The Giant Factory Off-Road Team is in Chile this week for the opening round of the 2014 Enduro World Series, and two of its riders—Josh Carlson and Adam Craig—have been spotted riding prototype versions of a Reign 27.5 model. Team riders play a vital role in Giant’s product development. Though Giant confirmed they are working with riders to develop a new Reign featuring Giant 27.5 technology and Maestro Suspension, there is no announcement at this time on plans for production.
Both Josh Carlson and Adam Craig have been practicing on this prototype Reign 27.5 heading into the Enduro World Series opener in Nevados de Chillan, Chile.
Taking cues from the current Trance 27.5, this Reign 27.5 prototype offers a 12x142mm convertible dropout system and integrated chainstay protection. Mounted is a XX1 drivetrain and new SRAM Guide brakes.The previous generation Reign (with 26-inch wheels) offered 6 inches of rear wheel travel. This prototype Reign 27.5 appears to have slightly more with its highly modified Maestro upper and lower rocker arms. The head angle appears to be a full degree slacker (possibly 65 degrees?) than the production Trance 27.5 (which sits at 66 degrees when mated to a 160mm fork). Internal cable routing throughout offers clean, protected brake and shifting lines.Like the upper rocker arm, the Maestro lower rocker arm on this prototype appears to be heavily modified to handle the rigors of longer travel suspension.
Words & Pictures: PR Giant
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