Staff Bike Check: The Beastly Giant Reign E+
This month, we’re taking a closer look at the tank that is the Giant Reign E+, specifically the 2024 Reign E+1 variant, and this one is mine! (Ollie) The Giant Reign E+ uses the Giant Syncdrive Pro Motor and comes with a whopping 800wh powerpack! Truly a bike that can go for mile after mile.
Much like Ben’s Whyte E-Lyte from last month, this Reign E+ isn’t your standard shop-floor model. It’s been transformed with a series of extensive upgrades (or possible “downgrades,” depending on your perspective), creating a truly unique build. The mix of colorways alone makes this bike a standout, not to mention the performance tweaks that set it apart from the crowd.
P.S You can hire this exact bike from us!
Suspension Swap: From Fox Factory 38 to RockShox Zeb Ultimate
The first and most noticeable change to this Giant Reign E+ is the suspension. The stock Fox Factory 38 forks were swapped out for a set of RockShox Zeb Ultimates, complete with the brand-new Charger 3.1 damper. While some might question replacing a £1,300 factory fork, let me explain why this wasn’t just a stylistic choice (though the candy-red finish is undeniably striking).
Like many, I love the look of the gold Kashima coating on the Fox Factory 38, but after riding the previous version of the Zeb, the differences between the two became clear. While both are fantastic, the Zeb stood out for its plushness right off the top, a smoother mid-stroke, and an overall feel that better suits the kind of casual riding I enjoy.
The Fox 38 felt harsher to me—likely ideal for riders tackling massive 30-foot drop-offs or Red Bull Rampage lines. But since that’s not my reality, the Zeb proved to be the perfect fit. Straight out of the box, its performance was spot on, with rebound and compression adjustments making noticeable, effective changes.
Plus, let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: they’re RED. And honestly, that seals the deal for me. RockShox forks have officially earned their place as my go-to suspension choice.
Drivetrain and Brakes: Functional Upgrades with Flair
Next on the upgrade list are the drivetrain and brakes, two areas where performance and reliability are non-negotiable.
I opted for the GX T-Type drivetrain, which, for anyone who has used it, is nothing short of a game-changer—especially on an E-Bike. It eliminates those dreaded crunchy upshifts on technical climbs and offers exceptional durability. And let’s face it: no one enjoys constantly indexing gears, and with T-Type, you don’t have to. It’s smooth, precise, and built to handle the rigors of E-MTB riding.
The stock 4-pot Shimano XT brakes were swapped for the Hope Tech 4 V4s, a decision I’d make 10 times over. While both brake systems are excellent, the Hopes are in a league of their own. They deliver unparalleled stopping power, a beautifully refined lever feel, and the kind of durability that makes them a lifelong investment. The same goes for the Hope Fortus wheelset with Pro 5 hubs.
There’s also something special about supporting a local business like Hope. Their team is always ready to assist, and the availability of spare parts—even years down the line—is a huge bonus. The combination of performance, longevity, and service makes the Tech 4 V4s an easy choice. Plus, they look stunning on the bike!
Finishing Kit: Personal Touches for Performance and Comfort
For the finishing kit, I went with a mix of tried-and-true favorites and a few new experiments.
The Burgtec Ride High 38 handlebars are my go-to on every bike I own. They strike the perfect balance of rise and performance without breaking the bank. To pair with the bars, I fitted the Ergon GDH Team Grips. If you’ve read our blog post, “The Perfect MTB Grip,” you’ll know they topped our list—and for good reason. These grips genuinely enhance ride feel. If you’re overdue for a grip swap, I highly recommend giving these a try—you won’t regret it!
For the saddle, I’m sticking with the Ergon SM Comp. Once you find a saddle that works for you, there’s no going back. After three bikes, this one has proven to be perfect for my comfort and support.
I also gave DMR Vault pedals a spin for the first time, and I’m pleasantly surprised. The grip is fantastic, with zero pedal slips so far. They’ve quickly earned a spot on my favorites list.
Finally, I swapped the original Maxxis tyres for a set of Michelin DH22s. While I haven’t had the chance to test them properly yet, their bold yellow sidewall lettering suggests they mean business—so expectations are high! Stay tuned for updates on how they perform.
Maybe a Tyre test is on the cards?
