Anyone riding a Giant Reign X?

[cjcrashesalot]

I've asked in a couple of different places, and can't seem to get much feedback at all. I haven't heard much about this bike, but it sounds sweet and I'm looking at picking one up. Anyone?


Reign X (http://www2.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/mountain/7/24786/zoom/)

[Sandro]

I just got mine last week, but i cannot really tell you anything so far because it's impossible to ride around here right now due to major damages from a storm two weeks ago. In the meantime you could check out the Giant forum over at mtbr, there are a few, albeit brief ride reports over there. Anyway, from riding around in the street i can at least tell you that it's very plush and a really efficient pedaling bike, i will be able to tell you more once the forest workers get all those trees out of the way.

[rpk1988]

For Freeride? I think the bike would be awesome for light to moderate freeride. With 6.7 inches of travel, I think it could holds its own. I believe its marketed as a very aggresive trail bike, so I dont think some freeride would hurt.

[Dirtjumper999]

I rode one at the Dirt Demo at interbike. It was killer, and I spoke to the giant guys, and they said actually, its designed as a black diamond bike. Full on freeride. The regular Reign is an aggressive trail bike.

[rpk1988]

Nice! We've got a demo Reign X in our shop and its pretty sweet. It comes really well stocked too.

[deelux 247]

My wife bought me the X1 for christmas and I have had it on the trail 4 times now and have ridden everything from rolling singletrack to hitting probably 20' gaps on it and the bike has handled perfectly. The only changes that I have made is upgrading the tires to super tacky minions and I don't think I will have to do anything else for it. I honestly think that for the price there aren't any bikes out there that can come close to the value you get out of this bike. The bike pedals extremely well and is so easy to jump it's not even funny. If you get this bike you will be extremely happy with it. I was going to buy a bottlerocket but decided against it due to the weights that they were being built up at. If you have a chance to ride this bike do it and you will see exactly what I am talking about. I am 5'9 and I got a 16" which is a perfect fit. Anyways, if you have any other questions let me know and I will try to answer them for you.

[mattmatt86]

Im def gonna get a fully this summer, right now im torn between a Reign x which would be better for trail riding, and building a Bottle Rocket for full on freeride. The Specs on the Reign Xs are fantastic, anyone know the weights?

[kona-ryder]

The Reign X actually has more travel. Although it is a little lighter, its frame is still plenty tough for freeride. Personally though, I would go for the BR, because it is teets.

[cjcrashesalot]

Thanks for the insight, this is a lot of good info. Just for reference, I'd be getting the frame only and building it up with parts I already have.

DirtJumper999- care to elaborate on the ride?

Deelux247- Thanks for the report! It may be too early for you to tell, but I have a couple of questions: How does the rear end handle square edged hits? I've heard it does well. Also, how does it feel at speed? Fairly stable? And finally, a sizing question. Several people have said that this frame feels small, so I'm surprised at 5'9" you are riding the small. I'm 5'10" with long arms and am leaning towards the medium...

Mattmatt- I think the reign would match or possibly beat the bottle rocket for freeride, due to 1.2" more travel and similar geometry. Who knows though, I haven't ridden either. Also, apparently the reign X0 builds up to around 33, while the X1 is around 35...According to internet reports...

[manitouman28]

Ive had my Reign X for a couple months now and it has been super. I use it for trail riding with some jumps and drops thrown in. It feels great on downhill-ish trails, really sucks everything up and feel good on the square edge stuff.
The bike also pedals really well (although Im having a tough time getting my SPV sherman firefly and DHX3.0 to really feel as one), Just raise the seat some and you can hammer the trails for hours, then just lower the seat and it can handle the downhills with ease.

Mine is currently built up around 36lbs but hope to get it around 34lbs when its really completed.

[Dirtjumper999]

Yeah. I found that once I set in all of my adjustments into the shock, that the ride performed very well through the rough parts of the trail. The suspension performed well under powerful pedaling, and didn't buck me on square edged bumbs. Of course thats expected under a virtual pivot system. I had a Reign not to long ago. And I kept wishing it had slacker angles and a little more travel. And the Reign X is kind of exactly what i was looking for. It corners like it was on rails. The only thing I found on it that I wasn't too keen on, was that the cockpit seemed kind of cramped. Of course that probably could have been changed with a different stem or something along those lines. But over all I'd give it a 8 on descending, 7 on climbing, 9 for weight, 9 for cornering, 9 for technical ability, and a 9 for overall component spec. Probably a 8-9 for the overall ride.

[FCLinder]

So do any of you race DH? I thought about building one up with a 7" dual Crawn fork. I have a friend that races his SX Trail with a WC Boxxer set at 7" and its much like the Reign X in many ways. He raced in the Worlds on it too. He loves it over his Demo for DH racing.

My thoughts on a build:

18" Reign X frame 6.7" T
Fox 40RC2 set at 7" T
Truvativ Stylo cranks
Azonic Outlaws
Thomson Stem and Seat Post
Easton A70 Bars
E-13 LG-1 Chain Guide
Sram X9
Sram RC 11-24
Juciy 7 brakes 8"
Michelin tubeless DH tires
Change the DHX 3.0 to a Cane Creek DB shock.

Thinking I can get the build around 32 lbs. I have a 07 Trance now setup for All-MT, DS, DJ's, and 4X riding. I love the thing. Its like a mini dh bike. I do have a 07 Glory on the way right now for the really big stuff.

Any thoughs?

[cjcrashesalot]

So do any of you race DH? I thought about building one up with a 7" dual Crawn fork. I have a friend that races his SX Trail with a WC Boxxer set at 7" and its much like the Reign X in many ways. He raced in the Worlds on it too. He loves it over his Demo for DH racing.

My thoughts on a build:

18" Reign X frame 6.7" T
Fox 40RC2 set at 7" T
Truvativ Stylo cranks
Azonic Outlaws
Thomson Stem and Seat Post
Easton A70 Bars
E-13 LG-1 Chain Guide
Sram X9
Sram RC 11-24
Juciy 7 brakes 8"
Michelin tubeless DH tires
Change the DHX 3.0 to a Cane Creek DB shock.

Thinking I can get the build around 32 lbs. I have a 07 Trance now setup for All-MT, DS, DJ's, and 4X riding. I love the thing. Its like a mini dh bike. I do have a 07 Glory on the way right now for the really big stuff.

Any thoughs?

Funny you should mention that, cause I'll defintely be using it for DH racing (as well as Super D). My build will be a bit more versatile, but similar:

18" Reign X
06 170mm 66sl
Truvativ Stylo's or Holzfellers (dual rings)
Sun Singletracks
Easton EA50 bars/Vice stem
E.13 DRS
Sram x.7/x.9
Juicy 5's 8" front, 6" rear
Maxxis Minion front, highroller rear
DHX 3.0 to DHX 5.0 (think I can get this from the factory?)

I think this frame will handle all but the gnarliest/fastest sections with ease. And be much easier to flick around and handle, not to mention the ability to go uphill (which I'll be using it for as well)

[manitouman28]

I dont think the Reign X would have any troubles racing DH. Around where I live (New England) it would make a pretty killer downhill bike. Although I have a demo 8 which will be taking care of all the racing and lift access riding I'll be doing. While I primarily bought the Reign X for everything but downhill riding, though it may see a few trips to the mountains.

I was thinking of swapping some parts from my demo over to the Reign for a weekend during the summer to really see how well the Reign X frame does as a downhill frame.

[Dirtjumper999]

Yeah I don't think you'll have any problems with that build.

[rockwool]

Thinking I can get the build around 32 lbs. I have a 07 Trance now setup for All-MT, DS, DJ's, and 4X riding. I love the thing. Its like a mini dh bike. I do have a 07 Glory on the way right now for the really big stuff.

Any thoughs?

The Trance is like a mini dh? Isn't the BB too high as they typicly are on XC bikes and don't you find the HA too step for 4x/agressive riding?


I say go for it, small bikes are the isht!

[deelux 247]

In reply to your question about how the bike handles square edge hits, the bike takes them better than any other bike I have ridden. Riding this weekend on some trails around the Seattle area I notice how well you can actually pedal through really rough sections of trail without having any kind of pedal feedback. As expected you don't have any brake-jack of any kind on this bike which is very nice compared to my old stinky. For sizing I rode a 17" kona and it felt perfect for me. The reign X I am riding now is the 16" and it feels perfect, granted I like to have a little bit shorter cockpit than most people but I think if you have an oppurtunity you should try out both sizes before deciding.

[FCLinder]

In reply to your question about how the bike handles square edge hits, the bike takes them better than any other bike I have ridden. Riding this weekend on some trails around the Seattle area I notice how well you can actually pedal through really rough sections of trail without having any kind of pedal feedback. As expected you don't have any brake-jack of any kind on this bike which is very nice compared to my old stinky. For sizing I rode a 17" kona and it felt perfect for me. The reign X I am riding now is the 16" and it feels perfect, granted I like to have a little bit shorter cockpit than most people but I think if you have an oppurtunity you should try out both sizes before deciding.

Pics?

[FCLinder]

The Trance is like a mini dh? Isn't the BB too high as they typicly are on XC bikes and don't you find the HA too step for 4x/agressive riding?


I say go for it, small bikes are the isht!

It is very much like a mini DH bike to me.... Not for real DH riding or racing. I do shuttle runs on that bike all the time. Its my All-Mountain bike. BB height is 13.75" and HT angel is around 67 to 68esh with my setup.

[deelux 247]

I will snap some tonight and post them, but I don't have any riding shots yet.

[konakrik4]

FCLinder, how is your trance set up? i've heard of and seen them built up as 4x race bikes ridden by Amiel Cavalier and other Giant team riders racing 4x. I'm looking at frames that are around the geometries and suspension travel that 4x race bikes have, so just asking questions.

[FCLinder]

FCLinder, how is your trance set up? i've heard of and seen them built up as 4x race bikes ridden by Amiel Cavalier and other Giant team riders racing 4x. I'm looking at frames that are around the geometries and suspension travel that 4x race bikes have, so just asking questions.

07 18" Trance frame I am 5'11" with long arms
Rock Shox Revelation dual air fork with U-Turn
Thomson Stem and Seat Post
Easton EA/50 bars 1" rise
Azonic Outlaw wheel set
Michelin All Mountain 4X tires setup tubeless
LG1 Chain Guide with a 36 tooth setup
Hayes brakes
No name Ti seat
Turvative cranks

[rockwool]

FCLinder, how is your trance set up? i've heard of and seen them built up as 4x race bikes ridden by Amiel Cavalier and other Giant team riders racing 4x. I'm looking at frames that are around the geometries and suspension travel that 4x race bikes have, so just asking questions.

http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?t=169111&highlight=giant+trance



Looks really good FC, like the chain guide too, just don't know about the HA. I really like them slack, like the one on Gee's Commencal, since I'm going to be downhilling on it a lot. The light weight of the Trance is also a consern of mine, do you think it will hold up (I know Giant's warranty is :thumb: )?

[rockwool]

Funny you should mention that, cause I'll defintely be using it for DH racing (as well as Super D). My build will be a bit more versatile, but similar:

18" Reign X
06 170mm 66sl
Truvativ Stylo's or Holzfellers (dual rings)
Sun Singletracks
Easton EA50 bars/Vice stem
E.13 DRS
Sram x.7/x.9
Juicy 5's 8" front, 6" rear
Maxxis Minion front, highroller rear
DHX 3.0 to DHX 5.0 (think I can get this from the factory?)

I think this frame will handle all but the gnarliest/fastest sections with ease. And be much easier to flick around and handle, not to mention the ability to go uphill (which I'll be using it for as well)

Don't get the DHX 5.0 if you don't think you'll bee using the pro pedal. Just a waste of money then.

[FCLinder]

http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?t=169111&highlight=giant+trance



Looks really good FC, like the chain guide too, just don't know about the HA. I really like them slack, like the one on Gee's Commencal, since I'm going to be downhilling on it a lot. The light weight of the Trance is also a consern of mine, do you think it will hold up (I know Giant's warranty is :thumb: )?

It's not built up for DH. I have a Glory for that. I said its like a mini DH bike to me because of the fun factor I have on it. The fame is solid too. I have been sponsored by many fame companies in my past 10 years of racing and can say this is a top notch frame. The trace is built just as solid as the Reign.

[rockwool]

It's not built up for DH. I have a Glory for that. I said its like a mini DH bike to me because of the fun factor I have on it. The fame is solid too. I have been sponsored by many fame companies in my past 10 years of racing and can say this is a top notch frame. The trace is built just as solid as the Reign.

I understood you the first time. I know how you ride it, I was talking about me, I'm looking for a short travel one and only bike to do mainly DH on cus I don't like big bikes. :) But I got my questions answered now. It will hold up for my riding. Thanks.

[El Diablo]

Hey Deelux...in one post you said.....
I am 5'9 and I got a 16" which is a perfect fit. Anyways, if you have any other questions let me know and I will try to answer them for you.

I am 5'7" and I was wondering how small does the cockpit feel to you on your 16"? Would you reccomend a 15" for a guy my size?

Thanx

[deelux 247]

It all depends on what you are used to. I was riding a 17" stinky deelux before and this one feels really similar even with a little longer stem. If you have longer legs I would stay with the 16" because I just barely have enough seatpost to get the correct length for me. Just some thoughts but if I was a bettin man I would say go with the 16" and you should be just fine.

[Jack Frost]

if it really can be used as a capable downhill bike, its very intriguing. I'm a smaller rider so i think a lighter more flickable bike would be better.

[cjcrashesalot]

if it really can be used as a capable downhill bike, its very intriguing. I'm a smaller rider so i think a lighter more flickable bike would be better.

People say it's comparable to an SX trail, which can definitely be used as a capable DH bike. Geometry is similar, so I'm hoping it works just as well (if not better!)

These things are apparently being built up to 35lbs or so with fairly strong parts...so that qualifies as a light DH bike in my book

[mattmatt86]

Im really debating right now between a Bottle Rocket and a Reign X. On Giant's Website they list the Frame as 1100 which is right around the price of a BR. Id like to do more AM riding, but i feel like if i get a BR I would only shuttle and freeride with it.

Cecil, could you get me a sweet deal on a Reign X?:thumb:

[FCLinder]

Im really debating right now between a Bottle Rocket and a Reign X. On Giant's Website they list the Frame as 1100 which is right around the price of a BR. Id like to do more AM riding, but i feel like if i get a BR I would only shuttle and freeride with it.

Cecil, could you get me a sweet deal on a Reign X?:thumb:

Yep, Call Randy or Ric at the Great Escape 864-235-8320. I will let them know that you will be calling them.

I can tell you right now the Reign X will be a lot better as an all around DH bike. My friend has a BR and its more for FR and XC riding, also the BR has 6" and the Reign has 6.75".

[FCLinder]

Got this pic from MTBR. Its a nice build.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/MrMCrowley/IMG_6287.jpg

[mattmatt86]

I like it, but i would prolly run a seat on mine.



Do reigns have 1 1/8th headtubes? That might be a problem.

[cjcrashesalot]

I like it, but i would prolly run a seat on mine.



Do reigns have 1 1/8th headtubes? That might be a problem.

It's not exactly complete...

Yep, 1 1/8th i believe...

[frorider]

yeah i was taking a close look at the reign X before i ended up getting the uzzi. reign x has low center of gravity, low BB, and with a taller fork like the totem would have an okay HA. VPP more advanced than the single pivot faux bars.

but comes with 1.125 headtube unfortunately.

i think if giant made a reign XX with a full 7 inch rear travel, slightly slacker HA, and 1.5 HT, it would be perfect for a lot of rides i do.

7 & 7 mini DH bikes are so hawt right now.

[deelux 247]

Yeah you're right that additional .3" really makes all the difference in the world when it comes to making a bike hawt!!

[mattmatt86]

Im kinda turned off now caus of the 1 1/8th and the 69* HA

[Dogboy]

69* HA

Where did you get that from?

[FCLinder]

Im kinda turned off now caus of the 1 1/8th and the 69* HA

Its more like 66.5 HA and not 67HA. If you put a 7" fork on it the HA will move to about 65.5. Perfect for DH. Now if you also go and put a Cane Creek DB on it you will think the bike has 7" in the rear.

I think the bike will make a great 7" DH bike.

[deelux 247]

I think that just by looking at the specs you can't really tell how this bike is going to perform but from experience I know that this bike would be a rocking 7" dh bike even with the stock shock. I wouldn't waste the money on a cane creek shock until you have a chance to see how well this bike performs with the DHX. Right now I am running the fox 36 and the HA feels a little bit steep but I am getting used to it and am actually liking the responsiveness of this frame. As far as not having 7 full inches of travel, give me a break. If you are that dependent on that additional .3" you probably shouldn't be looking at this bike.

[mattmatt86]

Where did you get that from?
Straight from the Giant Website

http://giantbicycles.com/en-US/bikes/mountain/824/24219/geometry/

[deelux 247]

I hate to break it to ya brotha but you're looking at the specs for the reign not the reign X. The Reign X has a 67 degree ha. Check it here: http://www.giantbicycles.com/en-US/bikes/mountain/7/24786/

[mattmatt86]

Then why does it say Reign X at the bottom of the page I linked to?

[deelux 247]

If you go through the complete bike page it directs you to the link that I sent you. It looks like Giant screwed up.

[rockwool]

I'm starting to doubt if Giant knows what time it is. They lengthend the TT on the XS Reign X with 0,6". I like a DH bike to have shorter TT than a bike I'm going to pedal sitting in the saddle..

[cjcrashesalot]

I'm starting to doubt if Giant knows what time it is. They lengthend the TT on the XS Reign X with 0,6". I like a DH bike to have shorter TT than a bike I'm going to pedal sitting in the saddle..

Apparently Giant just sucks at listing geometry... I've heard lots of people say that the bikes actually measure differently than listed (in a good way). And who doesn't list a BB height? Honestly...:twitch:

[rockwool]

Hope you're right..

[FCLinder]

Seeing reports of guys on MTBR putting a longer stroke shock on their Reigns. Instead of the 2" stroke shock they are putting a same I to I 2.25" stroke. They report that the bike feels way better and are getting more travel out of the bike with no frame problems. I wonder if anyone has tried this with a Reign X? In theory .25 more stroke should give about .75” more travel. This would make the Reign X 7.25” to 7.5”.

[cjcrashesalot]

Seeing reports of guys on MTBR putting a longer stroke shock on their Reigns. Instead of the 2" stroke shock they are putting a same I to I 2.25" stroke. They report that the bike feels way better and are getting more travel out of the bike with no frame problems. I wonder if anyone has tried this with a Reign X? In theory .25 more stroke should give about .75” more travel. This would make the Reign X 7.25” to 7.5”.

The Reign X stock uses a 7.875x2.25 right? I think it would be hard to find a 7.875x2.5, or even an an 8x2.5. The next size up in a DHX is 8.5x2.5. I couldn't find any info on the CCDB though, maybe that would have the right size.

[FCLinder]

The Reign X stock uses a 7.875x2.25 right? I think it would be hard to find a 7.875x2.5, or even an an 8x2.5. The next size up in a DHX is 8.5x2.5. I couldn't find any info on the CCDB though, maybe that would have the right size.

I bet you could get Cane Creek to make that size in a DB. Still, I don't think I will be getting one of these frames till next season. Maybe then it will be 7"+. I will be running the Glory this year. I just wanted to throw that out there to ask if anyone has tried it yet.

[Tmeyer]

Could you run a 7.5 x 2.5 on a reign x?

[NEstinkyrider]

anyone know the BB height on the reignX?

[cjcrashesalot]

anyone know the BB height on the reignX?

mine measured about 13.8"

If you search, I did a full write up a while back with some other measurements listed