds above the VT, as far as suspension, componets, and general performance. But dont rule out the Trance... its a bit cheaper and performs well. Perhaps even an Anthem depending on the amount of XC there is on your trails.

 

[en are es]

He said he does some XC and a few jumps... I would personally opt for the Reign, but the Trance is cheaper and perhaps more what he needs.

 

[en are es]

Um... wow your right. I guess since the Trance has 4 and Reign has 3, they are both covering the 1000-4000$ price range(ish) and the Reign has to suffice for only having 3 by having its top end cheaper... hm, interesting. I always thought the Reign was more.

Trance 1 - 3400$
Trance 2 - 2000$
Trance 3 - 1600$
Trance 4 - 1200$

Reign 1 - 3300$
Reign 2 - 2200$
Reign 3 - 1600$

Well then go for the Reign!

 

[en are es]

en are es

I hope you voted for a 5" trance mate !

What?! I would love a 5" Trance but how does that pertain to choosing a Reign or VT? Who cares... Giant does need a 5" no pedal bob bike.

 

[tkrutis]

Own an 04 VT2,Rode my friends 05 Reign 2,result,VT for sale and 06 R2 on order.Sizing was also an issue,had a 18" VT,at 5'11" I ran the post at max and it felt small.The R2 ordered is a 20".The VT was still a good bike,no complaints other than sizing.

 

[richwolf]

Own an 04 VT2,Rode my friends 05 Reign 2,result,VT for sale and 06 R2 on order.Sizing was also an issue,had a 18" VT,at 5'11" I ran the post at max and it felt small.The R2 ordered is a 20".The VT was still a good bike,no complaints other than sizing.

Errr, any 05 Reign Framesets on sale????

 

[en are es]

Sorry, no relevance.

What the heck?! Are you telling me my post was of no relevance? You started it!

Grr... ANYWAYS, the original poster hasnt said anything as of recently so I dont think hes looking anymore. The Reign is better than the VT by far.

 

[Niall Milner]

Cheers

Cheers guys for your input.

Seems pretty unanimous, looks like I'll be saving for a Reign.
(no earlier reply because I sleep at night!)
Being in Scotland and all.....

I generally ride here:

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/sevenstanes

In the Tweed Valley at Glentress and the Traquair XC course.

The Reign gets my vote over the Trance for when I'm on the big stuff like the doubles at Spooky Wood or Caddon Bank at Traquair.

Will demo a Reign next time I'm over there.

Thanks again,

Niall

 

[richwolf]

I wonder why the VT series gets higher reviews than the Reign series??? Look under freeride bike reviews on this site.

When riding my VT I don't notice any seated pedal bob or chain kickback regadless of the situation. Now standing pedal induced bobbing is very apparent but it seems to be that way with the maestro series as well.

If the Reign comes with more travel up front or a more capable shock up front then that might be part of the percieved difference. I think to do a fair comparison the two bikes should be set up as close as possible vis a vis components and front forks.

 

[frankenbike]

I wonder why the VT series gets higher reviews than the Reign series??? Look under freeride bike reviews on this site.

When riding my VT I don't notice any seated pedal bob or chain kickback regadless of the situation. Now standing pedal induced bobbing is very apparent but it seems to be that way with the maestro series as well.

I agree with your comments on the VT. Seated riding is bob-free. The Swinger shock does need to be properly setup for rider weight to accomplish this. Since I run my SPV pressure high for my weight, there is just a little bob when sprinting out of saddle.

The VT has some pretty high ratings in the review section. I too wonder why it has higher ratings than the Reign.