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My new ride = Giant Reign 1
Just wanted to drop a note about my new ride. I've been riding a Giant VT3 for the last 7 years and got pretty used to how it climbed and descended.
The Reign 1 is a totally different story. It climbs better than the VT, on flat smooth firetrail it feels like you are on a road bike on smooth bitumen, and on the downhill it inspires confidence. For anyone worried that it is too heavy or 6 inches of travel will be too inefficient I say don't worry. The bike powers up hills and is super fast on the flat. It feels like every bit of energy you put into the pedals goes straight to the rear wheel and powers you along. This bike is absolutely amazing. I'd recommend it to anyone as a 'do anything' bike. It's super comfortable, climbs like a goat and is just a fun machine on the downhill.
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Mate, you are a scholar and a gentleman. I congratulate you on your wisdom.
I've often wondered why the Giant Trance is so popluar. Prior to the 2011 model year, the Trance was a truly horrible bike. And everyone seemed to ignore that simple fact. And because the majority of the bike buying public are akin to sheep, those bikes sold in droves. Well, flocks.
Meanwhile, Giant nailed the Reign first go and simply refined it ever since. In standard form, the 2010 model with the DHX5 air rear shock was the pick of the bunch. Naturally one could fit such a shock to the current or any future model but that sort of thing belongs in the realm of custom builds, and that's an entirely different conversation.
The Reign does everything very well indeed at hardly any weight disadvantage. The geometry is spot on in the current model and the bike even looks nice.
This bike deserves are carbon XTR specced version. And what we really need is a 29er version.
A 150mm travel, slack geometry 29er. Oh yeah! Carbon. With XTR....
I've got a Reign also. My experience has been identical. It's weight and 6 inches of travel has no great adverse effect on climbing ability. This bike lead me to believe that, given how well long ttravel bikes climb this day in age, and if you're not a racer or an endurance person (i.e. you're just a ride for fun guy like me) always opt for the one with more travel when deciding between two similar bikes.
As a proud owner of a 2008 Trance, that you say is a truly terrible bike, I can't understand how you can rate the Reign so well and be so dismissive of the Trance. My understanding is that the 2 frames have almost identical suspension, its just the amount of travel that differs. Indeed, back in 2009 when I bought mine, a carpark test ride of both models to me were almost indistinguishable. So I opted for the lighter weight model as it suits my riding style better.
Popcorn, anyone?
Open. No comment here except pass it this way hawkeye.
current "wet" conditions???
Worst "Dad joke" ever!
I have a Trance X0 2008 and think that sometimes we opt for more travel than needed? I can see that some people might be lured to having "bigger equipment" but I also think the more skill you get the less travel required? From my calcs I'll be riding off 6' drops on a ridged at 60.
PS: Was expecting to see a photo of beloved Reign.
I've ridden nothing but a 2006 Reign 2 (other than test riding a friend's Scott Genius and random hardtails) so I've known nothing else......is the difference really night and day?
(ps, can't stand the 'curvy' design on the new range Reigns/Trances....makes it look kinda.........metro)
Meh! I like the look of the swoops & curves of newer models over the older straight lined versions.
But maybe that cause I refer to my bike as a "she" & shapely curves are appropriate. I can understand that it would seem kinda metro if you think differently- not that there's anything wrong with that.
It's not about travel,folks. It's about geometry.
My anti Trance comments were aimed squarely at the Trance X 08 thru 10. Too tall in the front, short top tube ( size for size ) and a frame that was almost too light for it's target customer. Not to worry. It's a popular bike and deservedly so. It's just that the Anthem was and is a better race bike and the Reign was and is a better general use trail bike. Which can be raced happily by the enthusiastic/casual punter.
The current Trance is great. It's similiar to the earlier Reign and the Reign is better than ever. Then there is the Anthem. I know!.... Blend the Anthem and Trance into one bike and you get a fast steering, stiff and nimble bike with lets say... 120mm of travel. Make a 26 & a 29 wheeled version. Lots of price points and frame/spec choice. Then have the Reign as is. Then do a 29er version. The Reign X is silly. The name creates confusion and it's not quite slack enough for it's promoted place in the world.
To all the Trance owners; enjoy your bikes and pay no attention to forum comments designed to encourage deep thought and enthusiastic conversation. To Reign owners; Rejoice in your bike selection. Lube your chain and check your tyre pressure.
If you glaze over whilst reading posts from me and my words mean nothing to you, then take this away with you; get your bike serviced regularly, esp. the suspension, check your wheels and lube your chain. C'mon.
From Another F*£king Giant Rider: I have to pay homage to my 2008 Reign 1 it has kicked so much arse and taken such a beating in the process, it is the one bike to rule them all! It really pushes your limits and your buttons while still riding like a gentleman's cruiser when your holding back.
I was able to car park test the Trance at the same time and couldn't tell the difference either, neither did the bathroom scales I brought into the shop. It all came down to the paint job and the extra travel for negligible weight. Good call!
I've just compared the new version, for the same price they have gotten rid of all the Non shimano stuff that has given me nothing but jip and put in a Joplin and DT swiss wheels. What more could you want? Any Non-giant stocking LBS out there must be spewing nothing else compares on spec for the price, sorry guys. I'm a bit gutted I can't mortgage my soul for a reissue. I'm sure the new bendy hydroforms only make it more solid.
Geometry wise you will find it too tall and laid back to trash around an XC track its not what will get you out of your seat. Once you add anything technical you will find yourself in attack position and cutting through it like a hot knife through butter. So Awaba its a bit ho hum, Glenrock defo, Ourimbah..If you ever found your self picking through the steep decents that will soon change you might find yourself pedaling further up the mountain.
Enjoy!
Anthem = Race Horse.
Reign = Rodeo Bull
Trance = Pack Horse
Which one would you rather ride on all the time!
to wade into this discussion as I own both bikes! My first mtn bike was a 2007 Trance 2 and I loved it. I think it was well sold to me as I was new to riding and it was a great dualie albeit with a basic component set. Had I known then how much I would get into riding I would have bought something different, probably a Reign. Forward 2 years and I bought a 2009 Reign 0. I love this bike, it is absolutely fantastic! Sturdy, light, amazing components and totally confidence inspiring. I love the upright riding position and the extra travel. And I have ridden the 100km DW and Highland Fling on it complete with 2.35 Nevegals!
But then it all comes down to personal preference. If you're into x-country racing you'll want a short-travel, light bike. If you want to ride enduros and general trails you'll need a 120mm. But if you want to ride trails but do more challenging techy stuff you'll need something like a Reign, that you can also ride enduros on. I think the Reign is a perfect all-round bike for the Sydney area.
If you are looking for a do-it-all bike then you seriously have to consider the Reign, and money aside, along with the 575, Spesh Enduro etc. Admittedly there are lots of Giants around but that speaks for itself - they are great bikes with a super suspension design and really good value. If you want to be different and stand out from the crowd then you probably wouldn't even look at a Giant, but IMO you can't look for a 150mm travel bike and not consider the Reign.
Bottom line: you can't go wrong with a Giant