|
|
Average Rating
|
4.73/5
|
|
# of Reviews
|
48
|
|
MSRP
|
$
|
|
Weight
|
|
|
More Products from Giant
Submit a Review
|
|
|
Description:It is the world’s first no-compromise suspension, with total pedaling independence, zero brake jack and complete suspension activity, three key fundamentals. The Anthem is built for speed with its 3.5 inch travel and amazing agility achieved through meticulously pared down weight, lightning fast geometry and wide open cockpit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Submitted by
Widjaja SM
a Weekend Warrior
from Jakarta, Indonesia
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Jatiasih | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | PD Mini | | Strengths: | Very light and nimble even though it is a full suspension bike. It makes you want to go fast. The Maestro suspension works great. | | Weaknesses: | The components are kind of cheap or sub par. Planning to improve it soon. I would have liked to have the blue and white but only Yellow and Black available for size Medium. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | basically stock with Shimano Alivio gears, Avid brake levers, tektro disc brakes, XCR fork, Maestro suspension, Alexrims, Truvativ crank. | | Bottom Line: | I like the bike, although I have to upgrade components as I get more experienced and more challenging off road or down hill rides. I will recommend it to riders who want full suspension without the bobbing.
Three chilis for value because of the components but it is a fun bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Widjaja SM
a Weekend Warrior
from Jakarta, Indonesia
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Jatiasih | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | PD Mini | | Strengths: | Very light and nimble even though it is a full suspension bike. It makes you want to go fast. The Maestro suspension works great. | | Weaknesses: | The components are kind of cheap or sub par. Planning to improve it soon. I would have liked to have the blue and white but only Yellow and Black available for size Medium. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | basically stock with Shimano Alivio gears, Avid brake levers, tektro disc brakes, XCR fork, Maestro suspension, Alexrims, Truvativ crank. | | Bottom Line: | I like the bike, although I have to upgrade components as I get more experienced and more challenging off road or down hill rides. I will recommend it to riders who want full suspension without the bobbing.
Three chilis for value because of the components but it is a fun bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl
a Cross Country Rider
from Nelspruit, South Africa
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Lightweight, nimble, stiff. Ease with suspension set up. Price. | | Weaknesses: | Paintjob | | Similar Products Used: | Various hardtails, Trance, Superlight ect. | | Bike Setup: | Reba team, RP2, XT crank/front, X9 rear & shifters, Juicy 5 & Race face evolve seatpost, stem. DT Swiss 1540 wheels. | | Bottom Line: | Came from a hardtail background. I needed something with less impact on the "over 40" bones for the longer rides. So I got a Giant Trance: too soft for me. The Trance is marketed as a trailbike and should be seen as such. Sold it and got the Anthem.
This is the bike for me! The responsiveness of a racing carbon hardtail with the rear suspension! Anthem better than a hardtail on the climbs: better traction. No mentionable energy sapping bob. Even better on going downhill. Amazing to see how you shoot past much younger riders racing over corrugations in the road.
HEAD ANGLE: Was a bit worried about the steerability on tight hairpins on singletrack with the 72 degree head angle. But the Anthem handles the perfectly. Goes where you want it to go.
SUSPENSION SETUP: Easy. Rear suspension settles after a few rides. I weigh 75kg. and pump the RP2 155psi. Rebound 3 clicks from the slowest setting. The front Reba Team is pumped to 90 psi top and bottom (less than the manufactures reccomendation). I haven't been able to bottom it out completely at this settings. The 3.5 inch travel at the back seems endless. I rarely use the propedal setting offroad.
WEIGHT: Excellent. 200g heavier than the Blur XC. Easy to build a sub 12kg bike, even with heavier UST tires. Stiff frame.
Interestingly I did not see a frame upgrade on te 2008 Anthems. Maybe just a paintjob. The paint on my "Anthem Team" frame chips easily.
CONCLUSION: All in all one of the best bikes I have ever owned. GET IT if you are thinking of XC riding and racing. It also holds its own on trailriding. THE BEST if you are coming from a hardtail background.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan Dewar
a Cross Country Rider
from Melborune, Victoria, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Beechworth | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Farkin.net | | Strengths: | Nimble, light and responsive.
SPV S-Type rear shock. | | Weaknesses: | Low BB height. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Rush | | Bike Setup: | Fox F80RLC forks, XTR brakes/shifters, XTR derailleurs, XT cranks, Thomson post, FSA carbon bars & stem, Spinergy wheelset. | | Bottom Line: | This is a review for a 2006 Anthem LE. The bike has performed better than I thought it would. Coming from an All mountain rig with 5 plus inches of travel, I was worried about how the rear end would feel. I haven't managed to bottom it out yet, so all is good. The rear suspension also performs well when out of the saddle.
The bike handles well in tight single track and climbs hills well. If I had any complaints, the BB height is lower than I was used to. Just meant changing my riding style over logs etc to compensate.
Overall I'm very happy with the bike and would recommend one to anybody that asked. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew S
a Cross Country Rider
from Yorkshire, UK
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Dalby - Red & Black | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | £450 for frameset on ebayUK | | Strengths: | Quick geometry, super stiff, climbs like a goat.
Does what it says on the tin, no sloppy freeride feel here.
RP23 Rear shock is fantastic.
Great value | | Weaknesses: | Paint job is a little weak, showing significant wear after three hard rides.
We will have to see how reliable the complicated suspension (4 pivots) proves to be in UK gloopy conditions. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Mount Vision, Specialised Epic S-Works, SantaCruz Superlight | | Bike Setup: | Self build from frameset. Pace RC29 forks, Fox Rp23 shock, Hope Mono Mini brakes, all XT gearset, Thomson Seatpost & Stem, Mavic xc717 disc rims on XT hubs, Bonty Xlite bars & WTB Saddle. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is fantastic. Marin Mount Vision served me well for years but never bonded with it like my Trek hardtail, so went looking for limited travel replacement. Tried Spec Epic, but just felt like a heavy hardtail, so went for the Anthem after reading reviews here, and in UK MTB mags.
The rear sus looks complicated and unweildy, but boy does it work.
Mated to my light Pace forks, this thing really goes. Normally midfield when out with my mates, but after three good hard 50km runs round Dalby, they have trouble staying with me.
Sure, on the downhills it might not be free-ride plush, but it handles everything I can throw at it, and more. On the flat and uphills, it instills such confidence that you can just nail it and loose riders of similar fitness and ability.
My build could be lighter, but thing is fantastic. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy
a
from GFBC
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | fRAME | | Weaknesses: | LOW BB | | Similar Products Used: | tOP OF THE LINE | | Bottom Line: | Hi I have to come back to say one more thing if thats ok. the higth end frames are good . foes titus ellllsworth orange santa cruzzz way over priced the anthem frame is better at a better price it is the best secret. it has a low bb that I hate but it is a xc frame but it is much more I have put it on a all moutian diet and the frame has took it in the chin and Laughed at me. the low bb is a pain with the 175 crank armes the shock s is junk but the fork has held up this frame that they made is way under priced, and ride shirman to boulder and railes to trails from danville to republic wa. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy
a
from GFBC
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | The frame | | Weaknesses: | the bb | | Similar Products Used: | Ellsworth | | Bottom Line: | Hi I just came off a 2 hour grind off lone star fire road up to boulder I have a Dakar 2 with 5 but I use the anthem that dam anthem It goes up like greased you know I can not ride my Dakar, comming down I suffer but going up is like the bike talks to you up up up you only get that frame a sellect framed bikes no heavy spots on the climb just lets go up and the bike will go its something you have to understand only if giant can make this frame with 5 10,000. Ellworth would be sucking wind and A ,I am 200 pds And I have used it very very like a All montain and the frame is a champ something to think. ps the shock s is junk it has packed it in needs air every day the fork is good still holding air 2006 anthem 2. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brett thompson
a
from fontana.ca usa
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | anyplace in big bear | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | coats bicycles | | Strengths: | fast rides by itself climbs great and looks great | | Weaknesses: | blue paint for athem2 07 | | Similar Products Used: | trek hardtail 800 | | Bike Setup: | juicy 7 brakes,sram xo shifters derailuer, crossride mavic rims,hutchinson bulldogs,protaper carbon bars,reba & fox shocks | | Bottom Line: | components were not that good,bought some goodies on ebay and now its a athem0 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rad Ong
a Weekend Warrior
from Davao City, Philippines
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Samal Island | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$830.00 | | Purchased At: | 3MJ Bike shop | | Strengths: | Good quality, geometry and speed! and with a reasonable price | | Weaknesses: | stock fork kinda feels hard, like its gonna break when goin downhill on trails.. but the lockout feature surely helps.
| | Similar Products Used: | Hardtails, Haro Shift R3 | | Bike Setup: | Anthem S frame and stock XCR LO fork. Deore Gruppo, Mavic 221 rims, generic spokes, Specialized tires, ameoba stem and bar, Turbolite seatpost, Velo saddle. Its a simple setup.. | | Bottom Line: | Its my first FS bike and one thing i can say is.. Its definitely better than my HT.. its so much faster and gives you more control over trails.. i love using this bike when going uphill, must be the meastro tech thats helping you climb.. overall, i love the bike and no regrets purchasing it! and upgrading the components will be exciting for this new rig of mine! 5 chilis for Giant! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pld
a Cross Country Rider
from indiana
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Lightweight, great racing geometry, precise steering,FAST!! | | Weaknesses: | Havent found one yet... | | Similar Products Used: | Hardtails,KHS AM 1000,Spec Epic,Superlight. | | Bike Setup: | Anthem 3 frame manitou srl shock,fox f100 rl,fsa carbon pro crank,sram xo with matchmaker,avid ultimate disc,hope pro2 hub with mavic 717,thomson masterpiece setback,selle italia slr 135,ritchey wcs axis(inverted) stem,easton monkeylite sl low rise,conti speed king ss tires,xtr cassette and sram hollowpin chain,xtr front derailleur. | | Bottom Line: | after 7 months of riding (Rode this last winter), I can really say that this bike ROCKS!I have faster lap times in my fav xc track and doesn't feel like im pushing it.i have gone through ruts,roots and rocks,small drops,loose,hardpacked dirt,pavement, you name it.It never stops to make me smile.Low BB height?hmmm..rider skills? I have a khs am with 5 in travel for riding where dissecting a trail and aint necessary.If I break this anthem frame, Im gonna buy another one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy Doubosiff
a Cross Country Rider
from GFBC
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | shermon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | fast | | Weaknesses: | very low bb. | | Bike Setup: | stock. | | Bottom Line: | Hi the bb is way too low nice on the flat but if there is any rocks or bump and you are peddeling it will kill you it almost did it to me on a single track beware they dont tell you in the mountine bike ragggs. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vibrato
a Cross Country Rider
from Fats boy from Illinois
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Dupont | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike & Hike, Rock Island Il | | Strengths: | Light, responsive, suspension that works as advertised if you set it up correctly which is easy to do. This bike is great for hardcore cross country types, 5' span jumps, 2' fast drops, root covered climbs, and fast tight, flowy downhills are perfect for this bike. It isn't a downhill or urban bike. | | Weaknesses: | After 450 miles in 8 weeks, (all offroad with a 200 pound, sport class rider on it) I blew a bearing in triangle on the rear suspension, LBS fixed in an hour under warranty and I was riding again. I'm fairly fast but not very smooth so that makes me extremely hard on bikes, so don't read this as a major weakness, especially since no one else has had this problem. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, NRS, Stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | XT hydraulic dual controls, LX external bearing crank, Mavic crossland wheels, wtb veloci-raptors for mud, Hutchinson Piranahs for dry, Reba, Fox RP2. | | Bottom Line: | Sweetest riding 3-4 inch travel bike I've ever been on, and I've ridden a lot of'em. Pedal bob is reduced to minimum when standing, and locking out the fork for long climbs makes it go away completely. Pedal clearance isn't reduced over other bikes, but because the suspension actually works instead of just being stiff until you hit a large drop, you will need to get used to setting pedal rotation over obstacles, which any rider worth 2 cents shouldn't have a problem with. 27 pounds for the 2007 Anthem 2 is pretty dang good for this class of bike and makes enjoyable 20-30 mile races.
Bottom line: Best bike for dollar value I found, I bought, No disappointments. Isn't that what any new bike buyer really wants? Nice job Giant. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan Sauerbrey
a Cross Country Rider
from RI
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | trails in Big River Mgt Area | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Very nimble in comparison with my Trek 8500 hardtail. | | Weaknesses: | (1) Hayes brakes- rear brake leaked a few days after purchase; "ringing" sound has occurred at certain speed from caliper rubbing against disc. Contrast to Shimano Deore XT brakes I've had on my Trek 8500 for ~5 years virutally trouble-free. (2) I recommend checking bolt torques for rear suspension after several rides. After riding several times, a bolt and bearing came out on one side, and the matching bearing on the other side was crushed. Giant needs to sell bearing replacement components, not just full rear suspension replacement kits. Bike has been in bike shops for about 1/2 of the time I have owned it to date. (3) Performance-wise, in my opinion the Manitou R7 is not as good as the RockShock SID on my Trek. (4) I wish the handlebar was a little longer. | | Bottom Line: | Anthem 3 is a racy bike but has required high maintenance thus far. Take your time and do extensive homework when shopping around for your first full suspension bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan K
a Racer
from Emmaus PA
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Saucon Valley Bikes | | Strengths: | Suspension works without me noticing it- I rode FS for a few years, then went back to a hardtail for about 3, and now am back on a FS. This bike makes me forget about the suspension and just ride- it feels so good that I am afraid I will become lazy because I dont have to think about it anymore! | | Weaknesses: | Front end wanders a bit on steep climbs if you dont stay on the front of the seat- this might be cured when I switch to a zero-offset seatpost | | Similar Products Used: | Yeti Kokopelli- everything else I have owned has been a hardtail (first one was a 1989 Trek 850!) | | Bike Setup: | Custom build- King/mavic/stans wheelset, Reba team, RF Turbines, Easton Carbon, SRAM shifting, Magura Martas, Maxxis tires | | Bottom Line: | This bike is exactly what I was looking for- a trail-worthy race bike that doesn't make me give up pedaling efficiency for the use of a good suspension design to lessen the fatigue of riding/racing. Its light enough to not feel piggish, but substantial enough to not feel like a noodle under my 195lb frame. The handling is nearly neutral (read, I could lean waaaay into corners without oversteer/understeer) and once you figure out the sweet-spot for the climbing position, it climbs like a goat. Great value, quality construction. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al Painter
a Racer
from Mtn View, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Saratoga Gap | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | The Off Ramp | | Strengths: | nimble, outstanding handling, light as hell, very fast, feels like a rocket underneath you, climbs extremely well, price, the Hayes hydraulic brakes are pretty cool (never had hydraulic discs before) | | Weaknesses: | water bottle cage mount, it allows you to go way too fast and it may test the limits of your first aid skills! It may also take a few hours to wipe the stupid grin off of your face after each ride. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Warp DS2, Giant Trance 4 | | Bike Setup: | SRAM XO Rear Der/Twisters up front, Race Face Next SL Riser, Race Face Deus Stem/Seatpost, Race Face Evolve XC Cranks, Fox F80 RLT Fork, WTB Shadow Saddle, Mavic CrossRide Discs, Maxxis ADvantage Exception 2.1's, Crank Brothers Candy C Pedals, Hayes Sole Discs | | Bottom Line: | This review is for the 2006 Anthem 3. My LBS gave me an outstanding deal: $1000 for a $1600 bike. They transferred my SRAM X0 parts, etc the same day, and by 8pm the day I bought it, I essentially had the Anthem 1 minus the CrossMax wheels for $2300 less!
This bike was meant to do one thing, and one thing only: GO VERY VERY FAST. My first ride was a revelation in speed. The maiden voyage was done at Arastradero Preserve and seemed to be at warp factor 6 on this bike. The weight of the bike makes it seem like I'm on my road bike on the dirt, and made climbing much easier. I absolutely loved my Trance 4, but the bike wasn't meant to be raced. This one however is!
The handling is out of this world, carves like a knife through turns, the Swinger rear shock seems to make pedal bob extinct uphill, it descends like a missile, and is an absolute pleasure to ride. I haven't raced it yet, but WHOA MAMA am I looking forward to it!!
If you are racing, are on a budget and want a bike that goes really really fast, this is the one you want!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erich
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake Forest, IL
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Light, Quick Handling, Great suspension | | Weaknesses: | Stock derailleur, stock tires
| | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS 1, Manitou HT, Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | Stock except XTR rear derailleur, Thompson Stem, Panaracer Fire XC tires | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full suspension bike and I have been extremely happy with it. The area I ride is very tight and rolling. This bike maintains speed so well everywhere. It climbs great due to the light weight and great rear suspension. It decends very well. And handles corners great. I highly recommend this bike to anyone looking for a fast xc full suspension bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Yoshiyuki
a Cross Country Rider
from Kyoto city
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Several mountains surrounding Kyoto city | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | TOM'SCRAFT | | Strengths: | Light!, Giant Maestro Suspension, Versatile utilities for any trail! Simple design. Great geometry to Asian people | | Weaknesses: | None. basically. (dare to say, the space for installing bottle holder) | | Similar Products Used: | Kona HEY HEY ('07), Specialized EPIC series, TREK TOP FUEL series, Louis Garneau FLITE R | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Marathon race('06), Manitou SPV Stype, simano XT components (except rear derailleur) XTR rear derailluer, Mavic CROSSTRAIL, TIOGA Red Phoenix | | Bottom Line: | I bought Flame Set Anthem('06) and assemble several components to fit a cross country racing use. What's my requirement for new bike was Light, Enough rear suspension stroke for cross country racing, Bobing reduction system with rear suspension, and Nice geometory fitting to a Asian person's body.
I was looking for a bike which match to these requirement, finally, I choose Giant Flame Set Anthem.
I have ridden this bike for about 4months. Now, I can say this bike fits to all the requirement following lines above. I can recommend it. Comparing to some other carbon made full-suspension bikes, the weight / cost ratio is far better than carbon bikes. And u dont have to care more than carbon bikes if the bike get a accident.
I reallize the caractor of this bike is more than just a cross country racing bike. The lightness is better for carrying if u need to hike up a hill. And 3.5 inches stroke gives a rider faith of advantage when he decends a rough and tough hill.
And when it's hill climbing, Maestro suspension system works well for gripping on rough trail.
I think this is nice choice, if you are looking for a nice mountain bike. Consider the cost before u detarmin to buy a carbon bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Smith
a
from Woodstock, Ga, USA
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Blankets Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Roswell Bike | | Strengths: | Review of the 2006 Gaint Anthem 3. This bike will do anything I could possibly do on a bike and then some. Its more bike than I have ability, thats for sure. More than anything it makes me want to ride more and for longer. 3.5 inches of suspension is plenty and the lockout on the rear comes in real handy for prolonged climbs. Parts spec isnt the greatest ever but so far everything has worked perfectly and i dont have any complaints. I took this thing to Tsali three days after I bought it and it performed great. | | Weaknesses: | Hutchinson Python Airlight Tires are garbage! Hubs and deore components are probally the weak points on this rig but still a great bike for the money. | | Similar Products Used: | tested several GTs, Iron Horses, Giant Trance | | Bike Setup: | 2006 Giant Anthem 3. Changed the Pythons for Smoke and Dart Classics but otherwise stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. Its gotta be one of the best FS XC bikes out there for the money. Light and nimble with just enough suspension for XC riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andrew Skadorwa
a
from Nottingham
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Ashover | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | JE James | | Strengths: | Light,responsive,climbing,suspension,speed,descending. | | Weaknesses: | so far ..... nothing ! | | Similar Products Used: | Only Hard tails (and rigid forks) but nothing in the same league as this. | | Bike Setup: | Anthem 3 standard apart from 520 pedals Michelin country mud rear and WTB Weirwolf front ( tyre choice due to severe no typical wet English winter)! | | Bottom Line: | Was very concerned at paying £1K for a mountain bike especially with the complexity of rear suspension...
Concerns are nooow well and truly squashed... bike is awsome in every way the only downer is my fitness can't ride it enough! This bike does everthing exceptionally well but you do have to be agressive to appreciate it. Will upgrade low spec components when they wear out.After a hard ride I dont end up with my kidneys and back aching or my arms pumping up and nor do I get blurred vision any more - Hail Maestro
Buy one !!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | This review is for the Anthem LE (full XTR)...ABSOLUTELY awesome package!!! Climbing, descending, handling is EXCELLENT. Great geometry and amazing suspension platform - just like a hardtail but more forgiving. | | Weaknesses: | Giant lock-on grips and lack of space for a full-size water bottle (16" frame). | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jekyll, Orbea Pop R | | Bike Setup: | Spec'd as per website (full XTR, Crossmax SL...), changed grips to RaceFace GoodnEvil. | | Bottom Line: | If you're looking for a FANTASTIC xc racer you couldn't do much better...and at Giant prices, you'd be mad to pass up their superb value for money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a Cross Country Rider
from Ceres, South Africa
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Ezelfontein, W. Cape | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Geko cycles | | Strengths: | Dynamic Maestro suspension, weight, climbing. | | Weaknesses: | Race Face BB not up to it, grips too thin. | | Bike Setup: | Aussie anthem 2 '06 model stock, | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up review 5 months down the line. The bike is more a dynamic hardtailer than 'full suspension'. It brilliantly takes care of the uncomfortable bumps and ruts, but retains stiffness and rigidity and great traction (well done Maestro!). Rearing to go like a race horse chomping at the bit. Climbing still very good. Love it!!!! (Race Face crank shaft and BB suspect, though, for rough handling, small jumps etc) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate Byrom
a
from Penn Valley, Ca., USA
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Xtreme Ourfitters, grass valley,ca | | Strengths: | Everything. (see the bottom line) | | Weaknesses: | just the grips. I recomend ESI grips. www.esigrips.com
thin paint, not so much from branches ect. but from cable rub just get some clear frame protectors for under 5 dollors. (clear small sticker) | | Bike Setup: | 2006 giant anthem 1 | | Bottom Line: | Every thing on the bike is GREAT. Some people are picky saying that there cranks flex (when they are off the bike pushing the crank from the side)if you are pedling right (up and down) there should be no flex. Or the tires suck (when they are riding in mud with dry tires) the tires work great for what they are made for, (dry, sandy). i just used them as a riding/training tire and just stopped using them. I think it climbs better than my hartail becouse the tire is more in contact with the ground, except for road they do about the same. It is made for xc racing. sweet dude | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zoom
a Weekend Warrior
from Philippines
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | XC | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Strengths: | Maestro, Value for money | | Weaknesses: | None | | Bike Setup: | Anthem 2, Rockshox Recon, Crank change to Shimano XT, LX RD, WTB silverado saddle. | | Bottom Line: | Go for the Anthem 2 good value money than Anthem 3 or S. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Arief Irwanto
a Weekend Warrior
from Serang, Banten, Indonesia
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Shady Single Track | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Aang | | Strengths: | Maestro suspension design, really works !!! | | Weaknesses: | Bottle Cage placement, obstructing rear shock valve access | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Liquid 25, Giant NRS3, GT i-drive 3.0, Hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Bought Anthem S, replaced crank set with LX, Fork with Reba Race, wheel-set with Mavic XM-819, tires with Nevegal 1.95, handle bar with EA-50, stem with Koski 70mm, pedal with SPD-520 | | Bottom Line: | I'm amazed with how the Maestro works!. As I came from full-sus world (Liquid is sooo plush with 5" travel), I set the rear shock at "comfort" set up and reduced 5 psi from there. It absorbs bumps, true that it is not as plush as the Liquid, but, I bought this bike bcos I want to race, so I'm prepared to feel the difference. The best part is that even at the comfort set up, the rear shock doesn't move on climbing, even when hammering !. Only when I hit bumps, then I could see the shock moves.
I may not be riding it long enough to judge how well the parts keeping up. I meant the linkages and the bearings. It has 8 tiny bearings, I really hope they will survive a long time.
But, again, I'm so happy with the Maestro, will write another review after awhile. Those of you want to ride faster, and still want a good bumps absorption on technical descent, as well as better tracking on technical climbs, must buy this bike. Those of you ride jumps, downhill track, and rock garden most of the time, find longer travel bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
batchy canieso
a Weekend Warrior
from Philippines
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | maarat | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Strengths: | stiff, fast, nimble, supple ride | | Weaknesses: | placement of bottle cage (no space); placement of cable guides (comes in direct contact with carrier) | | Similar Products Used: | hardtails | | Bottom Line: | buy it!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pld
a
from indiana
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | fast and light. | | Weaknesses: | rear shock difficult to dial in. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized fsr,kona, khs...hardtails | | Bike Setup: | sram xo set, fox f100 rlc, juicy 7, truvativ stylo crank,wtb raptor tires,xt hubs laced to mavic 717s',easton ec 90 flatbar. | | Bottom Line: | I bought an anthem 3 and took out everything except the stem and seatpost.i was a little apprehensive on going with the 100mm fork till i saw the australian version. needless to say,this bike is FAST! ive been a big fan of hardtails until this bike came along. i ride on fast trails and sometimes do a little aggressive riding.this bike soaks up small bumps and drops.buy it if you like fast trail rides.get a freeride bike for more aggressive stuff. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmond, OK, USA
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Turkey Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Efficient, Small stutter bumps, light, components | | Weaknesses: | Wish it had a little more travel. A bit twitchy. | | Similar Products Used: | Currently own a 2004 Stumpy, 2005 Epic, 2001 Sugar. | | Bike Setup: | Completely Stock | | Bottom Line: | I was looking for an all around XC bike that I could race. I race about 4 times a year (family first). I have owned and tried a 2004 stumpy pro (great bike but not terribly effiecient or good on fast rocky terrain), a 2005 Epic (very efficient, not good on fast rocky terrain), and 2001 Sugar. The only reason I don't stick with my Sugar is because the anthem takes fast small bumps better and is a little more efficient. My favorite trail is the very technical rocky climbs. Nothing compares to my sugar there, except the Anthem. I think part of it had to do with bike set up but..... The Anthem with Pythons is extremely fast. I love it on smooth and bumpy single track. It soaks up the smaller bumps. VPP is awesome. I give it 5 flamers. The Anthem 1 is way overpriced. The Anthem 2 is the best value for the money. It weighs right at 26 lbs with egg beaters. I did replace the stem, bars and seatpost with carbon stuff. Get one and have fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
daniel ver
a Cross Country Rider
from Montpellier
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Light, very stiff, great suspension Kinematics, agile, so fast uphill and aesthetically nice | | Weaknesses: | let me think .... | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel | | Bike Setup: | SID team, race face evolve, XTR, Mavic Enduro | | Bottom Line: | I have bought this frame and built my own bike, so i comment on the frame here. It is very nicely finished. That is amazing what giant managed to pull from hydro formed tubes: Every tubes has a specific shape. With a SID Team this frame makes a very agile bike. There is absolutely no bobbling (i ride mostly seated on the saddle) and when climbing i really don't feel like riding a suspension bike. Rear suspension is very effective on small/medium bumps and the kinematics is so effective that you don't need to run high SPV pressure. A great frame, and cheapest that most full sus frames | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Philip Dicey
a Weekend Warrior
from South Africa
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Ezelfontein, Ceres, W. Cape | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1950.00 | | Purchased At: | Geko Cycles, Cape Town | | Strengths: | Weight, efficient design, CLIMBING!!! Purchased Anthem 2 with Aussie setup - great value for money given componentry. Avid Juicy 5's a real treat | | Weaknesses: | Huh?
Maybe, if anything, Hutchinson Pythons a little unsure on loose surfaces. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Muni Mula (Hardtail) | | Bike Setup: | Anthem 2 (Australian setup) Avid Juicy 5 brakes, LX/XT FD/RD, XT shifters, Rockshox Reba Race 100mm fork,some sort of lockout Manitou rear shock. Changed flat handle bar to a Scud carbon riser bar. | | Bottom Line: | Full flamin' chilli's all the way. Have done 200km's in two weeks. This is a super light dually that behaves like a hardtail when it needs to. Probably not quite as plush or stable as sister 'Trance' on downhills, but that's not the reason I bought it. Supreme allround cross country weapon, that climbs effortlessly, and soaks up what it has to on the bumpy stuff. Just got to learn how to use it to its full potential.....and get my bum used to that seat! I love this bike (my wife doesn't!!) Hy gooi baie sakke mielies!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Sedlacek
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Santa Teresa Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | The Off Ramp | | Strengths: |
|
|
