This bike is a good XC bike with decent parts spec. Definitely need different tires unless your ride pavement a lot. Hayes brakes are great and lightweight but I have problems with the rotors rubbing and squeeling (same problem with Hayes on my Kona). The Reba fork is suprisingly stiff and performs well, as does the Fox RP2 obviously. So if you're a cross country rider I would recommend this bike. However, I am an all mountain rider and when it comes to gnarly decents this bike gets overwhelmed. Plus the bottom bracket bottoms out, literally, so watch out for big rocks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hudson Valley Trailhead
a Weekend Warrior
from Hudson Valley, NY Date Reviewed: March 2, 2009
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
This was my first FS bike, so not much to compare with. Have to say, this bike is very fast down hill, I leave my riding buddies behind. I have put this bike through some tough rides as well...rock gardens, logs, loose, hardpack, up steep hills and it performs well. No problems with either shock, but I have them serviced regularly. Stock Michelin XC tires are not very grippy on technical trails...going to change out this year and put on UST rims as well.
Weaknesses:
Not much, no problems with the quality. I do lose grip on the steeper hills, especially the rear, but I changed riding style and improved that a little.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
XT front derailer, XT shadow rear derailer and XT cassette, XT rapid fire shifters, WTB laser V saddle
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the $$. I haven't bottomed out once, even on the rocks and small drops. If you want to go fast this is the bike for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ned
a Weekend Warrior
from Jacksonville, FL Date Reviewed: December 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Hanna/Santos
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Champion Cycle
Strengths:
Scary fast, atleast for me. Great suspention and light.
Weaknesses:
Tires suck. I have seen the ground a few time because of the tires. The front loves to wash out. I will be getting Kenda's soon.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 4500
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Crank Bros pedals and Race Face grips. The stock grips made my hands sleepy.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. It is smooth and handles the the Hanna Park roots well. The bike is certainly faster than I can handle, but it sure is fun.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
34witt
a Cross Country Rider
from Osan Korea Date Reviewed: November 16, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Ones with dirt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Hahm's
Strengths:
Very quick handling, light, great bike for the price
Weaknesses:
The front tire gets light on really steep climbs. Other than that nothing
Similar Products Used:
Giant Iguana Disk
Bike Setup:
Factory
Bottom Line:
This frame was designed to race. Dont buy it unless you race or like to ride extremly fast. It handles sloppy at slow speeds but when pushed it is great. The people that complain about the bottom bracket should not have got a race intended bike, go for the Trance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DedeRoy
a Weekend Warrior
from Cambridge, ON Canada Date Reviewed: November 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
HydroCut
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1470.00
Purchased At:
Ziggys
Strengths:
Fast anf Light.
Weaknesses:
Tires don't like wet/moist surface. Will feel like losing traction if going over pine cones.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Yukon
Bike Setup:
Original
Bottom Line:
I moved from Yukon to Anthem 2. Boy what a difference! It is fast and I have to get used to it now. I busted the front wheel with what I consider a mild crash. I hit a 5" tree with my handle bar, on the right. I pulled both brakes and ended going over top of the bike. When i got up, with minor injury, I found out my front wheel was badly bend, in an "S" form. I now have to buy a different wheel as the original one is no longer available. Is that normal?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mrk
a Racer
from Raleigh, NC, USA Date Reviewed: October 19, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Bandit
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
All start bike
Strengths:
This is a really good entry level XC race bike. I swapped out some components when I got the bike but even with the stock components you have a race ready bike from day one for a good price.
Weaknesses:
The suspension design is includes on very undersized bearings that do not provide durability. The bearings are also really hard to service and expensive to replace. If you ride this bike in adverse weather conditions expect your bearings to fail after 1500 miles. This is a major weakness and almost a design flaw in my mind. On my next bike I will look much more at the bearings and serviceability aspects. since slightly larger and better sealed bearings would prevent problems.
I also found that the stock handle bars were too wide for me and was not a fan of the riser bars. The bike rides much better with narrower flat bars plus this keeps more weight on the front wheel and helps climbing. The bike climbs very well.
Suspension travel is limited and the BB is low as others have pointed out but remember this is a XC race bike and not a trail bike so the design is more performance oriented rather then optimized for "BIG" hits.
Stock drive train components are low end but I swapped mine out after a bit.
Similar Products Used:
Trek hard tail
Bike Setup:
My bike is setup with flat bars, SRAM X0/X9 upgrade for shifting, Stella Prolink road saddle, and some other changes.
Bottom Line:
This is a good XC bike. For wet and adverse weather conditions consider looking for a different bike with more durable bearings in the suspension system. I think the Anthem could be great bike for dry conditions but for the trails I ride the suspension system keeps me from recommending it to others.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dunners
a Cross Country Rider
from Dunedin, New Zealand Date Reviewed: September 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Swampy Summit loop
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
RR Sport
Strengths:
Light, fast, shares same frame as Anthem 0 and 1 therefore can upgrade with confidence
Weaknesses:
Michelin XC Dry2 tyres not suited to local wet trails
Initially the seat was uncomfortable.
Similar Products Used:
Merida (HT)
Bike Setup:
Stock, except changed tyres to Maxxis Crossmark for wet trails
Bottom Line:
A fantastic full susser, excellent if changing from hardtail as I did. Can upgrade knowing you can only make the overall package better. A 'Giant' killer, literally this bike (in capable hands) will embarass your friends who spent two, three, four times as much as you. You'll be on your second coffee before the bunch have finished their ride.
Look at changing tyres to suit the conditions you ride in, have a few spares of varying styles to suit the day, race, event, etc.
Possibly upgrade the seat, the carbon has no flex, however after time in the saddle I am now used to this.
All up possibly the best full sus XC bike you can buy for the money...suits me to a tee, give it a try at your local bike shop.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
shadrap
a Cross Country Rider
from Greensbor, N.C. Date Reviewed: August 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Burmil
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Cycles de Oro
Strengths:
Frame, Components
Weaknesses:
The WTB saddle could use more cushion
Similar Products Used:
Trek, Mongoose, Specialized
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This bike is absolutely the best money could buy for under $2,000. The components are top notch, the frame is excellent. I will just continually upgrade the components as needed. You can not go wrong with this bike, did I mention? Extremely light weight for the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pupong15
a Weekend Warrior
from Philippines Date Reviewed: July 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
San Carlos, Angono
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1150.00
Purchased At:
Bought from my uncle
Strengths:
light, fast, easy to handle, cuts like a knife
Weaknesses:
saddle is a pain in the a** even with padded cycling shorts AND padded mtb shorts. wtb racing saddle will work perfect with this bike.
Similar Products Used:
first bike ever
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
It weighs just around 26lbs and the 3.5" rear suspension travel and the 4" fork travel is perfect for XC. Only had 90km with this bike (2 rides) but I love it. I haven't tried this yet on technical/offroad tracks but I know it will fare well. Fork is a little too stiff and if you want to replace the RockShox Reba SL fork, don't buy anything over 80mm of travel as this will ruin the geometry of the bike. Just go for a more responsive fork. Lock-out is also very useful uphill. Minor problem I encountered is my front tire often jumps on steep climbs (because the bike is too light) but it's also because I didn't know the proper technique at that time. All in all, great bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Camperjoe
a Weekend Warrior
from Saint Paul, MN, USA Date Reviewed: July 14, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Chain, Rosev
Strengths:
felt great on first test ride, traction is good, climbs very well, smooth ride, straight and true steering, smooth shifting even under stress, not a gung ho trail rider these days so the suspension handles my 200, 22t granny gear and 34t cog make for a much appreciated low gear
+ lbs fine with travel to spare, holding air ok for less than a month
Weaknesses:
tires seem not too grippy on soft stuff, better with hard pack and with water bottle mounted accessing rear shock lockout is a challenge while riding
Similar Products Used:
Giant ALM-1, Trek 4900
Bike Setup:
show room stock except for adding Profile bar ends, Specialized computer and adjusting bars, brake and shift levers to taste.
Bottom Line:
I rate it a 5 for Value and 4 for Overall.
It is a very good Gruppo for the price point, the frame and suspension behaves great, drive train and brakes work very well, overall a fine machine. I've been told the anodized frame pegs my bike as a 2006 model, no matter, to me it's a new bike and so much better than what had been hanging in the garage up till now.
I've been away from the sport for several years and this bike will be a great way to get familiarized with local trails again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JamesCool
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, Texas Date Reviewed: July 14, 2008
I was blown away when I first rode this bike. It's fast. Much faster than my Epic, but has less travel. If it's flat where you ride, this is the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cuttsy
a Cross Country Rider
from Winmalee, Australia Date Reviewed: July 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Blue Mountains
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
Panther Cycles Penri
Strengths:
Light, responsive, balanced. This bike has saved me many times from potentially dangerous situations because it rides like a dream. I am in Australia, so I got the 100mm front fork.
Weaknesses:
I replaced the seat with a standard mtb seat, WTB Speed. I also changed the Shimano 505 pedals for DMR v8s, but that is a personal thing.
Similar Products Used:
Apollo HT, Haro HT
Bike Setup:
Standard except for WTB Speed seat, DMR V8 pedals.
Bottom Line:
I have never reached the bottom of the 3.5" rear travel (I'm 70kg). I feel the bike is perfectly balanced and is a joy to ride. For the money it is excellent value and continues to exceed my expectations.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stelios
a Cross Country Rider
from Athens, Greece Date Reviewed: May 13, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Greece
Strengths:
This is a superb bike especially if you come from a HT background as myself. I ride the bike 3-4 times a week and doing an average of 100km per week all of them off-road. This is a fantastic bike if you like exploring mountains and easy to go paths.
Tires are suitable for dry conditions. They are very soft which means that you are going to change them quiet soon. I really can't find something really bad...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neilo's
a Cross Country Rider
from White River, South Africa. Date Reviewed: May 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Forest single track
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Local Giant dealer
Strengths:
This is a fast machine allround. It climbs like a mountain goat with firm footing and accelerates instantly when commanded. Great value for money for a full race spec dual susser.
Weaknesses:
Hardly any, but watch out for cable rub on this high gloss finish.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Trance has been traded in..
Bike Setup:
'08 XT UST wheelset. XT rear derailler. Maxxis crossmark tubeless with strengthened sidewalls are top for firm forest singletrack. Giant carbon saddle with ergo barends.
Bottom Line:
Its fast up and fast down, nimble and true on tight singletrack. Great spec (Aussie spec is what we get over here) value for money is tops...Although I miss my extra travel from the Trance on mineshaft downhills, the overall weight advantage and compactness of the Anthem is far superior especially on the start line of the local XC series..
If youre looking for a great value dual susser for racing look no further, I am certainly sold. Will just upgrade components from here on as the newies wear....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a Downhiller
from Torrance Date Reviewed: February 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Ted Williams
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
Wheelworld
Strengths:
Great price! Light! Lift time warranty!
Weaknesses:
Wish I can fit a bigger tire. More suspension travel too? but I guess it is enough for a cross country bike
Bike Setup:
Azonic Outlaw, Rockshox Tora, Truvativ stem, Mcpuggy handle bar, XT stuff and more
Bottom Line:
I know this is a cross country bike but I built it up for 4X and dirt jump. Great bike. Enough suspension travel and I love the lock out shocks. I wish I can put a bigger tire. My I try putting a 2.4 tires and didn't fit. Great bike over all
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a
from Burnley UK Date Reviewed: January 25, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Strengths:
Smooth wellmade nice as delivered condition eg you get a shock pump
Weaknesses:
Poor paint , wears easily try helicopter tape
Similar Products Used:
Orange prestige hardtail
Bike Setup:
std as deld
Bottom Line:
After 15 yes 15 years on an orange prestige plus thumshifters (yes I am a retard!)I advanced to full susp. First impresions complicated sag . rebound , things you dont think about on a hard tail oil pouring out of you shock pump !!!. Second impression, smooth , peddle thro bumps no bar jarring eg is it time for a faceplant! Less fatigue all day riding , its just so quick.
Really smooth frame feels like my orange uphill , downhill its a dream. Rockshox Recon 327 have no lock out so you have to set and ride it, long term looking for simplicity. Changed Hutchinson pirana's strait away nice summer tyre not UK winter .
I love it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Balikpapan Date Reviewed: December 17, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Strengths:
great ride in the dry
Weaknesses:
can't handle mud, HOPELESS in mud. Dont buy an Anthem unless you live somewhere it doesnt rain or only ride blacktop
Bike Setup:
its labelled as a 2007 Anthem3, came with a Suntour XCR fork and FSA cranks hence lower price.
Bottom Line:
I'm writing this review about the 07Anthem3 bike *frame* I have and staying clear of the components that came with it. When I got the bike it was Anthem 3/2/1 and now it seems to be 2/1/0 (in 09 1/0/-1 perhaps...)so this is the closest match.
I was forced to drop the rear tire down to a 1.90" and I'ld still lock up in the mud way before any of my biking buddies due to the incredibly low clearance between rear frame and tire. Added to that the struts connecting the seat and chain stays together make a conduit for the mud to get forced down on the front chain rings / derailleur rather than being ejected. Its all summed up on page 63 of Oct07 "What Mountain Bike" which states "the biggest issue was mud...i had to make a decision about stopping and clearing it or carry on with a locking back wheel...nearly threw the bike down in disgust at the end." We're just getting back into the wet season here and I'm looking for a new bike after owning this for just on one year because I can't handle the disappointment this bike brings in the wet. To finish on a positive note, the Maestro suspension has worked a treat with 0 problems. I'm a 210lbs 6'1" guy and have thrown it round a bit. Has held 190-200 psi pressure for ~11 months. I'ld like to rate it higher, but the lack of mud handling is a real design flaw for this frame and hence it must get nailed accordingly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim a
a Cross Country Rider
from SLC, UT Date Reviewed: December 12, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Revolution
Strengths:
Great Handling, low price, efficient frame design.
Weaknesses:
Some complain about the low bottom bracket, but in gives a little lower center of gravity, which helps handling. Disc brake rotors bend easily.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Blur XC, Specialized FSR, Gary Fisher Hi Fi, Diamondback XCR ,Proflex Beast, Proflex 756
Excellent XC racer, strong frame, add a few lightweight parts and it's in the same league as expensive bikes. The rest is up to you, it's made to go fast.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve S
a Cross Country Rider
from Avon Date Reviewed: November 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Brown County State Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1650.00
Purchased At:
BGI North
Strengths:
Great spec. for the price range. Climbs like a goat. Handles great, looks great.
Weaknesses:
I haven't encountered any so far. Though I can see why those who were used to a higher BB would find the Anthem a little low. I have had a sticky pedal platform on the rear shock. Minor, but it is there...
Similar Products Used:
Giant Trance 2, the new trance x, GF Hi-fi, Specialized XCFRS.
Bike Setup:
Bone stock, except for eggbeaters
Bottom Line:
This being my first FS bike, I can't say enough good things about it. The Reba fork is wonderful! The bike is stable, and smooth on every surface I've been able to find. I would recomend this bike to anyone coming off a hardtail to FS for the first time. For the midwest 3 1/2 inches is more than enough travel outside of a jump park. I'd buy it again without a doubt.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy
a
from GFBC Date Reviewed: August 18, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
frame
Weaknesses:
low bracket
Similar Products Used:
every thing lower then 12.5 with 175 mm crank and you will suffer.
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Hi well the frame is just what makes it the frame the frame better then titus intense rocky elsworth just that dam frame if you dont you will miss the best frame in the world yes the best the srl manitou srl is the worst go get a diffrent one stay away junkkk the frame the frame the wolds best.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Caleb B.
a Cross Country Rider
from Bozeman, MT Date Reviewed: August 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Emerald Lake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1050.00
Purchased At:
Owenhouse
Strengths:
Climbs like you wouldn't believe. Rides incredibly smooth and fast on tight rolling singletrack.
Weaknesses:
On exceptionally steep uphills the front end tends to wander, unless you find the perfect balance. Tends to be a bit precarious on steeper downhills, actually have a few endo's for the first time in a few years. Overly aggresive rub agaisnt the frame, which tend to be needed on the more technical mountain trails.
Similar Products Used:
Giant XTC 2, a hardtail. The anthem is my first full suspension.
Bike Setup:
stock, except for new panaracer firexcpro tires.
Bottom Line:
This is amazing bike, it really is. I would recommend it for just about anyone. I would hafta say this bike would be more suitable for those who plan to be riding flatter more rolling terrain, like in the plains. I find it does well in the mountains, but on long steeper downhills I find myself wishing a different bike was under me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia, SC, USA Date Reviewed: June 30, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Weight, suspension design, components.
Weaknesses:
Hutchison Pythons. A lot of frame creaking noise when in standing position and bearing down on cranks.
Similar Products Used:
None, this is my first FS bike.
Bike Setup:
Factory, except upgraded bar and seat post to carbon.
Bottom Line:
Mine is an '06. It has 500 miles on it so it is officially broken in. 3" travel sometimes leaves me wishing for more but the bike is fast and handles well. The Hutchison tires were terrible for my local trails so I changed them out for more aggressive profile tires. I am a fan of this bike in general. Manitou Shock and fork performing well. No oil leaks and they hold air well. As mentined above, the frame makes a lot of noise when under heavy pedal stroke stresses. Occassional chain suck. Great bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Harlan Pepper
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 11, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Washington (L.A.) Mt. Piños
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1450.00
Purchased At:
Cycleworx
Strengths:
Super light, fast, and responsive. Lock-out makes climbing a breeze. Really tight cornering, brakes are excellent. Love the brushed aluminum frame.
Weaknesses:
None really, i added a quick release to the seat.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Enduro, Gary Fisher Rangitoto.
Bike Setup:
Stock, swapped the seat for a 'prostate saver'.
Bottom Line:
Great value, beautiful ride and a looker.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nolan Hughey
a Weekend Warrior
from Birmingham, Alabama, United States Date Reviewed: May 29, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1650.00
Purchased At:
Bob's Bikes
Strengths:
This bike has excellent components for the price. The fox rp2 on the rear and the reba fork on the front have been a joy. The juicy three brakes have excellent stopping power. This bike was made for speed with shorter travel front and rear. Very comfortable ride with a bike that tracks very well downhill. I have also been doing some urban riding, and though the anthem is not made for this type of riding it has been quite fun.
Weaknesses:
For someone who rides two to three times a week this bike has no significant weaknesses. Although I would say that if you are big mountain riding this is probably not the bike for you as this is a shorter travel bike.
Giant Maestro frame, Avid Juicy 3 Hydraulic disc brakes, Fox rp2 Rear shock with 3 1/2 inches of travel, Rock Shox Reba front fork 100mm travel, Shimano deore components, (basically factory with shimano clipless pedals and a few extras)
Bottom Line:
I have tried bikes that were twice as much as this one and the Giant was a solid choice. This is my first full suspension bike and I did plenty of research and numerous bike tests until I found the Anthem. This bike has the best components for its price range and is extremely fast on the trail. It offers a very customizable ride for riders of any size or weight. For Alabama where xc riding is the only type of trail riding since there are no big mountains, you don't need the five inch travel bikes. Bottomline is that the Giant Anthem 2 is a great value, fast ride, and an all round good choice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy Doubosiff
a Weekend Warrior
from Danville Date Reviewed: November 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
shermon pass
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1100000.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
this is what a 1000.00 dollar bike should cost.
Weaknesses:
LOw bottom bracket so you hit but that is the nature of the beast.
Similar Products Used:
fisher kona.
Bike Setup:
stock.
Bottom Line:
Hi the bike is good ;low bracket is a paine but that is the way it is ,the ride is ok for a thousand dollar bike would not pay any more for it the bike and component that are built in wet shops for a buck and some change and then sold to you for 2300.00. I could go on but for 1.000.00 its a good buy for the person that payed more or for any bike feed the rich this is for a 2006 and I see you have to go to a 2007 1 for the value of a 2006 2 as motorhead said eat the rich there is no rocket science to build a bike and the things or material is not expencive and a third world country to build it A.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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