Submitted by
ha-evolution
a Cross Country Rider
from eau claire, wi Date Reviewed: November 16, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Levis, South Kettle
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Fast, light, strong, sexy!
Weaknesses:
Weaknesses = none. Ok it could be lighter but so could I.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Super V '94
Bike Setup:
Totally Stock
Bottom Line:
All I can say is why did I wait so long to buy this bike? It's everything I wanted in a bike - super fast, razor sharp reflexes, reasonably light weight, and looks great to boot. It can handle everything I can dish out - the suspension has enough travel to take the edge of most anything yet it is still supple enough to feel the trail. I love the steering geometry - you turn it goes. It's quick but has never caught me out. Makes my old Super V feel like riding a tank.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ofer1608
a Cross Country Rider
from Israel Date Reviewed: November 6, 2009
Anthem X2 2009 stock, changed tires to maxxis tubless
Bottom Line:
Stop searching!!! The Anthem X2 is one of the best bikes around. Riding on this bike is pure fun. It's light, fast, very stiff and responsive on the trail and climbs incredibly well. Maestro suspension is a piece of art.
AWESOME BIKE!!! I reccomend this bike to all XC riders. You will not be disappointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Psycho Dad
a Cross Country Rider
from Mission, TX, USA Date Reviewed: October 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Mission Trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Derby Bicycle Center
Strengths:
Color scheme, XT components, Fox shocks, lightweight frame, price.
Weaknesses:
Crappy grips. WTB seat that is speced on the bike is for racing. Any rides over an hour you are gonna feel it.
Similar Products Used:
'06 Trek Fuel 70
Bike Setup:
'09 Anthem X2 stock, lock-on grips, 110mm stem, cut bars to 25", lowered stem by putting headset spacers on top. stem.
Bottom Line:
I've had mine for three months. It's one of the best values on the market. Great component specs with XT and Fox shocks. Love the frame design and blue/black colors. Went to a 110 mm stem and lowered the stem to give the bike a more race-orientated riding position and feel. Helps the bike corner better and keeps the front end down when climbing. You can stay seated and climb just about anything in the granny gear. With Propedal off the bike can tackle moderately technical and rocky descents with ease. The Maestro suspension soaks up the bumps. Very smooth. Slight pedal bob with Propedal off. No pedal bob with Propedal on. I am happy with my purchase and am enjoying my rides on the trail. It is a sweet bike that you can ride on the trails for all-around riding, yet light enough to race. I give it 5 flamin' chilis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fishinabottle
a Cross Country Rider
from Newcastle/NSW/Australia Date Reviewed: September 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2900.00
Purchased At:
Bikeworx Erina
Strengths:
Really Spec.ed up from the 09 model. Avid Elixir 5's are putting shame on the Stroker Rydes on the old FSR XC.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Kona Hei Hei, Specialized FSRxc, Felt Compulsion 3
Bike Setup:
As standard
Bottom Line:
After getting interested in XC on an old hard tail a mate lent me a Hei Hei for a few months to see what i thought of dual suspension on the trails.
It was bliss... So I shopped about, tried the FSRxc and the Felt and was slightly disappointed and so moved on to the felt.
then I hopped on the Giant... WOW. Specialized and the Felt had nothing on it. The Giant climbs like a hard tail yet soaks up the ruts and roots itching to dismount any incautious rider during his/her ascent. Similarly when descending.
The fox float rp2 has held up to everything i've thrown at it, and between the propedal and open mode i cant really feel a difference whilst climbing.
All in all its a decent package well worth the price tag.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
zmsteve
a Racer
from Tallahassee, FL, USA Date Reviewed: August 27, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Hailes Trails (Gainesville)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
Great Bicycles-TLH
Strengths:
XT Groupo, Fox 100 Fork, Fox Rear Shock, Maestro Suspension Geometry, WTB Wheels - Under 26 lbs. out of the box!!!
Weaknesses:
Some suspension creaking after about 1 month of heavy use.
Similar Products Used:
I have ridden Trek Fuel 8ex, Specialized FSR
Bike Setup:
Factory set-up, full xt, Ritchey pedals
Bottom Line:
This bike is unbelievable for the $$. I have been riding and racing a Kona Hei Hei Ti hardtail for about 10 years, and it was time to go Full Sus. Test rode Trek Fuel and Specialized and neither came close to the feel of the Anthem. This bike is FAST, NIMBLE and SMOOTH. The Fox 100 fork is simply amazing, as well as the Maestro Giant Suspension. I have ridden this bike at race pace on all of the rootiest and gnarly trails in Tallahassee, and this bike just shines! The Pro-Pedal and fork lockout work great on the flats. It climbs like a pro, decends ultra fast and smooth and carves single track like nobody's business. This bike has made me a faster rider and racer and I'm not all beat up after my rides anymore. Yes, I am in LOVE!!! On a scale of 1 to 10 this bike is an 11!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
56cbr600rr
a Cross Country Rider
from Canton Date Reviewed: August 26, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Blankets Creek, Rome College, Chicopee
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Purchased At:
Roswell Bike
Strengths:
WEIGHT, XT GROUP, frame, handling, Fox suspension, price/value.
Weaknesses:
hmmm.... none really. The wheelset is the weakest link-weight-wise.
Similar Products Used:
2009 Gary Fisher Piranha, 2009 Trek Fuel EX8
Bike Setup:
110mm stem, Mavic Crossmax SLR, RaceFace Next SL 1.5 inch riser bar (25 in.), RaceFace Next SL seatpost.
Bottom Line:
This bike is an incredible value when compared to Trek Top Fuel's, Specialized Epic's, etc... For the price, getting the xt group is insane. Not to mention the 4in. of suspension travel seems to be perfect for performance/comfort. It's definitely not as plush as my Fuel, but it is faster. comparing it to a 2009 Fuel ex8 it is twitchier, harsher, and FASTER. The brakes are great. The Fox components are great.
Riding at a 85-90% pace I beat my best time at our local 3.7 mile expert track by 45 seconds the very first time I rode it with the Anthem, that says alot to me. For sizing info i'm 5 11 and the frame is a medium. Great Great bike and a great value. My bike is a 2009.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GIANT77
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto Date Reviewed: August 21, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Sweet Pete's
Strengths:
Fast, light, good value
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Trek 4300
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This bike is really fast and light, comes just over 26lbs. Maestro suspension works great, with propedal on, there is almost no "bob" and it climbs very well, especially on bumpy single trail. The FS does excellent job in providing traction on climbs. Without the propedal it is very plush ride. Very quick on descends, gains speed very quickly, very responsive. Great value for what you get, full XT group. Giant does great job in this department I've looked at Trek and Specialized and they were more costly. I switched the XC Dry2 front tire, but will keep it for back. Love the colors, looks very aggressive. Only weakness is the paint scratches easily (or maybe I'm too rough) and it takes long time to clean, especially around the BB and all the FS components.
This bike made me far more confident MTB rider and is an excellent choice for fast weekend rider/racer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
z_evolution1
a Racer
from Atlanta, GA, USA Date Reviewed: August 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Chicopee Woods, Tsali, Racoon Mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Strengths:
Solid climber, solid descender, great in corners, FAST!
Weaknesses:
None so far
Bike Setup:
Anthem X frame, Reba Team fork, XT cranks, X9 shifters, X9 front and rear derailleurs, XT cranks, Sun Ringle Disk-O-Tek wheels, Panaracer Fire XC tires, Avid Elixir CR brakes
Bottom Line:
I've ridden several hard tail race bikes and several full suspension trail bikes. My trail bikes have been in the 28 lb range and pretty fast. I decided to upgrade to a race frame and the Anthem X delivers (with pedals it weighs just over 26 lbs). It climbs great, descends well, and corners like a hardtail. I swear every time I'm on the bike I can hear it scream to go faster! If you can find one, give it a try. You won't be disappointed. AWESOME RIDE!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Smugler
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane, Australia Date Reviewed: July 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere at Daisy Hill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
For The Riders (www.
Strengths:
Great XC bike but also able to handle all the single track I can chuck at it.
Weaknesses:
The tyres. Fine in the dry and on firetrails but sketchy on anything slightly wet or to gravelly.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR XC
Bike Setup:
Stock (but putting on maxxis ignitors)
Bottom Line:
Great value for money. Rode 2 hours straights today without even realising. Love the bike, I'd be surprised if anyone doesn't. Plus on got this on sale ($1,750 AUD) so very happy man.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rich
a Cross Country Rider
from South West England Date Reviewed: July 16, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Strengths:
Stunning, lightweight frame and Maestro suspension. Racing Ralphs. Insatiable appetite for speed!
Weaknesses:
Some of the Race Face finishing kit (an XT cranset would be nice). Brakes.
Similar Products Used:
Various hardtails
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I've fallen in love with my Anthem in less than a month! Apart from a squeaky Race Face bottom bracket and Hayes brake calipers that seem to refuse to stay aligned for the length of a ride, it's been brilliant.
The change in my riding since I bought this bike has surprised me, suddenly any bike ahead of me becomes a target to be chased down, every piece of singletrack has to be ridden out of the saddle and sprinting. The bike feels so responsive, agile and agressive that I can't help but absolutely rag it all of the time. And when I do stop to catch my breath, there's a massive grin on my face and an urge to go again.
The frame is a thing of simple, paired-down beauty, the twisting rear triangle braces, the shared pivot and shock mount to reduce weight, the subtly hydroformed tubing. No frills, just a truly great frame.
Oh, and it climbs like a mountain goat! It's incredibly sure footed on tricky climbs and, provided you get the pressures right, the tyres cling on to rocks and roots even in the wet, letting that fantastic frame fire you to the top.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
one_eye
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore Date Reviewed: July 16, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light frame and good climber
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Noe
Bike Setup:
Juicy Utimate 185/160, Fox Talas 140mm, DT Swiss 4.2 laced with Nuke Proof Generator Hubs, XT Crank, Giant Carbon low rise hadnle, stem and seatpost, X9 shifters.
Bottom Line:
Very light frame, with the above setup my bike weight is only 12kg. Climb well, going downhill is good especially when setting my Talas to 120mm. Overall the bike felt very good on all the trail i went, great handling bike at amazing value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
justin.pruss
a Racer
from calgary Date Reviewed: June 23, 2009
Favorite Trail:
sideshow bob
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1480.00
Purchased At:
ridleys cycle
Strengths:
light, stiff and fast. perfectly spec'd, the x-1 is a waste of money (with the exception of the SID race which quite the task to rebuild and maintain). XTR deraillers on the X1 but, lets be serious with XT shifters those deraillers are only as good as the shifter, so the XT deraillers work great.
Weaknesses:
the wheelset is bunk, bearings are terrible in the WTB hubs, swapped out for XT tubeless wheelset and crossmark tires, and the bike went down to 24.9lbs!
Similar Products Used:
Trek Ex8, Trek Ex9, Trek Fuel 9.9SSL, Arrow Racing DSS.
Bottom Line:
good bike for the weekend warrior, yet i raced it for a full season and it held out great! not to bad in the dirt jumps either, 15 foot doubles (with the seat down) was smooth.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bigsteve3570
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario Date Reviewed: June 9, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Boler Mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Feels lighter than it really is, flies up hills faster than any of the hard tails i've ridden, descends just as well as it climbs, pro pedal option, with the right settings it rarely ever bottoms out on the technical stuff, great customizable suspension, and has amazing geometry
Weaknesses:
Stock seat is pretty decent for short races, but for long time in the saddle it's very uncomfortable. Switch out the terrible Michilen XC dry tires.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR XC, Anthem X1
Bike Setup:
Stock parts with small block eight tires
Bottom Line:
For the price point you can't beat the value you're getting. This is a race ready bike and smokes any of the bikes i've ridden in the past. Once you get all of the shock settings dialed in it climbs better and descends better than a hard tail on the XC trails. (not fireroads) But, it's also a fun bike as well; with fiddling around with the air pressure on the suspension you can turn this bike into a very capable/versatile mountain bike. I reccomend this bike to anyone who plans to do cross country for either fitness or racing. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
aduensing
a Racer
from Alamo, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Las Trampas Ridge
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
Danville Bike
Strengths:
Takes a beating, handles minor jumps well (like bunny hops, no ramps over a foot high here), suspension beautifully designed, lightweight, nice color scheme, best deal on a mountain bike out there (why even consider another bike at this price), Deore XT components are more than sufficient, downhills well, stops on a dime, good geometry, light enough, precise shifting, very efficient, looks cool, has plenty of tire clearance, great componentry and just a great bike all around
Weaknesses:
It is a high maintenance bike, you better be prepared to spend a lot of time cleaning this thing. Paint jobs chips "easily." In all reality, it doesn't chip that easy, but I hit the frame with my metal cleat once as I was swinging my leg over the top tube and it chipped.
There is a lot of chain slap, and this wears down the paint in that area, might want to invest in a chainstay guard
There is some *slight* play in the suspension (at least on my bike), not enough to make any difference on the trail, but some dirt can get in there and make the bike squeak, so you have to clean that out
I didn't like the Michelin as a front tire, but it works great on back. Just a matter of preference
Similar Products Used:
Uh... I rode a Ellsworth Truth once, then and Epiphany another time
This was a huge upgrade from a 2001 Gary Fisher Joshua F4
Bike Setup:
Swapped the saddle for a Nashbar race saddle (just based on preference)
Front tire: Maxxis Steve Larson signature series
Grips: Lizard Skins Moab (white, old grips wore out)
Bottom Line:
Best country bike in this price range, period. You look at treks full suspension XC bike for 3300, its stocked w/ SLX and a six pound frame. This is all XT, except the wheels which are nice anyways. Along with the XT componentry you get the lightest aluminum full suspension frame on the market (5.09 pounds). This bike is so awesome I'm practically advertising for it. IT is a great bike, I've already ridden it in seven races, crashed it in three of those races and its been working flawlessly (stem was off center but that's a 5 minute fix). If your looking for a aggressive XC race bike, this is the one. This bike also works great for moderate trail riding, as long as you don't expect to do any big drops are extremely technical sections.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
R
a Racer
from Gainesville, FL USA Date Reviewed: May 25, 2009
Favorite Trail:
PL
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Maestro suspension rocks! FOX suspension fork, M770 brakset
Weaknesses:
a little heavy (over 26 lbs out of the box, size large), switch out the RP2 for an RP23, heavy bar, stem and seatpost, XT crankset (had to replace the rings with raceface after only 3 months, heavy mavic wheelset (as with all mavic products) is junk, michelin tires are not recommended to be mounted tubeless.
Similar Products Used:
fuel, nitrous, superlight
Bike Setup:
Rovals (converted tubeless), a monkeylite riser bar, deus stem, xt pedals, nevegal and bluegroove 2.1 tires and everything else stock the bike (size large) weights in at 24.6 lbs.
Bottom Line:
Excellent ride characteristics, maestro suspension is so amazing your have to ride it to understand, PLUSH, great lateral stiffness, stability, paint job looks great, can ride all day on this bike, WTB saddle is excellent, low maintenance. Kudos to Giant for designing such a remarkable xc race bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lonefrontranger
a Racer
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: May 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
picture rock
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
full cycle
Strengths:
Group spec, lightweight, ridiculous suspension platform, lovely design, colour and most of all the incredible VALUE!!!!
Weaknesses:
stock grips and michelin dry2s SUUUUUUCK!!! Raceface bar/stem/seatpost is a resounding meh but you get what you pay for. I loathe WTB saddles but thats just me.
Similar Products Used:
'08 Trance X (sold to get the AX), '06 Rocky Mtn Element 50, older Trek Fuels, GTs, old Specialized Epic, demoed a ton of stuff over past 12 months too.
Bike Setup:
bone stock (at the moment) except for 2.0 Pythons run ghetto tubeless and an Arione saddle (yes, I'm a roadie).
Bottom Line:
I am a road racer / crit junkie by trade and "grew up" racing uber-stiff aluminum crit rigs, hardtails and cyclocross bikes. I also come from an era where to my mind "dual suspension" = "rides like a bad waterbed" so it took a long time for the technology to get to the point where I felt it was worthwhile to spend the money on. My least favourite thing ever is to get out of the saddle and have things flop around out back, as I'm a weak climber to begin with and can't afford the power suck.
I can say unequivocably that the AX is the first dual suspension bike I have EVER gotten on that I immediately enjoyed riding, and it's the first dualie I'd ever even consider racing in an XC event. The suspension platform is just that good. It did take a couple days worth of tweaking the rebound settings to get it perfect, but once it was dialled in it is incredibly fast. One thing I have noticed is that it climbs best/stiffest in the middle chainring (I think this maybe a true statement for a lot of rear suspensions) but the plus side of that is that owing to the great suspension design and light weight, there are lots of things I am now *able* to climb in the middle ring, that I had been forced to bounce / pick my way up in the granny on my hardtail in the past.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
zx6rpete
a Weekend Warrior
from Durango Date Reviewed: May 6, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Strengths:
Light, great climber, XT build kit, price
Weaknesses:
Michelin tires suck.
Similar Products Used:
Klein Hardtail
Bottom Line:
After doing a bunch of research I decided the Trance X2 was for me. Coming back after taking it for a trail ride I saw an Anthem X2 in the showroom. The XT componetry caught my eye on it and after taking it for a test ride it was the one I walked out the door with. I have about 100 miles of trail riding on it and am totally happy with my decision. I swapped out the front tire for a Nevegal which made a big improvement and plan to use the Mich's as rears. Granted it doesn't bomb the descents like a 5" bike but climbing is so much easier I feel it was a worthwhile trade off. Definitely give it a look if your looking for a trail bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Farmer Ted
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, CO USA Date Reviewed: April 27, 2009
Favorite Trail:
fast and technical
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Purchased At:
Full Cycle
Strengths:
Light, great component spec, stiff, great paint scheme. Really an incredible bang for the buck.
Weaknesses:
Nothing major...there's no REMOTE lockout available for the Fox fork or the rear shock, there are a few weak spots in the specification...some of the lower end Race face parts and the generic spokes but it's not a huge deal.
Similar Products Used:
Specilized Epic
Bike Setup:
stock with Thompson seapost, EA 70 stem, Easton Monkeylite carbon bars, Ritchey bar ends.
Bottom Line:
I bought a Specialized Epic Pro new in 2003 and have thousands of miles on it. It has been a good bike and I really like the Brain shock system but lately have been wanting something newer with more rear suspension travel. I looked at a lot of bikes but the Giant was a no-brainer. (a comparable specialized goes for nearly $5000!) This is a beautiful bike...very striking and has a true XT spec. I can't even tell the difference between XT and XTR anymore as far as function goes...XT is such great stuff. I switched out some of the lower spec components (stem, bars, seatpost) right at the bike shop. This thing is really ready to go out of the box.
On the trail the Anthem tracks very nicely. It is very stiff and responsive on the singletrack, climbs INCREDIBLY well and descending is like riding a couch! With the pro-pedal lockout turned on on the rear shock, it feels a lot like my Epic with the brain system. when you flip the pro-pedal off it's as plush a bike as I've ever ridden but it will bob when pedaling so I leave the pro-pedal on for a lot of the XC style riding I do. I can't stress how well this bike climbs some of the technical rocky stuff we have in Colorado as good as a hardtail...I'm not kidding. Other than the Specialized FSR, the Giant Maestro rear suspension is really one of the only true 'active' suspensions out there. Out of the Anthem line I think the X2 is the best bang for the buck. The X1 gives you XM717 rims and DT spokes and Race Face Deus parts...this biggest advantage you get from the X1 is the SID fork but is that worth the $700 price difference? for me it wasn't. If you're looking for a pro quality bike for a great price you don't have to look any further.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gunthor
a Cross Country Rider
from Tracadie-Beach, New-Brunswick, Canada Date Reviewed: April 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Miramichi French Fort Cove Trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1780.00
Purchased At:
Intersport
Strengths:
Really light for an Aluxx frame! Brakes are super! Great components! Love the carbon fiber headset spacers! Fork and rear suspension are awsome!
Weaknesses:
None for now
Similar Products Used:
Giant Yukon Fx
Bike Setup:
Brand New Anthem X2!
Bottom Line:
This bike is solid gear! I've only rid it on the road due to the snow in the trails. That bike is impressive! I love the components! I lock the front and rear suspension and it becomes a fast road bike! It's solid, no bouncing and super lightweight. I can't wait to try it in trails. Super bike for a XC rider or XC racer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
toofinn
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto Date Reviewed: April 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Albion Hills conservation area
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2799.00
Strengths:
Geometry, great cross country feel smooth fast tracking through transitions. I don't like the geometry of trail bikes where the top tube "feels" short
Parts everything is bullet proof full xt (helps as I crash alot)
Light- superlight frame and components, feels lighter than the EPIC
Quick steering for tight single track
Almost nil chain slap as compared to the Trek Fuel
Weaknesses:
Some clearance issues over larger trees, rocks etc. (but bonus is cables are on top not below bottom bracket)
Similar Products Used:
2008 Trek Fuel ex 8
1996 Nishiki Bushwacker (hardtail)
Bike Setup:
All stock except XT pedals, and got rid of the stock tires
Panaracer FireXCPro front and Kenda Nevegal rear
Bottom Line:
ABSOLUTELY in love with this bike.
I looked long and hard trying to decide if I needed 5" travel for riding bridges and drops occasionally. This bike took several 4' drops and didn't bottom out.
On my first ride I endo'd several times off bridges and not a scratch in the paint
There is no comparison on riding single track between this and the Fuel, much faster, more nimble and lighter.
Going originally from a hard tail the duelly doesn't help much on the roots and logs but in compressions it is like a dream. Even climbing the rear suspension helps me to accelerate by maintaining traction.
Would recommend this bike for any hacker looking for a great combination of speed, stability and durability.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
historeeteacher
a Cross Country Rider
from northern CA Date Reviewed: December 15, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Mad Cat Bicycles (Sa
Strengths:
It's just what I wanted...a lightweight 4" travel XC race bike that I can use for 24 hour solo/endurance races, XC races and long days in the saddle. A great climber that can handle the downhill stuff much better than I ever thought possible. A lot of bang for the price.
Weaknesses:
Nothing yet...
Similar Products Used:
None...my first 4" travel XC bike.
Bike Setup:
I swapped stock wheelset, stem, handlebar, seatpost, chain and will switch stock saddle and tires depending on the conditions.
Bottom Line:
I did a lot of research in the 4" travel full suspension category and on the Anthem X. After narrowing it down to the Anthem X2 I arranged a demo. I put it through the paces on a variety of terrain over 3 hours. It's great on the climbs, holds speed well on the flats and handled technical downhill sections better than I thought possible. I bought it and logged 100 miles on it in the first week. It really shines when it's going up and down singletrack. It may not impress if demo'ed on flat/lame fireroads. I am impressed with what Giant gives you for $2,900 (the frame, full XT drivetrain/brakes and Fox suspension really stand out). I'm also impressed how well it handles my 200 pounds. I am interested to see how the Maestro linkages hold up over time, but having a huge/established company like Giant back the frame with a lifetime warranty helps me feel secure with my investment. I will post a follow-up review after a year of riding and racing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris
a Cross Country Rider
from costa mesa, ca. usa Date Reviewed: October 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
whiting ranch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
two wheels one plane
Strengths:
super light, frame geometry and suspension design, fox fork
make this thing a climbing dream, super fast roller
Weaknesses:
all the race face on the anthem 2 is bottom of the line and cheap, the downhills are a bit bumpy but the climbing is worth the trade off, saddle is a bit pinner and weak
Similar Products Used:
nothing with 100mm of travel, came from a yeti 575
Bike Setup:
xt, I upgraded to the xtr cranks, put on a thomson stem and post, and race face next carbon bars
Bottom Line:
This bike made me a climber. It is so great on the climbs and flat stuff. I came from an 08 575 with a 36 talas so i thnk the 100mm is going to take a little time to get use to. If you get rid of the cheap race face stuff and upgrade this bike is a quality ride and it is fast as hell.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
midbunchlurker
a Racer
from Cape Town, South Africa Date Reviewed: October 14, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light
Good value for spec
Good backup service from Giant
Weaknesses:
Soon everyone will have one
Gloss black paint shows scratches
Similar Products Used:
Mountain Cycle Zen
Kona hardtail
Bike Setup:
SRAM XO/XTR, Marta SL brakes, American Classic wheels
Bottom Line:
I've got the South African Spec X1, which has the same shock as fork as the X2 in America. The Fox F100RL fork is outstanding. Super plush and stiff through the technical bits. The RP2 at the rear is ok, but its the suspension design that makes this bike such a good climber. With its light weight, taut feel and great pricing, we're going to see lots of these on the XC race circuit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jham66
a Cross Country Rider
from Ipswich, Australia Date Reviewed: October 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Castle hill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2120.00
Purchased At:
Ipswich Cycles
Strengths:
Climbs like a mountain goat. Very responsive. A++++ brakes. Top suspension and components. A hair under 12kg standard! Nice seat.
Weaknesses:
Me? Nothing really yet. The rear shock requires a fair amount of pressure, but well within Foxs' recommendations. I had 1 unexplained episode of chain suck today, but the chain is fairly low spec and it was at the end of a 53km ride ?lube issue. The paint could be a bit more interesting. In Australia the paint is the same as the Anthem 2 of last year (black/silver).
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz superlight. Giant Talon.
Bike Setup:
As standard but with shift indicators removed and levers moved in for 1 finger braking.
Bottom Line:
Highly recommended. I was really surprised at the climbing ability of this bike compared to the Superlight, with the pro pedal turned on there is endless grip. if you can turn the pedals you will move forward, not spin. I can not rate this under the maximum chilis! Big smiles all round. I have been riding 8hr races and training rides between 25 hilly kms and 55 slightly less hilly kms and cannot fault it. I did need to raise the bars a touch for my longer rides for comfort.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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