Mountain Bike action put out an article about the $2000 trail bike. The Giant Reign won hands down. I've got the VT and its an amazing trail bike. I just went on a ride this weekend that had a 4 hour climb and had plenty in the tanks for the decent. This thing also handles just fine at the Whistler park and The North Shore (of course I've purchased a Faith to handle those places better). From what they say, the Reign kills the VT.