£6,999 | Updated XC race machine equipped with Fox’s semi-automatic suspension system
Giant’s long-running crosscountry race bike underwent a refresh late last year, gaining a new chassis with updated geometry, a longer-travel fork and, on this model, Fox’s Live Valve electronic suspension system.
THE FRAME
In place of Giant’s usual ‘Maestro’ suspension linkage, this Anthem uses their ‘FlexPoint Pro’ system, which combines a single pivot swingarm with flex-stays and a linkage-driven shock. The 100mm-travel frame is constructed from their ‘Advanced’ carbon composite, with a new rear end that saves 250g over the previous model, plus a stiffer BB area, too.
Geometry is modern for an XC race bike, including a relatively slack 67.5-degree head angle, a steepish 75.5-degree seat tube angle and a long reach (470mm on the large size), combined with a stubby 70mm stem.
SPEC
Frame ‘Advanced’ carbon fibre, 100mm travel
Fork Fox 34 StepCast Performance Elite Live Valve, 110mm travel
Shock Fox Performance Elite Live Valve
Drivetrain Shimano Deore XT (1×12)
Wheelset Giant XCR 1 29 WheelSystem wheels, Maxxis Rekon Race EXO 29×2.4in tyres
Brakes Shimano Deore XT, 180/160mm rotors
Bar/stem Giant Contact SLR XC flat, 760mm/Giant Contact SL XC, 70mm
Seatpost/saddle Giant Contact Switch/ fi:zi’k Antares R5
Weight 11.45kg (25.2lb), large size without pedals
THE KIT
The big talking point here is Fox’s Live Valve suspension. This electronic system links sensors on the fork and frame with the fork and shock’s compression damping circuits, automatically opening and closing them when an impact or change in gradient is felt. Five main settings are available, with an app to fine-tune them. This allows you to adjust the sensitivity of the system as well as choose between different modes, such as the ‘Climb’ setting, which lets the fork damping remain more open while keeping the rear stiffer to improve weight balance on steeper ascents Up front, the Fox 34 SC Performance Elite fork has 110mm of smooth travel, and it’s paired with a custom-tuned, Live Valve-specific Float shock. The sensors and dampers are linked by cables, so it’s not as tidy as SRAM’s rival, wireless Flight Attendant system.
Shimano provide their XT drivetrain and brakes, while most of the finishing kit – including the carbon fibre bar and wheels – is in-house gear.
THE RIDE
Giant have built a thoroughly modern XC race bike. The geometry is good, with the longer reach and slacker head angle giving confidence on steeper tracks, especially when combined with the longer-travel, stouter fork. It feels stable and secure over loose surfaces, as long as the fast-rolling tread of the Maxxis Rekon Race tyres can keep pace. The long front end doesn’t feel barge-like on tighter trails, thanks to the short 70mm stem and compact stays, which help keep things feeling crisp and accurate when twisting through trees. While we’d prefer a wider bar, the cockpit does put you an attacking position over the bike. Being picky, we found the 35mm-diameter bar and stem combo a little stiff for our liking; it transmits quite a bit of trail buzz to the skinny grips.
Shimano’s excellent XT kit performs nigh-on identically to the brand’s top-end XTR range, in our experience.
It’s a similar story when it comes to the suspension. Fox’s Performance Elite parts may not get the slippery Kashima coating of the Factory-level versions, but this barely registers on the trail. The Giant carbon hoops have a snappy freehub, so accelerations feel quick, while the 30mm internal rim width helps the Rekon Race tyres blow up huge. This only bolsters the performance of one of our favourite XC treads. They’re supple, fast-rolling and surprisingly competent in the tech, with shoulders that hook up in turns.
Sensors on the frame and fork are linked to the dampers by internally-routed cables 
Fox’s Live Valve system controls the shock’s (and fork’s) compression circuit
What really sets the Anthem Pro apart, though, is the Live Valve suspension. It’s an incredibly fastreacting system, so when you hit a rock or a root you don’t even realise it’s working as both the fork and shock open up without fuss. When closed, the Anthem climbs smooth surfaces with aplomb, and there’s just enough give in the locked-out suspension to ensure grip isn’t compromised. With a more sensitive setting in use, the damping opens up adequately on technical climbs. However, as with any system that automatically adjusts the compression circuit, you need to consider your settings carefully.
Live Valve (much like Specialized’s Brain suspension on the Epic) frees up the brain power required mid-race to lock or unlock the suspension, but with no on-bar adjustment, potentially it can leave you in the wrong setting mid-lap. On a mixed course, a more sensitive setting could result in unwanted pedal bob, while a harsher setting might feel great in a sprint but leave the suspension locked-out over scrabbly low-amplitude impacts, compromising comfort and grip. With such wide-ranging adjustments available, it takes time to set up, too. We spent most of our time in a soft-ish setting that allowed bob-free pedalling on the smoothest climbs while still supplying ample suppleness on singletrack, to maximise both grip and comfort.
HIGHS
Excellent XC geometry – Decent spec list, even for the cash – Confident yet agile handling
LOWS
Harsh cockpit – Live Valve needs care to get settings right
VERDICT
A thoroughly modern high-tech cross-country bike that flies when care is taken over its set-up