[8shadow8]

hey, I'm a weekend warrior who is moving from a litespeed pisgah , i spend alot of time on pavement but I regularly hit up the local ravine which is pretty technical. I hover around 200 lbs and I;m strarting to think that my manitou 80 mm manitou r7 and HT is slowing me down. although price is something I consider I would hate to buy something and thene end up wanting something else later.

I read great things about both companies but what really sets yeti apart for me is the standover height, the fact that it's built in N.A.. I also think it looks quite good.

does anybody have experience with both bikes.

Thanks

 

[used2Bhard]

Many times

I've answered this one many times over the past 2 years. I'm sure my more detailed versions can be found by a search. I had both for a while since my Yeti hadn't arrived yet and I needed a Frame.

Yeti +

Accelerates much quicker
Climbs faster
descends steep and rough terrain better
lighter (almost half a pound)
better build kits

Anthem +
More active suspension when pedaling
Smoother over rough stuff on flat/rolling terrain
Value!!!

If I was in flatter lands I'd probably still have my Anthem. Here in the land of big climbs and long descents the Yeti is a much better choice for me.

 

[nubcake]

I've answered this one many times over the past 2 years. I'm sure my more detailed versions can be found by a search. I had both for a while since my Yeti hadn't arrived yet and I needed a Frame.

Yeti +

Accelerates much quicker
Climbs faster
descends steep and rough terrain better
lighter (almost half a pound)
better build kits

Anthem +
More active suspension when pedaling
Smoother over rough stuff on flat/rolling terrain
Value!!!

If I was in flatter lands I'd probably still have my Anthem. Here in the land of big climbs and long descents the Yeti is a much better choice for me.

Id say usedtobehard got it perfect. i own a trance (damn near an anthem except slacker angles and a little more weight) have ridden the anthem x and as-r's. I also work in a shop that sells both yeti and giants and everyone in the shop owns the as-r over the giant (except for me) because it is that little bit better. Its not a night and day difference between the two but the yeti is defintally faster feeling.

The one advantage I have seen of the giants over the yeti's is giant uses an aluminum rear triangle over carbon. I have seen a few yeti's crack but they have always got us replacements within a week regardless of age on the bike. Its a true race bike, when your pushing the limits of light weight **** happens and you have to be ok with that. Also keep in mind because of how well the as-r decends alot of the people who have broken them ride them in places that would really suit 5-6in travel bikes better, and they ride them hard on said decents.

 

[MichauxYeti]

Just a heads up that the '09 AS-Rs are made overseas.

 

[glenzx]

Just a heads up that the '09 AS-Rs are made overseas.

And cost a sh1tload less w/out any loss in quality IMO.

 

[glenzx]

The one advantage I have seen of the giants over the yeti's is giant uses an aluminum rear triangle over carbon. I have seen a few yeti's crack but they have always got us replacements within a week regardless of age on the bike.

Really? Seems a lot of folks say that - but rarely produce the proof. In every frame-wrecking wreck I've taken, the carbon portions of that rear swingarm always hold up better than the aluminum. My old Yeti ASR (2006) has a pretty new (2nd or 3rd one, can't recall) rear swingarm, the one that has CF CS, and AL SS.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - fear not carbon fiber. It's strong, light, and stupid stiff.

So - all I'm saying is that it is no disadvantage to have CF in the rear swingarm - and for racing - U2B nailed it all again.

 

[used2Bhard]

Golden

And cost a sh1tload less w/out any loss in quality IMO.

I'm lucky to have one of the last of the Golden frames, but wouldn't hesitate to have a taiwan made frame for a second. They were a bit too pricey before IMO, but just perfect now.

 

[MichauxYeti]

Right. I have nothing against bikes made in Taiwan and ride a few myself. I only mentioned it because the OP listed made in USA as a plus.

I'm a happy '03 Kokopelli owner.

 

[Benno]

Meh that's all subjective. I rode an ASR for a few months and found it to be much more stable and perhaps more comfortable on longer rides but I found the steering to be very slow and it didn't accelerate anything like the Anthem. I was super impressed with the ASR's suspension sensitivity, I was very skeptical at first since every other single pivot I've ridden has felt like crap. I must say it felt very very good but for my riding style I still prefer Maestro by a country mile. So like any good rider will tell you, ride both and buy the one that speaks to you because they're both good but usually only one feels good to you.

 

[ProStacks]

ride both and buy the one that speaks to you because they're both good but usually only one feels good to you.

I agree 100% with that. Its all very well to ask people what they feel is the better bike, but there will always be different opinions (I prefer the anthem, Australian model has full XTR and Rockshox Sid WC, and I like Maestro, plus super light). Different bikes appeal to different people and the only way youre going to find the answer you want is if you can ride one yourself first.

 

[nubcake]

Really? Seems a lot of folks say that - but rarely produce the proof. In every frame-wrecking wreck I've taken, the carbon portions of that rear swingarm always hold up better than the aluminum. My old Yeti ASR (2006) has a pretty new (2nd or 3rd one, can't recall) rear swingarm, the one that has CF CS, and AL SS.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - fear not carbon fiber. It's strong, light, and stupid stiff.

So - all I'm saying is that it is no disadvantage to have CF in the rear swingarm - and for racing - U2B nailed it all again.

I personally have seen 3 broken rear swingarms from yeti, 2 on as-r's and one on a 575...none are from wrecks. I actually saw it happen on one, i was riding behind a buddy and he was powering up a steep climb and just hard a really loud snap and when we checked it out the swingarm was broken. I think all have been sent back to yeti but if i find one ill get a pic for you.

I dont want this to be taken the wrong way, yeti makes an amazing bike and even though they are not US made their quality has done everything but go down. On these failures yeti was always quick to get new parts out without questions asked. I will still always recomend them to anyone looking for an amazing race bike but personally I like and will keep my giant. The suspension is almost as nice and i just feel more confident on those days that im out 20 miles into rough single track with no quick way to walk out.

Both are amazing bikes, the yeti to me has a slight edge with how well the suspension works and the giant has a edge on inspiring confidence due to the lack of CF in my opinion.

Like was said earlier ride both and go with whichever fits you better or whichever one is connected to the shop you like best, ride and be happy, either way you have an awesome bike.

 

[used2Bhard]

Subjective

What is not subjective about an opinion on bikes? Until someone comes up with the magic mathematical test that concludes once and for all that "X" bike is king of the land, it's all we've got. He asked if anyone had experience with both. I have 1 year on an Anthem and 3 on ASR's. That is my experience...

 

[akashra]

Factor in what everyone else has said, and then also consider the following:

AS-R = Faux bar linkage. Hows your pedalling?

For me personally (at 140lbs) on that alone I'd choose the Anthem (even though I have very good and smooth pedaling), however I've seen/heard of a lot of destroyed Giants (Anthems in particular) with heavier riders. Unfortunately I can't comment on the AS-R build quality, but I'd do some research on how other 200lbs riders have had them hold up.

Just something to consider.