Giant Reign 29 2 // $3000 Bike Showdown

[@markop89]

I got this bike in May after watching this video a few times. I got it 2nd hand for 2200 dollars. The owner took really good care of it, it has frame protection so there were almost no schratches. For this kind of money and in the times of bike shortage this whole bike as a package with parts that it comes with is simply amazing. I took it to a bikepark few times and the bike takes whatever u throw at it and the only limitation is me and the lack of my skills. It climbs really good for a fullsus bike even with the both shocks fully open. I got it with an NX shifter and NX derraileour and it needed some adjusting and it shifts pretty good. You can also easilly take it on a 30-40 kilometer ride ( after this it maybe get a little uncomfortable since it was not made primarily to cover big distances and the giant saddle is not comfy). Also the color is really nice and it's so quiet when you land from a drop or a jump, the maestro link is just so smooth. The brakes are OKish...until you try better brakes, then you will probably want to change them. I probably wont do that because I dont need better brakes yet...They are ok for the stuff I ride. And one thing I learned about braking, the less you brake the better rider you become, the bike forgives a lot of mistakes whe you lack skill as I do. All things considered, if you are in the market for a new or used bike, you cannot go wrong with the Giant Reign model line.

[@Poloturbo77]

Just did the same. The bike was literally brand new. Loving it so far. First day at the bike park yesterday and did great.

[@RelecFilms]

Great Review. I really appreciate it when you see a good review of the more "affordable" bikes on the market. I watched the review on the Hightower, and my only complaint between the two reviews is that your trail is significantly more technical. Hard to compare the two bikes when one is done on a hilly trail and the other is done on what appears to be an old bouldery riverbed. Great riding.

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks for the kind words.Glad you liked the review. It will be more apparent in our conclusion video that we each rode each bike on our preferred trails. So when you see the final wrap up, it will be a more fair comparison between the bikes.

[@aaronbobby3819]

instablaster...

[@erikgriffioen6230]

Bought this bike a month ago and love it. I have an XL as I am 6'ft 3 and it just goes faster and smoother on the uphills, downhills, and thru tech than my previous 27.5. It just doesn't jump as well which is no surprise. I find the brakes to be very strong which is different from your experience; they are much stronger compared to my previous bikes. I also find the bike to be quite light given its size; however, acceleration is not its strong suit. Thanks for your review

[@bikersedge]

It’s such a smooth quiet bike especially when things get rough. Love it!

[@guillermocurihual2802]

En mi caso personal la giant reign 29 2 en subida se comporta muy bien, si no estas acostumbrado a pedalear en las subidas ahí no es problema de la bici si no del rider, si eres bueno para subir la bici te responderá super bien , en el descenso la bici es muy estable y lee muy bien el terreno a esto la hace una bici rápida para los descensos. Esta bici se las recomiendo a los rider que les gusta pedalear y que quieran disfrutar de un buen descenso.

[@pedromarcelojijonarias1898]

Hola Guillermo, es la Reign 2021?

[@svssvs9848]

Keep testing 3k bikes an less! Normal people can afford

[@bikersedge]

Will do!

[@epicdream6888]

The first-person perspective is the most perfect of all KZbinrs, no one else, because you can show the full handlebars and arms, and the sense of substitution is very real，like I am riding myself. You must use a Go pro camera, the video quality is very clear and pure，fresh and cool very delicate and meticulous I support you

[@josep.peruga]

Underrated channel

[@flapjacckbg6480]

How on earth this bike can be so quiet 😂😂😂

[@blacksheepmtb6533]

can't wait for the rip video! I've got mine really specd out. Lyrik ultimate, synthesis wheels, trp brakes. ive got all the goods on a solid alloy frame.

[@bikersedge]

Dang. Sounds like a rad build. I might have to copy you.

[@blacksheepmtb6533]

Biker's Edge I’ve seen utzach putting some miles on one decked out pretty good

[@bikersedge]

@@blacksheepmtb6533 Zach's is super cool. We need to make a video of it.

[@Striveon247]

Witch bike do you like better the Ripmo AF or Giant Reing 29 2

[@starsky8351]

Great review! I wanted this bike but here in New Zealand they sold out of the XL almost immediately. Ended up buying the 2020 Norco Sight A3. Pretty happy with that bike but did really want a Giant.

[@bikersedge]

The Sight is also a rad bike. I think all bikes are going to be tough to come by for the next little bit.

[@Ryan-mv5wi]

on my 2020 reign i love the shox but the yari feel kinda meh with such a soft rear end so iv upgraded the damper to the charger 2.1 rc2 and the 2021 air spring

[@geodelgadillo3486]

Did the exact same to mine !👍

[@epicdream6888]

Choose a 29-inch wheel set, which will help the passability of the tree roots when climbing. It is also not easy to roll forward when going downhill. It is more stable than the 27.5-inch wheel and the 2.6 tires are added. This is why the front 29 and the rear 27.5 , The ultra-low sloping line can make the drop difference withstand higher cushioning force. The rear tire is 2.3 wide, so that it can better break out the attack speed when sprinting. I believe that every downhill player can dominate. Your own route and downhill style

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

Nice review, I had s 2022 reign advanced, got stolen, replaced it with a trance x29 and a Jeckyll 😎 Anyway just a correction in large the bike was about 33. something pounds iirc...

[@bikersedge]

Great bike!

[@bike_somm]

Old school bike lovers bike 😎

[@bikersedge]

Old school meets new school?

[@bike_somm]

Biker's Edge Definitely a Giant step forward for them on this bike! Was a great 27.5 bike & 26 bike even still 🕺🏻

[@bikersedge]

@@bike_somm I have to think this is their best one yet.

[@bike_somm]

Biker's Edge But of course 👍🏼 Nice job with the review

[@bikersedge]

Why thank you!

[@Wroe]

that is one hell of trail ........

[@bikersedge]

It’s one of my favorites. Keeps you on your toes.

[@BMfins]

Sounds so plush on the landings.

[@bikersedge]

So good on big impacts.

[@epicdream6888]

You said in the video that aluminum alloy is heavy and carbon fiber is about 32 pounds lighter. I think it’s best for beginners to choose aluminum alloy because it won’t be too distressing if the frame is scratched. It is good for cushioning when landing. Of course, Giant has a 4300 Canadian dollar full carbon, ZEB fork 170mm. Although it is not expensive, it is the cheapest carbon frame. The price of the bike is also very good. There is nothing wrong with it. Slope and the drop is about 3 meters, it is best to choose an aluminum alloy frame. To be honest, carbon fiber is not necessary, and it is easy to break. You can choose a carbon fiber frame for urban down stairs styles heavy＝stable, light＝fast, I hope everyone can find the most suitable downhill mountain bike , thank you for replying，by the way, more than half of the carbon fiber frame is used for fancy tricks，usually combined with static movements of climbing

[@epicdream6888]

it is kind of heavy AM 160mm at front it is suitable for any certain situations it is just right better than stump jump the impact of the frame routing can better buffer the rebound force during a drop

[@epicdream6888]

29er it is definitely worth the price

[@steezyproductions_]

Is it good for jumping

[@epicdream6888]

@@steezyproductions_ It is not a stump jumper AM. It is a heavy enduro, not suitable for jumping. It is a downhill, dry fall type. You can call it a little free ride，look at the line of the frame and the angle of the rear shock，this design is for better cushioning

[@epicdream6888]

@@steezyproductions_ The enduro is too heavy to jump up. The trail bike is very light and is made of full carbon fiber. The frame, wheels, hubs, cranks and handlebars are very light. The weight is about the same as 4 liters of water. The angle of the rear shock is determined action style and drop buffering performance

[@viperdemonz-jenkins]

am planning on getting this my in town 2021 talon 2 does not cut it for climbing up into the mountains where the fun rides are. never had a driver license if any wonder why I do not just drive up the mountain.

[@zerovisdiver]

Great review, you should make one for the Trance 29 2 as well :)

[@bikersedge]

That’s a good plan. We wanted to include it in this showdown but we felt it was too different from the rest of the bikes. Might have to be a stand alone video.

[@jbs3691]

Great review! Thanks for posting it. How does the Reign compare to the Sight?

[@RagingRapids311]

So I just went downhill riding for the first time and absolutely loved it! I do a lot of whitewater kayaking and this is right up there on the fun meter. That being said I need to get a bike because renting everything cost me $160. Right now I am trying to decide between the Reign and the Trance 2. Your thoughts?? Thanks!

[@bikersedge]

Awesome. I have to warn you. You’re going to get hooked. If you are more after the thrill and DH riding the Reign will offer more. If you want more of a trail bike and enjoy the climbs go with the Trance.

[@randommountainbiker9305]

Just wondering how the bike handles jumps since that is what I do most of. (But I also want to get into more technical riding and this seeming like a good option).

[@dyorr8436]

You can also get a dirt jumper which are pretty cheap bikes to go do jumps whilst having an enduro bike like this to do harder techier trails

[@andymtb3212]

Maybe it just needs pad and rotor upgrade?

[@bikersedge]

Possibly. It would probably help.

[@williamscott791]

I'm interested in purchasing this bike because I know that it has great downhill capabilities but my question is is will it still be pleasant to ride on the flats and if I use it in town on my local trails were they're not so steep and they just have some up and they have up and down but no downhill?

[@bikersedge]

It will. I think out of all the bigger bikes it’s one of the most well rounded. It’s pretty similar to how the Rocky Mountain Altitude rides. It won’t be as good as something like the Trance X, Instinct, SB130, Ripmo…. But it’s pretty close.

[@trailblazeratv6306]

How does it compare to the new Trance X ?

[@bikersedge]

The Reign is way more planted. The Trance X is more lively. The Trance X is a much better climber.

[@javier161]

@@bikersedge why the reign x is a much better climber if both have a very similar geometry and weight? Can’t find a trance x so I will have to pull the trigger on a reign.

[@John-qc1zv]

I just bough the TRANCE X 29 2, I would be curious to get your opinion on it as I won't have it before JUNE !!!!! How come you don't like the brake, did it come equip with the MT520 4 piston brakes ?

[@bikersedge]

The bike is great. You're going to love it. We did a review of that one a few weeks ago. I felt that the brakes on the Reign were underpowered as well as lacked modulation and consistency.

[@John-qc1zv]

@@bikersedge I'm 5.10 170pounds, would you go Medium and Large with a Giant ?

[@bikersedge]

@@John-qc1zv Personally I'd go large. Most riders will benefit from the added stability of a bigger frame than the increased agility of a smaller frame. Just my two cents though, Your best bet would be to try one on for size.

[@hannes6114]

How much does it weigh?

[@bikersedge]

I’m pretty anti weight weenie. I don’t weigh them. Maybe 35ish?

[@hannes6114]

@@bikersedge thanks. You know, I'm only 15 so I'm not that heavy and don't have crazy muscles and am only used to 12.5 kgs hardtail so weight is a big thing for me but maybe it shouldn't idk.

[@hannes6114]

Only rode two other full sus bikes for a short period of time and vlombing wasn't fun. Do you think this bike is good for tours in the mountains?

[@RiddleKingOnline]

I tried clicking away but I can't help myself... "m-iced-row". Like, ice cubes and rowing a boat.

[@armandojuan64]

What .. you didn't test a full carbon bike ... so what's next , testing a 27.5 ?

[@bikersedge]

We must be doing something wrong because we've done both of those things now.

[@armandojuan64]

@@bikersedge It is sarcasm , you did an awesome job but now all the reviewers do is reviewing the bikes that only a few would buy , the rest of us average Joes , don't get reviews of the 27.5 in aluminum .

[@bikersedge]

@@armandojuan64 I was also being sarcastic. The internet is good for that.

[@armandojuan64]

@@bikersedge I have a 2022 Giant Trance 27.5 in aluminum on layaway and I can't even find the colorway they are putting on the bike , also they avoid to review 27.5s .

[@jcwindsound]

Hey, I am really enjoying your reviews. Looks like a nice bike, though I wonder how it would compare to a Ripmo AF. That is one burly trail!

[@bikersedge]

If you wait about 1-2 days you'll know how we think it compares to a Ripmo AF. That trail is a good time. Lots of awkward tech to navigate.

[@gasperbeskovnik9340]

How heavy is it?😊

[@bikersedge]

I go into more detail about weight in the written review here - www.bebikes.com/the-hub/3000-trail-bike-showdown-giant-reign-2 I don't remember off the top of my head but somewhere in the 32-33lb range.

[@kevinsimbillo7951]

What brakes would you put on it to upgrade? Thanks

[@bikersedge]

I’ve been using TRP DHR Evos on everything lately. Second pick would be Codes.

[@haneiramen579]

Hi sir im tornn between trance 1 29 and reign 1 29, 5'9 in height, if you were to choose just one which would it be? Thank you

[@bikersedge]

Just depends on how you like to ride and what your trails look like.

[@haneiramen579]

@@bikersedge thanks sir, light trails,gravel, inclined smooth roads and downward potholed roads, what would be the choice?

[@bikersedge]

@@haneiramen579Frankly both are going to be overkill for that.

[@haneiramen579]

@@bikersedge thsnks again.

[@haneiramen579]

Got a reign 29 and trance x 27.5, wonderful bikes, thanks for helping me out.

[@bamlopez1492]

Which trail was this? I wanna ride it this weekend.

[@bikersedge]

It’s the Little Cottonwood Quarry trail

[@BMfins]

Those aren’t rocks man them be boulders. There is still some snow up there.

[@bikersedge]

Thats a real nice boulder.

[@iwontreplybacklol7481]

$3k for a bicycle, yet can pick up brand new motorcycle (Honda Grom) for the same price. Bicycle prices are whacked and have always been whacked

[@DavidFoundCo]

A motorcycle will not take you to those trails

[@iwontreplybacklol7481]

@@DavidFoundCo i was just talking about what you get for your money. With a bicycle, not a lot.

[@DavidFoundCo]

@@iwontreplybacklol7481 you completely missed the point. Mountain bikes are so versatile, you can race them (with the right components) or do an adventure like I did on mount Elbert. You won’t be winning any races or climbing up a 14er trail on your Honda grom

[@jamesSmith-bn3ud]

This bike ....or .....the ripmo af ....... which one folks

[@bikersedge]

You’ll have to watch the comparison video to find out.

[@jamesSmith-bn3ud]

@@bikersedge 2020 high tower instead purchased

[@petarstoychev1210]

Your conclusion of the brakes shows that your videos are on the amateur side...first of all the brakes are four-pistons(ceramic pistons,saint/zee pads) not two-pistons(bebikes.com "The two piston, low-end Shimano brakes are well below this bike’s capabilities" )All the internet is full of positive opinions about these brakes...and the last one ,if you had written your homework you should know that these brakes are part of the new Shimano Deore series.Deore low-end ?

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the kind words champ. You got me on the four piston/two piston thing. I stand corrected. Maybe they’re so underpowered the just feel like two piston. As for calling the mt501 a low-end brake, I stand by that. They are 4 levels down from XTR. They are somewhere above entry level and well below high end. The performance certainly is low-end as well. I’d say I used a fitting description.

[@petarstoychev1210]

Biker's Edge As i said mt520 and the new 4-pot Deore brakes are exactly the same...other than that is the weight savings and some features like "tool-free reach adjust" for the SLX,XT,XTR..

[@bikersedge]

Not disagreeing there. I still stand by my evaluation that they are sub par brakes for this bike.

[@mtbsavant5414]

@@petarstoychev1210 it's not inconceivable that the brakes felt sub par on this bike. Brake fade could be an issue since these lack the heat dissipation features of higher models. Besides that I've noticed some qc issues on newer Shimano brakes that continue to baffle me.

[@badsilver177]

These brakes are great. I am 190 lbs on size L and they do the job well. "Underpowered" feel comes from the levers. It is quite of a shimano's signature here. The sweet spot on these brakes is harder to catch compared to Sram G's, requiring some gentle feathering, but be assured they stop you dead when needed.