A new look for Giant and Liv: Cross-country bikes ranging from 3,800 to 14,000 euros

Giant and Liv are expanding their cross-country range and breathing new life into the Anthem Advanced SL Race full-suspension bike. Whilst there are few technical changes to the frame, the new look is all the more exciting. In 2027, the XC bike from Giant and Liv will once again offer 120 millimetres of suspension travel at both the front and rear. The carbon frame is produced using a high degree of automation. The Taiwanese company is the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer and even produces its own carbon prepregs for the Advanced SL models. These are cut to size by robots to minimise the amount of excess material in the frame. As a result, Giant achieves frame weights of 1,640 grams in size L and 1,836 grams in size XL, placing it among the top five lightest frames we’ve ever measured at Bike. A worthy platform for an update!

Conclusion

From our tests, we know that Giant and Liv have a really good cross-country racer in their range in the form of the Anthem Advanced SL. The new Cadex wheels on the top-of-the-range models are incredibly fast, but they also drive up the price. Good news: in the high-end range, a cool custom paint finish is included, and the entry-level model in the Anthem Advanced SL range is now more attractively priced. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

Giant / Liv Anthem Advanced SL in detail

• Intended use: Cross-country / Marathon
• Suspension travel: 120 / 120 mm
• Wheel size: 29”
• Frame material: carbon
• Weight: 11.1 kg (BIKE measurement: Giant Anthem Advanced SL SE, size XL, excluding pedals)
• Price range: 3,800 to 14,000 euros

Faster wheels, a new look

The top-of-the-range models from Giant and its sister brand Liv are known as the Anthem Advanced SL SE. For the new season, the lightweight carbon frames have been given a new special paint finish. The Giant now shines in the psychedelic “Stormfire Sprint” colourway, whilst the Liv is adorned with the “Stella Storm” colour. Naturally, these high-end racers come equipped with an electronic RockShox Flight Attendant suspension system and a lightweight SRAM XX SL wireless drivetrain. New to the range are the Cadex Max XC wheelsets. Their carbon hub bodies are firmly bonded to the flat, carbon blade spokes. This extra-stiff connection is said to deliver unrivalled propulsion. BIKE has already tested the wheelset, which costs 4,200 euros on its own, and can confirm its impressive forward momentum. However, the striking Cadex wheels also push up the price of the Giant and Liv Anthem Advanced SL SE complete bikes from 12,499 to 14,000 euros.

Cheaper than a set of wheels

Anyone who felt a brief shock at the price of 14,000 euros can now breathe a sigh of relief. Giant and Liv have not forgotten about beginners either. The newly launched entry-level Anthem Advanced Pro model is cheaper than a set of Cadex Max XC wheels. For a total price of 3,800 euros, this model has to make do without a high-end SL frame and features basic components, but it still utilises the same geometry and suspension concept. The budget racer is equipped with Giant’s own Crest suspension fork. The rear shock, cockpit, aluminium wheels, crankset and dropper post are also from the brand’s own range. Shifting is handled by Shimano Deore, whilst braking is provided by Tektro brakes.

What do you think: do you like the new colour schemes on the Giant and Liv bikes? What do you make of the Taiwanese manufacturers’ pricing policy? Let us know in the comments!