The eMTB Giant Reign E + has been completely renewed for 2022, with a more compact and powerful engine (thanks to Yamaha's support), batteries with greater autonomy and a very minimal user interface. Below we post the video where we put it to the test in an autonomy duration test in ECO (we used the default ECO value provided by the house).
FEATURES
The nature of the bike does not change, the Reign always remains the enduro offer of Giant. New Fox 38 (very popular in e-bikes), Fox X2 at the rear, progressive geometry, tires at the height and many components of substance.
Travel of 170 mm at the front and 160 mm at the rear with Giant's typical Maestro suspension. Mullet configuration, ie 29 "in front and 27,5" in back.
ENGINE AND BATTERY
The bike is equipped with the new SyncDrive Pro engine, born as the previous one from the partnership with Yamaha. The maximum torque increases, from 80 to 85 Nm, with excellent delivery even at the highest rpm. Another improvement in weight, now down to 2,7 kg, and very compact dimensions that have allowed a shortening of the rear stays.
On the whole range there is a 625wh battery, unlike the Reign 0 which is fitted as standard with the 750Wh. Then, in addition, all of them can add a 250 wh extender. Service information: if desired, an 800Wh AM battery is available which can be mounted on all Reign frames.
RIDECONTROL GO
Specialized-style integrated user interface on the top tube called RideControl Go: convenient bike power button that doubles as an assistance mode switch. We find a double row of LEDs that show the battery level and the help of the selected engine. The assistance takes on various colors according to the chosen power.
It is also possible to change the assistance mode via the RideControl Ergo 3 controller mounted on the handlebar: very functional and minimal (either left or right). Buttons that can be reconfigured via the RideControl app, on which to view the complete data of the e-bike tour, and the efficiency of the engine and battery.
VERSIONS AND COMPONENTS
There are four Giant Reign E + models, all in Aluxx SL light alloy and SyncDrive Pro engine (no carbon). Prices range from € 5.199 for Reign E + 3 to € 7.799 for Reign E + 0. Then we find at 5.699 Reign E + 2 and finally the Reign E + 1 (in test) to 6.499 €.
On the whole range there is a 625wh battery, unlike the Reign 0 which is fitted as standard with the 750Wh. Then, in addition, all of them can add a 250 wh extender.
GEOMETRY
The geometries are from enduro but not only: in LOW mode the Reign E + is abnormally low and open, suffice it to point out the 63.7 ° degrees of steering. Even in the HIGH position it maintains important downhill characteristics, but without making them extreme.
Change bottom bracket height by 10mm (higher and lower), head and saddle angle by 0.8 ° (more relaxed and more vertical), and reach by 5mm.
THE RESPONSE OF THE TEST
The Giant Reign is a steamroller by nature: a very DH nature in the rear, where the master system absorbs the blows very well. Take the hits in a sublime way. It is a bike with a downhill nature, therefore consequently with very aggressive geometries, which will make experts happy but do not help beginners or in any case those not too technical bikers. In fact, the Reign is a bike that gives its best with an experienced rider, otherwise it is better to stay on a model with less excursion and geometry, otherwise there will be more disadvantages than advantages.
As mentioned, for an advanced rider, in the LOW position it is fantastic: stable, low and with a very plush rear suspension as they say, which invites you to push yourself further. When cornering, it is super precise and gives its best in the most rugged and steep terrains. The height of the bottom bracket is worth mentioning: from so much stability, however, in alpine trails, it is dangerous because the height from the ground is extremely low. Even in the steps that are not too extreme, the risk of touching the engine casing is high. My advice is to use the LOW position only in bike parks or trails that are clean / familiar. In all other situations, I recommend the HIGH position, which in any case remains with a steering angle value of less than 65 ° but the movement rises by 1cm.
Uphill is one of the best (if not the best) e-bike of this segment (enduro) I've ever tried: the very vertical seat angle means that we can have total control over the front and lightening (or wheelie) of the former is an ancient memory. This position is very extreme: as soon as we get on the bike we realize that we are practically above the pedals. As mentioned in the video, this posture makes you lose power in favor of agility, unlike a more rearward position where we will be more thrust (more power) but less agile. The fact of having less power, in the e-bike segment, is not a problem having an engine under us (if anything, the problem could come when the battery runs out).
In general, it is not a defect, on the contrary, the only aspect to point out is that this position tires the saddle since it is very loaded and is not super comfortable (this aspect affects the not so young).
The Yamaha engine is excellent, nothing to report: good delivery, minimal display and good autonomy.
| XC | MARATHON | TRAIL | ALL MOUNTAIN | ENDURO | FREERIDE | DOWNHILL |
| XXXXX | XXXXX | XX |
| Particular signs | LOW AND LONG Ok, there is a lot of talk about low and long geometry but Giant has given us a hard time! |
| + | Stability in quick breakdowns. Downhill performance in general. Great for experienced riders. |
| - | The vertical saddle angle strains the saddle. Extremely low in the LOW position. Not recommended for non-advanced riders. |
| € 6.499 Euros | |
| Price frame + ammo | nd | |
| Italian distributor: https://www.giant-bicycles.com/ | |
| Weight (without pedals) | 25kg |
| Fork | Fox 38 Float Performance Elite 29er, 170mm travel, GRIP2 VVC Damper, Boost 110 × 15 Kabolt floating axle, e-Bike optimized |
| Shock absorber | Fox Float X2 Performance Elite, EVOL Large Volume sleeve, 2-position lever, 205 × 62.5mm Trunnion mount, custom tuned |
| wheels | Rims Giant e-TR1 29 "[F] 27.5" [R], Tubeless ready, 30mm inner width, with Giant e-TR1 [F] 110 × 15 [R] 148x12mm Thru-axle hubs |
| Service | Maxxis Minion DHF 29 × 2.6 ″ foldable, Tubeless, EXO +, 3C MaxxTerra [F] Maxxis High Roller II 27.5 × 2.5 ″ foldable, Tubeless, DoubleDown, 3C MaxxTerra Compound [R] |
| Battery | EnergyPak Smart 625Wh Compatible with EnergyPak Plus range extender (only for sizes M, L and XL) |
| Rear gearbox | Shimano Deore XT, 12-Speed, Shadow + |
| commands | Shimano Deore XT |
| Brakes | Shimano Deore XT, BR-M8120, 4-piston, hydraulic disc, 203mm |
| Buy Boxes | Shimano HG-M7100, 10-51T, 12-speed |
| Motor | SyncDrive Pro, 85Nm, powered by Yamaha |
| OFFENSE | Giant Contact SL 35 |
| Handlebar | Giant Contact Trail, 35x800mm |
| seatpost | Giant Contact Switch, dropper, 30,9mm (S: 100, M: 125, L: 150, XL: 175) |
| Sella | Giant Romero Trail |
| Color | unique (gray) |
THE VERDICT
Fast uphill and downhill
It may sound strange, but the Reign is a great climber (given its very vertical saddle angle that allows you to climb from an unthinkable slope with a 170mm) and an exceptional descender! The combined Fox 38, Fox X2 and extreme geometry make it the ideal vehicle for extreme enduro, bike park or racing use.
