New ride decisions

[Dude_Here]

My bike got jacked and I'm looking for a replacement. I'm 200 with riding gear. I ride light FR stuff - A couple whistler/silverstar trips. Mostly shuttling loc trails but I'm going big. 7-8 ft with clean tranny and 10-12' smooth gaps are pretty much my max (I plan on doing the odd climb but I never get around to it). I'm shortlisted to a giant reign x1 (upgrading to a 66 rc2x, juicy 7's), or the SX trail II. I was looking at the RM switch also but I think the bike is overkill for my riding. So hypothetically speaking, being comfortable on both rides, and not having anything more than a parking lot test on either, would you go with the better spec package? or any other reasons out there. I've done quite a bit of looking into suspension styles also and there is plenty of good reasons to go with either the maestro or the FSR. Thanks!

[MattB]

go for the sx trail

[nouseforaname]

Pick the bike that is supported by the shop you like dealing with best.
Both of the options you listed are viable, but the backup after sales can easily make all the difference.

[MattB]

ya thats a good point

[Tonestar]

Pick the bike that is supported by the shop you like dealing with best.
Both of the options you listed are viable, but the backup after sales can easily make all the difference.

That's the best "bike choice" advice I have ever seen on this board.
GOOD CALL!

[Jeff M]

I don't see the Reign being a good choice if you're consistently doing 8' drops, especially at 200lbs. SX trail would be a better bet IMO, and I don't see how a Slayer would be overkill.

[Dude_Here]

I don't see the Reign being a good choice if you're consistently doing 8' drops, especially at 200lbs. SX trail would be a better bet IMO, and I don't see how a Slayer would be overkill.

It would be the reign X which has basically the same geo as the sx trail. The giant's tubeset looks slightly less burly, and different suspension design. Otherwise they seem very comparable.

As for the RM I'm talking about the switch. I love the spec on it but I'm not sure about putting an extra 6-8 pounds more bike when I'm not sending it that big in the first place. With the SLayer, I'm not sold on the all mountain fork and the rp23 in the back, esp for the coin they want for that bike.

The local specialized shop told me I'm pretty much out of luck for the sx trail I, II, or III. They said that bike is pretty much sold out for the summer. I'm going to peek at the nomad's before I put down any cash but I'm guessing I'm ending up with the Reign X1 with the 66 rc2x, juicy 7's, and some 2.5 minions for upgrades.

Here is the spec list http://www.giantbicycles.com/en-CA/bikes/mountain/739/26986/

Anything else you guys would change while it's still full credit in the shop?

[aShogunNamedMarcus]

Have you considered a bike from the Iron Horse line up?

[Znarf]

Remember that the Reign X has a really high shock leverage rate. At 200lbs it might not be the best choice, as you will need a super firm spring.
The SX Trail on the other side has a super long shock, with long stroke for the same amount of travel as the Reign X. I´d go with the Speci, if you can get it somewhere.

Although there are a lot of nice bikes and a good shop really helps.

Greetings zNarf

[Dude_Here]

Have you considered a bike from the Iron Horse line up?
I was thinking about the 7.5 from this year but good old Sportchek is sold out. Some kind of warehouse issue and they don't have any available this year. Good point about the leverage ratio znarf. I was thinking of going air in the rear for the adjustability but with that I would be scared of blowing seals down the road. Well, when I'm out today I'll take a much closer look at the nomad at the same shop. Actually they also carry the Devinci Frantik. Time to do some more pedaling and thinking.

[yellowdogx]

I am ridding a 7point7 and loving it so far, have you talked to cove? Or while you get no support from them Randal Scott out of the sates or performance bike?

[Dude_Here]

I am ridding a 7point7 and loving it so far, have you talked to cove? Or while you get no support from them Randal Scott out of the sates or performance bike?
Just talked to cove today and they said no shipment of IH's yet this summer.

I've decided I'm going to try out the Giant. I've read almost nothing but positive and I like the build and setup from what I've tried. I looked at the glory fr too but I think it's just too much beef for me. My last decision is to go M or L. If I could get one in between the two it would be perfect. I think I'm going to go M and put a longer stem on it (I'm 6 ft and don't like a cramped cockpit).
Any last bits of advice?