The cheapest bike is also the heaviest in this test group. One kilo more than the Bulls, half a kilo is in the mass to be accelerated, the wheels. It seems that the Anthem X was not designed as a thoroughbred racer. The rear-heavy riding position means you're cranking a bit from behind. On the fourth stage with hectic tarmac and gravel sections, tester Michael couldn't find his stride: "I had the feeling that the power wasn't getting to me, but was disappearing into the bottom bracket. But the bike impressed me all the more on the downhill." On the challenging Wildkogel trail, he kept an overview thanks to the more upright riding position (riser handlebars), the Anthem also steered confidently over high steps and never felt sharp or toxic. It is easy to control even for average riders, which is not something that can be said of every bike. The finely responsive rear end contrasts with a somewhat stubborn fork on fast hits.
Conclusion: the best choice for sporty tours and riders who rarely clip a race number to their handlebars. Riding pleasure and comfort count more here than hundredths of a second.
PLUS Lifetime warranty on frame, comfortable chassis, safe downhill riding
MNUS Heavy wheels, no quick-release saddle, tight gearing (38/26), shock adjustment difficult to reach
The alternative: The aluminium suspension of the Anthem X 29er 0 weighs just under 300 grams more, the character remains the same. SRAM X0/X9 components and Rock Shox suspension are available for 3299 euros.
