I've built up a Reign frame and with the same fork with and 8" front and 6" rear discs to address the brake weakness. Its very capable machine particularly on rocky steep downhill sections, however I was most impressed by its climbing traction The grip (in the dry anyway) is excellent, better than my old hardtail and better than an Orange 5 I hired in Morzine. I've also managed to shave of a couple of pounds off the weight stated in the article, so my bike is around 31 lbs. BM are right about the cable rubbing issue which on a frame of this quality is somewhat disappointing. It needs a nylon insert or something I'll have to coble together my own solution. I built the frame as a do anything (other DH and XC racing) and so far it hasn't disappointed. Nick

I could almost write 'ditto' to Nick's comments.

I put Magua Phaon fork, Louse FR discs on 717 and Hope XC wheels and SRAM gears. I have moved from my 10 year old Kona Explosif and uphill traction is amazing. I can now climb up things I could never get up before.

Cable rub is definitely something to watch. I have placed a few carbon patches on some places a tie wrap holding one the rear brake hose at the seat tube. This latter one was because it was sticking out and rubbing my inner thigh (ooooh...ahhhhh).

The shorter fork might be a slight issue and I may upgrade to an AM1 in the future but budget dictated otherwise.

Probably because of my wheelset my bike is also 31lb. My Kona was 27lb and I am amazed that I do not notice the weight penalty. The cobble and packhorse trails of Lancashire are definitely more enjoyable.

I currently have a year 2000 Enduro which is well in need of a replacement. Working in a bike shop on Saturdays, I have seen the Reign and prefer it so much more to the new Spec Enduro which I dare say, seems to be its main 'competitor'. Doing mostly cross-country rides, giving it some on the downhills and epic rides in Wales and the like, I feel the Reign will be almost perfect. I currently have 120mm Marzocchi MX Pro's on my Enduro. Changing the frame isn't going to be a problem financially but it is going to come hard if I have to get new forks. Is something atleast 140/145mm needed or can I get away with a 120mm fork? I know the Reign 3 only comes with 130mm forks, so 10mm doesn't sound like much of a difference. I fear the head angle is going to change drastically, what do you giuys think?

Well I have Phaons which are classed as 125mm fork and Marzochi forks are supposed to be slightly longer than most other manufacturers so you might be OK. I have got the sag set to only a tad though as I did find I was grounding the pedals too often. Some one suggested that that might be due to the shorter fork.

Must admit I see the Phaons as a temporary install (due to financial restrictions also) and will upgrade to something like a Marzochi AM1 at some time.

I am an XC rider through and through and enjoy the ups as much as the downs and the Reign is great for that.

If I can remember I will measure my fork length and get back to you on this thread.

Go for it.

I'd like to know if anyone has compared the ride of the Reign with the ride of a VPP bike (say the Blur LT or the Nomad). I'm looking to replace a 2003 Specialized Enduro, and don't want to sacrifice seated bump compliance while pedalling over roots and rocks. I've read that this is possibly the only area that the VPP gives up ground to the FSR designs, but it sounds like the Maestro design has taken care of that... Any thoughts?

I rode a friends Blur a while back.

It was very plush in middle ring but bobbed like a bobby thing in granny. The Reign does not know how to bob !

Admittedly this was a Blur with the old style rear shock so things might be better now.

Well, some time has passed and I ditched the idea of risking it with shorter forks or even upgrading forks. This would mean changing hub and spokes on my front wheel.
Instead, I opted for a nice (although expensive) Cove Hustler and all I can say is what a bike. It worked out the same price as getting a Reign frame, plus forks and hub etc because of my discount from the bike shope but I am totally impressed with the Hustler. I won't say anymore about a Hustler in this part of the forum because it is supposed to be about the new and seemingly good Reign's.

I upgraded from an NRS2 to the Reign 2. Man what a bike !Uphill it feels( perception ?) a little heavier but its all worthwhile on anything rough. Can bikes really get better than this ?Seems hard to believe as a rock garden i couldnt successfully navigate on the NRS was eaten alive.

Dug this up? But ditto, love my reign.