Photos ©Philipp Ruggli

The downhill rocket with a good dose of down-to-earthness.

In terms of color, Giant shows a lot of courage with its colorfulness, because not everyone likes olive-green painted frames. Apart from the look, the inner values of the Reign Advanced are interesting.
The Reign "Advanced 27.5 1" is equipped with Shimano's SLX drivetrain, whereby the rear derailleur comes from the XT box. SLX models are also used for the brakes. Giant gives the Reign an appropriate enduro setup with the Monarch Plus DebonAir suspension strut and the Pike RC suspension fork from Rock Shox. The cockpit is robust. There, a Truvativ "Holzfeller" stem with a length of 40 millimetres holds the Contact SL downhill handlebars from Giant. However, its 800 millimeter width is just as much a matter of taste as the color. Last but not least, the wheels. These are a mix of Giant P-AM2 rims, Giant front wheel and DT Swiss 350 rear wheel hub combined with Sapim Race spokes. The Schwalbe tires, with Snakeskin and Race Guard protection, also put stability before weight.

The frame shape of this bike also looks downhill-oriented. A massive, low frame with a 65-degree head angle, 160 millimetres of travel on the fork and the same suspension travel on the rear wheel, paired with the tried-and-tested Maestro suspension system. The latter also makes up a large part of the bike. This is because it decouples the suspension from the braking influences, allowing the rider to perform precise and controlled braking maneuvers. This makes it a real pleasure to shoot off into corners with the Reign and hit the brakes late. Despite the braking holes, the bike really holds its line, allowing you to concentrate 100 percent on the corner. The Reign is also clearly aimed at downhill-oriented biking. The slack head angle and low center of gravity keep the bike firmly planted on the ground at high speeds. Even when it's rough, the Reign irons over it like a tank and doesn't let you take many hits. Apart from the fact that the Maestro suspension system is great under braking, it also responds very well and convinces with a nice end progression from the last third of the travel. On the other hand, choppy descents with tight corners require more physical effort with the Reign, as the high level of composure counteracts the maneuverability. The same applies to quick changes of direction.

The Rock Shox "Pike RC Dual Position" also does a great job. On steep descents where constant braking is required, however, it sags considerably. What makes the fork so linear is the dual-position system with which it can be lowered. The Pike should therefore not be ridden too softly. With a negative travel of 25 percent, the fork still responds finely, but gives more counter-pressure in the lower travel range. If you ride front-heavy, you can reduce the negative travel a little more.
This lowering function is very helpful when pedaling uphill, as climbing is not the Reign Advanced's favorite discipline due to its downhill-oriented geometry. With the fork lowered, even steeper climbs can be mastered for a short time. However, the steeper the climb, the more its weight gnaws at the calves. Mountain bike tours with cable car support are more fun.

Conclusion: The Giant Reign "Advanced 27.5 1" is a great enduro bike. However, with a good 14 kilograms and its downhill-oriented geometry, it is less ideal for long climbs. If you can combine the climbs with mountain railroads, the Reign will provide you with continuous downhill fun over countless meters of altitude. Its equipment doesn't let up either.

Specifications

Manufacturer: www.giant-bicycles.com

Test report published in issue 02/2015 of Ride Magazine