Generalist versus specialist is the motto in this super duel of enduro bikes. On the side of the all-rounders, the brand-new Jab from mail-order company Radon is competing. With its modern geometry and decent suspension travel reserves, the carbon enduro bike does not disregard weight and aims to excel on any route. Giant, on the other hand, is following the trend towards specialisation and positioning the new Reign as racier than ever. A really long geometry and a steel spring damper on the top model emphasise the uncompromising orientation.
The first battle between the two enduro bikes takes place in the lab. As expected, the new Jab with its sleek stealth look sets the tone in terms of overall weight, weighing in at 670 grams less. This is almost exactly the difference (653 grams) that Giant adds with the steel spring shock compared to the air shock. In terms of frame weight, the Giant is pretty evenly matched except for a difference of just 31 grams, which, unlike the Radon, even has an aluminium rear triangle. Compared to the local enduro competition, both frames are among the lighter ones, but don't break any records. The new Jab frame has even gained around 200 grams compared to its much tamer predecessor, the Slide 160.
In terms of geometry, both enduro bikes show no weakness and emphasise the current direction of travel. A 65 mm steering angle, very low bottom bracket and a long and very long reach. Unfortunately, the Radon was only available in size M at the time of testing, which is why the Giant, which is even longer than its predecessor, is significantly longer. Even in size M, the Reign's reach is 14 millimetres longer than the Radon. There is another difference in the chainstay length. Here too, Giant favours maximum smoothness, whereas the Radon has extremely short 428 mm stays.
The third round is all about the details. The Jab looks as if it has been cast from a single mould and has a flip chip integrated into the rocker, which can be used to adjust the steering angle by 0.5 degrees and the bottom bracket height by six millimetres. In addition, the frame is fitted with many precisely fitting mudguards. However, due to the overhanging chainstays, it is easy to graze your heels on the mudguards (see detailed picture). Compared to its predecessor, little has changed on the Giant. Apart from the 17 millimetre increase in reach, the Reign has identical geometry data and the same frame silhouette. If it weren't for the steel spring shock, which can be effectively tightened via a remote lever on the handlebars. However, the next round will show whether the additional weight of almost 700 grams is worth it.
The setup of the Reign makes it clear that the 450 steel spring, which Giant claims is suitable for riders between 75 and 80 kilos, is too firm. Our 80-kilo tester only managed a meagre 22 per cent SAG. On the trail, the expected "wow" effect of the steel spring doesn't materialise. The rear suspension is quite firm and feels like it has little travel. A check of the laboratory data confirms the practical impression. The end stop buffer of the steel shock limits the suspension travel to just 148 millimetres even at high force - clearly too little for enduro use! In comparison, the Jab offers significantly more travel and also has a better fork. As the Fox fork on the Jab has very good travel, the rear end gives a little more in comparison, but this can be eliminated by increasing the compression damping. In this setup, the suspension works harmoniously, but never leaves the rider in the dark as to where they're going. Thanks to the short chainstays, the Jab rides much more playfully and is easy on the rear wheel. The Giant, on the other hand, provides a smooth and stable ride without being too bulky.
Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager: Giant can't really play the steel spring joker in this comparison and loses valuable points as a result. The extra weight therefore bears no relation to the performance. The new Jab, on the other hand, has hardly any weaknesses and wins the duel. The price difference is also not insignificant. Despite its top equipment, the Radon Jab costs a whole 2000 euros less.
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RADON JAB 10.0
Considering the equipment on offer, 4999 euros is a real challenge to the competition. The striking full carbon frame, Fox Factory suspension and Sram Eagle gears are more than impressive. Compared to the Slide 160, the Jab has become significantly more "enduro" without restricting the range of use too much. Thanks to the short chainstay, the bike rides quite playfully.
GIANT REIGN ADVANCED 0
With a reach of 471 millimetres in size L, the new Reign offers exactly what racers want. The geometry offers a high level of safety and good-naturedly irons out mistakes. However, the Reign wants to be ridden with more physical effort, but is still not a stubborn long-travel truck. Due to the limited suspension travel, the performance of the coil shock was disappointing. With an air shock, the rear suspension provided 14 millimetres more travel.
Technical data and measured values
