The Ultimate Enduro Machine - 2015 Giant Reign Advanced 27.5 is an Impressive Contender

 

 

2015 Giant Reign Advanced Completes Giant's Extensive 27.5 Line-up

Built around a lightweight, stiff and super-strong chassis, Reign Advanced 27.5 features an Advanced composite mainframe with an ALUXX SL rear swingarm.

It gives enduro, all-mountain and aggressive trail riders 6.3 inches/160mm of rear travel with the smooth, fully active Maestro suspension system. In addition to being the lightest Reign that Giant has ever produced (2,650 grams without shock, size medium), it delivers the added efficiency and control of 27.5 wheel technology. Giant engineered new geometry for the Reign Advanced 27.5 that gives it a lower center of gravity and longer wheelbase compared to its 26-inch-wheel predecessor. It also features a custom fork offset of 46mm that optimizes handling with the new wheel size.

"Giant is reintroducing its 160mm travel Reign in 2015 after a one-year absence. First appearing in 2005 as a 26er, its return (and overhaul) makes Giant’s dedicated-to-27.5 line-up complete. Besides wheel size, there are a few other significant changes as well.

First, the mainframe on the Advanced 1 is carbon fiber with an aluminum rear triangle and stealthy internal cable routing. Next up is a slack 65-degree head angle matched to an adjustable 130mm to 160mm RockShox Pike RC with a custom, 46mm offset to keep steering responsive at slower speeds. Also, the Overdrive 2 head tube is gone in favor of the original design—an external shell that’s still massive but the bearings are now standard 1 1/8 to 1 1/2 taper so you can easily switch out the fork or stem if you want. The Advanced also has a 125mm RockShox dropper post instead of Giant’s own name brand model seen elsewhere.

Rear suspension sticks with the successful Maestro design that utilizes four pivots and two links. It’s a proven performer on long and short travel bikes across Giant’s full-suspension line. The shock is the new RockShox Monarch Plus DebonAir RC3. DebonAir signifies an increase in both the positive and negative air chambers which is claimed to increase initial stroke sensitivity and overall plushness as it moves through the travel. It also has a three-position platform lever: Open, Pedal and Lock."
-Mike Cushionbury
www.dirtragmag.com




1904 Staples Mill Rd.
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 658-2126
randy@pedalpowerbicycles.com
www.pedalpowerbicycles.com