Can you achieve harmony with a huge 170 mm fork paired with only 146 mm rear travel? Is the reign of the Giant Reign SX over, or can a supersized fork add to its fun?
The Reign is iconic in Giant’s lineup and it could even be considered royalty even, and the latest 15.7 kg SX 29er with 170/146 mm of travel is targeted firmly at the bike park enthusiast. True to their name, Giant are something of a super-sized brand and with such buying power, always deliver on value. The € 3,399 Giant Reign 29 SX is no exception and stands out in this test when it comes to componentry. Who could miss the massive 170 mm FOX 36 Performance Elite fork up front with the all-important GRIP2 damper, boasting a whopping 24 mm travel more than the rear. That’s not the only supersized component. We were pleased to see SRAM CODE R brakes running proper 200 mm rotors front and rear. At the back, a FOX DHX2 Performance coil shock (400 lb/in spring, size L) controls the 146 mm rear travel and a SRAM NX drivetrain is a popular choice at this price point. The build is finished with EXO casing Maxxis Minion DHF 29 x 2.5” WT and Maxxis Minion DHR II 29 x 2.4” WT tires rolling on Giant’s own 30 mm internal aluminium rims laced to their Tracker Performance hubs, as well as their own Contact Switch dropper post.
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