"First things first: the Giant Anthem is one of the best 29er full-sussers we've ever ridden." That's how our head tester sounded after the first test of the Anthem with large wheels in 2011. Now the world market leader of bike manufacturers presents the 2018 Giant Anthem 29 - and states in the press release: These 29ers are "purebred XC race bikes". Although, of course, they also work great on fast and long trail tours. Okay, so the bar of expectation is already pretty high.
Despite the large wheels, the top model Anthem Advanced Pro 29 0 is said to be the lightest fully in Giant's history - thanks to a frame made entirely of carbon fibre. UPDATE: We have remeasured. With 10.16 kilograms (size L, without pedals) the flagship of the new Anthem series is the lightest 29-inch full-susser from Giant; older models with smaller wheels were even lighter. We'll find out whether the record figure refers to the frame as soon as we've dismantled the test bike in the lab.
The tried and tested Maestro rear triangle has been fitted with a newly designed rocker, which is pressed into shape under extreme pressure from resin-impregnated, multiple folded carbon layers. The material known as "Advanced Forged Composite" - a kind of "Damascus" carbon - is also used in sinful super sports cars from the luxury brand Lamborghini. The rocker is of course lighter, stiffer and more durable than the previous aluminium part and now also steers the shock absorber in the Anthem 29 with a widened upper bearing (trunnion).
The new shocks also opened up new possibilities for the rear end design, explains Kevin Dana, Senior Offroad Global Category Manager at Giant: "With a longer shock stroke and 90 mm of rear travel, we were able to significantly lower the leverage ratio, resulting in significantly reduced shock pressure, a wide range of usable rebound and an elimination of the 'dead zone' of unused travel that 100 mm platforms traditionally suffer from."
The new 29er geometry is available on all new Anthem 29 models with a 69 degree head angle and a seat angle of 73.5 degrees. "Paired with a significantly shorter rear triangle, it offers the perfect balance of climbing efficiency and downhill qualities - something that has never before been achieved on a pure XC racer," Dana continues. Sounds exciting. We will soon find out in our test whether the 2018 Giant Anthem 29 can fulfil or even exceed the expectations that have been raised.
Giant Anthem 29, Anthem Advanced 29 and Anthem Advanced Pro 29 - data and prices
Technical data
- Four sizes: S, M, L XL
- Frame material: Carbon (Anthem Advanced Pro 29), carbon frame with aluminium rear triangle (Anthem Advanced 29) or aluminium (Anthem 29)
- A total of five models
- Suspension travel: 90 millimetres at the rear, 100 millimetres at the front
- Steering angle: 69 degrees
- Seat angle: 73.5 degrees
- Wheels: 29 inch, all tubeless
- Hubs: Boost standard (15x110 millimetres front, 12x148 millimetres rear)
Prices
Sebastian Brust
Editor
