Giant specifies that its Reign X0 is an all-mountain design for the bravest bike handlers. With its reasonably affordable $3800 price, the X0 is the top-of-the-line Reign. With 6.7 inches of rear suspension travel and 6.3 up front, the well-constructed, butted-aluminum chassis has the right tools for the job. What makes the Reign X0 stand out among the present flood of all-mountain bicycles, however, is what it doesn't have: overdone components, unnecessary gussets, ornamental chunks of aluminum, or garish, grunge-goes-big-time graphics.

Test Quote: "Tight switchbacks are made easy by the quick-turning stem, while rocky steps and steep chutes are moderated by its slack, 67-degree head angle and ample suspension. A six-inch rear and seven-inch front rotor balance the amount of squeeze necessary to slow the Reign down without locking up a wheel. Aggressive cornering is simplified by the chassis' tendency to scrub off speed with a controlled, two-wheel drift should its rider exhibit more bravery than better judgment."

Stoked:
Fox DHX 4.0 Air shock
Fox 36 Float RC2 fork
Twenty-millimeter thru-axle

Bummed:
Shock's ProPedal lever hard to reach on the fly

 Bottom Line: Giant scores a win with the Reign X0. It has the good looks to back up its spot-on, all-mountain performance. In fact, the Reign X0 could be used to define the category. It is a strong enough climber to be used for lengthily trail rides and still has long enough legs and strong enough bones to serve the lift-access, big-hit crowd. The Reign X0 is just right as it comes from Giant--and at $3800, it offers more bang for your buck than anything in its class. If we were pressed to come up with a possible improvement, we would shave off some weight so we could use it for all, instead of most, of our cross-country riding. Until Giant decides to make a carbon fiber Reign X0, we'll be happy to wear out the aluminum version.
(Full specs listed below the photo)

   
GIANT REIGN X0
Price...$3800
Country of origin...Taiwan
Weight...32.6 pounds
Hotline...(800) 874-4268
Frame tested...18" (medium)
Bottom bracket height...13.75"
Chainstay length...17"
Top tube length...23"
Head angle...67°
Seat angle...72.5°
Standover height...28.5"
Wheelbase...45"
Suspension travel...(front) 6.3"
Suspension travel...(rear) 6.7"
Frame material...aluminum
Fork...Fox 36F RC2
Shock...Fox DHX 4.0 Air
Rims...WTB Duyal Duty
Tires...Kenda Nevegal 2.35"
Hub...WTB Laser Disc
Brakes...Avid Juicy Seven
Brake levers...Avid Juicy Seven
Crankset...Race Face Atlas
Shifters...SRAM X.9 trigger
Front derailleur...Shimano XT
Rear derailleur...SRAM X.O
Chainrings...Race Face (22/34)
Cassette...SRAM (11-34)
Pedals...none (weighed with Time Z Control)