Giant Reign 1.5 LTD Review
Anyone who buys this year’s Giant Reign 1.5 LTD is already a winner thanks to the brand’s decision to knock a full € 200 off the retail price. But have they cut corners to secure this discount, or is it just an appealing sales ploy?
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: SOOOOO F#%$&NG ENDURO: 11 Enduro Bikes under € 4,000 in Review
Coming into this test as the most affordable bike means that the Giant Reign won’t have it easy. At € 2,999, it’s a full € 1,000 cheaper than certain competitors, which means it’s unlikely to boast the same standards, right? Wrong: Giant have made seriously wise decisions on where to save cash, opting for the well-chosen Shimano XT drivetrain and FOX X2 Performance rear shock. However, the budget tires are a sore point, seeing Giant fit the Performance line of Schwalbe Hans Dampf tires, which are no match for the higher quality Evo tires, particularly in wet conditions. The price-point FOX 36 fork with the GRIP damper fares nicely and gives a plush, sensitive ride on mellower trails. However, throw in some burlier trails with hits in quick succession and the damper soon flounders, whereas the more expensive Performance Elite model gives a better performance.
Setting up the Giant Reign is fairly simple; the FOX X2 Performance shock lacks the bewildering tuning options of the more expensive Factory model. While it may lack options, it certainly doesn’t lack performance, seeing the X2 iron the terrain flat and blast over everything. The grip generated at the rear is nothing short of brilliant. Teamed with the long and slack geometry, the Reign is a ripper, unfazed by anything and everything.
If you’re looking for playful, then look elsewhere – this is all about stability. The tires are a weakness, particularly in the wet. On climbs the Reign can hold onto the pack, but it’s unlikely to set any records. Giant’s own seatpost takes some force to get moving, but works well. And those welds? We’ve seen better.
The Giant Reign 1.5 LTD in detail
Fork FOX 36 FLOAT Performance 160 mm
Shock FOX FLOAT X2 Performance 160 mm
Brakes Shimano XT
Drivetrain Shimano XT
Seatpost GIANT Contact SL Switch-Remote 150 mm
Stem Truvativ Holzfeller 31,8 mm
Handlebar GIANT Contact SL DH Riser Bar 800 mm
Tires Schwalbe Hans Dampf Performance
Wheelset Giant PAM-2
The FOX X2 Performance still works efficiently, even if it doesn’t have the same mass of settings as the Factory model.
The high-end XT cranks are protected by a bashguard, and the MRP chainguide does a great job of keeping the chain in place over rough ground.
The more affordable FOX 36 Performance fork with the cheaper GRIP damper cannot rival FOX’s higher-end models, but it works solidly and is miles better than comparable models from the past few years.
To compensate for the short head tube, Giant have put some some spacers under the stem, which shortens the reach by a few millimeters but makes it easier to maneuver in tough terrain.
These welds at the rear are obviously important, but Giant appear to have overlooked aesthetics.
The geometry of the Giant Reign 1.5 LTD
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Tube | 380 mm | 431 mm | 482 mm | 507 mm |
| Top Tube [A] | 584 mm | 620 mm | 640 mm | 665 mm |
| Head Angle [D] | 65 ° | 65 ° | 65 ° | 65 ° |
| Seat Angle [B] | 73 ° | 73 ° | 73 ° | 73 ° |
| Chainstays [C] | 434mm | 434 mm | 434 mm | 434 mm |
| BB Drop[J] | 10 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm |
| Wheelbase [E] | 1158 mm | 1191 mm | 1217 mm | 1242 mm |
| Reach [G] | 409 mm | 444 mm | 458 mm | 480 mm |
| Stack [H] | 577 mm | 577 mm | 595 mm | 604 mm |
| Wheel Size [F] | 27.5″ | 27.5″ | 27.5″ | 27.5″ |
Conclusion
If you’re into pitching high speeds, then you’ll love the Giant Reign 1.5 LTD. It’s a ripper of a bike that comes with a very fair price tag, and it’s one that’ll fare well over the world’s burliest trails. Just keep your fingers crossed for dry weather or switch out the tires.
Strenghts
– Super stable at high speeds
– Confidence-inspiring
– Great value for money
Weaknesses
– Schwalbe Performance tires are a no-go
– Not very agile
For more info head to: giant-bicycles.com!
The test fleet
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: SOOOOO F#%$&NG ENDURO: 11 Enduro Bikes under € 4,000 in Review
All bikes in test: Bergamont ENCORE 9.0 | Canyon Strive CF 7.0 Race | Merida ONE-SIXTY 5000 | Propain Tyee CF Free | Radon SWOOP 170 10.0 | Rose UNCLE JIMBO 3 | Specialized Enduro Comp 29 | Trek Remedy 9 Race Shop Limited | VOTEC VE ELITE 2017 | YT CAPRA CF PRO