That Giant Reign X2 that cp linked to above… You would not regret buying it, trust me!
I’ve got a Reign X as I said above, mine’s the higher specced X0 version, but essentially they’re the same frame. Brilliant bit of kit, and eminently more “XC-able” than something like a Demo or a Bighit. I’ve ridden mine (albeit with a lighter build than the one on Pauls cycles by probably 4lb or so) round Cwm Carn, Afan, local rides, even Cannock Chase (talk about over biked, but I got round fine). It’s great, especially at Afan where the extra travel and beef allowed me to really hammer the black section on Whites Level.
Personally, I’d buy 2nd hand if possible cos you’ll save even more money, but at £1100 brand new, that Reign X2 is a steal. And it’s very worthwhile upgrading too, especially as the frame is soooooo good. In fact the newer Reign X frames differ only in construction to save about a lb in weight, the Geometry is exactly the same on it too.
They are highly under-rated bikes, having lived in the shadow of the Specialized SX for most people as it was better looking and Specialized is a “cooler” brand. The Giant is probably the more allround capable bike, I’ve known people to race them DH too, and for the UK with a single ring and a 180mm fork up front, it would probably be a perfect DH bike for shorter, less rough courses.
Had one, rated it for a while, until I rode something longer, stiffer and lower… The Bullit is too high, too short and too steep IMO. Back in about 2002 they were the mutts nuts, things have moved on quite a bit since then. Geometry makes a big difference, and I’m a lot happier on my Reign X with about an extra 2.5″ in the wheelbase (for the same size bike), lower BB height, slacker head angle and steeper seat angle (which makes pedalling the thing easier) than I was on the Bullit.
