Giant Reign Review: The Rippin' Rainbow

Today we've finally got the Giant Reign. I’ve finally had the chance to do a wide range of riding on it, from our local backyard tails to the southern Utah desert and even a day at the old Rampage site. It brings a surprising ride quality to the table that doesn’t necessarily align with what it looks like on paper. So stick around to see if it’s the enduro bike for you.
Read the full review here - bebikes.com/the-hub/giant-rei...
0:00 Intro
2:35 Climbing
5:30 Downhill
8:43 Comparisons
10:23 Who is the Reign for?

[@utahjohn5480]

Best MTB reviews anywhere. The Giant MTB line (Trance up) is overlooked by a lot of folks. They are quite good.

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks! Giant makes super legit bikes that don’t get the credit they deserve.

[@zed5129]

Yeah I think they really need a new aesthetic design/marketing approach... Not that they look particularly bad, but they look like every other Giant from years past. Needs a refresh.

[@bikersedge]

@@zed5129 giant just rebranded recently. Apart from a new logo it still feels pretty much the same though.

[@SUPERCOOLZZ]

This is my favourite MTB channel, hands down. So good to see unpretentious shredders who obviously love bikes review them! Thanks for the great content - would love to take a trip from Australia to visit your local trails.

[@bikersedge]

Much appreciated! If you’re ever out our way come say hi.

[@forest7424]

Not sure why you dont have 100k subs. Great review. Love comparisons more than anything else because it helps in decision making and helps us relate the bikes we have ridden to ones we have not! Bravo

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks. If you had 74000 friends we could get there!

[@mikedailey2701]

Great review. I based my recent purchase off of a few of your videos and it was spot on. Keep it up!

[@bikersedge]

Thanks. Glad you found them helpful!

[@joehoeper4648]

Great review - I really enjoy your impressions of bikes

[@bikersedge]

Glad you like them!

[@mtb246]

Great review and good comparison conversation at the end.

[@bikersedge]

Thanks. Glad you liked it!

[@KlintonSilvey]

Tip to all: this bike is very sensitive to sag. With the coil, the ride feel difference from 25% to 30% is massive. This bike is MUCH more sensitive off the top and carries speed much better at 29-30% sag than 25-26%. I had to get a springdex spring to get it right but once I did, this thing went from fine to awesome

[@bikersedge]

Good tip!

[@AdventuresWithClair]

Another great review, some of the best review content on the Ole world wide web! 😂

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks! Much appreciated!

[@bitumen83]

Great video as always!

[@bikersedge]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!

[@raven98h10]

Looking forward to every new review you make. I hope you will also do new 2024 Occam LT

[@bikersedge]

I’ve got one in my garage at the moment. Hang tight!

[@Longtimerolling]

Great review!

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks!

[@user-rj9ui3sz8u]

Nice riding that was some pretty sic stuff you went on.

[@bikersedge]

Thanks! Those trails are so good.

[@tonyedwards9901]

Got this bike. It’s a great ride , really stable and confidence inspiring. 👍

[@bikersedge]

So good!

[@josephnadherny1856]

Great video! Think I might’ve saw you down there at River Rock Roasting Company, keep shredding

[@bikersedge]

Our trip may as well have been sponsored by River Rock! Say hi next time.

[@dewajipangalih]

the review was great, but your riding footage even better. i think video set up tutorial for the next content would be amazing idea!

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks!

[@grapemustard881]

excuse me sir but i think your basement is on fire

[@bikersedge]

It was an electrical fire. It was like the 4th of July man.

[@klugehf]

I was thinking “wow, the production on this video is next level” 5:21

[@bikersedge]

Fog machine adds 10 production points for sure.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

It's probably the roof.

[@skinny8019]

ive noticed....you really like the giant maestro bikes...love my trance x.

[@bikersedge]

I tend to like them quite a bit.

[@nicholkid]

I know you normally review the higher end bikes but it would be great if you ever get one of the updated '24 Giant Stance bikes to review. Now has thru axle and modern geo and I'm really interested in how it performs. The price point is unbeatable.

[@bikersedge]

We review all the bikes not just high end stuff. I have a stance e at the moment. I’ll see what I can do about getting a regular stance.

[@camwells9726]

I’ve just brought the e bike version of the reign , if I was honest it wasn’t my first choice , but so happy I brought it now

[@bikersedge]

Yeah I used to have that one. So rad.

[@SuperCaryG]

Dude, how about a list of trails and locations on the timeline! If this is Hurricane I need to ride these. Heading down again in January weather permitting. Your footage and reviews are top notch and my favourite.

[@bikersedge]

Yeah this is St. George and Virgin areas. Paradise Rim and Grafton Mesa.

[@SuperCaryG]

@@bikersedge I’ll be there ! Thanks for the info.

[@kevinmanzo862]

@@bikersedgeare these slammed in Late June/ early July? Thinking of coming with the fam 🤔

[@bikersedge]

@@kevinmanzo862 you probably won’t see many folks at that time of year. It will be 120° in the middle of the day though.

[@kevinmanzo862]

@@bikersedge haha good point 😂

[@juanfran777]

Great review. How does it ride compared to the altitude? Similar travel, different geo/suspension kinematics.

[@bikersedge]

It’s been a bit since I’ve ridden the altitude. From memory, this climbs better and descends more lively. Altitude rides a bit bigger.

[@jesusalbertoguerrerocarden6628]

The comparison with the SB160 makes sense as both where some of the fastest bikes at the enduro world championship last year. It seems like both are meant for racing.

[@bikersedge]

I’d say that’s a fair assessment

[@gravelben]

Nice one, sweet trails and great riding too! Any comparison with the previous Reign 29? I'm still pretty stoked on my 2020 Reign 29, just curious about the differences.

[@bikersedge]

It’s been years since I’ve ridden the previous one. They’re pretty different I’d say. I don’t think you could call the previous one an enduro bike.

[@sendyboiii7]

I´m also still riding a 2020 29 but with more travel in the front and rear. However with still pretty much the same amount of travel as the new one due to the geo the new one just feels more stable and also more playful since it´s balanced better than the old one (shorter reach and longer chainstays with I believe higher stack. Since I´ve only ridden a low end spec I can´t comment on the rear sus too much, but it did feel really good when I first tried it but as soon as I went faster (on a worldcup dh track) I had to increase pressure to around 26-27% sag and then it started to feel a bit harsh but less bottom outs. However overall it´s just a better bike all around if you want to charge. Especially if you tune it correctly. It feels more like a enduro bike close to a dh and the old one like a trail bike which can handle stuff with a good rider and good setup. If you have questions regarding the old or new one just message me on insta at: chr_isg7 I think however that mulleting the old one would be interesting and getting it closer to the new one

[@ioannisparaskevopoulos1120]

What about the Reign compared to the Megatower? And which Enduro bike from those you tested recently, would be your choice as your do it all bike, if you had to have only one bike? Keep up the good work and would like to see more Enduro Emtb reviews!

[@bikersedge]

I’d go watch the mega vs yeti video to see how the reign compares. The reign rides closer to the yeti than the mega.

[@ioannisparaskevopoulos1120]

@@bikersedge Thanks, I ll go back and watch it again

[@bikersedge]

@@ioannisparaskevopoulos1120 hopefully that gives you a good comparison!

[@kevinmanzo862]

That bike is actually gorgeous. To me Giant is the Skechers of MTB brands. But this puppy is Purdy. Another epic review. Which bike in this category has the best non slip rear would you say?

[@bikersedge]

It’s funny that they are perceived that way. They make a hell of a bicycle. Not sure what you mean by non slip rear? Climbing? Cornering? Braking?

[@chryslianos6740]

great review and sends! How would you compare this bike against the Sentinel v2?

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks! The sentinel rides a bit smoother and bigger in the chunk. It’s less poppy and zippy than this though.

[@ondrejjanoska660]

Did you put on coil shock? I just ordered Reign e+ and thinking if I should directly put on DHX2. Or better to try first....I have DHX2 on my Norco Range so it would be no money loss to just test it.

[@bikersedge]

This was built from the frame up and came with the DHX2. I haven’t ridden it with air.

[@grahamleach4101]

I have a giant reign from 2022 I have 170mm front and 146mm rear suspension. Can you possibly do a review on the older versions

[@bikersedge]

I’ve done the older versions already.

[@lazylearner967]

Great video! I especially appreciate your comparisons to other bikes. I am guessing Giant has more value than most of its competitors? In that you get a better spec'd bike for the same or less coin?

[@bikersedge]

For the most part giant offers more value in low to mid range bikes. Once you hit high-end builds, Giant is pretty on-par with other manufacturers.

[@lazylearner967]

@@bikersedge Thanks. When I got my Rallon, I felt it was a pretty good value. Yeti and Pivot seem to be the most expensive for what one gets.

[@guambra2001]

I like Giant and this reign seems pretty good. I’d wonder how it’d stack against the Polygon N9 🤔

[@bikersedge]

This reign is solid!

[@ramoncliff8946]

How would you compare this bike to the Pivot Firebird? I use to ride Giants quite a bit & they were always good performers & spec for your $$$. Their last generations were not for me, but this new Gen has definitely got my attention.

[@bikersedge]

Can’t say. We don’t carry pivot so I haven’t ridden a firebird. The Reign is pretty sweet though. Definitely worth considering.

[@mattmacphee1]

If you already had a short travel trail bike, would you go with a Reign or the Spire? Love the videos!

[@bikersedge]

Depends on what you want to ride. The Spire rides huge - It's not necessarily agile and playful. The Reign still is capable but brings more maneuverability and fun to the table.

[@mattmacphee1]

@@bikersedge Thanks, bought a Spire!

[@mgsorrells1]

How would you say the Reign compares to the Megatower? Since you've described both bikes as appropriate "do it all bikes" that climb very well for their category, do the job well as an Enduro race bike, and still keep a lovely character on easier trails, I'm curious how they differ

[@bikersedge]

I think the reign sits more on the all mountain side of the Megatower. It’s more pedally and less aggressive on the descents.

[@zacharycharest5286]

At 6ft2, would you say the XL feels good? I’m the same height as you which puts me between a Large and an XL. I have a longer torso and my wingspan is slightly longer than my height. I’m worried one will be too small and the other too big. Does the XL still feel maneuverable?

[@bikersedge]

I like the XL. I generally pick XL so it’s close to what I normally ride.

[@acornhehe]

How does this compare to a Giant Trance X as a “do it all” bike?

[@bikersedge]

This rides way bigger and burlier. Also pays a big climbing penalty compared to the Trance X.

[@vinniemmmm]

Currently trying to decide if my one bike should be the 24 Trance X alloy or the 23 Reign 1 alloy. Real world I ride 95% of the time is natural singletrack, flow trail, 5% local enduro steep and loamy. Think the Trance would be the sensible option but I keep coming back to the Reign. If I did go for the Reign would I regret it as my usual trails are quite mellow just with the odd feature thrown in?

[@bikersedge]

Sounds like your trails would be better on the trance

[@vinniemmmm]

@@bikersedge thanks for taking the time out to reply. I think you are right. That 24 Trance X in your review looks the business!

[@William.N]

How would you describe the proportions of a baby giraffe? Long legs, short torso, and long neck?

[@bikersedge]

Legs up to my armpits.

[@liwx]

do a review on marin alpine trail carbon pls

[@bikersedge]

Unfortunately we won’t be able to. We don’t carry Marin at the shop and won’t have access to a review bike.

[@kingrat738]

Measure the actual rear wheel travel .. The last rendition of the Reign had like 145mm out back. Just saying, above may contribute to the sporty/less planted feel 🤔

[@bikersedge]

Marketing numbers are pretty common. Although the previous rendition only claimed 146 so 145 is pretty damn close. I’d also argue kinematics, rather than simply travel amount, dictate the suspension feel.

[@antonyb]

what camera and lens do you use for your talking head shots?

[@bikersedge]

Lenses vary based on my mood but I film all of this on the Sony a7sIII

[@antonyb]

looks great

[@bikersedge]

@@antonyb hey thanks!

[@akosyjonathan]

Can you do a review to collosus n9

[@bikersedge]

We don't carry Polygon. Unfortunately I won't be able to make it happen.

[@MikeesTexas]

Tyler Durden sighting at 4:05

[@bikersedge]

We don’t talk about fight club

[@bkbythesea1768]

Where are you located ?

[@bikersedge]

Just north of Salt Lake City in Kaysville.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

My trance x is a charm to climb even with a coil, there's some kind of sorcery with maestro. I don't want to know how many virgins Giant had to offer to the engineering gods but that worked well.

[@bikersedge]

Haha. It certainly works a bit of magic.

[@DeandreMurray]

Propain Tyee 6, please

[@bikersedge]

We don't carry Propain. Unfortunately I won't be able to make it happen.

[@motoxrdr4]

How do you like the tacky chan’s compared to the continentals?

[@bikersedge]

These are good. Great grip. I’d prefer a heavier casing than what I had for this bike though. I had super trail and super gravity. Would prefer a full DH.

[@motoxrdr4]

@@bikersedgesweet! How are they rolling wise compared to kryptotals?

[@bikersedge]

@@motoxrdr4 can’t really compare them to the krytpotals. I didn’t do any back to back tire testing on the same bike.

[@motoxrdr4]

@@bikersedgesounds like we need a bikers edge tire showdown 👀😎

[@bikersedge]

@@motoxrdr4 might be able to make that happen.

[@frienduro24]

Giant paint designs is a head scratcher

[@bikersedge]

Most of them are really nice. They’ve upped their game in recent years. Some are a little out there.

[@akosyjonathan]

How tall are you?

[@bikersedge]

6’2”

[@andresdavila4500]

Sweet! Sounds like a lot of these enduro bikes are trying to behave as trail bikes, and some of the trail bikes want to have the capability of the enduro bikes…

[@bikersedge]

I’d have to think it’s because the demands of enduro racing and consumer demand. Pro enduro tracks are tight and require an agile bike. Pros have the skill and ability to afford riding a more nimble and less stable bike. Then for us average joes a more nimble enduro bike ends up being more versatile. Especially when we don’t necessarily need the rowdiest option.

[@andresdavila4500]

@@bikersedge agreed… I went from a Status 160 to a Status 140, but I sized up, the 160 feels like a Baja truck, which is a lot of fun, while the 140 feels like a sports car, a lot more reactive, even when it’s longer… personally I prefer the sporty feeling and when you are enjoying you end up going faster, I already beat most my times on the 160… 😁

[@bikersedge]

@@andresdavila4500 yeah I think I’m with you on that. Almost always prefer a sporty feeling bike.

[@pipsta1]

I’d like to know, who thought that colour scheme was a good idea?

[@bikersedge]

Personally a big fan over here.

[@pipsta1]

@@bikersedge I guess different strokes for different folks 😅 I will say I do really enjoy these review videos, definitely at the top of my list

[@bikersedge]

@pipsta1 hey thanks!

[@petersouthernboy6327]

Noice

[@bikersedge]

Saweet!

[@ShutUpSceneKid69]

Definitely nabbing this frame asap.

[@bikersedge]

Enjoy!

[@stevehunter7402]

maestro- try saying m eye stro and not whatever you said. my yay stro. In a sentence “You are not a linguistic maestro.”

[@bikersedge]

¿Que?

[@Accu53Mation]

Why is literally every bike review on KZbin, a carbon fiber frame? Must be KZbin is catered to the rich & shameless. Alloy, is best. I've had three carbon frames in thirty-seven years(yip. carbon has been around since the 1980's, and is still pathetically expensive, like titanium, which is just a marketing scam), and the results are the same: fractured headtube, fractured bottom bracket, snapped chainstay. All three, the most recent being a Trek, which gets their carbon from the same manufacturing China facility, that twelve other brands receive their carbon frames(go figure). Alloy. Is King. And the Giant Reign alloy, performs better than the over-priced carbon version.

[@harrie205]

The carbon outperforms the alloy Stronger lighter and the stiffness ist tuned in a way alloy can’t

[@MrSupermugen]

How tall are you?

[@bikersedge]

6’2”

[@MrSupermugen]

@@bikersedge OK, cool im 6ft and orderd a Large