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Super long, super low, super flat! The Reign E+ is known for its extreme design. Now the 2022 model is ready to hit the trails - with some fundamental changes. A completely new Syncdrive motor, heavily customised geometry and a new wheel size make the 2022 model a completely new e-mountainbike from Giant.
The new Giant Reign E+ with new Yamaha motor in the video.
The new Giant engine
At the centre of the newcomer is a completely new motor. As usual with Giant, the hardware comes from Yamaha. Syncdrive Pro2 is the name of the new motor in the Giant world - and the innovations are significant. The new unit has become significantly smaller and lighter. This is a good thing, as the design and weight were the biggest criticisms of the PW-X2 and Syncdrive Pro. At 2.7 kilos, the latest version is over 300 grams lighter. Among the classic E-MTB drives only Shimano's EP8 is below this weight (2.6 kg). More importantly, the new, slimmer design should allow for significantly more modern geometries with shorter chainstays.
Giant makes direct use of the reduced dimensions. The chainstays on the Reign E+ are almost two centimetres shorter, although at 454 millimetres they are still above average. current E-Enduros lie. The next noticeable change: the engine no longer hangs so low down. This peculiarity not only earned the predecessor models the affectionate nickname "pot-bellied pig". It also ensured that the ground clearance was low. Both the look and the technology benefit from this innovation. We measured 36 millimetres more ground clearance in the EMTB lab compared to the predecessor. And that with the same bottom bracket height. A significant improvement.
Read our test to find out what the Giant Reign E+ with the new Yamaha Syncdrive Pro motor can do on the trail. You can download the complete article from EMTB 4/2021 as a PDF below. The test costs 1.49 euros.
Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in EMTB. We don't pay for them, but the opposite is the case: we charge for them, namely tens of thousands of euros every year
Giant Reign E+: Old against new
The facts about the Giant Reign E+
- Syncdrive Pro2 motor (85 Nm max. torque)
- Battery: 750 or 625 Wh, depending on model
- MX wheel mix: 29" front, 27.5" rear
- Aluminium frame
- 170 / 160 mm suspension travel
- Four models between 4799 and 7399 euros >> available here.
The new E-features on the Reign E+
Not only have the motor and geometry been adapted, but the entire drive control unit has also received a significant update. As before, Giant has opted for discreet, minimalist controls ex works. If you want a display with a full range of functions, you can easily retrofit it. The new Ridecontrol Ergo3 control lever is even more compact than its predecessor. It fits snugly against the grips and handling is great after a short period of familiarisation. A small control panel on the top tube of the bike, called Ridecontrol Go, displays the support level and battery status.
The battery on the Giant Reign E+
Giant has also tweaked the battery capacity for 2022. The largest available battery delivers 750 watt hours. The good thing is that the two variants with 625 and 750 Wh both fit in the same down tube. The difference in weight should be around 300 grams. Contrary to the series specification, our Reign E+ 1 test bike only contained a 625 Wh battery. This weighs 3.99 kilos. The larger energy source has almost the same dimensions, as the new 21700 cells are used here.
The geometry of the Giant Reign E+
The geometry of the new Giant-E-MTB has changed significantly, but its basic pillars remain the same. It can certainly be described as extreme. The biggest innovations: The chainstays have been shortened by almost two centimetres and now measure 454 millimetres. The stack has grown noticeably due to the large front wheel. The roomy reach has remained the same, and the steering angle has even become slacker. The seat angle is very steep.
The Reign E+ on the trail
The 21 model of the Reign E+ had many advantages. But it was a bit one-sided. Extremely safe and confident on fast straights, but unwieldy when it came to tight corners. The front wheel stuck to the ground, which provided a lot of traction but little room for manoeuvre for playful riding manoeuvres and line corrections. That was our impression in the last E-Enduro test with the Reign E+.
The successor is much more balanced on the road. The front end has been raised slightly due to the large front wheel, which benefits the handling just as much as the shorter chainstays. Overall, the bike is still on the safe and stable side. If you want to ride fast and sporty in demanding terrain, the Reign E+ is the right choice. This is also where the equipment updates such as the Fox 38 come into play.
You can read a detailed test with our riding impressions and lab data in EMTB 4/21. EMTB is available digitally, as an app or at newsagents from 17 August!
Models, prices and availability Reign E+
The new Reign E+ will be available from dealers from the end of August. There is a choice of four equipment variants. It starts with the Reign E+ 3 for 4799 euros. With Deore gears and brakes from Shimano, as well as the solid Domain fork from Rockshox and 625 battery, the entry-level model is not lacking in quality for serious enduro riding. Only the shock without a reservoir could be limiting.
Conclusion on the new Giant Reign E+ 2022
With the new, significantly more compact motor, Giant and Yamaha are taking an important step. The new Reign E+ has become much more versatile and balanced thanks to the Syncdrive Pro2. We are excited to see what else we can expect from this direction for the 2022 model year!
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Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
