The Giant Reign has long been a staple choice on the enduro scene but the last few years has seen it in dire need of an update to keep it relevant in the ever-changing world of enduro - enter the Giant Reign 29, the company's first long-travel 29-inch offering.
The new Giant Reign 29 comes in two frameset configurations: carbon fibre (reign Advanced Pro 29) and aluminium (Reign 29 and SX 29). As the name suggests, it now rolls on 29-inch wheels with 160mm of travel up front and 146mm at the rear courtesy of Giant's updated Maestro suspension.
146mm of rear travel? Yes - that's not much more than a traditional trail bike but Giant is well known for dialling in less rear travel than its rivals and it works. For the Reign 29, the engineers wanted to ensure the chainstays remained under 440mm (in this case measuring 439mm) which limits travel but improves traction, shock sensitivity (both small and big bump compression) and reduces the leverage ratio to 16% progression thanks to the trunnion shock-attachment points.
There's also a longer-travel option available, called the Reign SX 29, which adds an extra 10mm of travel up front (170mm) and hardier componentry to help it dismiss gnarlier descents and terrain.
To accommodate the shift to larger wheels and ensure the new Reign stays progressive and agile, the frame was built around the longer, slacker and lower kinematics ethos. As such it features shorter chainstays and a longer top tube to go with a 65-degree headtube- and 76.8-degree seattube angle.
Adding to the Giant Reign 29's agility and stiffness index is Boost hub spacing (110mm front/148mm rear) which also ensures an optimal chainline. All models come standard with Giant Tubeless System technology.
Range and pricing:
- Giant Reign Advanced Pro 29 0 - £7,499 / US$9,000
- Giant Reign Advanced Pro 29 1 - £4899/ US$5,000
- Giant Reign Advanced Pro 29 2 - £3999/ US$4,000
- Giant Reign 29 1 - £3999
- Giant Reign 29 2 - £2899/ US$3,000
- Giant Reign 29 SX - £3499/ US$4,000
