Test: Since the market launch of the Reign in 2005, the Giant bicycle company has consistently aimed at the needs of all-mountain bikers and enduro riders. In the years that followed, more and more modern and lighter frame designs were developed around the proven Maestro rear triangle. At least that hasn't changed with the current model Giant Reign 27.5 1!
Anyone who has ever been on the road with a Giant Reign will immediately say: Lucky! In fact, Giant has made a big splash with the development of the Maestro rear triangle, a VPP variant. For 2015, the Giant Reign presents itself as mature as never before, which is certainly also due to the "big" 27,5 inch wheels. Of course, Giant also follows the trend towards modern and – admittedly – better rolling wheel sizes. The frame is made of ALUXX SL, a highly stable and lightweight 6011 aluminum alloy.
The scales of the Giant Reign 1 in size M without pedals remain at 13,4 kilograms. The Reign has a suspension travel of 160 millimeters at the rear as well as at the front. The RockShox Pike suspension fork and the RockShox Monarch damper do their part to keep the chassis in check. The Giant Reign 27.5 1 is also modern with the SRAM X1 1×11 drive. The chainring with 32 teeth and the 10 - 42 cassette ensure an appealing translation range in most riding situations.
In order to avoid all eventualities, Giant gave the Reign 27.5 1 an MRP chain guide including a bash guard. At the latest when you look at the slack 65 degree steering angle and the tires from Maxxis mounted on the test bike, it becomes clear: there's a lot going downhill! An impression that is bluntly confirmed when driving. With the composure of a steamroller, the Giant Reign 27.5 1 mercilessly irons down the root passages and stone fields carefully laid out by nature.
The bike lies like a board on fast sections. The rider can direct the Giant Reign in the desired direction and chain without worry. Load changes are gentle and smooth. In the limit area, the wheel behaves in an exemplary good-natured and predictable manner. But not only at speed does the rider enjoy the perfectly tuned chassis and good handling. In tight corners, the Giant can be playfully pushed around the corner and obediently follows the driver's every instruction.
It's amazing that a bike with such convincing downhill and trail characteristics can also convince uphill. Of course, the Giant Reign 27.5 1 isn't a rocket, but it climbs and it's surprisingly light-footed. The RockShox Reverb Stealth Vario seat post also deserves a positive mention in this context. The shock absorber can be blocked for slightly more energy-saving progress. The rider has to pay tribute to the tires on the climbs, but he is compensated even more on the descents.
Conclusion
Awesome on the descents, light-footed on the climbs: The Giant Reign 27.5 1 is without a doubt one of the top enduro bikes on the market! Although the Giant Reign 27.5 1 has grown up, the riding fun and playfulness are not neglected!
product Highlights
- Fantastically appealing chassis
- Very wide range of use
- Useful and well thought-out equipment
- Weight without pedals: 13,4 kg in size M
- Price: € 4299,90
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