Giant makes it Reign again for 2018
Developed with Giant Factory Off-Road Team enduro pros, the all-new Giant Reign range has alloy and composite frame choices to help you conquer all-mountain challenges.
Overnight, Gaint has introduced an all-new range of Reign enduro bikes featuring updated Maestro suspension technology and refined frame geometry. Clearly aimed at enduro racers, all-mountain adventurers, and anyone who loves to tackle aggressive trails, the new Reign is ready to be ridden – and ridden hard.
With input from the Giant Factory Off-Road Team riders, the new Reign incorporates several new technologies and frame features that have been put to the test on the most demanding trails and enduro races around the world. Josh Carlson, who scored a top-10 ranking in last year’s Enduro World Series, rode multiple prototype versions, testing the Reign’s improved suspension capabilities at race events and on his local trails in Vancouver, British Columbia.
“One thing we’ve learned is that when it comes to enduro racing, small, incremental changes can have a major impact on your performance,” Carlson said. “We need a bike that can do it all. It has to climb 2000 metres in a day, and then give you the confidence to bomb down unfamiliar terrain when you’re right on that ragged edge. The suspension updates and new geometry on this Reign open up new possibilities for this style of trail riding.”
The updated Maestro rear suspension features 160mm of smooth travel and some key improvements that affect shock performance and the overall handling of the bike.
A new trunnion mount allows for a longer shock stroke and a lower leverage ratio, which improves small-bump compliance and pedaling efficiency. The trunnion mount also allows for more insertion depth for longer dropper posts. And a new Advanced Forged Composite upper rocker arm increases frame stiffness, adds strength and reduces overall weight.
The new Giant Reign by the numbers
Let's take a closer look at the new geometry. Every model in the new Reign range features an aggressive 65-degree headtube angle and steepish 73-degree seattube angle, built on 160mm of suspension travel front and rear. The new geometry boosts overall control without sacrificing agility or climbing efficiency. Giant have stuck with 27.5" wheels as the best balance for agility and control, and use Boost hub spacing.
“Working directly with Giant Factory Off-Road Team athletes, we opened up the cockpit, which allows a greater range of body movement in the most high-speed, rowdy scenarios imaginable, all without compromising overall stability,” said Kevin Dana, senior off-road global category manager at Giant. “Climbing, descending, or in the air—this bike gives the rider the confidence and control to push new limits.”
The range of Giant Reigns
The 2018 Reign range includes two series. The Reign Advanced series is built on a lightweight, super-stiff Advanced-grade composite mainframe with an ALUXX SL aluminum rear swingarm.
The Reign series features a full ALUXX SL aluminum frame.
For flat-out speed and confidence on rough and rowdy enduro terrain, Gaint claim this is the fastest, most capable range of Reign bikes yet. We'll be taking a look at the whole range of bikes later this week – stay tuned for details and pricing.
