Pedalling comfortably but efficiently towards the summit and then really turning on the throttle downhill. Whenever there is talk of powerful enduro MTBs at the regulars' tables around the world, there is one bike that should not be missing: the Giant Reign. With its forgiving suspension and balanced handling, it has already won the hearts of BIKE testers several times in the past. For the 2018 model year, Giant wants to make good things even better and has given the Reign a slightly smoother but efficient geometry: 65 degree head angle, 73 degree seat angle, a reach of 459 millimetres in frame size M (473 millimetres in L) and 435 millimetre long chainstays.
Another new feature is the shock mount, which now allows longer shock absorbers. The shock absorbers are now linked by a stiff carbon rocker. In combination with the longer shock absorbers, this should ensure better response behaviour. The sagging that was criticised on older models is now also a thing of the past. Overall, the bike should also be stiffer in the bottom bracket and head tube area to improve sprinting characteristics and steering precision. Dimitri Lehner, editor-in-chief of our Sister magazine FREERIDE has already ridden the new Giant Reign. Here is his first impression.
Giant Reign 2018: First ride impression
Longer, flatter, faster - the 2018 Reign also has to bow to "racing fashion" and has been modified to meet the requirements of the Giant EWS team. Anyone familiar with the international enduro series will know that the guys there rumble through very rough terrain and need a mini downhiller rather than a classic enduro bike for high speeds. So it is only logical to give the new Reign a steel spring shock absorber - for an even richer, more sensitive rear end. Contrary to the trend towards longer-travel forks, Giant only offers 160 millimetres at the front in the series - for a perfect "balance in the chassis", as the designers emphasise. However, team rider Josh Carson, who played a key role in the development of the new Reign, rides a 180 mm fork himself!
Our riding impression of the top model: The Reign is faster, smoother and much more powerful. In fact: mini DH. This gives you a lot of confidence on demanding descents, but also requires a more active riding style. In other words: If you want to quickly lift the front end on terrain steps or lever the bike into the air for a bunny hop, you need to use your body. You also have to push hard on the front wheel when changing corners quickly. In contrast, the previous model was much more manoeuvrable and playful - but at high speeds, it became unsteady earlier than the successor.
The rear suspension kinematics have also been tweaked. While the previous Reign was criticised for sagging a little at the rear and squatting on fast berms, the new Reign is more stable and balanced in its travel. This gives the new bike more pop. Practical: For more effective climbing, Giant has given the coil shock a lockout with remote control on the handlebars. The final question: Which bike is better, the old or the new one? Both bikes are excellent enduro MTBs. Bikers with a playful riding style, who are also rarely out on difficult downhill trails, will like the old Reign better. Racers, speed junkies and enduro riders who also enjoy shredding in the bike park will be delighted with the more potent Giant Reign for 2018.
The photo gallery (above) provides an overview of the model range of the new Giant Reign and the equipment and prices of the individual models. The new Reign will be available to buy from the beginning of August 2017.
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
