{"id":11727,"date":"2022-05-16T18:11:32","date_gmt":"2022-05-16T16:11:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/?post_type=purple_issue&p=11727"},"modified":"2022-05-16T18:11:32","modified_gmt":"2022-05-16T16:11:32","slug":"giant-anthem-advanced-pro-29-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/2022\/05\/16\/giant-anthem-advanced-pro-29-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Giant Anthem Advanced PRO 29 1"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u00a36,999<\/strong> | Updated XC race machine equipped with Fox\u2019s semi-automatic suspension system<\/p>\n\n

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Giant\u2019s long-running <\/strong>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\u2019s Live Valve electronic suspension system.<\/p>\n\n

THE FRAME <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

In place of Giant\u2019s usual \u2018Maestro\u2019 suspension linkage, this Anthem uses their \u2018FlexPoint Pro\u2019 system, which combines a single pivot swingarm with flex-stays and a linkage-driven shock. The 100mm-travel frame is constructed from their \u2018Advanced\u2019 carbon composite, with a new rear end that saves 250g over the previous model, plus a stiffer BB area, too.<\/p>\n\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

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SPEC<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Frame <\/span><\/strong>\u2018Advanced\u2019 carbon fibre, 100mm travel <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fork<\/span> <\/strong>Fox 34 StepCast Performance Elite Live Valve, 110mm travel <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shock<\/span> <\/strong>Fox Performance Elite Live Valve <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drivetrain <\/span><\/strong>Shimano Deore XT (1×12)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wheelset<\/span> <\/strong>Giant XCR 1 29 WheelSystem wheels, Maxxis Rekon Race EXO 29×2.4in tyres<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brakes<\/span> <\/strong>Shimano Deore XT, 180\/160mm rotors <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bar\/stem<\/span> <\/strong>Giant Contact SLR XC flat, 760mm\/Giant Contact SL XC, 70mm <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seatpost\/saddle<\/span> <\/strong>Giant Contact Switch\/ fi:zi\u2019k Antares R5<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weight<\/span> <\/strong>11.45kg (25.2lb), large size without pedals<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n

THE KIT<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

The big talking point here is Fox\u2019s Live Valve suspension. This electronic system links sensors on the fork and frame with the fork and shock\u2019s 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 \u2018Climb\u2019 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\u2019s paired with a custom-tuned, Live Valve-specific Float shock. The sensors and dampers are linked by cables, so it\u2019s not as tidy as SRAM\u2019s rival, wireless Flight Attendant system.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

Shimano provide their XT drivetrain and brakes, while most of the finishing kit \u2013 including the carbon fibre bar and wheels \u2013 is in-house gear.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

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THE RIDE<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

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\u2019t 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\u2019d 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.<\/p>\n\n

Shimano\u2019s excellent XT kit performs nigh-on identically to the brand\u2019s top-end XTR range, in our experience.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

It\u2019s a similar story when it comes to the suspension. Fox\u2019s 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\u2019re supple, fast-rolling and surprisingly competent in the tech, with shoulders that hook up in turns.<\/p>\n\n