New Giant Reign promises all

Now in its eighth generation, Giant's enduro MTB has updated linkage and is available in four builds

This competition is now closed

By Nick Clark

Published: December 1, 2022 at 5:00 pm

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

Digital Writer

Nick Clark is a digital writer for BikeRadar, focusing on all things mountain bikes. Having raced XC for most of his youth, he has a deep understanding of the sport and loves bounding around the UK to spectate at events. A mountain biker at heart, Nick helped create a community of trail builders in his local forest in North Wales. Nick also loves road cycling, where he has completed the holy trinity of spectating at all three grand tours in their host countries. Described as having a good engine in his racing days, it's now common to see Nick wheel-sucking on club rides and sprinting for town signs. He also enjoys bike touring and has completed numerous travels on the west coast of Europe, most recently riding from Lisbon to Roscoff. Nick has built many of his bikes from the frame up and has a keen eye for technical detail. He is currently riding a YT Capra on the trails and a Focus Izalco Max for the road.

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