Test Giant Reign Advanced E+: Next level enduro with tyre pressure sensors
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 14.11.2025
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Giant traditionally goes its own way with its e-mountainbikes. In cooperation with Yamaha, the bike giant has had its own e-drive up its sleeve for many years. Called: Syncdrive. And it is precisely this drive that the engineers have now taken to a new level. The Syncdrive Pro 3 motor runs on 48 instead of 36 volts and is said to deliver a whopping 800 watts of peak power and up to 90 newton metres of torque. Even more decisive in practice are the innovations to the other e-components of the Syncdrive universe. More on this in a moment.
The key data of the Reign Advanced E+ is all about enduro. Sure, the Reign E+ has always been the most downhill-focussed and longest-travel E-MTB in the Giant range. Compared to its predecessor, the suspension travel has even been increased again. The full carbon frame is trimmed to the familiar Maestro rear triangle. The kinematics with virtual pivot point elicits a full 170 millimetres of travel from the rear, with 180 millimetres added to the fork. The mullet set-up with a large 29er front wheel and 27.5er at the rear has been retained. New on the E-Enduro: for the first time, the Reign E+ uses a carbon frame, which the name suffix "Advanced" already reveals. As a result, the newcomer has slimmed down considerably.
In the video: BIKE checks out the Giant Reign Advanced E+
But the lower weight is not only due to the carbon fibre chassis, which according to Giant should be over a kilo lighter than its aluminium predecessor. Giant has also trimmed the drive system for lower weight and therefore the best possible trail handling. The battery delivers an economical 560 watt hours and weighs less than 2.8 kilos. Our test bike, the mid-range Reign E+ 1 model, may not be an absolute record weight at 23.3 kilos, but it is a full two kilos lighter than its predecessor. And in terms of weight, there is still some room for improvement in terms of equipment. Robustness before lightweight construction. The more expensive top model, which features carbon parts in many places, is likely to be a good deal lighter. Giant promises 22.7 kilos in size M. All this with an easily removable battery. This fact is worth mentioning, as many weight-optimised E-Enduros such as the Santa Cruz Bullit or the new YT Decoy have the battery permanently installed in the down tube.
Giant Syncdrive Pro 3 motor and e-drive
With the Syncdrive Pro 3, Giant is joining the arms race for more power on the e-bike motor. The new drive is said to deliver 90 Newton metres and up to 800 watts. The unit now runs on 48 instead of 36 volts. This change is intended to put less stress on the system despite the higher output, making it more resistant to heat and continuous stress. The system's five support levels can be customised via the app.
The update to the controls is at least as remarkable - because these were previously a weak point of the Syncdrive drives. The new top tube display in particular looks extremely high-quality and elegant. Razor-sharp, perfectly legible, protected in the top tube and customisable to boot. We like that! In particular: the display pages can be customised directly on the display using the remote lever - no need to use the app!
There are also smart features such as an automatic tyre pressure display, an anti-theft alarm and a "Find-my" function (only with Apple). Giant has taken the tyre pressure display in particular a step further than most previous systems of this type. The pressure is shown directly on the display, so there is no need for an additional app. If the tyre pressure suddenly drops, a warning is shown on the display. And if you want, you can define a "green zone" for the pressure in the front or rear wheel. If the actual pressure deviates from this, this is also shown on the display.
I'm not a fan of additional electric gadgets on the bike and too much app gimmickry tends to annoy me. But the way Giant has implemented the tyre pressure display offers real added value. For tubeless riders in particular, it's more than just a fancy gimmick. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, test editor BIKE
When it comes to the battery, Giant has opted for lightweight construction: the 560 battery weighs just over 2.7 kilos. Despite this, the energy source can be quickly and easily removed from the bike. For longer rides, there is also a range extender that increases the capacity by 280 Wh. If you regularly have long rides in your programme, you can either use a second battery or the smaller additional battery. This provides a great deal of flexibility for individual requirements.
The facts about the Giant Reign Advanced E+
- Motor: Giant Syncdrive Pro 3, 90 Nm, 800 W
- Battery560 Wh, quickly removable
- Optional range extender: 280 Wh
- Frame: Full carbon, Maestro rear triangle
- Spring travel: 180 / 170 mm
- Wheel size: 29 / 27.5 inch
- Weightfrom 22.3 kg (manufacturer's specification), 23.3 kg (test bike model 1, size L)
- Prices: 3 models for 6499, 7999 and 10 999 euros >> available here
- Max. permissible system weight: 156 kg
- Extras: Anti-theft alarm, tyre pressure sensors, titanium skid plate
The geometry
The newcomer has moved away from the very extreme geometry line that Giant once rode. In particular, the low stack is history. But the wheelbase and steering angle still make it clear that this is supposed to be a smooth-running downhill bike.
The reach can be adjusted by plus or minus five millimetres via rotating bearing shells and there is also a three-stage adjustment for the steering angle and bottom bracket height via a flip chip on the shock mount. This allows the angles to be changed by up to 0.8 degrees. This gives the rider the opportunity to make individual adjustments. The profile of the bike can thus be sharpened even further. More reach and a slacker steering angle for even more speed and smoothness downhill, or a shorter reach and steeper steering angle for a more agile, less extreme riding experience.
The battery cover is pulled over the entire down tube and rubberised for protection to ensure that the Bolide can withstand the kind of use it is designed for. A replaceable titanium skid plate sits on the motor. All of this makes a very robust impression - which is also reflected throughout the entire equipment. The high weight allowance of 156 kilos also gives a lot of confidence in the bike, as is typical of Giant.
On the trail: how the Reign Advanced E+ rides
The intuitive operation and sleek look of the new drive are immediately appealing on first contact with the Reign E+. The tyre pressure indicator directly in the display offers real added value - especially for tubeless riders. Despite its power, the new Syncdrive Pro 3 is pleasantly quiet and smooth. The very direct application of motor power when starting off (adjustable via app) and the dynamic power delivery have remained the same. The Syncdrive does not push upwards clumsily, but reacts clearly to the rider's input. A pleasant compromise between smooth and lively.
In addition to the new interface, there is also a noticeable difference to its predecessor. Thanks to the significantly higher front, the position on the bike is much more balanced. This applies both sitting and standing. Uphill, the rider is positioned in the centre of the bike, as the seat angle is still very steep. However, thanks to the raised front end, this no longer feels unnatural or extreme, but simply modern and active. On steep climbs, the Reign E+ doesn't lose its composure so quickly. In addition, the stable rear suspension and the sticky Maxxis tyres with extra-soft rubber provide extremely good traction - even on the rear wheel.
Downhill, you are well integrated into the bike. Here too, the higher steering centre makes the handling more balanced and less extreme. You don't need to get used to it, you can accelerate straight away. And the bike demands it. Because the new edition of the Reign E+ is not intended to be a cosy touring partner. With its healthy length and slack head angle, the Giant likes to go fast and furious. That's when the rear suspension really comes into its own. It finds a good compromise, being plush yet not too sluggish. The bike doesn't bog down in its travel and can be actively and directly steered.
For a bike in this suspension travel class, the Reign E+ remains quite lively even on tamer trails. But one thing is clear: it's labelled Enduro - and it's got Enduro in it! If you're looking for a comfortable bike for touring and want to ride shallow flow trails, a more moderate bike with less travel will be a more suitable partner. And those looking for a maximally lively and agile trail bike will be better served in a different category. The Reign E+ makes sense when the focus is on demanding trails. Then it offers a very balanced and really versatile package. This is because it manages a strong balancing act between uphill and downhill, as well as riding fun and riding safety.
BIKE review of the Reign E+
Strengths
- Well integrated driving position
- Superior chassis
- Robust equipment
- Smart features (display, tyre pressure)
Weaknesses
- Comparatively small battery
- Slight engine rattling
BIKE Conclusion on the Giant Reign Advanced E+
More balanced, more modern, more mature: Compared to its predecessor, the Reign E+ has improved in all facets, hats off! On the trail, it impresses as a sporty E-Enduro for demanding terrain. And with the new display and smart functions, the Syncdrive system has not only improved visually and haptically. - Florentin Vesenbeckh - Deputy Editor-in-Chief BIKE Magazine
Models and prices
Giant Reign Advanced E+ 2 - 6499 Euro
The entry-level model of the carbon E-Enduro series scores with an attractive price-performance ratio. It also features the same frame with SyncDrive Pro 3 motor and 56 Wh battery. The equipment is based on Shimano Deore 12-speed, Fox Performance suspension and solid Giant AM30 aluminium wheels. This makes the E+ 2 the cheapest option >> available here.
- Frame: Advanced carbon frame
- Chassis: Rockshox ZEB Select 180 mm, Fox Float X Performance
- Motor/battery: Giant SyncDrive Pro 3, EnergyPak Smart 560 Wh, Smart Charger 4A
- Cockpit/operation: RideControl Ergo 4, RideControl GO Lux, Connectivity with TPMS
- Circuit: Shimano Deore 12-speed, Deore chain
- Brakes: Shimano SLX, 220/220 mm
- Crank handle: Praxis Cold Forged steel, e-Crank, 36T
- Impellers: Giant AM30 aluminium, tubeless ready, Sapim spokes
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai EXO+ Maxxgrip, 29x2.5" / Maxxis DHR II Doubledown Maxxgrip, 27.5x2.4"
- Extras: Tyre pressure sensors, optional Recon e-bike light system
- System weight: max. 156 kg
Giant Reign Advanced E+ 1 - 7999 euros
The mid-range model combines a lot of high-end technology with a more attractive price >> available here. The carbon frame and the Giant 48V system with 800Wh battery remain, while a Fox Performance Elite set-up with 38 Float and Float X2 is used for the suspension. The gearing is a SRAM Eagle Transmission (not XO), and the e-TRA aluminium wheel system replaces the carbon version of the top model.
- Frame: Advanced carbon frame
- Chassis: Fox 38 Float Performance Elite 180 mm / Fox Float X Performance Elite
- Motor/battery: Giant SyncDrive Pro 3, EnergyPak Smart 560 Wh, Smart Charger 4A
- Cockpit/operation: RideControl Ergo 4, RideControl GO Lux, Connectivity with TPMS
- Circuit: SRAM 70 Eagle Transmission 12-speed, transmission chain
- Brakes: TRP DH-R EVO, 220/220 mm
- Crank handle: Practice e-Crank, 36T
- Impellers: Giant e-TRA aluminium, 30 mm, DBL spokes
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai EXO+ Maxxgrip, 29x2.5" / Maxxis DHR II Doubledown Maxxgrip, 27.5x2.4"
- Extras: Tyre pressure sensors, optional Recon e-bike light system
- System weight: max. 156 kg
Giant Reign Advanced E+ 0 - 10 999 euros
The top model in the series focuses on maximum high-end performance: a lightweight carbon frame meets the new Giant E+ 48V system with EnergyPak Smart 800Wh battery. There is also the elegant TRX carbon wheel system with Dynamic Balanced Lacing and an electronic SRAM XX Eagle Transmission shifting system. High-quality suspension elements from Fox Factory (38 Float and Float X2) ensure the finest suspension tuning. The range extender with 280 Wh is included in the price of the top model. The Giant Reign Advanced E+ 0 is e.g. available here.
- Frame: Advanced carbon frame
- Chassis: Fox 38 Float Factory 180 mm, Fox Float X2 Factory
- Motor/battery: Giant SyncDrive Pro 3, EnergyPak Smart 560 Wh, Smart Charger 4A
- Range extender: 280 Wh, included in the price
- Cockpit/operation: RideControl Ergo 4, RideControl GO Lux, Connectivity with TPMS
- Circuit: SRAM XO Eagle Transmission 12-speed, XO Eagle Transmission chain
- Brakes: Sram Maven Ultimate, 200/200 mm
- Crank handle: SRAM XX Eagle Transmission Direct Mount E-MTB, 36T
- Impellers: Giant TRX Carbon 30 mm, Giant TRX hubs, DBL spokes
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai EXO+ Maxxgrip, 29x2.5" / Maxxis DHR II Doubledown Maxxgrip, 27.5x2.4"
- Extras: Tyre pressure sensors, optional Recon e-bike light system
- System weight: max. 156 kg
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
