The new two-day format at the Whistler turned out to be one of the toughest races so far this year, with a marathon 11km stage on day one that dropped more than 5000 vertical feet from Top of the World to the Whistler base area. Rainy weather on day two made for treacherous conditions over five stages on steep, slippery tracks.
Fortunately, Carlson was ready with his new Reign Advanced Pro 29. Underneath all the mud, he was all smiles at the end of the weekend, which saw him score his best result so far this year, sixth overall.
“Having the new Reign 29er here to race on was especially awesome,” Carlson said after the final stage. “To debut the new bike with my second-best ever result added to how stoked I am with coming away in sixth overall.”
The new Reign Advanced Pro 29 features a full composite frameset, updated Maestro Suspension, and progressive 29er geometry for enduro riding and racing. It has 146mm of rear suspension travel, and Carlson ran a 170mm Fox 36 Factory 29 fork up front.
Here’s a look at all the details on the new enduro machine of the Giant Factory Off-Road Team.
JOSH CARLSON’S GIANT REIGN ADVANCED PRO 29
Frame: Giant Reign Advanced Pro 29 Size XL
Rear shock: Fox DHX2 coil shock, 475lb spring
Fork: Fox 36 Factory 29, 170mm travel
Stem: PRO Tharsis Trail Stem, 45mm
Handlebar: PRO Tharsis 9.8 handlebar, 20mm rise
Grips: ODI Pro Elite Motion
Front brake: Shimano XTR 9120
Rear brake: Shimano XTR 9120
Brake rotors: Shimano MT900 Centerlock
Rear derailleur: Shimano XTR 9100-GS short cage
Shift levers: Shimano XTR 9100 I-spec EV integrated shifter
Cassette: Shimano XTR 9100 10-45
Chain: Shimano XTR 9100
Crankset: Shimano XTR 9120-1
Bottom bracket: Shimano XTR Pressfit
Pedals: HT T1
Front wheel: Custom built
Rear wheel: Custom built
Front tire: Maxxis Assegai 29 x 2.5 DH casing MaxxGrip compound
Rear tire: Maxxis Assegai 29 x 2.5 DH casing MaxxGrip compound
Saddle: Giant Contact Neutral
Seatpost: Giant Contact Switch S
Seatpost lever: Shimano MT8000 integrated dropper lever
Extras: MRP AMG Chainguide, AVS Racing hand guards, Mudhugger front and rear fenders
