Well, the booths have been broken down and the trucks are packed and rolling out of Vegas, but we still have a lot of news to down load to you all out there. Here we will continue with ride reports of several of the bikes we had a chance to throw a leg over at the Outdoor Demo.
Giant Anthem 29 Ride Report: by Grannygear
I took a look at this bike in a previous article where I stopped by Giant North America HQ and visited with Andrew J., marketing guy to the world for Giant. I was very curious to see how this incarnation of the short link suspension, that being Maestro, compared to the VPP-2, DW, and CVA that I have ridden. The tire clearance is very generous, something not true in many of the short link bikes.
So pedaling out of the paddock with the Pro Pedal set to the #2 setting, I was quite pleased to find a quick accelerating scooter that remained that way in the saddle, out of the saddle, big or small gear. This was really getting good here. I am a pedaling response snob, even at the expense of plushness. The Anthem X 29er just moved out smartly with no feeling of dragging something behind you or anti squat or whatever. Yet, it was very supple when seated in the chatter. Impressive!
I have to compare it to the two most recent bikes I have ridden that are in this segment of 29ers, the Specialized Epic 29er and the Santa Cruz Tall Boy. I have a Marathon at home with many hours on it and I recently rode the carbon version. As well, we had a Tall Boy on test not that long ago. I hold the Epic with the Mini Brain as the ultimate in pedaling response out of the saddle as it just does its best to be a hard tail until it is supposed to be a full suspension bike. I love that about it, but it does come at a small cost of suppleness on smaller bumps, etc, although that is dependent on how you set the Brain shock.
The Anthem gave me a real surprise in that out of the saddle efforts were very snappy and rewarding. It felt very good to stand and jump on the pedals. But, it was still compliant over trail chatter. In my mind, it felt significantly different from the Tall Boy as well, and I would give my vote to the Anthem X here.
It felt a bit quicker steering than my Epic, both of them with 100mm forks. The long stem and very minimally swept bar kept me pretty far forward and that may have been part of that feeling, but it was not a deal breaker. I was on the XL with a 100+mm stem and laid back post. I would run the XL with a 90mm stem, a more swept back riser bar, and be happier.
Could this bike be the one to dethrone the Specialized Epic 29er as my go-to bike for long XC rides? It may well be, but that will have to wait until I get one on home turf and spend some time seeing where the chinks in the armor are….if any. I can see why the Giant fans were so excited about a Maestro 29er.
Following is a video presentation featuring Giant’s Brand manager, Andrew Juskaitis.
Looking forward to trying out the Maestro on a 29er!!! The Giant Anthem X 29er may crack my list…
Current Top 5 best pedaling FS 29ers IMO:
Pivot Mach 429
DW Turner Sultan
Ellsworth Evolve
Santa Cruz Tallboy
Specialized Epic
Would like to demo Lenz, I hear they rock with short CS…
Is/was there actually a recall on these? Just the first few hopefully?
This is definitely one on my test-ride list.
@t0m – there is still a recall in effect. The new ones/replaced frames are yet to ship to customers/those on waiting lists. Nobody has any idea on the timeframes.
I’m one of those on a waiting list (and have been for a few months now – hopefully not much longer!) and am still patiently awaiting. The review has brought out some pretty positive points – for me it’s been a bit of a validation of my purchase without a test ride first (something i’ve not done before) but given that Australia often has stock issues, i thought i’d better jump in first.
The price point over here is ridiculously low – $3500 AUD. Typically there’s a ~20% ‘australia’ tax on bikes (in some cases more *cough* Specialized *cough*), so it’s going to sell like hot cakes in this part of the world.
If only we had some idea when we could actually get our hands on one!
PS, thanks for the review GT (and of course GG) – this site is fantastic. I’d been waiting for your view on the AX29er as you’ve reviewed pretty much everything else that was in my target list!
I can’t wait to hear how big of a tire will fit in the rear. Looks like a great bike.
thanks. curious to hear more about the sizing — how tall are you?
@all. Tire clearance is claimed to be OK up to a 2.3 by Giant. I certainly agree that it is generous.
I am 6’2″ with long arms, but the stem was too long by my preferences. As well, it had that horrid h-bar that Giant seems to love putting on its bikes. I dubbed it ‘the broomstick’. I would ride an XL with a 90mm stem and a mild riser bar with sweep. I COULD ride a LG, but that would mean at least a 100mm stem. I like a longer TT, generally speaking.
grannygear
I would be interested to hear how the bike rode without the pro pedal on. I ride my tallboy with no pro-pedal and frankly have very little bob to begin with. If I put the pro-pedal on it bob’s very, very little.
You mentioned you rode it with pro-pedal 2 on, which seems like it would be a bob band-aid so to speak, but did giant recommend this set-up.
Quite interested to hear more about this ride.
Anyone heard about Trance X 29er?
I echo green giants question re: ride characteristics (particularly out of saddle efforts) without PP on. Also, did the long chainstays affect technical, ledgy climbing in a negative way?
@all
Re: Pro Pedal. If you go back to the Tall Boy reviews we did earlier, you will see that I found VPP to require PP with the RP23, a very ‘open’ valved shock in this case, or I hated the way it pedaled. Too much movement going on. With the Rock Shox Monarch, I could run it platform free other than what was built into the shock in the open position.
So that said, I ran all the bikes that had PP with the #2 setting, and this was discussed with every tech that set up the bikes. In this case, it was only the Giant and the Intense Tracer that fit this situation.
So, I never turned PP off and tried it that way. But let me ask a question…if the bike performs extremely well all around with a moderate PP setting, and perhaps less than great with PP off, why is it a band aid if it is designed with a PP shock in mind from the beginning? The Salsa Spearfish does not have a PP shock at all, but it was designed to be that way. If it did not work as planned, and we needed to add a PP shock to get it to work, THAT IMO would be a band aid fix.
Out of the saddle was very good, and I would say better than the Tall Boy. It really felt spunky and I noticed less anti-squat in the bike. If I get one to test long term, I will try it with PP off and see. We really have limited time at Bootleg to get on the bikes (if we want to ride as many as we can) so I run ’em the way they suggest. This was suggested by the set-up tech for Giant.
I am not too happy with the 18.2″ CS length on paper, but it felt OK on trail, much like the Salsa Big Mama did with equally long stays. Giant makes a big case about keeping the rear end tucked in, but there is a fair amount of room to bring the wheel in before it gets tight at the BB and 18.2″ CS is hardly tucked in under the rider…unless I am missing something here. The flip side is there is a lot of tire clearance.
If I get the bike I am scheduled to, I will have more to say about all this with more time in the saddle. 45 minutes is just a snapshot.
grannygear
Thanks.
I hope you don’t think I was calling the review out. That has been one of my big questions on all Pro-Pedal bikes, it would be GREAT if the manufacturers would let us know if the bikes were designed wtih Pro-Pedal in mind when designing the suspension curves etc. I assume when they design the “optimum” curve in their minds, it is with a specific shock in mind.
I’ve found some bikes ride outstanding if you run a lower than recommended pressure but bump the pro pedal up. It always leaves me wondering what the “computer” generated CAD designs had in mind.
Looking forward to hearing more on this bike, and the chainstay question I also have.
@green giant
No offense taken. It just seems like many seem to think that anything that needs ProPedal is a poor design. I am not sure where that idea comes from.
No worries!
grannygear
How did that silver look in person? Does one need sunglasses or is it pleasing to the eye?
Wondering if you still think the Spearfish was the best of show. It seems you gave the Anthem X 29er1 a much better review.
The Anthem x 29er3 has the same MSRP as the Spearfish. Similar parts spec?
They both look great and I wonder where you both (GG and GT) would plop your $2300: on the Anthem X 29er3 or a Spearfish?
I am out of the loop – why the recall?
recall: http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=646261
As stated, looking forward to a demo.
Because this bike initially didn’t appeal to me, I didn’t look closely at geo…18.2″ CS…funny, but the 429, Sultan and Evolve all have the same, and I enjoy how each of them pedals…maybe it’s just me… 🙂
FWIW, I like the Epic & Tallboy pedaling, also; and the handling, responsiveness, carbon, weight, etc. of both are what won me over… 😉
Giant Carbon Anthem X 29er…has a nice ring to it…(almost as nice as Pivot Carbon Mach 429…), but I digress…
Thanks again GG & GT! looking forward to more reviews and details.
@Bob Actually it is polished, not silver, just to be accurate. It is bright and not my fav, but it will not chip or peel!
@Cruzan Bush
That was GTs call on Best of Show as he did not ride the Anthem X. SO, hmmmm…..I will not overrule the boss and I think that the Spearfish is a reasonable choice. I would be happy to have either one in the garage rack.
I think what impressed me about the Giant was, it stood out in that brief ride as a superior pedaling short link bike, a suspension design that I have not been so enamored with so far.
grannygear
@Cruzan Bush: Well, I have not ridden an Anthem 29, but I am sure it is a great bike. There are a couple of reasons I didn’t give the Anthem “Best Of Show”.
#1: It wasn’t introduced at Interbike.
#2: From the standpoint of value, the Spearfish frame, @$999.00 is by far a better value than the Anthem frame @ $1599.00
#3: I think the Spearfish complete has a better spec where it counts than the Anthem 3. (See paragraph below)
Concerning which I would buy: Parts spec can be debated, but personally, I like Stan’s hoops over the Giant branded rims and some of the other parts seem to be a better spec on the Salsa to my mind.
I also like a suspension set up that doesn’t mute trail features completely over something that isolates you from the trail. Multi-link type suspensions seem to be bent towards the latter.
Finally, I like the amount of suspension travel on the Spearfish for my trails and the slightly shorter chain stays as well. So, for my dollars, I would probably opt for the Spearfish.
Not to say that the Giant is bad, not my cup-o-tea, or whatever, but to give you an answer today, that is what I would say to you. 😉
any thoughts on the anthem compared to the Niner Jet or Rip? i’m just curious compared to another suspension design.
you’re thoughts are inline with me on the tallboy. TB seemed a little plusher but without increasing air pressure, did not have the same(read efficient) pedaling characteristics.
thanks.
@Nikwashere
It has been a while since I was on the JET/RIP and it was the first gen JET. Maybe not the best comparo there. I will not rely on a distant memory to compare…too much water under the bridge.
grannygear
How dó you compare the Epic and the Anthem? For long distance and endurance Racing what do you Think are the pros and cons? I have veen offered a good deal ón an Epic Comp, but the Anthem could be a good choice as Well.
@Jay
Well, only a brief taste of the Anthem X as compared to tons of time on the Epic, soooo….a bit of speculation here. Either would be killer, assuming there are no surprises with the Anthem X. The Anthem will have a bit different feel to it, perhaps more active in bump response with a small penalty in shock movement when standing and gettin’ on it.
Hard choice. And to make it even harder, add the Spearfish in there too. 😉
grannygear
Thanks for the reply. Looks like I am going with the Epic. Sounds like the perfect weapon for the next season.
Take care, and keep up the good work.
J
Great review GT. Since I already know that the Anthem X 29-1 is going to be my off-road race bike for the 2011 season, I’m more stoked than ever after reading your review. I’ll be interested to get it in here and put it head-to-head with my Big Mama (sorry, no Spearfish in the quiver). I have some suspicions, but am just going to see how they feel with the pedals spinning before I make any judgments. On the trail is the only place it matters…
Have a great weekend,
MG
GG, thank you very much for this review. I am from South Africa and still searching for the 29er that will fit my choice and pocket. The Anthem X 29er is due next week in XL only. The other bike that I am concidering is the Specialized Camber Pro 29er. It is a bit of a catch 22 as if I wait for the Camber, the Anthem will be sold out! Next step will then be take the Camber or to wait a couple of months until both is available for final comparison/decision.
Any comments that might assist? The Specialized Camber will be more expensive! The Anthem definately have the better components? I am also 6’2″, but long legs. If I look for a setup that will be more relaxed, which option is better? Don’t want this high saddle vs low handlebar (level is almost preferred).
The only Epic 29er that will be arriving is the Comp, thus one of the reasons why I selected the Camber as the Specialized model.
@Johan
Hey, bru! Howzit?
Hmmm…well, I have one ride each on both of those bikes, so therefore I am an expert! Isn’t the internet great! Seriously though, that is a good question. You get a tapered HT, 15mm QR, a bit faster steering, and Maestro on the Anthem X 29er.
The Camber is a great weekend warrior bike that could be raced, as long as you set ProPedal right, but if you run it that way, I doubt it will get the same feel as the Anthem X. It is a nice bike, handles a bit slower than the Epics, and might be my choice for slower, techy trails through the bushveld. Tighter CS length, etc.
Hbars and saddle heights…not sure how each bike would affect that other than your choices and set-up.
But, based on the small ride I had, and the pedaling impression that the Anthem X showed, I would be awfully tempted to choose the Anthem X. Tons of rear tire clearance too, if that matters in South Africa. Or maybe you are not in S/A anymore?
Hope that helped get things fixed up for ya.
grannygear (PS: how did I do on the S/A slang? Close?)
…. sounds all good and nice, but you can’t get your hand on one of these Giant Anthem 29er’s, because Giant f’t up the symmetry on the seat post and had to recall this bike.
Now, by waiting for almost 6 weeks (and no new release date given by Giant … plus their dealers have no clue), I gave up.
Giants communication about this fame recall is so unprofessional, no it’s actually more than that, it’s like a child that doesn’t want to admit having made a mistake.
Customer expectation: Giant has to officially apologize for their mess and for not communicating with their dealers and/or customers !
– Cheers
0lli,
Before you bash Giant, you must remember this is not up to Giant once there is a stop sale or recall.
It is up to the U.S. goveronment/CPSC to decide when they want to get to it.
So a company like Giant must sit and wait in a long line behind issues like childrens toys with lead paint and more serious and dangerous issues.
I’m sure 3 cracked welds on a seattube is at the bottom of their list.
I had 2 weeks of riding on my new Anthem X 29er before the stop riding notice. It is by far the best bike I have ever ridden, 26″ or 29″.
Be patient…there is always a bigger picture.
Jim
@Jim,
I certainly understand the big picture, but I also would like to receive a little more communication from a company who claims to be the biggest bicycle producer in the world.
I really appreciate that Giant builds great bikes, otherwise I wouldn’t want the Anthem 29er in first place, but on the other side your products are only as good as your support/service.
Do you remember the Apple iPhone 4 incident ? The press has been bashing Apple for building a “PHONE” with reception issues ….. now, they could have done the same that Giant is doing regarding the Anthem 29er issue, but no, they had an official press conference, admitting that they (Apple) are not free of mistakes.
You might think, what has an iPhone to do with Giant’s bike(s), well Giant claims to be a BIKE GIANT, so let’s compare a Giant against a Giant.
I strongly believe that customers deserve service …. anywhere, anytime !
cheers
@GG,
Thanks for the “expert” info. Yes, you have only ridden both once, but that is quite a bit more than anyone I know. It seems like you are confirming that I may not neccessary be sorry if I take the Anthem, when the Camber arrives. I just wanted confirmation that there is not a massive difference between the two in such a way that I would rather have to wait for the Camber.
You know the brands and bike quite well. Any general comments regarding:
1. Strenght of Frame (Anthem vs Camber) – I must say the Anthem “looks” weak at the joint between the seat tube and the top tube.
2. Brand backup after sale.
3. Would there be a massive diff in the shocks used (Anthem Fox RP23 – Camber Fox for Specialized Traid II)
Ns. SA slang not to bad (Thank You – Baie Dankie – pronouce “Baja Dunk e”)
If you had to choose and the price diff is $600-$700, which one would you have taken? The Anthem being the less expensive.
@All,
In SA we have heard the story that only XL will be arriving next week. Only the other sizes has been recalled and thus the reason why it will take another month before they arrive. Is it possible that we have “better” info than you? I must say that Giant sells very well in SA, but is not regarded as the “best” brand/bikes.
@Johan,
FWIW, I like Specialized! But, without even trying the Giant Anthem X-29er, or having the luxury of trying before buying, I would most likely go Giant (if these were the only two choices)…fortunately, I would be able to try, sorry you are not…
Not sure which 2 models you comparing to each other, but I was less than impressed with the Camber’s component specs, ride, compliance and overall feel…geo was good. IMO, the Elite @ $2050 USD is no where close to the X3 @ $2350 USD and the Pro @ $2900 is, but at a price premium, where the the X2 @ $2900 USD would again, be a better choice…YMMV…
It sounds like you are comparing the Pro to the X3…as for the Elite, the Recon was harsh, trying to find it’s balance was definitely not as easy as a Reba or F29 (maybe because there is no balance! J/K…the plushness of the Recon was a downfall). Also the shifting felt chunky and clunky. The bike as a whole felt sluggish. YMMV…
IMO, the Pro remedies a lot of the aforementioned because of specs. But, as stated the X3 would be comparable for less money out-of-pocket. From your previous post, it sounds like the Giant is less $ in SA, also…
Just for reference, I am 5’10”, 170#, I demo L (preference), and I normally lean towards Specialized Bikes, SRAM Components & Lefty Forks (RS Reba over Fox, tho)…
@Deuce9er,
Sorry that I did not mention it, but it is only the XL Giant Anthem X 29er 1 that is arriving next week. The exact bike as in the picture of this test. I am thus comparing the Anthem X1 29er to the Specialized Camber Pro 29er. To me the X1 is the bike with the best spec. Just working according to pictures available thus far, it do however seem that the Cambers got a “nicer” frame. The geo/look, maybe not the colour.
I am sure the X2 and X3 will arrive in SA one day, but the Camber Elite will not be comming to SA, nor the Stumpjumper FSR (only Epic Comp and Camber Pro). Just referring to 29ers.
I am currently riding a Large (20″) Merida 96 (26″ Dual). The frame sometimes feels to small and I don’t like the fact that my seat is that high and handle bar that low (even after I have fitted raised bar).
I am awaiting the XL Anthem X1 as I just need to check that the XL (22″??) is not too big. If it is too big, I will not have an option than to go for the Camber Pro XL (21″). The Large Anthem will be similar to my current bike and I have said enough about the fit.
Any comments regarding this?
The prices that I have thus far (in South African Rand):
Anthem X1 29er – R26500
Camber Pro 29er – R31500
I am a bit worried about the joint between the seat post and top post (it seems VERY thin with no additional support like in the Camber). I am not the lightest of riders – 210 pounds.
Giant Anthem X-29er 1…FTW (<—For The Win)!
Not sure about your stem length or if you are running a setback seatpost, but 1"=~25mm, and IMO, it would be fairly easy to dial in your cockpit to be longer than your M96 or the Camber, while still having good responsiveness and trail characteristics…YRMV…
@Johan
No, I really do not have any comments on the items you bullet pointed. I have no idea about the section of the Anthem you are calling out, but that seat tube/top tube junction is where the tubing was found to be failing. Apparently the butting profile or engineering specs were off.
For me, I would by the Anthem based on what I know. Parts spec aside, I would pay for the 15mm QR and tapered HT all by themselves.
grannygear
0lli,
It strange you feel there is any similarities to Giant and the Apple situation.
Giant had a small handfull of bikes in the market and 2 or 3 cracked at the seat-tube. When that happened they realized they may need to beef up that junction and stopped prodution to evaluate and fix any further potential issues
Apple released “all” or 10’s of thousands of their phones and then said nothing was wrong with them when all of them were subpar.
There is no similarity there at all.
My local dealer explained this Giant situation to me and it sucks to not ride my awesome bike, but I understand this stuff happens. It could be worse…you could have bought Superflys and kept breaking them and had them replaced with another of the same crappy frame.
I’m not sure how Gary Fisher avoided a recall as many of the Superfly and Superfly 100’s that break out there. Carbon is a whole different story though….
Jim
@All,
The XL Anthem X 29er 1 have arrived half a hour before the shop closed. They have quickly assembled it and I took it for a quick ride in the parking lot. My comments after 5 minutes:
Look: The bike is a looker! The polished alum looks like chrome and all the blue goes very well with it. One word = Stunning!!
Size: XL feels fine, maybe a touch too long. Will get a shorter stem later when the other sizes arrives. That is without any setup, except for my saddle height.
Handlebar: Don’t like this flat bar at all. The shop will be swopping it with a slight raised bar from a 2010 Anthem X2 (also blue parts). This might bring the overall long feel a bit closer.
Tires: Why don’t they use the LUST version. The Maxxis Crossmark works brilliantly in SA, with LUST, it is a never ender!
I am attending a 103km Race tomorrow and they will have a MTBExpo. Maybe they will have one there that I can take for a serious ride on the custom XC course for this Expo.
All indications however that I will be taking the bike (after full assembly and service).
Ns. I have asked for the Blue Crank Brother Candy 3 pedals. It will just work/look very well with this bike.
The Giant flat bar sucks and yet continues to be on the bikes…who likes that bar? The width is great, but the sweep is awful IMO for anyone with normal wrists. I just rode the XTC29er HT today and it always reminds me to change that H-bar.
They must have 100K of those things to sell or something.
grannygear
Hey – just took delivery of my new Giant Anthem XL 29er….took it for an exploratory first lap round the single track over the hills and the initial response is SWEET! – the most striking feature that struck me is it is so responsive on the climb – it just flies up the hill and is really surprisigly light, 12kg and it is the XL. It seems snappy and responsive over rocks and not as stable as the Tall Boy on the downhill but that could be the tire difference 2.1 v the 2.4’s on the Tall Boy. The Giant is lighter and faster than the Turner Sultan – and better looking, and about the same (as far as i can tell after only 1 ride) as the blinged out Pivot 429 i have also ridden. As far as value for money you absolutely cannot beat it.
@grasshopper:
Let us know re: DH stability issue if you think it is tires or geometry/setup issue once you’ve more time on the Anthem.
@All,
Those with Anthem X 29ers – what is your weight and at what pressures are you running your fork and shox. Just to get a general idea of where to start with the settings.
Hey, i’m a roadie wanting to get into XC riding. I’m looking at the Anthem 29er but just wondering on the sizes. I’m 6ft with a little longer arms and torso than leg length. Studied the geometry and the head tube length between the medium and large doesn’t differ. So It’s down to the reach and wheelbase. Would anyone know if the small difference between wheelbase would change the feel of the bike?
Just thought i could piggy back off @Johan question, could you please add your height and bike size?
@Johan
@Duncan size XL
re Shock pressure, I am 6’3″ or 191cm, and weigh 93kg. The guys in the store set my front at double weight in kg less 10% or about 170psi and rear at double plus 20% or 235psi – that was the first time i had heard a formula used to set up the shocks, seems to work though on the 2 rides i have been on. I really dont know alot about the wheelbase length but (IMHO) it changes the responsiveness and manouverablility of the bike the longer the less responsive, The Turner WB seemed quite long compared to the Giant or the Pivot the other thing to look for is the height of the BB off the floor, as a couple of friends have Pivots and they put 120 forks on to get not only a slightly more relaxed attitude but apparently more clearance of BB.
@Duncan
@Grasshiopper
I am 1.88m and 94kg with inseam of 92,5cm = XL.
How can your fork be 170psi, if the maximum for the Fox fork allowed is 125psi?
@Johan – yep XL sound right – might have to shorten the stem, the standard one mine came with is 110mm, i moved the seat forward and it seems right but have to go see a guy who does the bike fit professionally just to make sure it is optimised – just do it you wont regret it, and if you do you will have to come to NZ to find me!
good question re pressures.. .I am pretty sure thats what they said but I will ask someone tmw – have a 12hr relay race to go and thrash myself at…..cant wait to get it banked round the berms in the forest at speed
The chrome like polish reminds me of the first Ross mountain Bikes. A little retro especially if you remember the blue ano onza parts dudes put on those bikes. I might get one and put my old onza blue bar ends on it for the heck of it
I doubt the decals are removable but it would be cool if they were….
Initial shock value is wearing off and it looks cooler by the day
I think grannygear is on to something regarding CS and wheel base on a FS 29. on paper it appears long. But on a FS bike with the linkage design quality this bike has it is irrelevant and probably the most over stressed review point for FS 29 in mtbr forums(unless you are talking a HT SS).
I cringe when dudes walk in and throw out the line “well the CS is too long compared to XYZ bike” because what I want to say will not keep them in the store… then brings his 80mm corrected bike in with a 120mm??? i digress
However that said, dude in the video above brought it up as a main design feature and on paper it appears longer but he emphasizes short WB compared the the comp etc.. I wish he would have gone into the linkage design as more of a reason other than just tire clearance and “snappy”.
I don’t think he answered the main GG question “why Snappy”? The competition has similar angles, similar WB and CS and they have Tapered HTubes as well. Seemed like a canned reply to me but I am too technical….
what is the BB height?
Clearly it is the Giant suspension linkage that makes this snappy feel
Just curious, has anyone put a 120mm fork on one yet? mtbr peeps are gona ask….
@All,
Really enjoying the Anthem X 29er 1! The XL fits me perfectly, except for the reach being a touch too long. I have exchanged the current 110mm stem with a 90mm stem. The setup feels much better/spot on.
Any comments regarding a shorter stem. I know it affects steering, etc. Is 90mm still fine? When are you going too short?
@ Johan,
Fit is personal. “Too short” (or too long) is when handling is negatively effected, causing undesirable results for the end user…
Personally, I enjoy a stem less than 100mm (but this is only one part of the equation)…the stems rise: +0-, the handlebars: flat or riser, sweep, etc. will all change how the cockpit feels…having a setback seatpost may also contribute to someone using a shorter stem (not always). But, one can have an “ideal” cockpit and reach. If they change to a 15mm setback seatpost and 15mm shorter stem, the cockpit remains similar, but weight is shifted back over the rear tire (~traction) and CoG is changed…YMMV…YRMV…
Own 2 Anthem x1 29 ers for past month. Wife and I. Been on them every single day. 30km min and 60km max per day. Gravel road, single track, rocky road, tarred surface.
1. The most confident we have been on any bike.
2. The first time we do more than 2 consecutive day’s riding..no more sore backs/bums.
3. Our times remained +/- the same as for our 10kg 26er hardtails because we are now speedier on the downhills and faster on the technical stretches.
We cannot wait for our first race to happen, so we can see what the differences are.
Never looked forward to my next ride as much as now.
Anyone experimented with tires on the Giant Rims yet? Tried making the standard Maxxis Crossmark tubeless with no result. Just could not get the tire to seat.
Bought Bontrager Tubeless Ready tires and at 2.5bar just exploded of the rim. Seams like it does not bead/seat to well.
Got Continental Mountain King and Race King on now and it seated quite well. Simply cannot get 29″ UST tires at the moment.
Yeah, I’m running the stock Crossmark tubeless on the rear of my Anthem X29-1, with a Schwalbe Racing Ralph converted tubeless on the front wheel. It was pretty easy and they’ve held reliably without burping. All good as far as I’m concerned.
BTW… That was me that made the comment above.
@MG, what did you use on the rims? I just could not get the Crossmark to take air.
@ All
I am sad to say my Giant Anthem XL 4.0 died a horrible death this afternoon.
It cracked in 3 places.
1) Just before the weld toptube/seat tube
2) Under same weld – ie top & bottom of weld holding seat tube in
Sorry got carried away and pushed send before finishing.
3) 21 cm down just near the cable holder – cracked across the back of the tube rear wheel side.
Also just for giggles the seat tube got a ‘wave’ happening in it where it bent on the collapse.
I had been noticing the ‘creaking’ coming from the seatpost area over the past few rides – which i have attributed in the past to frames about to fail. Didnt think this would be the case here though being so new. Ahh got to love the lifetime warranty.
Pity b/c I love the bike – it absolutely rocks up and down.
Sum total – 30 rides, approx 600kms over about 50 hours since 10/10/10 when i bought it. Thats a new record for me.
For the record I am 191cm and 93 kgs
RIP my first Anthem.
Johan, Sorry for the delayed response, but I got the rims to seal up using 3M double stick foam tape in the rim channel to interface with the tire. I sealed the rim with Gorilla Tape and am using my own mixture of sealant (which I’ve used for almost ten years now) comprised of Mold Builder latex and windshield washer fluid. It has been 100% faultless in more than 200 miles so far on this bike. And I run the system on all of my other bikes as well.
Cracked my frame on second ride just above cable holder on the seat tube exactly as grasshopper above split half way round the tube also xl frame… I’m 6’5″ but only 78kg and was taking it easy getting used to the wagon wheels.
Having said that absolutely loved the first 25 miles would agree with comments about it being totally planted to the trail to the point where you just don’t get any air, but maybe that’s me missing my hardtail or just a lack of speed.
A replacement frame has been promised in 7 days so no complaints there just hope the next one lasts a bit longer
This is terrible news. Sounds like the XLs are cracking in the same area described in the recall, or did I misread? I weigh 210lbs. and would likely destroy one of these frames. I’ll try one out just in case though. I’ve narrowed my choice for a new bike to an X 29er 1 or a specialized epic comp 29er with upgraded wheelset. Oh, btw, I did weigh a Large X 1 at the bike shop and with the crappy pedals it came in at 26.1 lbs.
I think the recalled bikes were cracking on the weld between top and seat tube mine cracked half way down the seat tube.
Also considered the epic but was sold on the anthem after a review on bikeradar.com
I just had the opportunity to demo an Anthem x1 med for the last 2 days. The bike was stock except for a 22 toothe small front chain ring. This was my first 29er demo and I think I am sold on the big wheels. I was a little conserned about only having 100mm of travel but I quickly learned that that did not hold me back. I can see how people think that 100mm of travel feels like more on a 29er. I think it is from the fact that the bigger wheels roll over rock better. I went on three different rides to compare compare it to my Giant Trance x0.
The first ride was an out and back that had a long fire road with a one mile very steep single track climb with a lot of switchbacks. I wonted to see how well it climbed and how it did on the switchback. I was surprised that I did not have any problems up or down with the switchbacks. I got my first taste of how well a 29er rolls up and over rocks on that climb, very impressive. As for the gearing and climbing thats another thing. Even with the lower granny gear it was a struggle compared to my 26 Trance. It wasn’t a deal breaker but it was a more work.
The second ride was agian an out and back. It was a 3 mile easy climb all single track. I consider the downhill portion to be pure butter coming down because it is fast, smoothe with a mix of tight and flowing turns. Needless to say I had more fun on the 29er than I ever had on my Trance.
Continued from my first post.
My third ride was to test out how it did with a mix of steep technical climbs with a lot of rocks and fast rocky down hills. On this ride the gearing was not as much of and issue because the climbs were shorter but a lot rockier. The 29er rolled over everything and I was cleaning sections that gives my 26 fits because of the rocks. Again I was impressed. On the fast downhill sections I did notice the lack of extra travel but because of the bigger wheels I was taking lines I would not have taken on my 26. It was on this ride that sold me on 29ers. This was another ride that was more enjoyable on a 29er.
I think the Anthem is an awesome bike and the only thing I think that would make it better is an adjustable seat post. I have one on my Trance and I think it would definitely be a plus on any 29er. I’m going to demo some more bikes but the Anthem I’m sure is going to be on my short list.
Nooooo!
@Grasshopper or @all
I’m trying to decide on either the SC T’boy or Anthem. The frame that broke, were they post recall inventory?
I’m demo’g a X3 and I like it so far. Was not happy to read grasshoppers post.
Please respond.
Great reviews guys very helpful.
@JSS,
I have an Anthem X1 (XL) since Oct 2010 and have had no issues. I have attended a lot of races the last while and have noticed quite a bit of people with the X1 (the only one available in SA). I have not heard of anyone that experienced any issues with the frame in SA.
The only issue was Bondrager tyres that did not want to stay on the Giant Rims when you go tubeless.
In my mind it is by FAR the best value 29er available in SA.
@jss
I guess giant didn’t catch all the serial no that were affected as mine wasn’t on the original list. Can’t fault giant on the guarantee the bike was returned fully rebuilt foc in less than 7 days and it is a lifetime warranty anyway so I wouldn’t worry about it. Loving the bike more after every ride, get one..
Hey all Anthem X29 owners,
Purchased a large AX29 2, love the red/black. Switched out wheels for ZTR Crests, WCS Stem & Bar,Thomson Layback post, Prologo Choice saddle, XTR fr der. ODI rogue lockons. Race Face SixC cranks & eggbeater SL. 25.25lbs. Loving it.
Agree that it’s twitchy @speed on decsents, responsive steering (too responsive?). Thinking of trying Fox 140 to see if it slows it a touch.
Possible problems: frame is ticking! Can’t seem to find it. Worried the frame is failing…
Now there is play at the lower shock mount. I discovered this when I was putting it in the trailer. When I lifted it up by h-bar & seat post, I noticed the play in the rear.
Is there a US contact?
Any of the other Anthem owners having similar issues or resolved em?
Tightened both lower links. That takes care of the play. Goin out now to see if that also cured the “ticking”.