Interbike - Giant

The Reign

Engineers at Giant have been working behind closed doors on a new suspension platform for some time. While other companies let details of their 2005 lines slip weeks or even months ago, Giant's lips remained sealed—until yesterday, when company officials divulged a few details about the new design.

Called Maestro, the suspension platform will appear on three new bike lines—the Trance, the Reign and the Faith—which offer between 4 and 8 inches of travel. The secret behind the suspension is that it uses a floating pivot point that increases efficiency by counteracting pedaling forces. The suspension promises to be smooth, efficient and sensitive.

Although Maestro uses a floating pivot point like the VPP system used by Santa Cruz and others, it was developed with proprietary designs and works differently than existing systems. Steve Westover, Giant's promotions manager, said the suspension's floating pivot, four-bar linkage and linear spring rate make it incredibly sensitive over small bumps, but it still resist pedal bob and brake jacking. He said the name Maestro comes from the design's shock, frame design and linkage points, which "all work in harmony."

Depending on components, the 4-inch travel Trance weighs about 26 pounds. It is for cross-country and epic rides and prices run from $1,200 to $3,400.

The Reign is positioned in the heart of the burgeoning "trail" bike category. The 28-pound bike (depending on spec) has 6 inches of front and rear travel. Suspension comes from a Manitou Swinger Three Way shock in the back and Manitou's Nixon fork. It will cost between $1,600 and $3,300.

The Faith, with 8 inches of travel, should be music to freeriders' ears. Giant promises that the bike will absorb big hits, but still survive the occasional climb. Retail prices start at $2,000.

Each of the bikes will come in three models. With the new designs, Giant is doing away with its VT bikes, but its popular NRS full-suspension bikes remain in the line, as do the XtC hardtails.