G
GiantReign Advanced
4499–7999 EUR
01
Origin
The Reign has been Giant's enduro / all-mountain flagship since around 2005, originally a 6-inch alloy bike and progressively refined into the modern Reign Advanced carbon platform. It runs the four-bar Maestro suspension system Giant has developed for 20+ years across Anthem, Trance and Reign, now with 160 mm rear / 170 mm front travel, a trunnion-mount shock and a three-position flip chip. Tuned and tested under Enduro World Series race conditions, it is built to climb to the top and descend hard.
02
Specifications
- Frame
- Advanced-Grade composite (carbon) front and rear triangles on the current Reign Advanced; 160 mm Maestro suspension, flip-chip geometry, 12×148 mm Boost thru-axle, mixed-wheel compatible (29" or 27.5" rear). Advanced-Forged Composite upper rocker link adds stiffness and saves weight.
- Weight
- kg
- Drivetrain
- SRAM GX Eagle Transmission 1×12 (10-52t cassette, 32t chainring) on Advanced 1; SRAM GX/X01 Eagle AXS or Shimano XT/SLX 1×12 on other trims
- Brakes
- Shimano SLX M7120 4-piston hydraulic disc, 220 mm front / 200 mm rear rotors (Advanced 1)
- Wheels
- Giant TRX 2 29 Carbon WheelSystem, 30 mm internal rim width, tubeless-ready; 27.5" rear wheel swap supported via flip chip
03
The verdict
+Strengths
- Aggressive, race-proven enduro geometry with a sub-64° head angle and confident, composed descending
- Maestro suspension delivers strong traction and absorbs impacts effectively across varied terrain
- Light for the category (~15.1 kg L) yet a rock-solid, stiff carbon mainframe
- Sensible, complete spec for the money — carbon frame, carbon wheels, Fox 38 GRIP2, flip-chip and mullet flexibility
- Direct yet predictable handling that suits a wide range of rider skill levels
−Weaknesses
- Suspension and carbon rims can feel harsh and clattery over square-edged hits, hurting grip and speed retention vs rivals
- Suspension 'lacks pop' — needs more rider effort to launch off features, less playful than some competitors
- Reported rear carbon rim durability concerns (damaged during testing)
- Limited compression damping adjustment makes it hard to control ride height and balance in corners; some pedalling bounce
- Small in-frame storage opening and serviceability hurt by internal cable routing
04
Who it’s for
Aggressive trail riders, enduro racers, bike-park regulars. Riders who go to Otepää bike park, Megavalanche tourists, anyone wanting one bike that climbs to the top of Sigulda or Druskininkai trails and then descends them at speed. Overkill for flat Baltic singletrack, perfect for actual mountain trips.
Want one?
Find this bike on the marketplace, or compare notes with riders already on one.