looking for my first full sussie and having lots of FUN!!. Plan on doing xc, technical and later on some downhill but nothing extreme.

I've tried the Marin in a car park and was really impressed with how smooth and quick it felt

Going to try the the Giant later on this week. Although different, also going to have a look at a Kona King Kikapu -07.

Have read reviews and all appear to be good, so any experience/comments welcome.

All the bikes i've seen for £900

Hmmm, what fork comes on the Reign?

I personally think the Reign has a better frame (I would, I have one!) but it really, really warrants a decent fork (the back end is so good that sometimes the fork will run out of steam before the frame). 

I replaced my original Nixon forks with a Fox 36 and it opened a world of possibilities to the bike, now used for XC, AM style riding and a spot of DH occasionally.

However, if it's your first full suss I doubt if you'd be reaching the limits of any fork on it, to start with.

Give them both a proper off-road test if possible and see which one suits you. They're both great bikes so I don't think you can go wrong with either..

Dan

the Reign 2 has the Nixon Elite 145mm forks.

doubt very much that i'll be reaching their limits, but don't really want to buy something only to have to upgrade shortly afterwards

Hmmm, I'm not so sure matey.  Those bikes are seriously hardcore and really designed for Freeridey stuff where you're jumping (falling) off big drops etc.

Plus that particular model will be very heavy with those Marzocchi AM4's (not the best of forks either). I don't think it'd be anywhere near as much fun for general riding as the other Marin or Giant (although obviously a huge amount of fun for DH or Freeride!)

thanks

now off to Pauls cycles to see what he's got on offer

advice is always a good thing

Yeah Paul's Cycles always have a bargain or two..I've bought a couple of bikes from them in the past..   good luck

(PS buy Reign, you won't regret it ! )

sorry to disappoint you Dan but have decided to go for a Marin, like the look of them.

like the rock springs 07 but saw a rift zone 06 today. can't decide!!!!!