I have a have 2022 with upgraded Zeb fork absolutely love it. The main thing I have to get used to is over shooting turns, the power and weight makes me brake late all the time.
Brian this is the best overview/review of the Giant Reign E that I have seen. I have only started mountain biking in the last 6 months but I love it. I just purchased the Reign E+3. I've noticed I like it more on fast flowing trails. I look forward to more of your videos on this awesome bike. New subscriber also.
Brian, I bought the 2020 version then got the 2022 E+2 and love the bike. I have gotten used to the weight and use it to my advantage especially on DH/enduro rides. I put a MRP coil shock with a progressive spring and WOW it made it me feel so much more confident I also have the top of the line Zeb fork and that also raised my confidence. I’ll be following you, great job. Let’s ride Georgetown sometime soon.
So you basically own the same bikes as I do right now. Reign e+, druid v2.. but I still kept the v1 dreadnought up to this day... Great to hear you like the reign.
Wow, awesome video! Your new Giant Reign E+ 2 looks so cool! I loved hearing about how you chose it and how it rides. You're really great at explaining everything, and your riding skills are amazing! Can't wait to see more videos and the upgrades you mentioned. Keep it up!
I have the same bike (in medium) the battery should be 800 WH. So Far ive Swapped to XT Brakes, Rotors and Rear Mech, replaced the wheels with Roval Traverse Carbon and DT350 Hubs, DD Maxgrip Assegai front and Rear, One up stem and One up 35 Mm carbon Bars I also installed some 165mm Crank Arms from E13. Ive tried both High and Low setting and much prefer the High, It seems slack enough and less likely to smack the motor off of obstacles. The shorter Cranks reduce Pedal Strikes, and were actually pretty decent price. I recommend trying those out. So far ive been happy enough with the suspension, but would like to see what you think of the coil. I am considering buying a Charger 3 Damper and Airspring and retro-ing the Zeb to an Ultimate. I do like the 1.8 fork, i suspect its more beefy and it does look better than a 1.5 on the front.
You gotta take it out to some insane climbs and see how far you can push it. That was one thing I loved besides more laps and more time in the saddle. I'm on an SL now so I don't get to do the insane big days where you just go anywhere you want but the one thing I miss with the full power was climbing impossible things and then just being blown out like you did an XC race. Glad you're enjoying it!
Emtb are so fun!! I have a Rocky Mountain altitude power play. Mine looks pretty similar to your giant. I picked my bike up on sale at the end of the season.
Dude you got exactly the same bike that I have. If you got a '23 model, battery should be 800W. I had an issue with my Float X Performance shock and Fox warrantied it out for a Float X2 Factory. It completely changed the way the bike rides. I imagine a coil shock would've been even better but I can't jump to save my life so I stayed with an air shock for the little bit of extra pop it provides. I also upgraded the Zeb Select with a Charger 3 damper. It rides way better and doesn't blow through the travel on big hits. Finally, also replaced the tires with Continental Argotal in the front and Kryptotal in the rear. These tires have fantastic grip and considering you like to ride Briones, you will not be disappointed. Cheers!
Great review!! I've got the same bike and listening to this was almost identical to what ive found with the bike. Im just changing the shock for an EXT coil off my analogue bike ss the x2 can't handle what i need it to. I've also put my Shimano Saint brakes on it and they're far better than the SLX brakes.
Interesting comments on how the bike can have moments of being hard to control and feeling like it’s being knocked off course , I had similar experiences initially and then once I got the suspension fully dialled( iv3 got fox 38 and x2) , and cushcore in the wheels , it changed completely and it just wants to hug the ground , I feel so much more in control
Thanks for the input. Yeah I’ve got an ohlins shock on now and just put an ohlins fork on. Just the shock upgrade dramatically helped the composure of the bike.
Just ordered this one with 800 Wh for amazing price 3860€. Downgrade from Focus Sam2 6.9 with Fax Van (Coil shock), Factory 38 fork and XT BUT with larger battery and as I tested Yamaha SyncDrive Pro2 is really similar or better in performance than Bosch CX4. Lets gooo!
@@briancahal thanks. Was wondering if I should do the same the only difference between the e3 to e1 is the suspension and components. I am not much of a component snob so fine with the lower level stuff. But…. The cost to upgrade the suspension is similar to the cost difference between models plus you get the components. Might have to go that route. Appreciate your feedback.
i have a 22 with the Fox 38 performance elite and DPX 2 same shock. 223 rotors with all XT stuff and Magic Mary 2.6 super gravity front and back. i don't ride as hard as you for sure and i'm older, but i think the bike can handle anything i can throw at it. i think much of what you are experiencing is an general ebike thing with full fats. i know what you mean and agree, my Amish bike (Rocky Mtn slayer) is easier to handle in tight twisties and some other situations. but this is a helluva big full power eeb.
I’m on the same bike, super low bottom bracket! I have got some 160’s on it but will try some 155’s soon to stop less peddle strikes. I was super suprised how good the fox float felt on it tbh
Sweet! Shorter cranks sounds like a good call. Definitely want to try that. The stock shock was decent but I’ve got an ohlins coil on it now and it’s completely changed the performance ceiling of the bike
@@briancahalwe all loved those comparison videos from let's go racing. I think you should continue with suspension as you're doing with brakes now. There's a lot of stuff that's custom tuning and "underground" stuff with high praises that none reviews .you could benchmark against Öhlins.
I think you can get away with a little shorter chain stays on e-bikes than a regular enduro bike because you get some extra weight on the front wheel with the battery. I could be wrong, lmk what you think.
Stay tuned for the next video on the pivot I go into this a bit. However I still prefer the longer chainstay on this bike even if it maybe isn’t as big of an issue because of where the weight is located
Is this East Bay? Trying to convince myself to get one, but im wondering if theres good ways to access Briones/Lime Ridge without driving to the trailheads
@@briancahal Dope - thanks. Used to drive all the way around to the north side (Alhambra?) trailheads, but would be much preferred to not have to do that every time
Found the bike super low, not great. I went to 152mm cranks, and a 34t chainring this helped. Also a RS super delux coil is a great addition as the hydraulic bottom out works well with the linear suspension design.
Super informative and insightful video as always. I have been watching your videos for quite some time and would love to get your opinion on the new dreadnaught and its sizing. The L (S3) size seems quite relevant for me as I am 183 cm or 6 feet tall but both factory riders are on the size M (S2). What are your thoughts on this? Do you think they are able to deal with a less stable bike because they are just good at riding bikes? 455 reach for me seems tiny but part of me wonders if it could work :D
Yes I’d love to get my hands on the new dreadnought. Going to try and make it up to Cumberland and visit the HQ this summer. I think what you mentioned is right with the pro guys being so good they don’t need the stability and with the tracks they are racing I think there tends to be more time to be made in the tight stuff. For normal riding, normal people I think the s3 is spot on for around six foot. In the grand scheme of bike sizing it is on the shorter side for reach. I personally wouldn’t want to go smaller
Heya Brian, been a follower for a while but this interested me cause I've ridden a giant E+ reign before. I wanted to ask you about using a coil on it, from previews rides the e reign just feels numb with a coil and just kills all the fun and I would love for you to give some tips if it's switching to a x2 which seems suitable or tweaking with coils and settings?
Hmm yeah at this point I’ve only tried the stock shock and an ohlins coil. Honestly I feel like the coil is pretty much better in every way. I think a real comparison would be to compare it to a nice air shock but compared to the stock shock this ohlins is a beast. Definitely elevates the ceiling of the bike. It might be a bit less responsive but it’s a 55lb bike so it doesn’t feel that responsive anyway haha
Brian- Just bought a Nicolai QLF ebike and ride all the time in Briones. Maybe we cross paths sometime. What trail are you on here? I usually park in Bear Creek. This is maybe Mtz side?
I have a have 2022 with upgraded Zeb fork absolutely love it. The main thing I have to get used to is over shooting turns, the power and weight makes me brake late all the time.
Brian this is the best overview/review of the Giant Reign E that I have seen. I have only started mountain biking in the last 6 months but I love it. I just purchased the Reign E+3. I've noticed I like it more on fast flowing trails. I look forward to more of your videos on this awesome bike. New subscriber also.
Thanks! Welcome to the channel
Brian, I bought the 2020 version then got the 2022 E+2 and love the bike. I have gotten used to the weight and use it to my advantage especially on DH/enduro rides. I put a MRP coil shock with a progressive spring and WOW it made it me feel so much more confident I also have the top of the line Zeb fork and that also raised my confidence. I’ll be following you, great job. Let’s ride Georgetown sometime soon.
So you basically own the same bikes as I do right now. Reign e+, druid v2.. but I still kept the v1 dreadnought up to this day... Great to hear you like the reign.
dream setup
Rad. That’s a dialed line up!
got the Reign E+1 a few months now. the bike is so much fun. the more you get used to it the more fun it bocomes 🎉😊
What year e+1 did you get ?
@@camwells9726 2022 Reign E+1 MX Pro
@@camwells9726 2022 MX pro 750wh
I’m looking at this bike to buy it as well a big thank you for uploading this review video
Wow, awesome video! Your new Giant Reign E+ 2 looks so cool! I loved hearing about how you chose it and how it rides. You're really great at explaining everything, and your riding skills are amazing! Can't wait to see more videos and the upgrades you mentioned. Keep it up!
Those opening shots were great
Looking forward to the Lewis review and the ohlins
I have the same bike (in medium) the battery should be 800 WH. So Far ive Swapped to XT Brakes, Rotors and Rear Mech, replaced the wheels with Roval Traverse Carbon and DT350 Hubs, DD Maxgrip Assegai front and Rear, One up stem and One up 35 Mm carbon Bars I also installed some 165mm Crank Arms from E13. Ive tried both High and Low setting and much prefer the High, It seems slack enough and less likely to smack the motor off of obstacles. The shorter Cranks reduce Pedal Strikes, and were actually pretty decent price. I recommend trying those out. So far ive been happy enough with the suspension, but would like to see what you think of the coil. I am considering buying a Charger 3 Damper and Airspring and retro-ing the Zeb to an Ultimate. I do like the 1.8 fork, i suspect its more beefy and it does look better than a 1.5 on the front.
You gotta take it out to some insane climbs and see how far you can push it. That was one thing I loved besides more laps and more time in the saddle. I'm on an SL now so I don't get to do the insane big days where you just go anywhere you want but the one thing I miss with the full power was climbing impossible things and then just being blown out like you did an XC race. Glad you're enjoying it!
Emtb are so fun!! I have a Rocky Mountain altitude power play. Mine looks pretty similar to your giant. I picked my bike up on sale at the end of the season.
Dude you got exactly the same bike that I have. If you got a '23 model, battery should be 800W. I had an issue with my Float X Performance shock and Fox warrantied it out for a Float X2 Factory. It completely changed the way the bike rides. I imagine a coil shock would've been even better but I can't jump to save my life so I stayed with an air shock for the little bit of extra pop it provides. I also upgraded the Zeb Select with a Charger 3 damper. It rides way better and doesn't blow through the travel on big hits. Finally, also replaced the tires with Continental Argotal in the front and Kryptotal in the rear. These tires have fantastic grip and considering you like to ride Briones, you will not be disappointed. Cheers!
Great review!!
I've got the same bike and listening to this was almost identical to what ive found with the bike.
Im just changing the shock for an EXT coil off my analogue bike ss the x2 can't handle what i need it to. I've also put my Shimano Saint brakes on it and they're far better than the SLX brakes.
Interesting comments on how the bike can have moments of being hard to control and feeling like it’s being knocked off course ,
I had similar experiences initially and then once I got the suspension fully dialled( iv3 got fox 38 and x2) , and cushcore in the wheels , it changed completely and it just wants to hug the ground , I feel so much more in control
Thanks for the input. Yeah I’ve got an ohlins shock on now and just put an ohlins fork on. Just the shock upgrade dramatically helped the composure of the bike.
Just ordered this one with 800 Wh for amazing price 3860€. Downgrade from Focus Sam2 6.9 with Fax Van (Coil shock), Factory 38 fork and XT BUT with larger battery and as I tested Yamaha SyncDrive Pro2 is really similar or better in performance than Bosch CX4. Lets gooo!
Anyone fell the front wheel to light on this bike?
I have a good feeling with it, but with grip2 looking a lot a correct set up to be handly.
What does the higher bar set up fix or help with? Thanks
Would you have gone up one level of bike for better suspension if you could go back??
No I have just upgraded the suspension aftermarket. Everything else on the bike is fine.
@@briancahal thanks. Was wondering if I should do the same the only difference between the e3 to e1 is the suspension and components. I am not much of a component snob so fine with the lower level stuff. But…. The cost to upgrade the suspension is similar to the cost difference between models plus you get the components. Might have to go that route. Appreciate your feedback.
i have a 22 with the Fox 38 performance elite and DPX 2 same shock. 223 rotors with all XT stuff and Magic Mary 2.6 super gravity front and back. i don't ride as hard as you for sure and i'm older, but i think the bike can handle anything i can throw at it. i think much of what you are experiencing is an general ebike thing with full fats. i know what you mean and agree, my Amish bike (Rocky Mtn slayer) is easier to handle in tight twisties and some other situations. but this is a helluva big full power eeb.
Nice honest review! Are you running with flip chip on "high" or "low" ?
Cheers. 😎
For my comments on this video I was running it in the low but I’ve since switched to high and like it better
@@briancahalhow high is the BB on yours in high?
after all of those years racing and training your body needs a break! good call on the ebike!
Thanks haha definitely been enjoying it
Can you recommend a bar and stem combo? I want a little longer stem and higher bars
I run frazen 44mm stem and one up carbon riser bars
Add the compression knob! Don’t let fox keep the secret going
What do u mean?
38 fork, coil shock, and new beefier tires with cushcore????
How much uphill do you makes with you battery?
Hi, thanks for the info. Is it the 2022 Bike?
I’m on the same bike, super low bottom bracket! I have got some 160’s on it but will try some 155’s soon to stop less peddle strikes. I was super suprised how good the fox float felt on it tbh
Sweet! Shorter cranks sounds like a good call. Definitely want to try that. The stock shock was decent but I’ve got an ohlins coil on it now and it’s completely changed the performance ceiling of the bike
@@briancahalwe all loved those comparison videos from let's go racing. I think you should continue with suspension as you're doing with brakes now. There's a lot of stuff that's custom tuning and "underground" stuff with high praises that none reviews .you could benchmark against Öhlins.
I'm waiting on my 155's to come in. I hear that definitely helps.
@@briancahal I am a super heavy rider. I've been thinking of trying a coil. I check the ohlins out.
@@briancahalwhat model did you change to ohlins? what spring to use and how much do you weigh?
I think you can get away with a little shorter chain stays on e-bikes than a regular enduro bike because you get some extra weight on the front wheel with the battery. I could be wrong, lmk what you think.
Larger chain rings also give you a slightly higher pivot and thus you get a little longer chain stay as you dive into the travel like a high pivot.
Stay tuned for the next video on the pivot I go into this a bit. However I still prefer the longer chainstay on this bike even if it maybe isn’t as big of an issue because of where the weight is located
Chain rings don’t have any effect on the axle path
@@briancahal as far as I know the pivot is at the top of the chain ring, thus a larger chain ring calls for a slightly higher pivot.
@@brassmnky33 chainring will have an impact on pedal kickback only. The pivot is given by chainstay and front triangle.
Are you getting any rattle from the motor in the rough stuff?
Yes I feel like there’s a little motor rattle
im getting motor rattle aswell, seems pretty normal
Is this East Bay? Trying to convince myself to get one, but im wondering if theres good ways to access Briones/Lime Ridge without driving to the trailheads
This is east bay. You can access Briones from Lafayette
@@briancahal Dope - thanks. Used to drive all the way around to the north side (Alhambra?) trailheads, but would be much preferred to not have to do that every time
Found the bike super low, not great. I went to 152mm cranks, and a 34t chainring this helped. Also a RS super delux coil is a great addition as the hydraulic bottom out works well with the linear suspension design.
Congrats on pulling the trigger man. Have you tried the kenevo and the Cannondale montero by any chance. Thanks
I haven’t. I briefly rode the Levo but that’s about it. The Montero looks really good though
Love the channel...I also have a zeb rc on a heavy ebike. what are your settings if you dont mind sharing, cheers
I think I’m running around 90-95 psi at 175lbs
e-mtb's rule 🤘
What size of frame are you on and what size are you. I went for the medium and I’m 5:9. Not sure if it’s small for me.
I’m 6’1” and I’m on a large
Medium
Super informative and insightful video as always. I have been watching your videos for quite some time and would love to get your opinion on the new dreadnaught and its sizing. The L (S3) size seems quite relevant for me as I am 183 cm or 6 feet tall but both factory riders are on the size M (S2). What are your thoughts on this? Do you think they are able to deal with a less stable bike because they are just good at riding bikes? 455 reach for me seems tiny but part of me wonders if it could work :D
Yes I’d love to get my hands on the new dreadnought. Going to try and make it up to Cumberland and visit the HQ this summer. I think what you mentioned is right with the pro guys being so good they don’t need the stability and with the tracks they are racing I think there tends to be more time to be made in the tight stuff. For normal riding, normal people I think the s3 is spot on for around six foot. In the grand scheme of bike sizing it is on the shorter side for reach. I personally wouldn’t want to go smaller
@@briancahalthanks a lot for the reply!
Heya Brian, been a follower for a while but this interested me cause I've ridden a giant E+ reign before.
I wanted to ask you about using a coil on it, from previews rides the e reign just feels numb with a coil and just kills all the fun and I would love for you to give some tips if it's switching to a x2 which seems suitable or tweaking with coils and settings?
Hmm yeah at this point I’ve only tried the stock shock and an ohlins coil. Honestly I feel like the coil is pretty much better in every way. I think a real comparison would be to compare it to a nice air shock but compared to the stock shock this ohlins is a beast. Definitely elevates the ceiling of the bike. It might be a bit less responsive but it’s a 55lb bike so it doesn’t feel that responsive anyway haha
i have a e+1 and found backing out the rebound front and rear made it much more playful
Still riding her
do you really have to distroy the single for everyone else? shame on you!
An e-bike? Unsubscribing immediatelly 🤣
Haha
Brian- Just bought a Nicolai QLF ebike and ride all the time in Briones. Maybe we cross paths sometime. What trail are you on here? I usually park in Bear Creek. This is maybe Mtz side?
This is Martinez side. All the legal stuff go check it out it’s ripping