Back Issue | Giant Reign Advanced 0 Team Review
For the coming season, Giant has completely reworked the successful Reign model and now presents the 160mm bike with 27.5″ wheels. Alongside two aluminum versions, two carbon fibre variants will be offered with prices ranging from € 2,299 to € 6,499. Our test takes a close look at the top model Giant Reign Advanced 0 Team.
The basis for the bike is a beautifully-finished carbon frame in a nice black-blue look with a very long and slack geometry. The length is both in the wheelbase at 1216 mm, as well as in the enormous reach of 458 mm (size Large). Combine this with a slack 65 ° head angle, and stable, confidence-inspiring handling is the result.
On the trail, the Giant screams for high speed and animates the pilot to ride harder. The suspension, based around a RockShox Pike RCT3 dual-position fork and a RockShox Monarch Plus DebonAir shock, cranks out 160mm of travel. Both suspension elements are plush, staying well up in their travel and offering a pleasant end-progression whereby the bike feels perfectly balanced and solid on the trail. The rider still gets plenty of trail feedback, and can generate speed even without pedalling
When you need to slow down before corners, the SRAM Guide RSC brakes do a sterling job just like the grippy Schwalbe Magic Mary front tyre, which offers masses of front traction, keeping the bike safely on course. Thanks to the short 434 mm chainstays, the bike is still sufficiently agile, but with the long wheelbase it can’t be described as ‘playful.’
Heading uphill, the steep 73 ° seat tube angle combined with the adjustable travel fork ensure that the front wheel stays in contact with the ground, making steep gradients less of a torture.
The Giant’s spec is definitely worth the pedigree of “race-ready“! Along with the well-chosen combination of the Schwalbe Magic Mary front and Hans Dampf rear tyre, Giant have fitted a solid MRP G3 chainguide, which not only keeps the SRAM XX1 chain safely in place, but also protects the carbon cranks with an integrated lower bashguard.
Safety first –
The MRP G3 chainguide keeps the chain where it should be, even on the roughest trails. The integrated bashguard protects the rings from any ground contact to boot.
Under (high)pressure –
The new RockShox Monarch Plus DebonAir shock requires a much higher pressure than its predecessor, but is extremely plush and sits up nicely in the mid-travel range. The great end-progression effectively prevents any rear-end bottom out.
Well Specced –
The testers were especially pleased with the great tyre choice of Schwalbe Magic Mary front and Hans Dampf rear. The two tyres allow maximum grip with acceptable rolling resistance.
Short and wide –
The Cockpit, made up of a short 50mm Truvativ Holzfeller stem and a wide 780mm Truvativ Boobar handlebar, perfectly fit the rest of the bike and allow direct and confident handling.
Conclusion:
On your marks, get set, go! The Giant Reign is ready for the next enduro race “out of the box.“ The outstanding spec, potent suspension, and slack geometry inspire confidence and allow an enormous base speed — fire at will!
Price: € 6.499
Weight: 12.9 kg
Ausstattung
- Fork: RockShox Pike RCT3 Dual Position
- Shock: RockShox Monarch Plus Debonair RC3
- Drivetrain: SRAM XX1
- Brakes: SRAM Guide RSC
- Handlebars: Truvativ Boobar 780mm
- Stem: Truvativ Holzfeller 50mm
- Tires: Schwalbe Magic Mary / Schwalbe Hans Dampf
- Wheels: DT Swiss Spline One
- Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth
Geometry
Size: M / L (Tested) | Top tube:640mm | Seat tube: 73° | Chainstays:434mm | Head tube: 65° | Wheelbase: 1216mm Reach: 458mm | Stack:595mm | Wheelsize: 27.5″
Text & Photos: Christoph Bayer
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