So I am trying to buy a new frame and I can't decide between these two frames. I ride pretty much every kind of terrain and my hardtail just isn't doing it for me. I am more used to riding a downhill bike so I don't really like the feeling of sitting on top of the world. I like the more relaxed seating position...if that makes any sense. So I guess my question would be. Has anyone ridden both of these bikes and which do/did they prefer?
I really like the Giant maestro suspension... definitely more active/responsive than the superlight but I'd say that the Anthem is pure cross-country bike. Just enough rear travel to keep your bits happy but not enough for all mountain... you push through the rear suspension faster than you realize.
Superlight is your standard single pivot full-suspension. It's simple, predictable. You'll feel like you'll get more travel out of the superlight but again the giant is just smooth.
I've been eyeing these two frames for a while myself. I haven't ridden either or bought one yet, but here are some of the things I like about each frame.
Superlight
1. One big pivot is easy to maintain.
2. There are no "shelves" or cross-bracing in the rear triangle to collect mud and debris.
3. It is a little cheaper than the Giant
4. The head angle is 1 degree slacker.
5. Santa Cruz recently updated their website and the Superlight is shipping with a Fox RL shock. I frequently ride a few miles on the road to my trail head and the lock out would be super cool on pavement.
6. Santa Cruz is a cooler company than Giant.
7. Resale value might be a little better/easier.
8. I have a Blur LT2, and the Superlight would better fit in with my collection.
9. You can choose between red and black.
10. Santa Cruz has rebuild kits and replacement stickers for sale right on their website.
11. Has stellar reviews for over a decade.
Anthem X
1. Frame has more sophisticated looking hydroformed tubing.
2. Suspension design is more sophisticated.
3. Triangulated rear frame connected with 2 short links looks like it would be stiffer in the corners than the Superlight.
4. Adam Craig rides it.
5. Also has stellar reviews.
I think making this list has made my decision easier.
1. Tapered headtube
2. Newer bike overall
3. Lighter (even if it's just a few grams)
4. New BB
These were the points that made me choose the Giant. "Newer" bike overall. Superlight is accusing its age. Santa Cruz should really already overhaul the frame and bring it to the present.
Yes, new standarts are always a PITA and unfortunately with bikes things seem to keep evolving. The Anthem is a newer frame and I guess it will have more life in it that the Superlight.
This is obviously my opinion. Others, as OP, may consider that the single-pivot design surpasses all these details.
My vote, Anthem. And if it helps, i had exactly the same doubt between bikes before choosing the Anthem!
So I am trying to buy a new frame and I can't decide between these two frames. I ride pretty much every kind of terrain and my hardtail just isn't doing it for me. I am more used to riding a downhill bike so I don't really like the feeling of sitting on top of the world. I like the more relaxed seating position...if that makes any sense. So I guess my question would be. Has anyone ridden both of these bikes and which do/did they prefer?
I would recommend the superlight: simpler, stronger, probably stiffer, and its geometry I think will be more to your liking.
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