The Giant Reign already has a long tradition and is something of a permanent guest in our enduro tests. No wonder: a look at the homepage of the Taiwanese bike giant reveals that there are twelve different models of this perennial favourite. Incidentally, the Reign currently starts at a slim 2799 euros.
Our test bike with the identifier 1 V2 is the latest aluminium version for 3999 euros. As already known from the carbon frames, the aluminium version now also has a storage compartment in the down tube. This creates space for the most important utensils and scores points in our usability rating. In addition, the geometry can be adjusted threefold at the rear rocker mount and fine-tuned to the rider's needs. We rode the Giant in the centre setting (see Geo overview).
In terms of equipment, the Reign is in the midfield. Fox Performance Elite suspension and Shimano SLX gears guarantee good performance and long-lasting riding pleasure. The saddle is comfortable, but a little too bulky. It is mounted on a TranzX seat post, which has a full 200 millimetres of travel. As a pure 29er, the Giant Reign is alone in this test. The rest of the field comes with a smaller 27.5-inch rear wheel. In order to harmonise the large rear wheel and 160 millimetres of travel, Giant relies on relatively long chainstays with a length of 440 millimetres. At 483 millimetres in size L, the reach is also on the long side.
Equipment Giant Reign 1 V2
- Fork: Fox 38 Performance Elite
- Shock: Fox Float X Performance Elite
- Gear system: Shimano SLX, 1x12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 10-51 / 510 %
- Brakes: Shimano Deore 220/203 mm
- Telescopic support/stroke: TranzX / 200 mm
- Wheels: Giant AM 29
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai Exo+/Minion DHR II DD, Maxxterra
- 29 x 2,5/2,4
Measured values
- Total weight: 16.76 kg (without pedals)
- Weight of wheels: 5918 g
- Acceleration of running wheels: 4448 kg x cm²
Balanced handling
All in all, the geometry ensures very balanced handling and control in every situation. You are perfectly integrated into the bike and don't have to use much physical effort to put weight on both wheels and steer the Reign over demanding trails. Manoeuvrable, despite the large rear wheel. A result of the frame refined over years of enduro racing.
Thanks to the rather moderate 64.3 steering angle, the Giant is not too bulky and the wheelbase also remains in the green zone. The geometry doesn't just score points downhill. The riding position also scores top marks on the climbs. This puts the Giant clearly at the top of the field in terms of handling, which ultimately leads to victory on points. In the laboratory evaluation, however, the Giant loses ground: The high overall weight and sluggish wheel acceleration are less impressive.
Reductions in the chassis
While the geometry is impressive across the board, the suspension can't quite match it. Although the rear suspension responds finely, it offers little damping control when the going gets tough. The suspension could be smoother. A shortcoming of the smaller Float-X shock.
The Fox 38 doesn't deliver the usual performance either, making noise when rebounding and lacking sensitivity. Somewhat curiously, despite the reinforced double-down tyre on the rear wheel, the carcass flexes more in corners than the lighter Exo+ tyres in the test with identical air pressure.
Conclusion: Max Fuchs BIKE editor
The Giant Reign takes the test victory due to the best downhill and uphill handling. In terms of suspension, there are stronger enduro bikes.
