Submitted by
BTLS
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester, MI, USA Date Reviewed: June 13, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Stoney Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1799.00
Purchased At:
KLM Bike and Fitness
Strengths:
Best rear suspension design, same frame as the top end model, Fox fork and shock, decent components (other than rear derr. and shifters), comfortable and responsive geometry.
Weaknesses:
Front tire - I had mine upgraded to a Nevegal, shifters and rear derr. - I had mine upgraded to SRAM X9. KLM did all this and gave me credit for the take off parts - awesome bike shop - talk to Ryan or Zack.
Similar Products Used:
Demo'ed an Anthem X1 and X2 on the trails, parking lot rides of GF x-caliber.
Bike Setup:
Just getting it figured out, I am 5'9", 160lbs. Fork at 90psi, shock at 200psi, rebound set in the middle. Going to try 35psi front/40 psi rear for tire pressures.
Bottom Line:
I am an automotive engineer that has spent my 12 years in suspension design. I completly over thought this purchase - and I could not be happier! I will use it mostly for trail riding and 3 or 4 races a year. I was concerned that rear suspension would make the bike feel unresponsive when compared to my beater hardtail. It did not, in any way. It is nimble, compliant and really fast!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
preludedriven
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange County, Ca, USA Date Reviewed: June 11, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Fullerton Loop
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
The frame alone is ridiculously light! (The lightest aluminum FS frame that Giant has ever produced) Maestro Suspension system works very well and helps to eliminated dreaded pedal bob. Design looks very sleek and simple. Beefy downtube.
Weaknesses:
In order to make the frame super light, Giant reduced the thickness of the aluminum and seems like it would dent easily. Although wouldn't be an issue if you do the riding it is intended for, and take care when transporting.
After searching for a replacement 4" frame, I found out about the Anthem X and just had to have one. I found the frame on ebay and built up the bike myself.
The Maestro System truly smooths out the rough stuff, and stays stiff when pedaling. To make things even more efficient, you can engage the propedal (which I only use on smooth surfaces or long/gradual climbs).
The frames alone weigh just over 5lbs, which is pleasantly light, yet kept very stiff due to Giant's hydroformed tubing. Changes over previous models include a 71 deg. headtube (slightly slacker over the twitchy 08 and earlier models.) You also get 4" of suspension vs. 3.5" over previous years.
This has to be one of the best all-around 4" full suspension XC frames on the market today.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wrench
a Racer
from Wisconsin Date Reviewed: May 15, 2009
Favorite Trail:
the lab
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Giant
Strengths:
Great suspension, fox RL fork and RP2 shock.
Very light for this price range. great for a beginner XC racer on a budget.
Weaknesses:
Race face Ride XC crank... Had major chainsuck. Using a file and some sandpaper on the pick up rivets quickly took care of the problem.
Wish it came with tubless wheels
Great bike that's great for the price- light, strong, and fast. This 4 inch suspension seems endless. This bike is perfect for any one looking for a nice bike at a great price. upgrades can be made down the road if parts brake or become worn.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bantamroberts
a Cross Country Rider
from england Date Reviewed: March 31, 2009
Favorite Trail:
coed dy brenin
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
allterrain
Strengths:
frame,frame,frame
Weaknesses:
cheaper components
Similar Products Used:
gary fisher hifi,santa cruz superlight.
Bike Setup:
rebas,hope xc wheelset,carbon riser and seatpost,ti saddle.
Bottom Line:
amazing bike,demo-ed an x2 on at test the best at dalby and love the ride,when they said that an x3 has the same frame for 1100 and the frame alone costs 900,i had to have one.as parts etc wear out definetly upgrade or swap to upgraded part at purchase.one of the best bike i have ever ridden,priod.a mtb bargain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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