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Semi-pro Bike Check - Nate Riffle's 2013 Giant Reign with SRAM XX1 8

16479 of 17553
(31 people)
natedog
2/25/2013 11:28am
<b><i>Nate Riffle was a pretty serious MTB competitor in the not-so-distant past. He worked his way up to the now-defunct Semi-Pro class before working his way up the ranks at Giant Bicycles where he now crushes it in the marketing department. Enjoy this "semi-pro" bike check on his 2013 Giant Reign with DIY Reverb Stealth cable routing and custom suspension graphics courtesy of RockShox.</i></b> -gordo
<b><i>Nate Riffle was a pretty serious MTB competitor in the not-so-distant past. He worked his way up to the now-defunct Semi-Pro class before working his way up the ranks at Giant Bicycles where he now crushes it in the marketing department. Enjoy this "semi-pro" bike check on his 2013 Giant Reign with DIY Reverb Stealth cable routing and custom suspension graphics courtesy of RockShox.</i></b> -gordo
California winters are rough.
California winters are rough.
Thanks to Scott Hart, the ultimate sticker manipulator, for the day-glo RockShox decals. They add 5HP to the bike, ask the fast and furious crowd, they'll tell you the same.
Thanks to Scott Hart, the ultimate sticker manipulator, for the day-glo RockShox decals. They add 5HP to the bike, ask the fast and furious crowd, they'll tell you the same.
SRAM XX1 36T covers the gear range for the rides in Southern California quite well.
SRAM XX1 36T covers the gear range for the rides in Southern California quite well.
From Nate, "I might not have a fancy X-ray machine like Señor Moga, but I did lean on our industrial design guys here to lend me some FEA test data to find a spot on the frame with the lowest potential for failure before drilling a hole for the RockShox Reverb Stealth seatpost..."
From Nate, "I might not have a fancy X-ray machine like Señor Moga, but I did lean on our industrial design guys here to lend me some FEA test data to find a spot on the frame with the lowest potential for failure before drilling a hole for the RockShox Reverb Stealth seatpost..."
"...It just so happened that spot made it nice and clean to run the cable as well."
"...It just so happened that spot made it nice and clean to run the cable as well."
By drilling the hole for Stealth, it voided the warranty for my frame. You should know that, too. So I can't recommend it, but it sure looks good.
By drilling the hole for Stealth, it voided the warranty for my frame. You should know that, too. So I can't recommend it, but it sure looks good.
Cleanliness.
Cleanliness.
Maestro Suspension with 150mm of travel.
Maestro Suspension with 150mm of travel.
XX1 gear range madness!
XX1 gear range madness!
10mm DT axle keeps the rear end in check.
10mm DT axle keeps the rear end in check.
s1600 cockpit
s1600 fork
s1600 bike4
So moody. #nofilter for all the instagramers out there.
So moody. #nofilter for all the instagramers out there.
Here's one for Jon Kerr! Big thanks to Tyler Morland and Scott Hart for making this bike happen.
Here's one for Jon Kerr! Big thanks to Tyler Morland and Scott Hart for making this bike happen.
<b><i>Nate Riffle was a pretty serious MTB competitor in the not-so-distant past. He worked his way up to the now-defunct Semi-Pro class before working his way up the ranks at Giant Bicycles where he now crushes it in the marketing department. Enjoy this "semi-pro" bike check on his 2013 Giant Reign with DIY Reverb Stealth cable routing and custom suspension graphics courtesy of RockShox.</i></b> -gordo
<b><i>Nate Riffle was a pretty serious MTB competitor in the not-so-distant past. He worked his way up to the now-defunct Semi-Pro class before working his way up the ranks at Giant Bicycles where he now crushes it in the marketing department. Enjoy this "semi-pro" bike check on his 2013 Giant Reign with DIY Reverb Stealth cable routing and custom suspension graphics courtesy of RockShox.</i></b> -gordo
<b><i>Nate Riffle was a pretty serious MTB competitor in the not-so-distant past. He worked his way up to the now-defunct Semi-Pro class before working his way up the ranks at Giant Bicycles where he now crushes it in the marketing department. Enjoy this "semi-pro" bike check on his 2013 Giant Reign with DIY Reverb Stealth cable routing and custom suspension graphics courtesy of RockShox.</i></b> -gordo California winters are rough. Thanks to Scott Hart, the ultimate sticker manipulator, for the day-glo RockShox decals. They add 5HP to the bike, ask the fast and furious crowd, they'll tell you the same. SRAM XX1 36T covers the gear range for the rides in Southern California quite well. From Nate, "I might not have a fancy X-ray machine like Señor Moga, but I did lean on our industrial design guys here to lend me some FEA test data to find a spot on the frame with the lowest potential for failure before drilling a hole for the RockShox Reverb Stealth seatpost..." "...It just so happened that spot made it nice and clean to run the cable as well." By drilling the hole for Stealth, it voided the warranty for my frame. You should know that, too. So I can't recommend it, but it sure looks good. Cleanliness. Maestro Suspension with 150mm of travel. XX1 gear range madness! 10mm DT axle keeps the rear end in check. c90 cockpit.jpg?VersionId=x1WY0aDm V c90 fork.jpg?VersionId=j74JlMFgsiouh2gIm8vRoKr579 c90 bike4 So moody. #nofilter for all the instagramers out there. Here's one for Jon Kerr! Big thanks to Tyler Morland and Scott Hart for making this bike happen.
Parts
Brand
Model
Additional info

Parts

Frame
Giant
2013 Reign
Size Large. Reign 2 colorway, now with Threaded BB and ISCG tabs!
Frame: Giant 2013 Reign. Misc: Size Large. Reign 2 colorway, now with Threaded BB and ISCG tabs!
Rear Shock
RockShox
Monarch Plus RC3
dayglo stickers
Rear Shock: RockShox Monarch Plus RC3. Misc: dayglo stickers
Fork
RockShox
Lyrik RC2DH Solo Air
Travel Adjust feature 130-160mm
Fork: RockShox Lyrik RC2DH Solo Air. Misc: Travel Adjust feature 130-160mm
Headset
FSA
Headset: FSA
Handlebar
Renthal
FatBar Riser Bar
38mm rise, 750mm width
Handlebar: Renthal FatBar Riser Bar. Misc: 38mm rise, 750mm width
Stem
Other
Giant Connect.
70mm length
Stem: Other Giant Connect.. Misc: 70mm length
Grips
Giant
Sole-O lock-on
Grips: Giant Sole-O lock-on
Brakes
Avid
X0 Trail
Brakes: Avid X0 Trail
Brake Levers
Avid
X0 Trail
Brake Levers: Avid X0 Trail
Shifters
SRAM
XX1
Shifters: SRAM XX1
Rear Derailleur
SRAM
XX1
Rear Derailleur: SRAM XX1
Chainguide
MRP
Bash Only
No Need for a guide w/ XX1!
Chainguide: MRP Bash Only. Misc: No Need for a guide w/ XX1!
Cranks
SRAM
XX1
Cranks: SRAM XX1
Chainrings / Sprocket
SRAM
XX1
36T
Chainrings / Sprocket: SRAM XX1. Misc: 36T
Bottom Bracket
SRAM
Team GXP Bottom Bracket
Bottom Bracket: SRAM Team GXP Bottom Bracket
Chain
SRAM
XX1
Chain: SRAM XX1
Cassette / Rear Cog
SRAM
XX1
Cassette / Rear Cog: SRAM XX1
Pedals
Time
X-Roc Trail Pedal
Pedals: Time X-Roc Trail Pedal
Front Rim
DT Swiss
EX1750
Front Rim: DT Swiss EX1750
Rear Rim
DT Swiss
EX1750
Rear Rim: DT Swiss EX1750
Hubs
DT Swiss
EX1750
Hubs: DT Swiss EX1750
Spokes
DT Swiss
Spokes: DT Swiss
Front Tire
Maxxis
Minion DHF 2.3
Front Tire: Maxxis Minion DHF 2.3
Rear Tire
Maxxis
Minion DHF 2.3
Rear Tire: Maxxis Minion DHF 2.3
Saddle
Fizik
Tundra2
Saddle: Fizik Tundra2
Seatpost
RockShox
Reverb Stealth
I am aware that my frame warranty has been voided by my DIY drilling of the hole for Stealth. You should know that, too.
Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth. Misc: I am aware that my frame warranty has been voided by my DIY drilling of the hole for Stealth. You should know that, too.
Seatpost Clamp
Other
Giant
Seatpost Clamp: Other Giant
General Info

General Info

Model Year
2013
Model Year:
2013
Riding Type
Trail / All-Mountain
Riding Type:
Trail / All-Mountain
Weight
29 lb 0 oz (13154 g)
Weight: 29 lb 0 oz (13154 g)
Additional Info

I'm aware that my frame warranty has been voided by drilling the hole for Stealth. You should know that, too. I might not have a fancy X-ray machine like Señor Moga, but I did lean on our industrial design guys here to lend me some FEA test data to find a spot on the frame with the lowest potential for failure before drilling a hole for the RockShox Reverb Stealth seatpost."

Additional Info:

I'm aware that my frame warranty has been voided by drilling the hole for Stealth. You should know that, too. I might not have a fancy X-ray machine like Señor Moga, but I did lean on our industrial design guys here to lend me some FEA test data to find a spot on the frame with the lowest potential for failure before drilling a hole for the RockShox Reverb Stealth seatpost."
natedog
2/25/2013 11:28am
16479 of 17553
8 comments

View replies to: Semi-pro Bike Check - Nate Riffle's 2013 Giant Reign with SRAM XX1

Profile picture for user natedog
natedog
11 years ago
@Ballr, Yeah that is my seat angle for XC. It looks a little more extreme in these photos than it really is. I run all of my saddles nose up, but just slightly. Helps to keep me 'ducks in a row'....

Thanks for the props guys, stoked on how it came out.

@Uncle Cliffy - I want to find a spot to drill on my Trance X Advanced too, but that bike is soo much fun I couldn't live with myself if that cause it to fail. I just run a cable actuated post using the front der cable stops. With less housing it works super smooth and you can run the cable nice and short so it's not too intrusive on your legs.
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Uncle Cliffy
11 years ago
Nice bike Nate! I'd appreciate it if you'd find a spot for me to drill on my carbon Trance, and keep my warranty...? Kthx. ;-)
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John P.
11 years ago
You had me right up til the point I saw those 60 Duro tires. C'mon, bro. When we were cutting our teeth at Plattekill back in the day, you woulda got laughed off the mountain for those. ;-)
2
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Adam_Schaeffer
11 years ago
I'm going to have to disagree with you on that one. I ride in the PNW and I've found the 60comp Maxxis stuff to be pretty good. Not as grippy as a soft Schwalbe, but they roll noticeably faster, even if they are slightly heavier. In California it matters even less, as its mostly dry hardpack. If you're pushing the clock and are an experienced rider I still haven't ridden a tire that carries more speed considering the insane amount of bite it has in corners. Yes they can be slippy over wet roots but if you find the right PSI they actually manage pretty well. The trade off is rolling efficiency, and as this looks to be an enduro race bike I'd say its worth the compromise. I keep trying all kinds of tires, but I always seem to end up back on Minions. Their predictability allows you to get right up to the limit but rarely go past it. I think its a good choice for this bike considering its use and loctaion.
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ballr
11 years ago
is that your seat angle for xc? my root hurts just looking at that.
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