Giant have launched their completely revised Anthem platform: the same bike piloted to victory by Alan Hatherly at the XCO World Championships just a few weeks ago.
During a recent visit to Giant Group’s head office in Taiwan, I got an inside look at the new bike, toured the factory to learn more about the production process, and took it for a few laps around the Taichung cross-country track. I’ll do a deeper dive into the whole experience at a later date, but for now, here are my thoughts from the whirlwind trip.
What’s New?
In short, everything. The new Advanced SL carbon frame now weighs 1,530 grams (89 g lighter than before) and delivers a 7.95 percent higher stiffness-to-weight ratio which helps with faster acceleration and sharper handling. At the heart of the redesign is the new FlexPoint Pro suspension system, a linkage-driven single-pivot design which offers 120 mm of fully active travel. The repositioned shock sits beneath the top tube for a semi-integrated chassis that’s cleaner, lighter, and accomodates space for two water bottles.
Along with the new frame, the Anthem also sees some nifty component upgrades: a new one-piece integrated handlebar/stem improves compliance and tidies cable routing. Wide Guard hookless rims add impact protection and Giant’s 120-tooth helical ratchet drive hub gives instant 3° engagement for efficient power transfer. A flip-chip geometry adjuster lets riders fine-tune between high and low settings according to trail conditions.
- FlexPoint Pro suspension, reduces pivot hardware and cuts weight
- Updated geometry with a steeper seat tube angle and slacker head angle for improved climbing and stability on modern XC courses.
- Frame weight 1,530 g – 89 g lighter with 7.95% higher stiffness-to-weight ratio
- Integrated cable routing
- 120 mm front and rear travel
- New integrated handlebar/ stem
- New WheelSystems wheels
More Details
As outlined in the press release below, Giant has launched two new models: the Anthem SL and Anthem SL X. For the purposes of this First Look, I’ll focus on the Anthem, as it’s the model that will be available in South Africa.
We can expect four spec levels: Anthem SL SE, SL 0, SL 1, and SL 3. I tested the Anthem SE, which comes fully equipped with RockShox’s SID Flight Attendant suspension system, SRAM XX SL Eagle Transmission groupset with Quarq power meter, new Giant XCR WheelSystem carbon wheels wrapped in Maxxis Aspen 2.4” tyres, and Contact SLR XC handlebars.
A major takeaway from my time in Taiwan was how invested the Giant Group is in the production of its products. Several team members described Giant as “makers,” reflecting their passion for creating the best possible bikes through complete control of manufacturing and quality assurance. A prime example: the frame, handlebars, and wheels (rims, spokes, and hub) on the Anthem SL SE are all designed and manufactured in-house by Giant.
The entire test riding experience was superb. With teams from SRAM, Fox, and Shimano assisting with suspension setup and adjustments, the bikes felt perfectly dialled from the very first pedal stroke.
Specifications
| Model Name | Anthem Advanced SL SE |
| Colors | White/Carbon |
| Sizes | S, M, L, XL |
| Frame | Advanced SL-grade composite front and rear triangles, 120mm FlexPoint Pro suspension, flip chip, 12x148mm thru-axle |
| Fork | RockShox Sid Flight Attendant XC, 120mm, Flight Attendant Race Day damper, Boost 15×110, 44mm offset |
| Shock | RockShox SidLuxe Flight Attendant, RL3 damper, Solo Air, 210/50 |
| Handlebar | Giant Integrated XC, composite, 780mm, 9-degree upsweep |
| Grips | Giant XC Pro, silicone |
| Stem | Giant Integrated XC Carbon S:60mm, M:70mm, L:70mm, XL:80mm |
| Seatpost | RockShox Reverb AXS, pod controller remote S: 125mm travel / 30.9 x 395mm M: 125mm travel / 30.9 x 395mm L: 150mm travel / 30.9 x 395mm XL:150mm travel / 30.9 x 395mm |
| Saddle | Giant Grit SLR |
| Shifters | SRAM AXS Pod, 1×12 |
| Front Derailleur | N/A |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM XX SL Eagle Transmission |
| Brakes | SRAM Motive ULT, hydraulic, SRAM HS2 6-bolt rotors [F]180mm, [R]160mm |
| Brake Levers | SRAM Motive ULT |
| Cassette | SRAM XS 1299 Eagle Transmission, 10×52 |
| Chain | SRAM XX SL Eagle Transmission |
| Crankset | SRAM XX SL Eagle Transmission with Quark power meter, 34t, 55mm chainline S:170mm, M:170mm, L:175mm, XL:175mm |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB, press fit |
| Rims | Giant XCR WheelSystem |
| Hubs | [F] Giant MTB alloy, 6-bolt [R] Giant MTB alloy, 6-bolt |
| Spokes | Carbon |
| Tires | Maxxis Aspen 29×2.4, foldable, 120tpi, MaxxSpeed, EXO, tubeless |
| Extras | tubeless prepared, 2.4″ max tire size, 34t max chainring size, MRP 1x SL TR2 chain guide |
Geometry
| Anthem Advanced SL (120/120mm) | S-Low | S-High | M-Low | M-High | L-Low | L-High | XL-Low | XL-High | |
| A | Seat tube length | 400 | 400 | 420 | 420 | 465 | 465 | 495 | 495 |
| B | Seat tube angle (degrees) | 75.5 | 76.0 | 75.5 | 76.0 | 75.5 | 76.0 | 75.5 | 76.0 |
| C | Top tube length | 576 | 574 | 602 | 600 | 624 | 623 | 651 | 650 |
| D | Head tube length | 90 | 90 | 95 | 95 | 105 | 105 | 115 | 115 |
| E | Head tube angle (degrees) | 66.5 | 67.0 | 66.5 | 67.0 | 66.5 | 67.0 | 66.5 | 67.0 |
| F | Fork rake | 44 | 44 | 44 | 44 | 44 | 44 | 44 | 44 |
| G | Trail | 116 | 112 | 116 | 112 | 116 | 112 | 116 | 112 |
| H | Wheelbase | 1141 | 1140 | 1168 | 1167 | 1192 | 1191 | 1221 | 1220 |
| I | Chain stay length | 437 | 435 | 437 | 435 | 437 | 435 | 437 | 435 |
| J | Bottom bracket drop | 51 | 45 | 51 | 45 | 51 | 45 | 52 | 45 |
| K | Stack | 602 | 599 | 607 | 603 | 616 | 612 | 626 | 622 |
| L | Reach | 420 | 425 | 445 | 450 | 465 | 470 | 490 | 495 |
| M | Stand over height | 768 | 774 | 764 | 770 | 758 | 763 | 751 | 758 |
| N | Handlebar width | 780 | 780 | 780 | 780 | 780 | 780 | 780 | 780 |
| O | Stem length | 60 | 60 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 80 | 80 |
| P | Crank length | 170.0 | 170.0 | 170.0 | 170.0 | 175.0 | 175.0 | 175.0 | 175.0 |
| Q1 | Wheel size (front) | 29″ | 29″ | 29″ | 29″ | 29″ | 29″ | 29″ | 29″ |
| Q2 | Wheel size (rear) | 29″ | 29″ | 29″ | 29″ | 29″ | 29″ | 29″ | 29″ |
First Impressions
I’m a sucker for a cross-country race bike and the Anthem love at first ride. The most noticeable feature was how light the bike felt, and how effortlessly it carried speed everywhere.
It is always hard to be fair and balanced when testing a top tier bike, and the Anthem SE I rode is the flagship of the range. I’d expect it to feel good, and it really did. Fortunately, I’m confident that the sharp handling and efficient pedalling platform that made the bike come alive for me will carry through the rest of the range.
The test track wound through a lush forested area in Nantun District, Taichung, and featured a succession of very steep, punchy sections, tight turns and off-camber corners, as well as a sprinkling of rocky sections, jumps and drops. Some of the steepest climbs would definitely have given me pause for thought at home, but the Anthem SE just floated up them.
Power transfer felt seamless, and traction never wavered, even on the loosest sections. With Flight Attendant set to open, the Anthem still pedalled with startling efficiency. I’m confident it would remain a rocket even with the RockShox TwistLoc lockout found on the other models.
I was equally impressed by its manoeuvrability in the twisting, tree-lined forest trails. It felt surgically precise while weaving through tight sections, yet incredibly stable and predictable when cornering or ploughing through the rocky riverbed crossings.
Despite the 30-plus-degree heat and humidity, I found myself heading out for lap after lap. It was simply too much fun to stop, and that, to me, is exactly what an XC bike should do: make you want to keep riding and pushing harder.
At this point I do have a confession to make: I lost concentration and washed out on my first lap, snapping the handlebar clean off at the brake mount. I suspect it was an unlucky combination of impact angle and over-tightened mounts rather than a defect in the bar. Fortunately I bounced away lightly grazed.
When riding the Anthem SE, every component felt purpose-built and perfectly matched to the bike’s race pedigree. I particularly enjoyed the new Contact SLR XC handlebars. The integrated bar/stems that I’ve ridden in the past have been very stiff, and caused my hands and arms to tense up and tire quickly. I noticed that I was very comfortable with the handlebars on the Anthem which in turn kept my arms and hands relaxed and my riding smooth throughout the day.
The Giant WheelSystems SL Composite wheels impressed too. The hub offers lightning-quick engagement and a satisfyingly loud freewheel buzz (polarising, I know). Watching the carbon layup process at the factory gave me a new appreciation for Giant’s Wide Guard technology: key areas of the rim are reinforced, and the hookless rims have a 30mm internal width and feature 5 mm rounded edges to deflect impacts and reduce pinch-flat risk. I’d need more trail time to confirm, but they shrugged off the inevitable knocks from riding blind with aplomb.
Local Pricing and Availability
Stock of the following models is expected in South Africa in January:
SL SE: R269 990 | SL 0: R184 990 | SL 1: R134 990 | SL3L R74 990
To learn more head to: giant-bicycles.co.za/ and refer to the press release below, or pop your questions in the comments and we’ll do our best to answer them.
Press Release
Giant introduced a full new range of Anthem XC bikes featuring lightweight composite framesets, fully reengineered FlexPoint Pro rear suspension, integrated cockpit components, and lighter, stronger WheelSystems.
The new range includes two series: the race-focused Anthem Advanced SL and the versatile Anthem X Advanced SL, which comes with a longer travel fork and components aimed at fast XC and trail riding.
The Anthem Advanced SL is a pro-level XC race machine developed with two-time world champion Alan Hatherly. The South African rode prototype models throughout the 2025 World Cup season and piloted it to victory at the Elite Men’s XCO World Championship race in Switzerland. This superlight composite flyer is engineered with a semi-integrated 120mm FlexPoint Pro single-pivot rear suspension system paired with a 120mm fork, plus a flip chip to adjust geometry for any racecourse or XC terrain.
The Anthem X Advanced SL is the wilder sibling of the range, built on the same Advanced SL-grade composite frame and with the same 120mm of linkage-driven, single-pivot FlexPoint Pro rear suspension, but mated to a longer-travel 130mm fork and equipped with trail-tested components as well as internal frame storage.
“This is the 20th anniversary of Anthem’s introduction as a game-changing XC bike,” said Joe Staub, Giant’s off-road global category manager. “Since that first Anthem, XC has evolved into a completely different sport. It’s faster, it’s more technical, the demands are different—and our athletes are seeking the marginal gains they need to win.”
“That’s what drove the development of this bike,” Staub continued. “We worked to identify the key performance factors our athletes need, and then we produced verifiable improvements to the frameset, suspension and components. This is the result—it’s the lightest Anthem ever, and the numbers show that it gives our athletes better efficiency and control than any other XC bike out there.”
Here’s a look at the key performance factors that set the new Anthem range apart from the competition:
Low-Latency Speed Concept
A fully reengineered composite frameset saves significant weight compared to the previous generation while also boosting the stiffness-to-weight ratio (efficiency). This helps riders power up climbs and make every watt count. The WheelSystems and integrated handlebar/stem units are designed for maximum efficiency and instantaneous response to rider input.
The new FlexPoint Pro rear suspension uses a superlight composite rear swingarm with minimal flexing elements and less frame deformation compared to other single-pivot suspension designs. In addition to making the chassis lighter, this design creates less suspension resistance, smoother shock action, and improved efficiency.
The engineering of FlexPoint Pro allows the rear shock to have a lower initial leverage ratio for a firmer pedaling platform. That means no watts are wasted when you’re going all out, and there are no compromises to small-bump sensitivity. When you punch it, the bike goes instantaneously while keeping both tires in contact with the trail for greater traction and control.
The Giant XCR and XCA WheelSystems featured throughout the range all feature a 10° helical engagement between the hub and ratchet rings for efficient, consistent power transfer with reduced stress on components. A 120-tooth helical ratchet delivers rapid 3° engagement for immediate response and precise power delivery with zero hesitation.
Total Control
The new FlexPoint Pro suspension systems featured on both the Anthem Advanced SL and Anthem X Advanced SL are repositioned on the frame and totally reengineered to deliver 120mm of smooth, active rear travel. The result is superior control and trail-hugging traction to shred rough descents and float up technical climbs. Lab tests show the rear triangle reacts to force with up to eight times less deformation than other bikes in its category. This translates to improved small-bump sensitivity and consistent damping and spring action.
Because trails vary from smooth and fast to tight and technical, we engineered a two-position flip chip system that lets you fine tune the handling by choosing a High or Low setting. The High setting locks in a steeper head and seat tube angle, along with a higher bottom bracket, for sharp, aggressive handling on tight, technical terrain. The Low setting reduces the head and seat tube angles and lowers the bottom bracket, offering slightly more relaxed handling and greater control for high-speed descents.
Superlight composite or alloy Giant WheelSystems (depending on model) feature Wide Guard technology for added control and tire protection. The hookless rims each have 5mm wide, rounded edges to help deflect angled strikes and reduce the risk of rim damage or tire sidewall cuts. This lets you run lower tire pressures for better control and less chance of a puncture.
System Integration
Moving the FlexPoint Pro suspension system to a new position on the frame—with the shock mounted beneath the top tube rather than the front of the seat tube—allows for a clean, semi-integrated chassis.
The new frame and suspension design opens space for a second water bottle. Integrated mounts on the seat tube allow you to attach a second cage, so you can carry more hydration without having to wear a pack—a major upgrade for epic trail days or marathon races.
A new one-piece integrated handlebar/stem unit adds compliance to reduce shocks and vibrations, improving control and hand comfort. It’s available in two models—the Contact SLR XC Integrated composite and Contact SL XC Integrated alloy. Both feature the same seamless cable routing and versatile sizing with a 780mm standard width and stem lengths ranging from 50-90mm.
