Bike Overview
What Giant Says
"The Reign 3 is a monster-travel machine and eats boulders for breakfast. Its Fox rear suspension and RockShox TORA fork offer 150 and 130mm travel respectively to handle whatever the trail dishes out. The bike's terrain-taming control is further enhanced by Hayes hydraulic discs and grippy Hutchinson tires. Plus, the sweet components from Race Face, Easton, SRAM and Shimano are built for fine function and durability."
What I say...
I LOVE this bike! When I bought it, I went from a $300 box store, no suspension turd to this hot rod. I had grand plans of doing a lot of downhill racing and I thought this would be a great starter bike for that. It turns out that I'm more of a fan of cross country (though not built for it!)...I was worried that this bike would suck over cross country terrain, but my worries were completely unfounded.
I've ridden this bike at resorts that provide lift access to the top of some excellent downhill terrain, and I've ridden it in several cross country races...it has never disappointed me!
Giant rates this bike as an "All Mountain" bike...and that is exactly what it is. It is capable of any terrain and is the perfect bike for someone like me who likes to ride all different kinds of terrain.
Components
Front Suspension
RockShox TORA 302 Air, 130mm-travel. This is a fairly light duty fork without a lockout feature. It does seem to be a good halfway point between cross country and downhill though.
Rear Suspension
Fox Float R. The lower end Fox Float shock...but still an excellent shock. Despite the fact that this shock doesn't lock out or have any adjustments other than the speed of rebound, there is suprisingly little to no pedal bob while riding. The only time you really notice it is if you get out of the saddle.
Maestro Technology
I have been completely impressed with the functionality of the Maestro suspension that comes on the Reign series of bikes. I attempt to explain what I like about it, but the Gian website does a much better job than I could:
"The three core benefits that set Maestro apart are the result of careful placement of four key pivot points that neutralise both pedalling and braking forces, yet allow the suspension to remain fully active over all types of terrain."
PEDALLING EFFICIENCY
"Whether you’re sprinting up a climb or coasting through a rock garden, Maestro Suspension doesn’t react to your pedalling power and doesn’t affect your pedaling efficiency."
COMPLETE SUSPENSION ACTIVITY
"From high-frequency trail vibrations to heavy-hitting compressions, Maestro Suspension is able to soak up the full spectrum of trail impacts."
TOTAL BRAKE INDEPENDENCE
"No matter if you’re on or off the binders, Maestro Suspension remains fully active and unaffected by braking forces."
Front and Rear Derailleur
SRAM X.7, SRAM PG-950, 9 speed: 11-34 respectively. I've been completely satisfied with the front derailleur, but the rear seems to have gotten tweaked a bit and I have been unable to get it back to its original responsiveness. The SRAM X.7 Trigger shifters that control the dreailleurs are excellent.
Brakes
The bike came with Hayes SOLE hydraulic disc brakes. This is the only part of the bike that I really don't like. I've already replaced the rear brake to an Avid Juicy 7...and am MUCH happier with that brake. The Hayes SOLE's are not self adjusting and seem to unadjust themselves as I ride far more than they should. I like a short squeeze on the brake levers so it was impossible for me to accomplish this without having constant brake drag. They're turds...I definitely learned that good brakes is one thing worth paying the money for!
The rest of it...
| Spec Name | Giant Reign 3 |
|---|---|
| Frame | ALUXX aluminum |
| Rims/Wheels | WTB Speed Disc Trail |
| Hubs | Formula disc |
| Spokes | Stainless-steel |
| Tires | Hutchinson Bulldog Air Light, 26 x 2.3 |
| Crankset | Race Face Ride XC |
| Rear Cogs | SRAM PG-950, 9 speed: 11-34 |
| Handlebars | Easton EA30, 31.8mm |
| Stem | Easton EA30 |
| Saddle | WTB Pure V Comp |
| Seat Post | Easton EA50 |