New Giant Reign promises all-round performance with increased travel and adjustable geometry

By Nick Clark

Published: Thursday, 01 December 2022 at 12:00 am

The new Giant Reign enduro bike features adjustable geometry, an updated Maestro suspension linkage and the option to use a 29in or 27.5in rear wheel.

Now in its eighth generation, the new Reign is designed to stay true to its roots as an all-round, heavy-hitting enduro bike.

There will be two build options for the flagship Reign Advanced Pro, which features a carbon frame, as well as two versions of the aluminium-framed Reign. Both bikes will have 170mm of front suspension and 160mm of rear suspension.

The gravity-focused Reign SX will feature an aluminium frame, with 190mm of front suspension and 165mm at the rear.

Adjustable geometry

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A three-position flip chip adjusts the head and seat tube angles, as well as bottom bracket height.
Victor Lucas / Giant

The Giant Reign’s frame features an updated Maestro linkage with a flip chip. Giant claims this will enable you to adjust the bike’s geometry to suit your riding style and trail conditions.

Giant says it offers bottom bracket drop adjustments in 5mm increments (35, 30 or 25mm). The flip chip also enables you to change the head tube angle (63.5, 63.9 or 64.2 degrees) and seat tube angle (78.3, 78.7 or 79 degrees).

Head angles and seat tube angles become steeper in the high position, with the bottom bracket height elevating. The brand says this assists on technical terrain and while climbing. It also allows a 27.5in mountain bike wheel to be used.

In the low position, head angles and seat tube angles become slacker, with the bottom bracket height lowering, which is said to provide a more stable and aggressive geometry.

The mid position is the neutral state, and also enables a 27.5in wheel to be used.

Reach is also affected, with a 29in medium Reign now measuring 456mm in the low position, 460mm in the medium and 464mm in the high position.

More rear travel

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A redesigned Maestro linkage now provides 160mm of rear travel.
Victor Lewis / Giant

Rear-wheel travel has increased by 14mm over the previous model, up from 146mm to 160mm. The trunnion mount shock has a longer stroke of 63.5mm, compared to 60mm on the previous Reign. Giant says this gives the new Reign a smoother, more active feel over a variety of terrain.

The forged composite upper-rocker arm is said to add stiffness to the system, improving the bike’s composure while cornering.

The Reign SX has been bumped up to 165mm of travel with an increase of 5mm to the stroke, which should make it a popular choice for bike parks and freeriding.

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The new Giant Reign was spotted on the EWS circuit earlier this year.
Sven Martin / Giant

Giant’s new Reign and Reign Advanced Pro will feature 29in wheels front and back as standard, with the option of a mullet setup made possible by the new flip chip. Both bikes will have 170mm of front suspension, and 160mm of rear suspension.

The Reign SX will be a mullet as standard, and feature 190mm triple-crown forks and a 165mm coil shock.

Frame refinements

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Integrated down tube storage provides space for essential tools and snacks.
Austin White / Giant

The Reign features integrated protection on the underside of the down tube, which is said to shield the frame against rocks and other debris, while also providing a quieter ride.

Both the aluminium and carbon frames have integrated storage in the down tube, enabling you to carry essentials on the bike. There are also updated cable ports, which are said to aid performance and maintenance.

Giant Reign specs and prices

The Reign is now available to order, with first deliveries expected in January 2023. There will be two carbon models and two aluminium models, with prices ranging from £3,499 / $3,600 to £6,599 / $6,800.

Giant Reign Advanced Pro 1

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The Reign Advanced Pro 1 features a carbon frame and carbon rims.
Giant
  • Fork: Fox 38 Performance Elite GRIP2 170mm
  • Shock: Fox Float X2 Performance Elite
  • Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle
  • Brakes: Shimano SLX M7120
  • Wheels: Giant TRX 2 Carbon WheelSystem
  • Tyres: Maxxis Assegai (front), Maxxis Minion DHR II (rear)
  • Price: £6,599 / $6,800 / €6,999 / AU$8,999

Giant Reign Advanced Pro 2

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The Advanced Pro 2 is the entry-level carbon-framed Reign.
Giant
  • Fork: RockShox Zeb Select 170mm
  • Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select+
  • Drivetrain: Shimano SLX
  • Brakes: Shimano Deore BR-MT520
  • Wheels: Giant AM
  • Tyres: Maxxis Assegai (front), Maxxis Minion DHR II (rear)
  • Price: £4,699 / €5,299 / AU$6,599

Giant Reign 1

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The Reign 1 features Fox 38 forks with 170mm of suspension.
Giant
  • Fork: Fox 38 Performance Elite GRIP2 170mm
  • Shock: Fox Float X Performance Elite
  • Drivetrain: Shimano SLX
  • Brakes: Shimano Deore BR-M6120
  • Wheels: Giant AM
  • Tyres:  Maxxis Assegai (front), Maxxis Minion DHR II (rear)
  • Price: £3,999 / €4,499 / AU$5,699

Giant Reign 2

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The Reign 2 is the cheapest bike in the Reign range.
Giant
  • Fork: RockShox Yari RC 170mm
  • Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select+
  • Drivetrain: Shimano SLX
  • Brakes: Shimano Deore BR-MT520
  • Wheels: Giant AM
  • Tyres: Maxxis Assegai (front), Maxxis Minion DHR II (rear)
  • Price: £3,499 / $3,600 / €3,599 / AU$4,399

Giant Reign SX

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The Reign SX features a gravity-focused spec with a coil shock.
Giant
  • Fork: Fox 40 Performance GRIP 190mm
  • Shock: Fox DHX2 Performance Elite
  • Drivetrain: Shimano Deore
  • Brakes: SRAM Code R
  • Wheels: Giant AM
  • Tyres: Maxxis Assegai (front), Maxxis Minion DHR II (rear)
  • Price: £4,699 / $4,600 / €4,699 / AU$4,899